Photo: Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure
Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz
Photo: Zena Johnson
Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure
★4.3(1,532 reviews)$$Zoo
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the interactive feeding experiences and seeing animals at eye level, while elementary-aged kids enjoy learning about different ecosystems and handling smaller creatures during encounter sessions.🧡 Saved by 42 families
About
Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure offers an intimate, hands-on wildlife experience where kids can get up close with over 400 animals including giraffes, bears, sloths, and colorful tropical birds. The combination of aquatic exhibits, rainforest habitats, and botanical gardens creates a diverse adventure that keeps children engaged without the overwhelming crowds of larger zoos.
Highlights
- ✓Hand-feeding giraffes from an elevated platform
- ✓Interactive bird aviaries where parrots land on your arms
- ✓Sloth encounters and viewing areas
- ✓Freshwater and saltwater aquarium exhibits with stingrays and tropical fish
- ✓Lush botanical gardens with free-roaming birds and turtles
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (11 AM) for the best animal feeding opportunities and smaller crowds, as afternoons can get busier with tourists.
- 2.Bring cash for animal feeding experiences (usually $3-5 per cup), kids especially love feeding the giraffes and parrots.
- 3.Wear closed-toe shoes as you'll be walking through humid rainforest areas and outdoor gardens.
- 4.Don't miss the sloth exhibit in the back, it's less crowded and kids get a great view of these fascinating animals.
- 5.Plan your visit for 2-3 hours and consider combining it with beach time, as it's just a short drive from Daytona Beach shores.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (especially Tuesday-Thursday) are ideal for avoiding weekend tourist crowds. Visit during fall or winter months when Florida weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
What to Know
Admission typically costs around $25-30 for adults and $15-20 for children (check website for current pricing). The facility is mostly indoors with air conditioning, making it a perfect rainy-day activity or break from the Florida heat.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, making it a reliable option regardless of season. Summer can be crowded with peak tourist season, while fall and spring offer pleasant weather for enjoying the outdoor botanical areas.
Real Experiences
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Nearby Eats
Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina (family-friendly Mexican with a kids menu) is less than a mile away, or grab burgers and shakes at Steak 'n Shake on the same road for an easy post-visit meal.
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