A couple of years ago we had a few days near Jacksonville and whilst we were there we took the girls to Jacksonville Zoo. We spent the whole day there and they really enjoyed it.
The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m 363 days of the year only closing on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. However in the summer on Saturday and Sundays they stay open until 6. 00pm.
The address of the Zoo is 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville. To get to the Zoo from I – 95 South:
Take exit number 358A to Heckscher Drive / Zoo Parkway. Continue on Zoo Parkway for approximately 1/4 mile and the entrance to the Zoo is on your right.
From I - 95 North:
Take exit number 358A to Heckscher Drive / Zoo Parkway. Continue on Zoo Parkway for approximately 1/4 mile and the entrance to the Zoo is on your right.
We paid at the entrance but I believe it is possible to get a slight discount if you buy your tickets on line. On site admission is approx Adults $14 Children three to 12 years $9 children 2 and under free. I believe there is a seniors discount and also an AAA discount but do not know what these are. Unlike many of the Orlando parks car parking is free.
Once you are in the Zoo you can if you wish see the park by boarding the Zoo train. Your all-day ticket for this takes you around the whole Zoo. It will stop at the Kids’ Shop and at Main Camp and you can get off and explore at your leisure. Train runs daily as long as the weather permits. The cost of the train ride is Adult: $4. 00 Child: $2. 00 but I think it may be possible to buy an entrance ticket that includes the ride.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. You learn all about the wildlife through interactive and educational experiences it is a great day out for the family.
It started in 2004 with Range of the Jaguar and continued with Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms garden. Here you will find over 1, 500 rare and exotic animals and 1000 varieties of plants.
You can see white rhinos, crocodiles, lions on a Plains of Africa tour. If you go to the overlook area you can watch elephants and giraffes. Native Florida wildlife can also be seen, including the jaguar, endangered Florida panther and American alligator.
We had a lovely leisurely day here stopping a couple of times for refreshments as we went around the park.