POSTPONED: 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

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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 $2 on Central Florida Zoo tickets
You can save $2 per ticket when you purchase in advance and online. Use their Quick Scan entrance when you arrive.

Central Florida Zoo discounts: image of zoo keepers hold a snake

Kids get in free this summer (extended through September)

Through September 30, 2024, kids 12 and younger get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket. You can get this offer only at the gate, not online. It can’t be combined with any other deal or discount, including 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 $44, which includes four tickets, four hot dogs, and four regular fountain drinks to fuel the whole family for fun.
The event is separate from daytime admission and is not included for Annual Passholders.
Sunset at the Zoo 2024 features information about different cultures. Upcoming themes are Black & African American Heritage on July 26, Native American & Alaska Native Heritage on August 23, and Hispanic Heritage ~~on September 27~~. Because of expected bad weather, this event has been postponed to October 10.

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 2024)

Adults: $23.95/$25.95
Children (3-12): $17.95/$19.95
Seniors (55 and older): $19.95/$21.95
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