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MetroZoo
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Zoo
MetroZoo Description
Thousands of specimens and over 300 developed acres make this zoo the top family attraction that it is. But what really excites kids is the fact that the animals aren't caged: they're separated by moats, so you feel close to the lions, tigers and more unusual species like the bat-eared fox. It's best to go in the morning, when the animals are the most active (be sure to catch the thrilling 11 a.m. tiger feeding). Because the zoo is large, it's worth it to pay for the air-conditioned monorail, or to rent a family surrey, to get from one section to another. The open-air tram tour is also a great way to see lots of animals with easily tuckered little ones. On a cheaper note, parents will also love the modest admission fee.
Kid Tips
Babies: Cute animals for them, plenty of benches and shaded gazebos for you.
Toddlers & Pre-K: Focus mostly on the kids' section -- with its petting zoo, water playground, and carousel -- and they'll adore it here.
School-Age Kids: The perfect age to see a zoo -- especially one as expansive and interactive as this.
Pre-Teens & Teens: The detailed descriptions of the exotic animals should keep most entertained. Even the eye-rolling set will enjoy hand-feeding the giraffes and pelicans.
Planning Notes
- Dress for the heat. Although the thousands of trees lost during Hurricane Andrew have been replanted and shaded gazebos abound, it still gets very hot here, especially in summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You'll need them to help with the miles of walking.
- Bring bathing suits for the kids. They'll inevitably want to cool down in the fun water playgrounds.
- Picnicking available. You can buy lunch foods inside, but, before you enter, you can also have your own picnic at the tables out front.
Just the Facts
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., daily
Fees: $10 - $20
Recommended Time: 2 to 4 hours
Reviews of MetroZoo
Not So Great
By ShaneyFL April 27, 2008 | Kissimmee, FL
Toddlers & Pre-K
What we loved:
The Otters
What we didn't love:
The childrens area
My husband had never been to a zoo before he met me and now we make it a point to check out every zoo we can. We were very unimpressed. Some of the animals looked sad. The childrens area was not that great and the petting zoo was not open. The majority of the areas seemed to be under construction so hopefully they are improving. It was very large and there were a lot of animals my daughters favorite are always the otters. We may give them another chance in the future to see what changes they have made. Read More
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