Gatorland®, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” knows how to treat families right. Not only are there animals, shows, and educational wildlife programs for everyone, but also fun, customized activities for various age groups and areas of interest, too.
The park is offering a new Capybara Encounter with Jerri, Mochi and Boba, the park’s resident Capybaras, who live it up on Flamingo Island while swimming, laying on their own beach and enjoying the company of waterfowl, turtles and flamingos. The Capybara Encounter takes guests to Flamingo Island with a guide to visit
Ben and Jerry and observe them up close, Friday through Monday in the afternoon. Guests looking to take part, should check times at the Petting Zoo. Cost is $10 per person, weather permitting and based on availability.
Fun for the whole family are the alligator breeding marsh with observation tower, a wild bird nesting area, nature walk, and the world’s largest collection of rare white “leucistic” alligators in the White Gator Swamp, plus the park’s signature shows such as Up-close Encounters and Legends of the Swamp and Gator Jumparoo.
Young children love Gatorland’s petting zoo, a free-flight aviary with the opportunity to feed the birds, train ride all around the park, and the Gator Gully Splash Park with sprinklers and water features for those hot days.
Adventure seekers will enjoy the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line with over 1,200 feet of high-flying thrills, five intense zip lines, and a massive 150-foot suspension bridge. At heights up to 56 feet, guests will fly at speeds near 30 miles per hour. Zipline tickets include full-day admission to the park. Reservations are required for this very popular attraction.
Another great outdoor adventure for the whole family is the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure which takes guests in monster-style off-road vehicles alongside the swamps that feed the headwaters of the Everglades. Riders experience Florida’s natural beauty as they venture through several different ecosystems and over hills, mud puddles, into a real alligator graveyard, and through a pond full of alligators. The fun-filled ride is full of singing tour guides, and swampy adventure.
Gatorland also offers many customized a la carte experiences to choose from, including the After Hours Gator Night Shine taking guests through the sights and sounds of the alligator breeding marsh at night, Trainer For A Day for a glimpse on what it takes to be able to work with alligators and reptiles with a grand finale of working with a Gatorland trainer and Adventure Hour, a unique opportunity to feed alligators inside the alligator breeding marsh with a rare photo opportunity. Each separately ticketed experience can be purchased and reserved online.
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Named Best Non-Theme Park Attraction by the readers of Orlando Magazine in the Best of ORL 2020 Reader Poll and the winner of four awards in Orlando Weekly’s Best of Orlando® 2020 Reader Poll, including Best Place To Show People the Real Orlando, Best Local Big Shot Who’s Not An Elected Official – Gatorland’s Savannah Boan, Best Attraction That’s Not A Theme Park, and Best Zip Line or Ropes Course, Gatorland’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. Orlando Weekly Staff Pick also named Gatorland as Best New Theme Park Attraction this year for its Social Distancing Skunk Ape.
Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2019. Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant, and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters. Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.