For a different kind of outdoor adventure with your family, explore the wild side with animal attractions in Jacksonville.

If you are visiting Jacksonville for a weeklong vacation with family, you might want to check out the selection of animal attractions the city has to offer. Watch manatees, dolphins, and a variety of wild bird species as you explore the outdoors during your stay in Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

When animals truly fascinate you and your family, you should not miss out on The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The educational and interactive exhibits will keep everyone entertained and learn about exotic animals and plants.

You should check out the popular “Range of the Jaguar” exhibit as well as “The Land of the Tiger”, and the Giraffe Overlook. If you want the chance to hand-feed the giraffes, this is your chance. The latest addition is The African Forest exhibit which features a 40-foot tropical tree where you can enjoy great views of the magnificent apes.

For children, they will surely enjoy the 4,000 square foot Splash Ground space and the Discovery Center which showcases a treehouse, mazes, a penguin tunnel, and a wide selection of interactive activities. There are also seasonal events such as ZOOLights during the Holidays, Night at the Zoo events during summer, and Spooktacular during Halloween.

MOSH

The Museum of Science and History is a recommended spot when it comes to animal attractions. It offers interactive animal encounters at the Florida Naturalist’s Center. You will get to see local wildlife such as turtles, snakes, owls, opossums, and other exotic animals.

Catty Shack Ranch

When big cats are your thing, the Catty Shack Ranch is a local wildlife sanctuary that serves as the forever home to several endangered big cat species such as tigers, lions, cougars, and leopards.

Some of these cats were rescued from private homes and circuses so that they will get a second chance at a comfortable life.

Once you decide to visit the ranch, you will enjoy hours of educational entertainment ideal for the entire family. You should try out the nighttime feeding tour when most of the nocturnal animals are out and exploring.

Tree Hill Nature Center

The Tree Hill Nature Center boasts around 50 acres of natural space in the heart of Jacksonville where you get the chance to connect with the local wildlife. You can enjoy the guided trail tours, nature walks, live animal displays, a natural history museum, animal encounters programs, and a butterfly house.

Celestial Farms

The best part about this local sanctuary is that is rescues farm animals. These animals are rehabilitated and given a loving temporary home before adopting them out to their forever homes.

As a way to support this effort, the farm offers animal encounters and tours ideal for the entire family where they can learn about animal care, farming, and gardening. There are also monthly events open to the public where you can interact with the animals.

Diamond D Ranch

As one of the animal attractions in Jacksonville, you should drop by at this local, family-owned cattle and horse ranch.

As one of the activities in the ranch, you can go on guided horseback trail rides as well as a petting zoo and ponies for the children to enjoy. You can stay an hour, half a day, or even 2 days for the trail trips for groups or individuals.

Final thoughts

During your stay in Jacksonville will be even more enjoyable by checking out the selection of animal attractions it has to offer. If you want an educational experience that the entire family will enjoy, why not drop by at one of these highly recommended spots. The animal encounters will make your stay in Jacksonville memorable while learning something at the same time.