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Everglades Alligator Farm wildlife park in Homestead, FL
Photo: Everglades Alligator Farm
View of Everglades Alligator Farm in Homestead, FL
Photo: Gérard Guillaume
View of Everglades Alligator Farm in Homestead, FL
Photo: Luigi Iodice

Everglades Alligator Farm

4.6(7,467 reviews)$Park
🕑 2.5-3 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. The airboat rides and live gator shows captivate elementary-aged kids (5-12) who are old enough to appreciate the excitement and educational aspects. Preschoolers enjoy watching the animals but may find airboat noise overwhelming. Teens love the adventure factor and photo opportunities.

About

Everglades Alligator Farm is a thrilling combination of wildlife education and adrenaline-pumping adventure that kids absolutely love. Your family will experience exciting airboat rides through authentic Everglades habitat, watch handlers feed massive alligators during live shows, and get up-close views of Florida's most fascinating reptiles and native wildlife at this historic working farm.

Highlights

  • Thrilling 20-minute airboat ride through authentic Everglades sawgrass marshes
  • Live alligator feeding demonstrations with experienced handlers
  • Opportunity to hold a baby alligator for photos
  • Observation platforms overlooking ponds filled with hundreds of alligators
  • Native Florida wildlife including crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and exotic birds

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early (right at 9 AM opening) to beat the heat and crowds, especially for airboat rides which book up quickly on weekends
  2. 2.Bring ear protection for young children on the airboat rides,the engines are loud but the ride is worth it
  3. 3.Time your visit around the live alligator feeding shows (check schedule upon arrival) for the most memorable experience
  4. 4.Wear closed-toe shoes and bring bug spray,you're in the real Everglades and mosquitoes can be persistent
  5. 5.Don't miss the baby alligator photo opportunity where kids can safely hold a small gator with handler supervision

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11 AM) for smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. Winter months (November-March) offer the most comfortable weather and more active wildlife. Weekends can get busy with long airboat wait times.

What to Know

General admission includes the wildlife park and shows; airboat rides require an additional fee (bundled tickets available). There's a small gift shop and snack bar on-site, but no full restaurant. The property is mostly paved and stroller-accessible, though airboat rides have age/size restrictions.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with consistent hours. Peak season runs November through April when weather is mild and wildlife is most active. Summer visits (June-September) are hot and humid but less crowded. The farm operates rain or shine, though airboat rides may be suspended during severe weather or lightning.

Nearby Eats

Robert Is Here fruit stand (5 minutes away) is a Homestead institution offering fresh fruit shakes, Key lime pie, and picnic-friendly snacks kids love. For sit-down meals, head to Shiver's BBQ (10 minutes) for family-friendly Southern comfort food.

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