Summer is here, and it’s a great time to explore all of what the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has to offer. This time of the year, the Sanford Zoo is full of wild fun, activities and special events to ensure an exciting visit for all!
From soaring through the trees to splashing around and after-hours fun with your favorite animals, here are five summer activities at the Central Florida Zoo to help make this summer magical.
When looking for activities in Orlando during the summer, locals know staying cool is a priority. Sunset at the Zoo offers a cooler way to enjoy the outdoors. On the fourth Friday of each month from May through September, the Zoo will reopen at 5 p.m. until sunset for an evening filled with animals, live music, and food trucks. This summer event not only features fun for all ages, but also an educational experience, as each month will celebrate a different culture. For 2024 dates and themes, visit here.
Cub Club is a great way to blend learning and fun for both kids ages 2-5 and adults. Held every Monday and Wednesday during the summer, these classes feature activities and live animals to bring each lesson to life. Each week will present a new lesson and theme, complemented by the appropriate animals to enhance the experience. Watch your little ones learn and interact with a variety of animals and species. For more information or to register, click here.
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Orlando to stay cool, what better way than to splash around all summer long? The Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground is a wild way for kids of all ages to cool off this summer. With the animal-themed water features, rain showers from the cascading trees, and the famous bucket dump, it’s the perfect spot to beat the heat on hot summer days. Now you don’t have to choose between a trip to the Zoo or the pool. Click here for more information.
Looking for adventure this summer? Get into the swing of things with Seminole Aerial Adventures! Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a nature enthusiast, this adventure offers an exciting way to take flight and connect with your beautiful surroundings while exercising your mind and body. With challenges tailored to adventurers of all ages, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Get your tickets here to start your next adventure.
Our Florida Zoo hosts tons of events everyone season, and summer is no exception. There is something for everyone in your family. Looking for things to do for kids in Orlando? Kids Night Out offers a unique way for kids ages 5-12 to hang out with their friends and take a closer look at the animals after hours in a way they’ve never seen before. On select nights from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. kids will take a flashlight tour, plus enjoy games, crafts and snacks. Click here for more information.
If you prefer to experience a wild opportunity alongside your kids or your friends, consider joining our Night Hike for some quality time. This nocturnal adventure features a guided tour of the Zoo from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. See nightlife come to light and hear the Zoo come to life at night! Click here to book your Night Hike tickets.
If you’re looking for things to do near Orlando this summer, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has something fun for everyone. We strive to foster a friendly and welcoming environment for all ages, while creating unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime. Even during the summer, the thrilling events and interactive experiences continue to heat up. So, keep an eye out for any wild events heading your way. We can’t wait to see you this summer!
