Sarasota, Florida, is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. Stunning views, beaches, resorts, swimming, and plenty of cultural and entertainment events throughout the year. Planning your vacation to Sarasota should include a visit to Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Siesta Key, look no further! The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is the perfect adventure for you, as there is something for everyone at this family attraction. It’s an interactive activity that you and the kids won’t soon forget!
Sarasota Jungle Gardens History
When you visit Sarasota Jungle Gardens, you witness many years of history. In the early 1930s, a man named David Breed Lindsay bought a piece of land with a vision to build a botanical garden. There was already a subtropical jungle, so the idea seemed more than possible. He teamed up with another man, Pearson Conrad, who shared the dream and made magic together.
Conrad already had a garden nursery next door, so they felt they were on the right path. They brought in more plants and planned lakes, exotic plants, and trees; soon, people took notice. The owners started charging admission, and the gardens became a sought-after attraction. The gardens changed hands a few times until Arthur C. Allyn purchased them.
The same family still runs the garden and once resided on the property. Shortly after the purchase, they introduced exotic birds and other animals, and this area has become one of the most fantastic attractions Sarasota has to offer.
Exhibits
When you visit the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, plan on spending a good portion of your day. You will find it all amazing, entertaining, and educational. You can see various shows and even help feed some animals throughout the gardens.
If reptiles are your thing, you can find alligators, turtles, snakes, lizards, and iguanas, and you can even visit the alligators at feeding time and help the keepers feed them!
They have free-roaming flamingos you can feed and get a picture with! These beautiful creatures are very friendly, so take the kids to visit them!
The petting zoo is also a favorite stop. If you or your kids have never visited a farm before, be ready to pet some pigs, goats, and other various animals. These animals are amiable and will like you even more if you give them a snack.
Some animal and bird shows are separate from the general admission, so when you book your Siesta Key resort, reserve your tickets for the jungle and other garden attractions.
Animal Interactions
How often can you say you held an alligator? Had a little cuddle with a giant fluffy rabbit? Got to scratch the fuzzy little ears of a lemur? Interacting with the exotic and the not-so-exotic animals is a big draw here at the Jungle Gardens.
Be sure to look into these events when looking into your Siesta Key resort rental. Each animal interaction event is separate, held at different times, and has its own entrance fee. They also limit the number of people allowed in, so if you or the kids want to partake in these animal interactions, then it is advised you book ahead. You can buy your tickets online when you book your resort or accommodations.
These interactions are also available for a private party if you are coming to Sarasota to celebrate a birthday or event. Again, book early, as not all the animals are always available.
Know Before You Go
The Sarasota Jungle Gardens are open all year long, every day of the week. They are open from 10-4 daily but closed on major holidays. The scheduled shows go at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
You can buy your admission tickets online when you have booked one of the resorts in Siesta Key. You can also get tickets to the various shows or events throughout the park.
The Gardens have plenty of parking and are easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The shows have bleacher-type seating but can also accommodate wheelchairs.
There is a café on-site if you need a snack. However, smaller children are allowed outside snacks, providing they are securely packed. You can take pictures and videos of all the gardens, animals, and events.
You can even post your pictures on your social media sites, as Wi-Fi is also available to guests at the jungle gardens. There is a dress code in place for your protection; you must have shoes, shirts, and bathing suits are not appropriate, as you are in contact with animals.
If you have trouble locating the gardens, there is an app you can download that will guide you there. It is well within driving distance from all the major resorts, like the Tropical Breeze Resort in Siesta Key.
Plan Your Siesta Key Resort Stay!
If you’re looking for a vacation destination with endless fun opportunities for the entire family, Siesta Key is the destination for you! View our Siesta Key resort today and prepare for your best vacation yet!
Your Siesta Key Resort Rental
Plenty of accommodations are available if you are looking for places to stay while visiting Sarasota. The Siesta Key resort accommodations at Tropical Breeze have one, two, and three-bedroom suites available.
We also have Island rooms of varying sizes. Our Siesta Key resort offers all the amenities to give you the comforts of home. These family-friendly accommodations are located close to everything you will want to do in the area.
These Siesta Key rentals are spread out so you can enjoy beautiful courtyards and plenty of privacy. All suites are close to the beach and everything you could ask for on your Sarasota vacation, including full kitchens, community pools, and a shuttle service that will take you anywhere you want between 9-5 for a tip only. The town is close enough to walk, but you don’t have to, and you certainly won’t need to drive.
You can find all the supplies you need for your stay or take advantage of their grocery delivery service. Your suite has laundry facilities, Wi-Fi throughout, and daily housekeeping. You can also pick up some free beach chairs, rent a bike, take a leisurely peddle around town, and check out the local sites. You can also take a golf cart shuttle if biking isn’t your thing.
If you are planning a wedding while you are here, contact us about our preferred wedding vendors. We can help you plan the event, book music, flowers, photography, catering, and more. We can even supply the notary if need be.
Tropical Breeze Resort
Book your suite soon and enjoy all Sarasota has to offer. There are plenty of things to do while you are visiting, and the Jungle Gardens is undoubtedly one of the places you do not want to miss.
Be sure to book the Jungle Gardens and any extras you may want to see when booking your Siesta Key suite to avoid disappointments. When you contact us, please ask about our pet-friendly rentals in Siesta Key and other services for your pet, including off-leash parks nearby!
