Local Guides World
Top Zoos in Tampa, United States
Top Rated Zoos in Tampa
Top Reviewed Zoos in Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Primates
Asia
Lion Habitat
Manatee Statue Splash Pad
Tiger Habitat
Walkabout Way
Croc Encounters
Flamingo Habitat
Elephant Habitat
Reviews
So much fun and some great education for myself and the kids. Our guide, Luxe, was very nice and informative. We enjoyed the animal encounters as well.
roller coaster was so fun for children and animals are as well
This place is definitely worth the visit!
Our tour guides name was Alexander and he was fantastic, knew so many interesting facts about the animals, in particular the alligators and crocodiles.
You take a short walk around the the enclosures where you can go in and feed the tortoises it was an amazing experience you can even feed the alligators which was fantastic you can interact with almost everything at no extra cost…definitely remember your bug spray!
Our tour guides name was Alexander and he was fantastic, knew so many interesting facts about the animals, in particular the alligators and crocodiles.
You take a short walk around the the enclosures where you can go in and feed the tortoises it was an amazing experience you can even feed the alligators which was fantastic you can interact with almost everything at no extra cost…definitely remember your bug spray!
Alexander was our tour guide today, great knowledge of all the exhibits, can answer any question you throw at him with confidence. Great way to end our trip to florida with a really exciting tour would recommend to anyone who's in the area 😀
I had an amazing experience at Croc Encounters. I would like to personally thank Alexander (the expert tour guy) for answering all my questions, my family's, and everyone else in the group. Thank you for making our experience so much fun and educational. We learned so much about these animals!
During the tour we got to hold a snake and a small alligator.
We also fed a lot of medium size alligators and interacted with big turtles!
This place is a local GEM! I would encourage anyone to go visit!
During the tour we got to hold a snake and a small alligator.
We also fed a lot of medium size alligators and interacted with big turtles!
This place is a local GEM! I would encourage anyone to go visit!
Extremely informative. Was a lot of fun feeding the tortoises and alligators ( pellets) and the kids had a great time! Only thing I would add would be some fans along the boardwalks were they stand and talk once they're able to. Support your local wildlife rescue and help them get there!
They do 4 tours a day.
They do 4 tours a day.
Was an amazing time! I enjoyed it just as much as the kids did. Our tour guide was so informational and amazing. I’d recommend this to any reptile lover. Such a great place! Keep up the great work!!!!
It’s small but worth it if you like a personal touch! We were skeptical when we first arrived but it all worked out perfectly. After tickets were purchased over the phone,Alexander was an excellent guide. He was passionate, friendly and very patient while my 4 year old ran around exploring. It’s not what I expected but it felt so intimate everyone in our family enjoyed it. We feed the tortoises and held the snake and baby alligator 🐊. Total time there 90 minutes. Bring water and use the bathroom before and you’ll have no worries. 👍🏽
Croc Encounters is a great little tour facility with lots of varieties of reptiles to observe. Tour guide Alexander was a wonderful facilitator and was very knowledgeable about every animal we encountered, he even had answers to every question that we had so he really knows his stuff. We got to hold Crocs and snakes which he demonstrated for us very well so there's nothing to fear. The facility itself is in a bit of disrepair and could be renovated a bit, but after taking the tour it's definitely a great place to donate to in its cause to preserving the wildlife of Florida. Would recommend for a relatively cheap activity for families, it's $45 per person and $99 total for groups of 3 or 4, so we got in for a good price and all had a great time!
Look at all the food here! 😍 🐷😋😋😋
this is a great spot to see once you in Tampa Bay, Florida.
love da liens
love da tigs
love da flams
Lots of fun. See all the animals. you can feed the rinos. Walk with the birds.
The personnel were very nice and ready to assist if needed. They do offer strollers, wheelchairs and scooters for rent. The animals there appear healthy and it was clean. They have a lot of food, snack and drink booths throughout the park. There's a carousel, but adults aren't permitted to ride the animals on it. There's a small flume ride and a 30 minute "safari" in a comfortable vehicle. Unfortunately, a lot of animals were unavailable due to either construction or ??? No hyenas, no gorillas, no chimps, no camels, no tigers, no lions. The habitats appear small, but they're clean. Things are expensive. All animal encounters are only available for separate payments. I'm bummed that there wasn't more to do. I will say that for the price of two tickets, we now get to come and go until the end of 2024, yes 2024, for no extra cost, so that's nice and hopefully they'll improve. Also, word has it that they're talkin about destroying the clam shell that's been there forever to make way for more parking...I really hope they don't.
