10 Ways to Explore the Palm Beach Zoo in  West Palm Beach, Florida

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This past summer, we visited family who live in Delray Beach, Florida and finally got the chance to visit one of their favorite spots: the Palm Beach Zoo.  The 23 acre zoo and conservation society, located in West Palm Beach, is one of the most popular attractions in the area and one spot the whole family will enjoy! The zoo includes an area dedicated to animals native to Central and South America, a lorikeet feeding area, playgrounds, splash pad, a carousel, and tons of viewing areas to see some of the over 450 animals who call the zoo home. There are also daily Zoo Labs, guided tours, and special programs.

Travel Tips:

  • The zoo is open 363 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 9am to 5pm. Information on admission hours and rates here.
  • The zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums– check here to see if your membership to your local zoo offers reciprocity rights.
  • There are plenty of restroom facilities, water stations, and even changing rooms are offered throughout the zoo.
    Definitely bring the stroller for the toddler crew (and to hold snacks and drinks). The zoo also offers safari wagon and wheelchair rentals- info here.
  • There are plenty of picnic tables and benches strategically placed throughout the zoo to rest warry feet, and a majority of the zoo exhibits and paths are shaded by trees.
  • There is plenty of free parking in front of the main zoo entrance, with an overflow lot across the street.
  • Dining options include Latitude 26 with indoor and outdoor dining, and various kiosks for quick service. See the menu and even order online here. There is also the Amazon Marketplace and Wild Things Shop for plenty of souvenirs and incidentals. 
  • Check the daily calendar for special events, programs, and animal feedings and encounters.
  • Plan on 90-120 minutes to see all the exhibits and take in an animal encounter or feeding. 
  • Before you go, print out this Field Guide for kids to complete (a super engaging way to learn about the animal). Check here for a full zoo map.

Activities Little Kids Will Love:

  1. Splash in the Play Fountain, with tons of water features (and plenty of dry spaces for adults to supervise).
  2. Climb, crawl, and swing through the obstacles in the Nature Play Pavillion.
  3. Ride a hummingbird, jaguar, or sea dragons on board the Wild Carousel. **additional fee applies
  4. Compare the size of paw prints to the size of your hand prints.
  5. Feed the lorikeets nectar in the Lorikeets Loft. There’s a good chance the birds will land on your shoulder (or even head!) and if you purchase nectar (a nominal fee), the birds will surely come right over.

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Activities Older Kids Will Love:

  1. Feed the Aldabra Tortoises.
  2. Make faces at the Capuchin monkeys.
  3. Compare how high you can jump to how high a panther can jump (hint: it’s over 20 feet!).
  4. Learn where tigers live throughout the world.
  5. Track the often hiding and quickly moving cougars, jaguars, tigers, deer, and leopards.

Looking for more fun throughout Palm Beach County? Check out our full City Guide to Palm Beach County and dedicated posts to Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, Green Cay Nature Center, Sandoway Discovery Center, and Loxahatachee National Wildlife Refuge, and Butterfly World. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Disclaimer: My family was given a media pass to explore the zoo. All opinions expressed are my own.

New England based, part high school English teacher, part non profit founder, part road tripper who LOVES hopping in the family SUV to explore America. Our bucket list includes National Parks, MLB stadiums, presidential libraries, and eating wherever the locals eat!

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10 Comments

  1. Never knew a zoo was there! Been visiting friend in West Palm for years and this was never mentioned. Your coverage and pics entice a visit next trip. Thanks, Jenn!

    Reply

  2. I love this blog. I can’t wait to visit with my grandchildren net time I am in Florida. Also I love to seeing the picture of you family- so beautiful.

    Reply

  4. Oh how fun! It looks like there’s a ton of activities for the whole family here. My brother and his wife would especially love to visit here – I’ll have to share with them 😊. Xx Sara

    Reply

  5. Looks like such a beautiful Zoo. And, I really like that they ask people to take a photo of the map to help save the trees, such a good idea. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

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