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Gatorland amusement park in St. Petersburg, FL
Photo: Anand Francis
View of Gatorland in St. Petersburg, FL
Photo: Hannah Gillette
View of Gatorland in St. Petersburg, FL
Photo: Vadergirl75

Gatorland

4.7(26,377 reviews)$$Adventure
🕑 4-5 hours (full day if including zip line adventures)👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children will love the splash pad, petting zoo, and watching gator feedings, while kids 8+ (meeting height/weight requirements) can tackle the zip lines and rope courses. The variety of difficulty levels means there's something thrilling for teens too.

About

Gatorland offers an unforgettable Florida adventure where kids can get up close with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, zip-line over actual gator ponds, and experience thrilling animal shows. This unique wildlife park combines education with excitement, featuring breeding marsh boardwalks, a petting zoo, splash pad, and the adrenaline-pumping Screamin' Gator Zip Line that soars over the park's most famous residents.

Highlights

  • Screamin' Gator Zip Line,soaring over alligator breeding marshes
  • Gator Jumparoo show where massive gators leap from the water
  • Free-flight aviary where colorful birds land on your hands
  • Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure through natural habitats
  • Pearl's Smokehouse for authentic Florida BBQ after working up an appetite

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive right at opening (10 AM) to catch the first gator feeding shows when animals are most active and crowds are lightest
  2. 2.Bring a change of clothes for kids,the splash pad area is irresistible and they will get soaked
  3. 3.Download the park map on your phone and plan around the scheduled shows (Gator Jumparoo and Alligator Wrestling) as these are absolute must-sees
  4. 4.For the zip line adventures, book online in advance as spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends
  5. 5.Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen,much of the park is outdoors with limited shade in summer

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings during fall or spring for the most comfortable weather and smallest crowds. Summer afternoons can be extremely hot and humid, though the splash pad is perfect for cooling off. Weekends tend to be busiest, especially during Florida school holidays.

What to Know

Admission is moderately priced ($$) with zip line adventures requiring separate tickets and meeting specific height/weight requirements. Free parking is available on-site, and the park has multiple food options including snack stands and a full-service restaurant, plus shaded picnic areas if you prefer to bring your own lunch.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer brings hot, humid weather but also the splash pad is most appealing. The park hosts special nighttime events like "Gatorland After Dark" seasonally. Hurricane season (June-November) may occasionally affect operations.

Nearby Eats

Pearl's Smokehouse is located right inside Gatorland and offers kid-friendly BBQ favorites. For more options, the nearby tourist corridor along International Drive (10 minutes away) has endless family restaurants including IHOP, Olive Garden, and local favorite Bahama Breeze.

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