If you are on vacation with people who love animals and gardens, then you might want to visit the Jacksonville Zoo. While there are plenty of things to do in Jacksonville, Florida, the zoo is an entire experience that you won’t forget. This amazing spot is perfect for everyone, and there is definitely something here for people of all ages to enjoy during your stay in a Jacksonville Beach vacation rental.
Learn about local and exotic animals while you connect with nature while you explore this internationally acclaimed zoo.
About the Zoo
The Jacksonville Zoo is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to complete a variety of activities. If you are looking for things to do in Jacksonville, FL with kids that will keep them entertained but, most importantly, keep them learning, then this is the place for you. This award-winning zoo is the only Florida walking safari that allows its visitors to connect with wildlife in many different ways. The zoo provides you with interactive and educational experiences that will keep you motivated to learn while making new adventures.
All of the animals at the zoo are cared for by the Animal Wellness team, and the Manatee Critical Care Center ensures that manatees in Florida are rescued and given a chance to rehabilitate. As if that was not enough, there are two major exhibits that will make you feel like you are out of this world! The zoo thrives on making sure that all of its animals are taken care of, and for over 100 years, they have handled critical issues around the planet, making them a leader in education and conservation.
In an effort to remain a leader in conservation efforts, this zoo is also constantly growing and looking for innovative ways in which they can give back to our planet while also taking care of some amazing animals. Finally, you can be sure that you are visiting a zoo that is accredited and has gone through rigorous inspections to ensure that the staff, zoo animals, and plants are all taken care of and that it meets all industry standards by performing best practices.
Animal Exhibits
You may have researched the other things to do in Jacksonville, FL and are wondering what makes the zoo so unique and whether it is worth your time. Let us start out by admiring the fact that the zoo is home to over 2000 animals and over 1000 plants on its 115 acres.
Their animal exhibits include the Africa Loop, a boardwalk from which guests can see animals in their open environment. Animals that you can expect to see in the Africa Loop include flamingos, tortoises, warthogs, storks, and so much more! Of course, you will also find cheetahs, rhinoceros, elephants, and lions in this Africa Loop exhibit. A must-see!
If you would rather explore the animals that are native to the state of Florida, head over to Wild Florida where you will find alligators, black bears, cranes, eagles, bobcats, deer, and of course alligators!
Plan Your Visit
Book your next vacation to Jacksonville, FL with Lancelot’s Castles today for an experience you will never forget.
Gardens
Animals are only one part of the zoo! The Jacksonville Zoo is also well known for its botanical hardens. The Garden Exhibits are integrated within the zoo, which is not usually common. For example, at the Giraffe Overlook, you will find plenty of Sabanna Blooms. This area also features plenty of African water lilies and water edge plants, so be sure to look out for all of the plants around the zoo.
For more botanical experiences, you can head over to the Gardens at Trout River Plaza, where you will enjoy viewing beautiful vines, large trees, and urns in the partially walled plaza.
Another option is to head over to the Riverview Gardens where you will also enjoy the beautiful views. What makes Riverview Gardens unique is the garden pathway that is filled with different plants on display. An unusual and beautiful sight!
Events
One of the reasons why the zoo is one of the best things to do in Jacksonville, FL with kids is because of all of the activities that the zoo has to offer. For example, if you have kids who love dinosaurs, you should visit during their Dinosauria event, which takes children and their families back millions of years. The full-scale dinosaurs make it feel like you are actually in the prehistoric age, and you can expect to learn everything about dinosaurs including the T-Rex and the triceratops.
Another amazing event that the zoo puts on is the Spring Zoo Camp. Children who attend the camp will learn everything there is to know about nature, plants, and animals. The camp consists of mornings where your child spends their time exploring the zoo with an educated staff. After that, they head over to lunch before meeting some animals and completing plenty of interactive activities, including arts and crafts. What makes this such a unique and fun experience is that the camp allows your child to explore behind-the-scenes encounters with some of the zoo’s most amazing animals. If your child enjoys interacting with other kids and other animals, they will definitely enjoy the Spring Zoo Camp.
Directions
Heading over to the city is easy, especially if you are staying in one of our amazing Jacksonville Beach rentals. From Jacksonville Beach, you will take 9th St to US 90 W. After that, you will follow the US 90 W and I-295 N towards Heckscher Dr/Zoo Parkway. You will stay on this road for about 16 miles before taking exit 41.
Then you will follow Zoo Parkway towards the zoo and make it to your destination. From Jacksonville Beach, the zoo is only about 22 miles. Depending on the amount of traffic, it can take anywhere between 30 and 40 minutes to make it to the zoo.
Book Your Jacksonville Beach Vacation Rental With Lancelot’s Castles
Planning your trip to Jacksonville is only complete after you book one of our amazing Jacksonville Beach vacation rentals. We offer plenty of options for you to choose from that will make your and your guests’ stay an unforgettable one. Our oceanfront rentals in Jacksonville Beach give you beautiful views of the ocean while also providing you with incredible amenities. While the amenities are different depending on which rental you decide to go with, you can always count on things like multiple TVs, fully stocked kitchens, spacious living areas, wireless internet, and access to a washer and dryer.
Whether you are looking for two-bedroom rentals or rentals that are bigger or smaller than that, we have an option that is sure to satisfy all of your vacation needs. When you book your stay with us at Lancelot’s Castles, you know that you are booking an entire experience. We take pride in making sure that our guests are taken care of at all times while providing them with clean rooms where they can rest comfortably. We have a team of dedicated individuals who have one main goal, and that is to provide our customers with unmatched customer service. Our staff is kind, informative, and knowledgeable about the area, and they are always happy to answer any questions you might have.
