Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park

The Basics

Wild Florida offers a variety of options to visitors who want to explore this wilderness refuge. You can choose an easy walk on raised walkways through the zoo-like environment as you observe exotic animals from Africa, Australia, and South America, in addition to animals native to Florida, in animal habitats. Or you can opt for an airboat tour that gives you an up-close view of these animals as you careen through the swamp ecosystem.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Get more by upgrading to a combination ticket that includes an airboat ride or a behind-the-scenes tour for just a little more than the standard admission price.

• Animal-encounter tickets with alligators, porcupines, sloths, and ring-tailed lemurs are available for an additional fee.

• Wild Florida has an on-site restaurant, as well as a gift shop.

• Visitors are welcome to bring food and drink to enjoy on the premises.

• Consider taking a night airboat tour, when you are more likely to see active gators and get a unique visitor experience.

How to Get There

Wild Florida is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Road in Kenansville, Florida, about 63 miles (39 kilometers) southeast of Orlando. From Orlando, take Florida’s Turnpike south for 20 miles (12.4 kilometers), exiting at Kissimmee Park Road. Turn right on Old Canoe Creek Road, and follow that for 8 miles (5 kilometers) to Lake Cypress Road. On-site parking is free.

When to Get There

The park is open Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Florida doesn’t experience an off-season when it comes to airboats and swamps, but consider which types of animals you are most interested in seeing to guide your decision on when to visit. In the dry season (December to April), you’re likely to see a variety of birds that have migrated south, while in the wet season (mid-May through November), you might be more likely to spot alligators mating, nesting, and hatching.

Dine with Sloths

Wild Florida offers a variety of really interesting animal-interaction options, including the opportunity to feed alligators, and several activities involving the park’s two-toed sloths, including Paint Nights with Sloths, sloth encounters, and even having lunch with a sloth! You’ll learn all about these animals and the park’s conservation efforts.

Ways to explore

Wild Florida Adventure Park, located on Lake Cypress, offers a variety of packages and activities for visitors who want to make the most of the wilderness refuge. You can choose an easy walk through the zoo-like environment, or upgrade for a safari drive to observe animals native to Africa, Australia, South America, and, of course, Florida. Alternatively, you can opt for an airboat tour that gives you an up-close view of these animals as you careen through the swamp ecosystem.

Accessibility

Many, but not all, park areas and activities are accessible to wheelchair users; consult Wild Florida’s website for additional guidance.

Age limits

Some activities at the park may have age restrictions.

What to pack

Camera, sun protection, bug spray

What to wear

Wear loose, breathable clothes and comfortable walking shoes—it can get very hot and humid.

Not allowed

Smoking and vaping, touching or feeding animals

Amenities

Restaurant, gift shops

Address 

Wild Florida Adventure Park is on Lake Cypress in Kenansville, Florida, just south of Orlando. In lieu of public transit options, drive yourself or book a taxi, rideshare, or other private transfer service.

Driving

Wild Florida Adventure Park is roughly 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Orlando; it takes close to one hour to make the trip. Drive there via I-4 Express and Florida’s Turnpike (SR 91).

Public transportation

There are no direct public transit routes from Orlando to Wild Florida Adventure Park; use taxi or private-hire car services if you don’t have your own wheels.

Best times to visit

Wild Florida Adventure Park is open from midmorning until early evening. Arrive early to maximize your time and beat the afternoon heat.

Best days to visit

The nature park is open every day except Sunday. As a general rule, weekdays are likely to be quieter than weekends.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid the summer months, which can be very hot, humid, and crowded. Aim for spring instead.

Special events

Wild Florida Adventure Park hosts a range of animal encounters and other activities, plus events for the winter holidays.