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Zoos & Aquariums

๐Ÿฆ Zoos & Aquariums for Kids in Jacksonville, FL

3 zoos, aquariums, and animal encounters rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Jacksonville

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The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary wildlife refuge in Jacksonville, FL๐Ÿฆ Zoo
Photo: The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary offers families an unforgettable opportunity to see rescued big cats up close in a more intimate setting than traditional zoos. Kids will be mesmerized watching majestic tigers, lions, leopards, and even bears during guided tours and thrilling feeding experiences where these magnificent animals display their natural behaviors.

๐Ÿ•‘ 1.5-2 hours
Jennings State Forest park in Middleburg, FL๐ŸŒฟ Nature
Photo: Samantha Stokes
โ˜…4.7(464)Free20 mi ยท Middleburg

Jennings State Forest offers families over 20,000 acres of pristine Florida wilderness perfect for introducing kids to outdoor adventure. With well-maintained hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to longer treks, plus opportunities to spot native wildlife like deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species, this forest provides an authentic nature experience just minutes from Middleburg.

๐Ÿ•‘ 2-4 hours
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens zoo in Jacksonville, FL๐Ÿฆ Zoo
Photo: Benjamin Mois

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers an unforgettable day exploring 115 acres filled with over 2,000 animals from around the world. Beyond animal exhibits, families can cool off at the splash ground, ride the historic carousel and train, and get up close with giraffes, colorful lorikeets, and stingrays through hands-on feeding experiences that kids absolutely love.

๐Ÿ•‘ 4-6 hours for a full experience

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