Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

This is a small zoo, and the 5 stars is reflective of what a small zoo can do. We visited on a Thursday afternoon, trying to avoid weekend crowds. We had no trouble getting free parking up close to the entrance, and even before we cleared the ticket check the very friendly gate agents let me in to use the bathroom. This was necessary because all ticket sales are online and my son and DIL with the tix had not yet arrived. Traveling with 2 20 month olds and a 3 month old can take time.BTW, there are fees charged for buying the tickets online, and I'm not sure that's legal when you can't buy them in person but that is a matter for another day.The zoo is always changing and growing and that presents a challenge because not all the animals were labeled or even in the usual pen/enclosures. However all the people working there and the many volunteers were happy to share information on any exhibit. The plants are very well labeled. I guess they don't move as much!We paid for "feeding" but we really only got to feed the giraffes and the guy giving out the feed was giving it to all. The stingrays could not be fed because the handwashing station was down, and the other animals we did not get there at the "right time" to do a feeding. But the giraffe feeding was great! Each of the little ones got a few chances to hold out branches to the waiting long necked friendly beasts. There was even a juvenile there being fed by its mom.We saw several big attractions like tigers and elephants. No elephant ride. The carousel was nice even though our kids were a little young and scared by it. The bubble station and the bird exhibits were nice. All the landscaping and sculptures added to the adventure. I had read not to try eating here so we got Pub subs and ate them in the parking lot right before we went in.There is a bar called the Watering Hole, BTW, and the drink stations throughout the park have water, soft drinks and beer. Some have malt beverages and premixed cocktails. I think their 5pm and later special events probably are very nice from the bar overlooking the water.There is a lot of shade and places to sit. Still, I imaging it gets hot on some days. The water stations were down for cleaning so we had to buy water at $5 a bottle. Pro tip: Bring lots. When we did get free water it tasted like well water, not the greatest.

We decided to take the kids to the Jacksonville Zoo Light Show, because nothing screams holiday cheer like animals staring at you under the glow of twinkling lights. We even splurged on early entry tickets to maximize the fun--or so we thought.Now, we've been to this zoo more times than we can count because our daughter practically considers the animals her extended family. But this visit felt more like touring a construction site with bonus giraffes. So many areas were closed off that we started to wonder if they were secretly building a Jurassic Park.Here's where things got a little wild (and not in a fun, "look at the monkeys" kind of way): that early entry fee didn't cover any of the classics. No train rides, no carousel spins, and no feeding the giraffes. That's right, folks--extra money for... walking. Had I known, I would've skipped the VIP stroll and just power-walked my way to the light show with a little more cash in my pocket.Speaking of the light show, it was... fine. Not exactly "wow, this is magical" fine, but more like "ooh, pretty lights and hey, live performers!" fine. The kids had a great time, though, which is what really matters (and probably why parents always get duped into these things).In conclusion: the lights were decent, the live performances were cool, and the construction was... unavoidable. Next time, I'm saving my money and sticking to regular tickets unless they promise a giraffe-fed-by-me experience. Lesson learned!

Wow, what a wonderful day. Our tickets were purchased online and we got the extra upgrade to do the train although we didn't do it but definitely enjoyed ourselves throughout the day. They had great decorations, added bonus -- it was a sunny day. A lot of the animals were out as we arrived early in the morning. There was plenty to walk and do as we enjoyed the various snacks and drinks that were available. The gift shop was plentiful and we did enjoy the hot cocoa in the morning as it was pretty chilly when we got arrived. An added bonus was that on the west side of the zoo there was water scenes which gave great pictures we took !Overall experience was that I would recommend if you're in Florida and have time to go to the Jacksonville zoo. You won't regret it.

The first time I have been here was in 2015. I didn't realize that there were so many animals to view. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the entire zoo that day. After that first initial visit I have been going every year. The second time I went it took me about three hours to view the entire zoo and it was well worth it. This place is also children friendly as well. I enjoy visiting this zoo every year because there always some thing to view. I will be going this year again when the weather warms up a little bit. I highly recommend purchasing tickets online to avoid any long lines.

12/21/24 I love our zoo! They have improved it SO MUCH from when we first visited it! A couple times a year they invite local artist to sell at one of their artist's markets! Tonight was the last of three Holiday Markets! What fun seeing all the kids dressed up and the lights!

Customer service is downright non existent here now. I've been a long time member, and tonight was it. Rude, condescending and snarky employees have ruined what used to be good. Don't recommend and not renewing membership due to the rudeness. There's other places in jax that are a better option.

Our zoo is among the top 25 zoos in the country! I think it lives up to this with its vast flora and fauna. There is something for everyone at Jax zoo. From flamingoes to alligators to giraffe to elephants. Our zoo does a great job at showcasing a variety of species without overstepping the lines and having animals who cannot handle our temperatures.The exhibits are well kept and clean, with great viewpoints especially for our giraffe, rhino, elephants and more. Also the tiger exhibit is stunning and you're bound to see one of our beautiful Malayan tigers in plain sight. The Jax zoo has many fun events! My personal favorites are Spooktacular, Brew at the Zoo, and the Illuminights (jaw dropping light display!) They also offer amazing educational events and even programs for your children to get involved in conservation, outreach, leadership, and other fun aspects.There are many aspects about zoos we don't understand or agree with however I can attest being involved with this zoo both personally and professionally, the people here really care and do their best. Additionally, a percentage from your ticket sale go directly to conservation efforts.

Visited the spooktacular event. Great fun with the kids. Saw a few animals, got some candy and made my way through the glow in the dark maze. Definitely somsomething to look forward to every halHalloween

It has been awhile since I've strolled around here and I am so happy to see that they are renovating the zoo. They are making some awesome updates. Always make sure you go early in the morning because that is when the animals are most active. I can't wait to see the new giraffe pavilion. This is definitely not to be missed spot in Jax.

One of the best things to do when visiting Jacksonville Florida. If you have little ones you shouldn't hear " I'm bored ". A lovely experience overall. The giraffes definitely is an experience you won't forget but I was in the bird sanctuary for almost an hour Lovely zoo