9 Wild Florida Experiences for Adventurous Families

You’ll experience Florida’s wildest family adventures through high-speed airboat rides across 100,000 acres of Everglades wilderness, hand-feeding 13-foot giraffes from elevated platforms, and witnessing live alligator demonstrations with bone-crushing bite forces. Drive through four miles of safari roads among 150 exotic animals, enjoy close encounters with rescued sloths and lemurs, and explore interactive bird aviaries with free-flying species. These safety-focused adventures combine education with thrilling wildlife experiences your family will treasure forever.

Airboat Adventures Through 100,000 Acres of Everglades Wilderness

Thirty miles west of Miami, massive airboats slice through sawgrass prairies at exhilarating speeds, carrying families deep into 1.5 million acres of protected Everglades wilderness.

You’ll experience the rush of flying over water as flat-bottom boats reach 30-40 mph across shallow marshes and vegetation-choked flats where traditional vessels can’t navigate.

Your 30-60 minute adventure includes USCG-approved life vests and ear protection for engine noise safety.

Elevated bench seating provides panoramic views for spotting American alligators, herons, egrets, and osprey throughout sawgrass expanses and mangrove estuaries.

While operators can’t guarantee alligator sightings, wildlife encounters peak during cooler months when receding waters concentrate animals.

Frequent departures every 20-30 minutes accommodate family schedules in this UNESCO World Heritage Site ecosystem.

Four-Mile Drive-Thru Safari Among 150 Native and Exotic Animals

While traditional zoos confine animals behind barriers, Wild Florida’s four-mile drive-thru safari in Kenansville lets you cruise gravel paths through expansive habitats where over 150 native and exotic animals roam freely in naturalized environments.

You’ll encounter majestic reticulated giraffes with net-like coats, Grant’s zebras displaying unique stripe patterns, and massive eland antelopes weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Watch for Highland cows with shaggy double coats, water buffalo thriving in wetlands, and dromedary camels adapted for desert life.

Conservation success stories include scimitar-horned oryx, once extinct in the wild. Animals often approach your vehicle for incredible photo opportunities as they graze naturally. Keep an eye out for the impressive American bison, which are descendants of larger ancient ancestors that originally migrated from Asia.

Your safari admission includes access to Gator Park, where rescued alligators and crocodiles await your visit.

Hand-Feed Giraffes From the Elevated Feeding Platform

After completing your drive-thru safari adventure, you’ll discover Wild Florida’s most memorable experience at the elevated feeding platform, where towering reticulated giraffes await your gentle touch. For just $5 per person, you’ll hand-feed romaine lettuce to these gentle giants, including resident Leroy, who stands over 13 feet tall and loves striking photogenic poses.

The wheelchair and stroller accessible platform positions you safely at eye level with these magnificent creatures. You’ll witness their impressive tongues in action as they gracefully accept lettuce leaves from your hands. Watch as their prehensile tongues stretch up to 18 inches long to grasp the lettuce from your outstretched hand. These nose-to-nose encounters create perfect photo opportunities and selfies that’ll capture memories lasting a lifetime.

No reservations needed—simply arrive ready for this extraordinary close encounter with Central Florida’s tallest residents.

Gator Park’s Live Alligator Feeding Shows and Educational Presentations

Once you’ve finished meeting the giraffes, head to Gator Park where expert trainers lead thrilling alligator feeding shows that’ll leave your family both educated and amazed. From safe elevated viewing areas, you’ll witness powerful bite forces, dramatic lunges, and impressive water splashes as massive alligators respond to trainer cues.

The educational presentations highlight American alligator biology, conservation efforts, and rescue stories like Crusher’s—the park’s biggest gator at over 13 feet long, saved through Florida’s FWC program. These shows are included with standard admission and suitable for all ages, though weather may affect scheduling. Watch over 300 alligators battle for food in an incredible feeding frenzy at their breeding pond.

For thrill-seekers aged 12+, consider booking the hands-on feeding encounter that requires reservations and offers behind-the-scenes participation.

Close-Up Animal Encounters With Sloths, Lemurs, and Capybaras

Beyond the thrilling gator shows, Wild Florida’s intimate animal encounters let your family connect with some of the world’s most fascinating creatures through hands-on experiences you’ll treasure forever.

You’ll hold and feed gentle two-toed sloths during exclusive behind-the-scenes sessions on select mornings, limited to just four guests ages 8+.