I went here for the first while visiting my son and his family. The zoo is fantastic. There are so many interactive events. And I absolutely loved the photos they take.
Super expensive, but all of the attractions are included with the price of admission (carousel, safari tour, ect). We went on a Tuesday in October so most kids were in school, and it was much more enjoyable since it wasn't packed! The zoo was much larger than expected! We were there for about 4 hours and still missed the Africa section. Also, the food and beer selection across the park was fantastic!
Petting the kangaroos was one of the highlights for my granddaughter
Great zoo! Fun for the kiddos! They have a big Mary go round with authentic animals to ride, a solid playground and even a splash park 👍. We always enjoy taking a family day trip here. The yearly passes are super easy and absolutely worth it if you have kids and plan to go more than a few times per year. This last trip was Halloween nights. All the characters were on point, very fun and family friendly. We had a great time!
I love the kangaroos they're fuzzy and sweet.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this Zoo!!! Very easy to walk, the lay out is perfect! The kiddies area is amazing! The manatee area is a MUST and the orangutan exhibit is something I’ve never seen before at a zoo! The safari ride is something one must do!! Loved this zoo and will be planning another visit when we come back to Florida for another vacation!!
The elephant enclosure not big enough. That's exactly the problem with private entertainment places like this one. Whether it's a zoo, or some might be adamant enough to call themselves Sanctuary, Natural Habitat. Not for sake of the animals that's for sure. See some real Sanctuaries like the one in Atlanta. Or Tennessee. Or, Herd in South Africa. Those, you called Sanctuaries. Several acres of nature with enough vegetation and water holes to provide a natural life to those innocent creatures.
It’s a nice zoo, $40+ per adult and $30+ for kids older than 3, kids under 3 gets in for free. For a family of four they have a membership pass that costs $240 and you are allowed two guests. The people are the ticket booth are very helpful. We visited in mid September, a few of the activities are currently not available. The train ride was not working for example.
The good, most of the activities are already included in the price you pay, they don’t try to milk you. We got a free cup of beer during happy hour at the Oasis(Africa). They have a driving tour of the African Safari, it was quite interesting. We saw the penguins being fed. There’s a section for Orangutan, we were lucky to be there at 12:30pm when they were giving a presentation. The water park and banana ride section is cool. Loads of activities for kids and staff are friendly.
The good, most of the activities are already included in the price you pay, they don’t try to milk you. We got a free cup of beer during happy hour at the Oasis(Africa). They have a driving tour of the African Safari, it was quite interesting. We saw the penguins being fed. There’s a section for Orangutan, we were lucky to be there at 12:30pm when they were giving a presentation. The water park and banana ride section is cool. Loads of activities for kids and staff are friendly.
This is easily my favorite area of the zoo! I love the monkeys and apes. They are very entertaining!
I've been here a bunch of times over the years, ever since I was a kid, back with the original owners of the theme park. I most recently visited in Feb 2023. It was fun. It wasn't as fun compared to ten or twenty years ago. I feel like the park has lost some of its luster. Not run down per se, but just not as much upkeep as I remember compared to previous visits. But, the roller coasters were a lot of fun. And if that's why you're coming to Busch Gardens, and it probably is, then it's a decent place to visit.
First time at Busch Gardens, and it was great overall. My wife and I went on Friday, and it was surprisingly quit empty for a Friday, so it meant super quick lines. We never had to wait much for any of the rides. The ride "Kumba" was closed along with one of the water rides, which was a bummer. Also, some of the animal attraction places were empty with no signs, so that was a waste of time. Parking was $30 for the day ($45 for preferred parking), but you can take the mini tram that drives you to the front entrance of the park. The rides were definitely fun. Food options are okay over there, and the markups on beverages/water are insane (we paid close to $6 for a water bottle there...). The park felt like it was missing more rides as we got done pretty quick with no lines, and it also felt like workers were just waiting around. All in all, I'd definitely recommend paying a visit if you are in town as the rides are fun and thrilling.
