Years ago, when my oldest was just a tiny tot (he’s now 9), my parents gifted us an annual family membership to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Having been part of the Jax community since 1914, the zoo is a place where multiple generations of families have learned about the beautiful diversity of animals and plants across our planet. With exhibits and habitats featuring over 2,000 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 plant species, the Jacksonville Zoo is an awe-inspiring and enriching place to spend a day. As someone who has spent many days at our zoo, I’m excited to share some of my go-to tips and tricks to help you make your next visit to the zoo a perfect trip!
Tip 1: Plan Ahead and Pack Accordingly
The zoo is massive (over 122 acres) and pretty much all outside.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. If your kid insists on wearing their Elsa high heels in the morning, and it’s not a battle you want to pick before leaving the house, pack an extra pair of comfy shoes in your bag. You will be thankful.
- Bring your water bottles! There are water fountains throughout the zoo, and you can refill them that way.
- If your kid(s) are at an age where they still occasionally use a stroller, bring it! The walking paths are wide enough to accommodate your stroller. If you don’t want to bring your stroller in, they do have stroller rentals available at guest services.
- Pack snacks. There are plenty of places to sit and take breaks as you need or want to — with a few indoor and many outdoor options. Pack some snacks and plan to play a good game of “I Spy” during your break.
- Sensory bags are available. If you or your kiddos benefit from sensory support, sensory bags are available at guest services.
- Purchase tickets in advance. Buy your tickets ahead of time and save them to your phone for an easier entry experience.
- Leave the cash at home. They only accept credit/debit cards so leave your cash at home.
Tip 2: Opt for the Total Experience Tickets
I know, it’s more money, and there is so much to do even without the total experience add-ons. As someone who has taken my kids both with and without the total experience option, I’ve found it to be worth it. Here’s why:
- Animal feedings! The Total Experience option allows you to participate in animal feedings with animals like the giraffes, stingrays, and lorikeets. My personal favorite is the giraffes; they are one of my favorite animals, and feeding them at the Giraffe Overlook is so neat!
- Unlimited carousel rides. It’s a nostalgic experience for me and my littles. Kids 12 and under get to ride the carousel unlimited times.
- The train. Jump aboard the train and experience the zoo from behind the exhibits, with conductors providing narration and insider information about the animals/exhibits as the train moves through the zoo. It’s super fun, AND with two loading docks (one in the front of the zoo and one in the back), it’s a great way to sit and chill for a few minutes. If your kids are anything like mine, their tiny legs may be “soooo tired” after you’ve walked through the zoo. I love ending our day at the zoo by hopping on the train at the station at the back of the zoo and riding it to the front!
- 4D theatre. An air-conditioned building that is entertaining with minimal effort on my part? Yes, please! A short movie clip that’s an immersive experience!
Tip 3: Don’t Stress About Doing it All at Once
There are so many wonderful exhibits and animals. Pick which animals or exhibits you and your kids really want to see and take your time going through them. You can visit this link and scroll to the bottom to view a map of the zoo and download their newest addition — the Jacksonville Zoo mobile app! My personal favorite exhibits:
- Primate Forest (the various species of apes and monkeys they have are often very silly and funny- the kids love it)
- Savanna Blooms
- Manatee River
- Range of the Jaguar
- Land of the Tiger
Tip 4: Take All the Photos
With endless beautiful scenery, the zoo is a perfect place to capture pictures of your kids. My favorite spots to take pictures with/of my kids:
- Then and Now Photos: Find spots where you can take pictures of your kids over the years as they grow up. For me, that’s pictures of them on the carousel, feeding the giraffes, in front of the elephant sculpture that’s near Giraffe Overlook, and on the orange butterfly bench in the river view gardens.
- Riverview Gardens
- Asian Bamboo Garden
Tip 5: Make Time for their Play Spaces
There’s even more to do at the zoo than spectating; there are great areas to play, too!
- The Splashpad. During the warm weather, the splash pad is a great way for kids to burn off energy and play in the water. Don’t forget wet and dry clothes, as well as sunscreen!
- Forest Play Park. This area offers slides, climbing areas, nets to swing on, and other fun!
- Goat Yard. This petting zoo has goats that you can brush and is right around the corner from the play area.
Tip 6: Their Seasonal and Holiday Exhibits and Events are a Blast
Whether it’s Spooktacular, the Colors of the Wild lantern festival, Dinosauria, or another event/display that they put on, it’s guaranteed to be a great time!
My Final Tip
Add an annual family membership to your holiday or birthday wish list! It pays for itself so quickly, and while yes, you still have to buy the total experience tickets, if you can get the membership to cover the general admission costs, it’s really not that crazy of an expense!
What tips do you have for the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens?
