Good-for-Kids Rating

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Gatorland Description

If you come to Florida hoping to see gators, this park will not disappoint. It offers in-habitat alligator viewing, educational shows, alligator petting, and even an opportunity to straddle a real gator (say cheese!). The Gator Wrestling Show is amazing -- you'll feel a rush as the trainer jumps into the moat to grab a 6- to 8-foot gator by the tail and wrestles him to shore (complete with thrashing and tail whipping). But the coolest thing at Gatorland is the 90-minute night-time tour (reservations required) -- travel to the breeding marsh by flashlight and see hundreds of eerie gator eyes glowing back red.

Kid Tips

Toddlers & Pre-K: Allie's Barnyard is a great place for little ones to get up close to other animals such as goats, sheep, and a mini cow.

School-Age Kids: Get a picture of your kid "wrestling" a gator at the Rookie Wrestling after the Wrestling Show. Your children will sit on the animal's back (the alligator is secured) and take a photo with the reptile to show their buddies back home. Pictures are available for purchase at Gator Photo ($10).

Planning Notes

Plan on extras. Some of the activities, like the train ride through Gatorland, cost extra on top of the admission price.

Heat alert. It can get very hot at this park, and there are not many indoor air-conditioned spots to escape the heat, so bring water and avoid coming during the high heat of midday.

Get a break. Tickets can be purchased in advance at their website at a discount.

Towel and bathing suit. Gator Gully Splash Park is a water park included in the admission price. Kids have a ball atop the dueling gators having dueling water gun competitions.

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