Growing up, my mom would always take us to the Birmingham Zoo and I’ve always loved watching the animals, especially the zebras. So, when Reid mentioned visiting the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, which had been on my Jacksonville Bucket List since we moved here, I jumped on the opportunity. It was a great experience and we had a lot of fun.
They have a lot of exhibits that allow the animals to walk above you on bridges and this was my favorite part, because you got to see the animals better.
Whether you are visiting Jacksonville Florida or live here, you must check out the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. It is the perfect adventure for a nice sunny day or afternoon.
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Jacksonville Zoo Hours and Ideal Times:
Every day 9am – 5pm
Gates close one hour prior to closing.
Tips for when to go:
We went in late January when the weather was in the mid-60s from 1-4pm and the animals were all very active and awake.
I would not suggest going during the summer, because it gets really hot during the summer months in Florida and the animals are likely to want to rest in the shade as well.
Going during the winter months means some of the attractions might be closed; the splash pad was open, but too cold to get in, one of the restaurants was closed, and one of the pathways was also closed on our visit.
To avoid crowds, I suggest getting to the Jacksonville Zoo as it opens or later in the afternoon. We arrived around 12:30pm and it was very crowded, but we noticed as the day went on, some people left and it was less busy.
Jacksonville Zoo Exhibits and Attractions:
Main Camp – The Main Camp is where you walk into the park and has a gift shop and Starbucks café. There were also many photographers as you walked in taking pictures and you could obtain these as you were leaving the zoo.
Wild Florida – This exhibit features the animals of Florida, including gators, a snake room, and bears.
African Forest – Gorillas are the main attraction for the African Forest exhibit. They have a fake tree for them to climb and crawl on, along with bridges that go over your head for them to walk through.
This was my favorite exhibit, because the Gorillas were very active, which is rare. They also had several other types of monkeys in this area.
Play Park – We almost skipped over this exhibit, because it looks as if it is only for kids, but this is not true. Although this is where the splash pad and play area is located, they also have a Pygmy Goat petting area, squirrel monkeys, and penguins.
Asia – Looking for the Tigers? This is your place. Just like the Gorillas, this exhibit has what they call an “interactive exhibit,” where they can walk above you on their bridges. They also have an inside area for you to see them in more natural habitats. We were lucky, because one of the tigers was laying right against the glass. It was amazing to see it so up close, such beautiful animals.
Australia – I’m not going to lie to you, we were a little disappointed by this area, because it did not see to have much to offer. If you are wanting to feed the Lorikeets, this is where it is located, along with a frog rehabilitation center.
South America – The main draw of this area is the Jaguar, but when we went it was sleeping up on a rock and you could not see it well. There was also a Leopard in this area, which was actually pacing in it’s area and a real cutie.
Savannah Blooms Garden and Giraffe Overlook – The sweet Giraffes are hanging out just behind the Savannah Blooms Garden, where you can feed the Giraffes for $2.00.
We did not take advantage of this because we were being thrifty and the line was long. We did watch others as they fed them (or really one). The worker would give them a tree limb and the Giraffe would grab it out of their hand.
If you have a little one, this would be a cool experience, but otherwise walk around the line and just observe the Giraffes. Their area is laid out to where you can see them really well and we enjoyed watching them.
Africa – In this exhibit, you stroll along a wooden pathway that takes you up higher than the animals, giving you a better look at them. My favorite animal, the Zebra, was hanging out in this area and decided to flop on its back and wiggle around while we were watching. You can also see Goober, the tortoise, that is assumed to be over 6o years old.
Animal Encounters – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has many opportunities for you to get up close and personal with the animals.
- Stingray Bay : Pet stingrays as they swim around; options to feed the stingrays for $2.
- Giraffe Feeding : $2
- Lorikeet Feeding : Walk through the Lorikeet paradise and feed them for $1.
- Pygmy Goats : Play with the goats and brush them as they free roam in their pen, located in the Play Park.
Wildlife Carousel – Only for children 12 and under, plus an additional cost, but included with the total experience package. (Prices listed below). A fun treat for the kids and a great photo op out in front.
4D Theatre – The film shown is always changing, so check their website or call to see what is currently playing. If you are making the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens a full day trip this could be a great relax and cool off opportunity and something the children would love but is an additional cost. We did not do this on our trip.
Campground Critters – An additional cost but included in the total experience package. Campground Critters is an animal show featuring dogs, cats, birds, and more. There are three showings that last about 20 minutes and afterwards you can meet the animals. We did not do this show, but if I was going to pick anything extra to do while at the Jacksonville Zoo, this would be my pick!
Recommended: Glass Glowing at Burnt Glassworks in Jacksonville Florida
Train – Constantly running around the park with two stops, this is a great way to rest your feet, see some areas you cannot by foot, and to thrill the kids. It goes pretty slow and can fit a stroller for all the parents with young kids.
Play Park and Splash Pad – Another area for kids, there is a splash pad, jungle gym, and park area for the kids to pay on in the Play Park area.
Restaurants – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has plenty of places for you to satisfy your cravings and renew your energys with food. From ice cream to snow cones, burgers to tacos, margaritas to beer, they’ve got you covered.
- Trout River Grill
- Palm Plaza Café
- The Watering Hole
- The Trading Post
Jacksonville Zoo Prices:
Total Experience Tickets
- Adult – $28.95
- Child – $21.95
- Senior – $26.95
Total experience tickets includes admission, carousel, 4D theatre, Campground Critters, and the Train. (All can also be bought separately.)
General Admission Tickets
- Adult (13-64) – $19.95
- Child (3-12) – $14.95
- Senior (65+) – $17.95
- 3 and Under – Free
Membership
- Individual – $65
- Single Adult Family (One adult and child or up to 4 grandchildren) – $120
- Family (two adults and children or up to 4 grandchildren) – $145
Additional Optional Costs
- 4D Theatre – $4
- Campground Critters – $4
- Train – $1.50 (Child) $3.50 (Adult)
- Carousel – $2 (12 and under)
- Giraffe Feeding – $2
- Lorikeet Feeding – $1
- Stingray Feeding – $2
(Feedings paid for at the site of the animal.)
Our Experience:
Reid and I went on a Saturday afternoon in January while the weather was a little chilly, in the mid-60s. It was a lot more crowded than we had expected, but as you ventured off of the main pathway, there were less people.
The animals were very active, and we got to see so many of them walking around and active, which is not normally the case when I have been to the zoo.
We walked straight to the back and worked our way to the front. If we were to go again, I would just start from the front.
We purchased the General Admission tickets and it took us about 3 hours to walk through the entire Jacksonville Zoo. We did not stop to read about any of the animals and did not do any of the extra activities and attractions around the park though, so you could make it an all-day affair. To really see everything though, plan to be there at least two to three hours.
They are currently renovating part of the parking lot, so be warned that for right now (January 2020) parking is limited and we had to circle around to find a spot.
I was very impressed by the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens; it was bigger than other zoos I had visited, and the exhibits were designed so that you could really see the animals.
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The Zoo also boasts of Gardens, which are limited, but still a nice touch. There are the Savannah Gardens and a Coy Pond Garden, both of which we enjoyed walking through.
They also have animal statues around the Zoo which can make great photo ops. We had a great time and would recommend going to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens if you ever have the opportunity.
I hope you have found this article helpful and enjoy the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Please share with others so the Jacksonville Zoo can continue to flourish. For even more information, go to their website:
https://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/
Lots of Love, Laurel McDaniel
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Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂
Author
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it and hopefully you can make it to the zoo!
Great post! The Jacksonville Zoo is definitely on my to do list now!
Author
Thank you! It is a great day adventure!