This zoo is so good we originally went for the day but decided to get a yearly membership. Definitely worth joining, plus 50% of other zoos and aquariums that take part in it. Animals are in habitats that resemble their natural habitat. What an awesome experience to say the least. Go online and plan out your day by feeding the giraffes, or doing one of the other activities with an animal. A kid area with rides, and games for them to play for an additional cost. Also don't forget to ride the safari truck that explains about the different African animals in that area of the zoo. I highly recommend stopping by and checking out what it has to offer.
This place is awesome!! It has a lot of roller coasters for adults and young people and there is a special area for kids that is pretty big! You can find food, beverages, souvenirs and more! You can also enjoy the different attractions and shows, you can spend the whole day here without being bored. I really recommend it. I had a really great time here.
It was a well maintained place. We came when most kids went back to school so it was pretty empty so we could see everything pretty fast. I highly recommend coming to visit. It has a nice water fountain for anyone to cool off so I recommend wearing a swimsuit or fast drying clothing. Overall my experience was awesome. One thing I kind of was sad was most of the animals couldn’t be seen. Maybe they were hiding from the heat or something else. The Zoo was nice, and clean. Would totally recommend!!
The zoo was fun. Weather was great. Lots of animals. Loved the safari ride.
We always have a great time at Busch Gardens! Lots of exciting roller coasters, beautiful animals with amazing conservation efforts, and fun shows. We liked the new Summer shows. Open late for Summer Nights. Closed a few times for Summer thunder storms, but that's to be expected in the Florida Summer. They do a great job keeping everyone safe. Wonderful staff! Very accommodating for my child with autism. Oasis Pizza was yummy! Our favorite is always the pretzels at Twisted Tail though. That's a must try! The price of the drink refills have gone up again, but the cups are still a good deal, especially when you want to stay hydrated in this heat. You'll wish you got a refillable cup. Love having a pass and we will definitely be back!
This is one of our favorite places at Busch Garden. It’s a short walk from the Serengeti Train Depot. It’s also across from the Vet Center.
The elephants are beautiful, whether they are enjoying water running down their backs or eating. If you’re lucky, you’ll be here when one of the animal keepers is giving a talk. You can learn so much!
The elephants are beautiful, whether they are enjoying water running down their backs or eating. If you’re lucky, you’ll be here when one of the animal keepers is giving a talk. You can learn so much!
Fantastic, you get to experience the best of both worlds a zoo and a theme park. My son and I could not explore much because it was raining, and the park had to close for weather safety. We Will go back. The rides are cool and exciting. Many restaurants, and the ambiance is exciting. The scenery is different than other theme parks. That is what makes it unique.
I love animals, and love zoos. That being said, I feel like for an animal as big as an elephant 🐘, they could have a larger enclosure for them. All the other animals here have adequate enclosures. I don’t know why the elephants don’t 🐘
The fun card pass works best because we had rain for several days and you may not always qualify for a rain pass refund. We can also use this particular pass for the rest of the year, in case we decide to go back. The all day meal pass works best for large groups. Several restaurants provide a good portion size, so kids could probably share a meal together from one pass. The train ride is perfect for getting to different areas of the park, while getting photos of the wildlife. Make sure to check out the shows, they had an ice skating show that was a quality event, plus it is cool inside, if you need a break from the heat. The vehicle parking is across the street from the park. They have a tunnel that allows you to access the preferred parking area, which gets you really close to the entrance (it's a $15 premium over regular parking). If you download the app, the map feature will actually help guide you through the park. The location function must be active on the phone. The app will also store all your passes if you buy online, so you will not need to keep up with tickets. If it is raining, some of the walking paths can be slick. We saw one kid running and tried stopping quickly and ended up on their behind.
They do not allow children under age 5 in this area. They said it was for safety, however the animals are fenced so that didn't make any sense. They did give us free bird and fish food to feed the birds and fish nearby for our 2 year old grandson to stay occupied while the rest of the group did the walkabout
This habitat is part of Busch Gardens. We didn't want to go to Busch Gardens. The entrance fee is 102$ a person. We thought it was part of a zoo. Directions take you to Busch Gardens employee entrance. Do not recommend.
A great place for families with children. We spent three days there - that's all you need to see and do all the attractions. great option to travel by train around the complex - safari wonderful! Sesame Street and attractions around it - very well thought out, for children of all ages and more. We had a great time here! We'll be back someday :)
Very fun Hands down my favorite part of the zoo the orangutans were fun and relatable the way they just relax in the shade. Also the the little monkeys at the entrance were very playful and it was fun to watch them swing.
