Getting your family out into nature is a great way to spend time together and reconnect with one another. One of the most popular attractions in the Siesta Key area is the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, full of fun surprises and unforgettable memories waiting around every corner.
We’ve got your ultimate guide to make the most of your day at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens.
About/History
This fascinating destination first opened its doors on New Year’s Eve, 1939, making it one of the Sunshine State’s oldest continuously operated attractions! For the past several decades, the Jungle Gardens in Sarasota, FL, has been run by the same family, helping to ensure that Sarasota has a welcoming place to admire and learn about wildlife.
Today, this attraction has reached hundreds of thousands of people and has spread the word about all of its fascinating creatures. The Sarasota Jungle Gardens has inspired kids’ books, held fashion shoots, featured in documentaries, and maintained community outreach programs. The impact of the Gardens goes far beyond its grounds!
At the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, you can get up close and personal with more than 200 animal species, both from the area and worldwide. Some of the animals here have been donated, but many have been rescued from various organizations around Florida and across the country.
You’ll see everything from birds and reptiles to marine creatures and more. You can spend your entire day learning about the fascinating animals on the planet!
Know Before You Go
There are a few key things to keep in mind before you and your crew make your way to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. This attraction is located at 3701 Bay Shore Road, just a quick trip away from our Siesta Key rentals. You can visit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. nearly any day of the year (they’re only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas).
You can rest assured that every guest is welcome at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, as the facilities are accessible for wheelchairs and other special needs. There is plenty of parking for all, and you can access free WiFi throughout the park. Guests are encouraged to take photos throughout the park, purchase food to give the animals, and check out the unique offerings in the gift shop!
The staff at Sarasota Jungle Gardens recommends setting aside at least four hours to discover the park in its entirety. If you get hungry while you’re exploring the facility, you can get hamburgers, hot dogs, cold drinks, and more at the Flamingo Café. Or, if you’d instead bring your food, you’re more than welcome to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic tables in the parking lot.
Exhibits
Throughout the Jungle Gardens, you can find exhibits for nearly any animal you like. You will be able to get close to the animals (and even feed some of them!), but you’ll also be able to learn anything you’re curious about, thanks to the helpful staff.
In each exhibit, you can see breathtaking wildlife that you may not otherwise get the chance to observe. You’ll see familiar creatures like parrots, alligators, giant tortoises, flamingos, and more exotic species such as the African porcupine, the Coati Mundi, the Muntjac deer, and others!
During the day, there are all kinds of shows offered by staff members, demonstrating how the creatures live and teaching you about their habitats and lifestyles. All shows are included in your admission, but they often fill up fast, so get there early! Some of the most popular exhibits include the Jungle Bird Show, Wildlife Wonder, and Meet the Keepers events.
Private Encounters and Interactions
When you come to the Jungle Gardens, you don’t just have to admire the creatures from afar. You can get up close and personal to them when you experience a private encounter!
The private animal experiences here allow you to work with an animal educator to properly feed, handle, and interact with the given animal. These experiences are available for various creatures on the property, such as rabbits, alligators, snakes, tortoises, and more. For just $25 per animal, you’ll receive a private 15-minute interaction with the animal, an educational presentation from an experienced staff member, and a commemorative emailed picture with your animal!
You can also experience animal interactions throughout the park, although these experiences aren’t private. Still, they are incredibly educational and fun ways to get to know the creatures in the Jungle Gardens, and they are more affordable than the private experiences. During these encounters, you can meet parrots, macaws, and several species of alligators. For older kids (at least five years old), you can also choose to meet lemurs, Aldabra tortoises, and Reeve’s Muntjac Deer.
Once you visit the Sarasota Jungle Gardens for yourself, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most popular things to do in Siesta Key! One thing is for sure: every member of your family, regardless of age, is sure to make some incredible memories you won’t soon forget! Once you’re done exploring the Gardens for the day and seeing all of the other unique attractions throughout Sarasota, make your way back to one of the most beloved Siesta Key resorts: Tropical Breeze.
Plan Your Visit!
Looking for a vacation that’s perfect for the whole family? Sarasota is the perfect destination for you! Book your Siesta Key vacation today and start planning your best vacation yet!
Tropical Breeze Resort is the ideal place to stay no matter what you imagine as the perfect vacation. We have a wide range of Siesta Key rentals ranging from one to three bedrooms, so no matter how many people are coming along, you can rest assured you’ll have plenty of room. Our rentals come with luxurious amenities to make you feel right at home, including flat-screen TVs, bike and beach equipment rentals, fully stocked kitchens, free WiFi, and much more.
On top of that, you can take advantage of various resort amenities to help you make the most of your time here in Siesta Key. Relax in the lush garden landscaping, take a dip in one of the two pools, or participate in fun games and events that are constantly happening on our grounds. There’s simply no limit to the fun you can have when you stay with Tropical Breeze!
Your search for the best Siesta Key resort ends here. Contact Tropical Breeze today to learn more about our properties and book your trip!
