Sunset at the Zoo

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to more than 300 animals, representing over 100 species. It's a wild destination just a short drive from downtown Orlando in Sanford, Florida.

There are always affordable ways to experience the zoo, too! We've rounded up our favorite Central Florida Zoo discounts.

Cheap things to do in Orlando: image of a woman feeding at giraffe at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford, Florida

To keep up with the latest news on deals, discounts, and free events in Central Florida, sign up for the Orlando on the Cheap newsletter, and follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

You might also be interested in:

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO DISCOUNTS

This zoo near Orlando is the leader in conservation, providing experiences that excite and inspire children as well as adults to learn and act on behalf of wildlife.

Central Florida Zoo discounts: image of otter swimming in water at the zoo in Sanford, Florida

Save up to $5 on Central Florida Zoo tickets
You can save $5 per ticket when you purchase in advance and online. Use their Quick Scan entrance when you arrive. 

Photo: Central Florida Zoo Sunset at the Zoo

Sunset at the Zoo
Every fourth Friday from May to September:

  • The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. and comes alive with all sorts of fun until the sun goes down. Family Sunset features music at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, inflatable games, and of course, some of your favorite animals along the shaded boardwalks.
  • Tickets are $6 per person when purchased online and $8 per person when purchased on-site.
  • You can also bundle and save with the Family 4-Pack for $46, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, and four regular fountain drinks to fuel the whole family for fun. This pack is available only online.
  • The event is separate from daytime admission and is not included for Annual Passholders.
  • Sunset at the Zoo 2026 features information about different cultures. 

Here is the schedule for Sunset at the Zoo in 2026:

  • May 22: Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage.
  • June 26: LGBT!+ Pride.
  • July 24: Black and African American heritage.
  • August 28: Native American and Alaska native heritage
  • September 25: Hispanic heritage.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: image of a resident otter

MORE ABOUT THE CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO

The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford features North American river otters, giraffes, greater one-horned Indian rhinoceros, Florida black bears, cougar, and Amur leopard. Although the animals are the main event, there's plenty to do at the Zoo.

  • Splash ground: included with your admission. Kids can cool off in a tropical splash zone while you relax in the shade. There's a nice playground in the middle of the Zoo too.
  • Seminole Ariel Adventures: challenge yourself to a variety of obstacles through the trees and zip lines.

Central Florida Zoo Orlando: image of two cheetahs

Central Florida Zoo admission (non-peak/peak season in 2026)

These are the prices at the gate. If you buy your tickets online, you can save up to $5 per ticket.

  • Adults: $26.95/$28.95
  • Children (3-12): $18.95/$19.95
  • Seniors (55 and older): $22.95/$24.95
  • Children under the age of 3 are FREE.
  • Parking is FREE.

Zoo Annual Passes
The Zoo offers a variety of annual pass options that include unlimited Zoo admission for a year with the exception of select blackout dates. A pass is always a good idea if you plan to visit a few times a year.

Annual Pass Benefits

  • Discounts for select education programs and camps, birthday parties, and purchases at the Zoofari Outpost Gift Shop.
  • Bring guests along for a special admission price of $10 on weekdays and $13 on weekends.
  • Discounted admission to over 150 institutions that participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Reciprocal Program.

Central Florida Zoo discounts: image of giraffe at the zoo in Sanford, Florida

Central Florida Zoo hours

  • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).
  • The Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground is open daily, weather permitting.

You might also be interested in discounted tickets to:

MORE FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO
Cheap things for kids to do in Orlando
Top 10 free things to do in Orlando
Free & cheap things to do this weekend in Orlando
Best free & cheap things to do in Orlando

 

 

Sunset at the Zoo
When
Monthly on the 4th Friday @ 5:00 pm-8:00 pm (May 22, 2026 - September 25, 2026)
Cost
Discounted
What
Sunset at the Zoo
Where
Central Florida Zoo