Daily capybara encounters at 4 PM welcome eight participants aged 12+ to interact with these social, sweet-natured animals.

Step inside spacious exhibits to meet endangered ring-tailed lemurs, one of the world’s most charismatic primates.

You can also pet and hand-feed affectionate African crested porcupines. These encounters feature conservation education alongside hands-on interactions with the animals.

All encounters require advance reservations and include Gator Park admission.

Remember to arrive punctually—late arrivals mean rescheduling your adventure.

Interactive Bird Aviary and Free-Flying Feathered Friends

Your wildlife adventure continues in Wild Florida’s expansive bird aviary, where you’ll walk among free-flying feathered friends in their naturally shaded habitat. This massive walk-in aviary houses seven bird species, including beautiful macaws like Harley, who call this enriched environment home.

You’ll discover an interactive playground designed for both birds and visitors, featuring perches, swings, ladders, and climbing platforms. The shaded canopy creates comfortable conditions while you pause among native plants and trees.

Private bird cabins provide safe retreats for the residents. The aviary also serves as a rescue space for rehomed macaws and owner surrenders, providing these intelligent birds with a caring sanctuary.

This hands-on experience helps conquer fears through close encounters with exotic and native Florida birds. The aviary’s included with your Drive-thru Safari ticket and operates Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm, located near Hawk Swamp boardwalk.

Wildlife Shows Featuring Snakes, Exotic Mammals, and Conservation Education

While you’re exploring Wild Florida’s diverse attractions, don’t miss the mesmerizing wildlife shows that bring you face-to-face with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures. The highlight features Crusher, a massive 13-foot American alligator weighing over 1,000 pounds, demonstrating expert handling techniques during scheduled shows at 11 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

You’ll witness safe hands-on interactions with albino alligators and various crocodiles, plus educational presentations showcasing ring-tailed lemurs, two-toed sloths, and capybaras.

These conservation-focused demonstrations teach you about Florida’s wildlife heritage while explaining nuisance alligator relocation processes. With over 200 native and exotic species displayed in natural habitat settings, you’ll gain valuable insights into wildlife preservation. You can also observe feeding demonstrations that reveal natural behaviors and dietary patterns of various species.

All shows are included with your Gator Park admission, though schedules may vary based on weather conditions.

Family Recreation Areas With Covered Playground and Swamp-Themed Dining

After experiencing the educational wildlife shows, you’ll want to let the kids burn off energy at Wild Florida’s family recreation areas that blend outdoor adventure with comfort-focused amenities. These parks feature covered picnic pavilions and shade structures that protect your family from Florida’s intense UV rays during extended outdoor stays.

You’ll find rubberized playground surfaces and fenced play areas near lakes for added safety.

Many locations like Barnett Family Park in Lakeland and Lake Eva Community Playground offer splash pads alongside shaded playgrounds for heat relief. For families seeking inclusive play areas, Common Ground in Lakeland provides accessible playground equipment designed for children of all abilities and disabilities.

After playground time, grab takeout from nearby fish camps or seafood grills featuring gator bites and Old Florida-themed dishes.

These swamp-side dining spots perfectly complement your wild adventure while providing covered outdoor seating overlooking wetlands.

Adventure Packages and Year-Round Attractions for Ultimate Family Fun

When you’re ready to maximize your Wild Florida experience, adventure packages bundle multiple attractions into convenient, cost-effective options that’ll keep your family entertained for hours. Standard Adventure Packages combine 30-minute airboat rides with Gator Park admission.

Half-Day packages extend airboat tours to one hour for all ages. The Ultimate Wild Florida Experience bundles airboat tours, Gator Park access, Drive-thru Safari, and select animal encounters for ages 12+.

You’ll glide through Everglades headwaters on Coast Guard-approved vessels with provided life jackets and ear protection. The experience captures the spirit of Old Florida with immersive landscapes reminiscent of 19th-century natural environments.

The 85-acre Drive-thru Safari showcases over 150 animals including giraffes and zebras.

Many packages include round-trip transportation from Orlando areas, BBQ lunch options, and family photos, making planning effortless for your adventure.

The Sum Up

You’ll create unforgettable memories exploring Florida’s wildest adventures with your family. Remember to pack sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for these outdoor experiences. Follow all safety guidelines during animal encounters and stay with your group throughout activities. Don’t forget your camera to capture those special moments feeding giraffes or watching gator shows. These thrilling adventures offer perfect opportunities to connect with nature while learning about Florida’s incredible wildlife together.