We always like to find places that are a bit off the beaten path, and Wild Florida is no exception. It’s a great place to get outside and experience some of Florida’s natural beauty and wildlife. There are a few different experiences you can have, so it’s really easy to make a visit to Wild Florida last an entire day. Check out why we think this is such a hidden gem.

What is Wild Florida?

Wild Florida is a really unique spot where you can see native and exotic animals and also experience some of Florida’s natural beauty. There are a few different experiences you can have during your day: ride an airboat, visit the Drive-Thru Safari Park, see animals up close at the Alligator Park, or experience one of the Animal Encounters. Their packages are pretty customizable, so you can really pick and choose exactly what you want to do.

Riding an Airboat

There’s something so unique about getting out on an airboat. It feels completely different than any other mode of transportation as you glide over the water. Plus, it allows you to see some of Florida’s natural beauty and native wildlife.

The airboats are all U.S. Coast Guard certified and the captains are really experienced and know exactly where to go to see some wildlife. Life jackets and ear protection are provided, but we suggest also bringing some sunglasses not only for the sun, but to help prevent watery eyes from the wind.

We did our first airboat tour during the winter and we highly recommend going during this time. The summer may be too hot to really see a lot of wildlife, plus the daily afternoon thunderstorms could potentially cause your trip to be delayed or canceled. Pro tip: If you come during the colder months, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt to protect you from the wind of the boat ride. 

Drive-Thru Safari Park

The Drive-Thru Safari Park is one of the newer additions to Wild Florida. It really was a bright spot during COVID-19 as it provided families a fun, safe, contactless activity. The concept is pretty straightforward: you drive your own car through the park where more than 100 native and exotic animals roam freely. 

The path is about two miles long and takes about 30-45 minutes to drive. Keep in mind, if there is an animal in the middle of the road you will have to stop until it moves on. One of our favorite aspects of the Drive-Thru Safari Park was the fact that you can re-enter and drive around as many times as you want. This worked out really well for us because our second drive-thru coincided with feeding so we were able to see a ton of animals and they were pretty active.

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The Drive-Thru Safari Park can be especially popular on the weekends, so we suggest getting your tickets in advance in case it sells out. Also, plan on getting there early because there will be a line of cars waiting to get in. We arrived a little before 10:30 a.m. and waited about 30 minutes in line to get in. With all of this being said, make sure you have gas in your car.

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The Drive-Thru Safari Park’s price is a little on the high side, and even though you’re all in the same car, they charge by the person. But on the bright side, it comes with admission to the Alligator Park, so the two-for-one pricing takes the sting out a little.

Alligator Park

The Alligator Park is home to nearly 200 different species of native and exotic animals. It really reminds us of Gatorland in its set up. There are some different shows throughout the day so you can check out an alligator feeding or see some exotic creatures up close. It’s really a casual, walk-through experience with some surprisingly fun animals. 

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Animal Encounters

 If you want to get a bit more up close and personal with the animals, book an animal encounter. Wild Florida has encounters with sloths, alligators, porcupines, and lemurs. You’ll get an opportunity to help the keepers with a feeding and enrichment activity. Plus, it’s a great way to get some unique selfies!

Dining

The Chomp House Grill is home to Wild Florida’s only on-site restaurant. There’s everything from barbecue to burgers to ice cream. Wild Florida has a really nice covered area with picnic tables, so it’s a place you can enjoy a home-packed lunch as well. The gift shop also has snacks and drinks if you’re not looking for a full-on meal.

Tips and Tricks

Getting There

Wild Florida is a bit of a drive from the theme parks, so plan on at least a 45 minute to hour-long drive. Uber and Lyft is an option to get there, just be sure you try and set something up with your driver for your return trip. Also, you’ll likely have to get on the Florida Turnpike and maybe a toll road, so make sure you have a SunPass or change for the tolls.

When to Arrive

If you plan on visiting the Drive-Thru Safari Park, we suggest getting to Wild Florida early. This is even more true if you plan on visiting on a weekend. We visited on a Saturday morning and waited about half an hour to gain entry into the safari. Plus, the earlier you go, the cooler it will be and the better chance you have of seeing the animals more active. Another plus about getting there early is to avoid the possibility of getting stuck in an afternoon storm during the summertime.

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What to Pack

Wild Florida has a section in the Gator Park that has picnic tables underneath a pavilion. This is a great spot to enjoy a homemade picnic lunch. Because so much of the park is outside, if it’s during the hot summer months we recommend bringing a cooler with cold drinks for your return trip home. Sunscreen is a given with any outdoor activity in Florida, and Wild Florida is no exception. If you plan on doing the airboat tour, plan on bringing sunglasses or wearing glasses; otherwise, your eyes are going to get really dry from the wind.

Visit St. Cloud

Since Wild Florida is a bit of a drive for us, we try to explore the area a bit. On the most recent trip, we found the Phyre Brewery in downtown St. Cloud. The 1920’s speakeasy-themed craft breweries is a super cute spot with great beers and a really solid menu fit for the whole family. There are other small breweries and restaurants in the area, so it’s a great opportunity to support local.

The Verdict?

We really enjoy Wild Florida and have frequently suggested it for visiting friends and family. You can’t live in Florida or be a regular visitor without going on an airboat and exploring the swamps! Beyond that, the Drive-Thru Safari Park is a really fun way to get up and close to the animals. The Gator Park is also really fun and there are some unique animals there as well. If you’re looking for a mix between an authentic Florida experience, and a traditional Orlando park, Wild Florida is perfect for the whole family.