Nous avons passés un très beau moment en famille
Les jeux pour enfants c' était un extra très apprécié
Belle experience
Les jeux pour enfants c' était un extra très apprécié
Belle experience
Cool
Love being able to see the elephants so up close.
We almost skipped this because it's kind of tucked away in a corner but I'm so glad we went! It was so neat to feed the wallabies - they come right up to you!
Awesome to see the birds but sheww they smell! Fun to walk by them and see them making noise and interacting with each other.
I always wonder why they don’t fly away, is amazing.
Wonderful creatures! The design of the habitat makes you feel like you’re actually sharing the same space and gives you the feeling of being closer than what you actually are. Seeing this animals so close is fascinating. Their moves and the way they behave is so natural. Take a break from the coasters, get your favorite snack and enjoy some time looking at this beautiful animals. 🦁🥤
Walkabout Way is a wonderful animal encounter attraction at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida where you can feed and pet kangaroos and wallabies.
The experience is similar to that of a petting zoo, except instead of your typical farm animals, you’ll be surrounded by eastern grey kangaroos, red kangaroos and wallabies.
Beautiful and memorable experience 🤎
Ask the staff on hand about times when joeys (baby kangaroos) are bottle fed or if you have any questions about any of the animals.
They will be happy to educate you on kangaroo facts, behavior and activities
The experience is similar to that of a petting zoo, except instead of your typical farm animals, you’ll be surrounded by eastern grey kangaroos, red kangaroos and wallabies.
Beautiful and memorable experience 🤎
Ask the staff on hand about times when joeys (baby kangaroos) are bottle fed or if you have any questions about any of the animals.
They will be happy to educate you on kangaroo facts, behavior and activities
You can’t have a Bird Garden without flamingos, and boy they have plenty! This is the home to the largest species of the tall pink birds, the Caribbean Flamingo. Dozens of brightly colored flamingos can be seen strolling in the grass and in the water. So beautiful to see them all together 💕🦩
Unfortunately the elephants are usually looking away from you, so you can’t see their faces that well. But still nice to see.
Loved seeing the lions. They were laying close to the glass when I was there, as if they want to be seen and have the attention.
Toy r us is great
Nice place to observe the flamingos
Nice wet area for the kids.
Great area to observe the primates. The animals seem happy.
I love the Elephant Exhibit! It's so much fun to see them!
I love this experience!!! The kangaroos and wallabies are so cute!! It's awesome to get to pet them!!
incredible, kangaroos are so tame and friendly, i even saw one break a post to get on the path
Section within ZooTampa at Lowry Park featuring primates such as orangutan, lemurs, monkeys, etc.
Section of animals from Asia located within ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Features wildlife such as tiger, comodo dragon, bear, tapir, birds, Indian rhino, etc
We visited on December 31, 2017 and had the fabulous opportunity of hand feeding the kangaroos. There were dozens! Some were playful, some were more restful. Overall, it was a beautiful experience. They provide you the food and you’re free to walk around as needed. Totally awesome
Try to save this splash pad before you head back to the vehicle otherwise your little one will not want to see the rest of the zoo. There is a larger splash pad deeper inside the park.
The elephant exhibit Is amazing I wish I could take pictures of it but my Kids were in a rush. Is really easy to find and marvel at these animals because of how open it is. The elephants all seem to be pretty content and active Yesterday.
It was a really cool experience getting to look up at the tiger from underneath that little gopher hole made of glass. It was need to see him sleeping on top of you. He has a really nice home that is very spacious and he has access to water to play in.
So many beautiful elegant flamingos. There a bunch of beautiful white birds that are mixed in with them to. I love flamingos so I think it is a good idea to check it out. That's flamingos half lots of land to play around in.
Such a fun entry area for the zoo. My daughter could spend an hour touching each fountain.
This place is not yet popular to people, but consider yourself lucky if you have been to this place already, kids will enjoy to see different kind of animals.
A fun place for kids to cool off to reinvigorate at the zoo! It's a safe, small, contained environment in the midst of the kids area. Wet surfaces have enough grip for little ones to not fall over, but not so much that it catches or hurts their feet. Both rides and food surround the splash pad, making it a good place for when your kids might need a snack but aren't quite sure yet!
The only issue we came across, is the app and wait time at the rides are totally different. But other then that it's a fun place to visit. We always do the fun card and go every summer. :)
Fun splash pad for kids. Nice sculpture in the middle.