Last Updated on December 20, 2023
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a hidden Florida gem you don’t want to miss.
Florida is known for its sunshine, beaches, and endless vacation amenities. And it’s also known for its amusement parks and roadside attractions.
People come from all over the world to visit Florida’s major theme parks. However, well before the arrival of the mega-parks, there were many small, charming, homespun attractions.
These unique roadside attractions featured a wide variety of themes such as water ski shows, reptile farms, circus performances, and rootin’ tootin’ western towns.
Visitors loved Florida’s authentic roadside attractions. Unfortunately, over time, the parks could not compete with the newer, bigger, updated attractions, and most faded away – but not all.
Fortunately, some of the once-popular parks have been acquired by the state such as Weeki Wachee Springs, home to the famous mermaids, and Silver Springs, where glass-bottom boat rides cruise over Florida’s famous springs.
Both have become state parks because of their scenic and natural environments. These parks and many of the others have maintained the best of Old Florida.
Things to Do at Sarasota’s Jungle Gardens
As mentioned, a few of the original roadside attractions have survived. Thankfully, Sarasota’s Jungle Gardens is one of them.
Where is Sarasota Jungle Gardens?
Located about an hour south of Tampa, this old-timey tourist attraction has withstood the test of time. It continues to deliver pure charm with simple, delightful relaxation, and fun for the entire family.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens Address: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234
History of the Gardens
The site, a 10-acre virgin subtropical forest, was transformed into a botanical garden. Visitors experience a jungle of plants, and winding pathways with water features.
The area is populated with colorful birds and exotic animals.
When the park opened in 1939, they charged 10 cents for children and 35 cents for adults.
The park has been running continuously for 75 years.
Animal Encounters
- Feed flamingos. – Flamingo food is $3.50 for each portion.
- Hold a Parrot – $5 per person. They are held at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm in the Bird Interaction/Pose area.
- Alligator Encounters – $10 per person.
- Black and White Ruffed Lemurs–$50 per person. Held at 10:15 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm
- Aldabra Tortoise–$35 per person. Held at 2:00 pm in front of Aldabra Tortoise Exhibit
- Reeve’s Muntjac Deer–$35 per person. Held at 11:45 am in front of the Muntjac’s enclosure (near the petting zoo.)
See a Show
At the gardens, you can choose from three animal-focused shows. These shows are included with admission.
Wildlife Wonder Show
Wildlife Wonder features birds of prey. You’ll meet Cheyenne, the Red-Tailed Hawk, and Francis, the Great Horned Owl.
Well-versed zoo curators share information about the animals, helping us to understand their world and what makes the bird of prey unique. Many of these birds came to the park injured and were rehabilitated at Jungle Gardens.
This experience showcases different animals at each show. There is no clear breakdown as to which animals you will see.
Showtimes are 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Jungle Bird Show
The Bird Show features a stunning display of birds, such as blue-green and red Macaws, green parrots, and white cockatoos.
The performance features a decades-old show of bird tricks that will delight the kids and release the inner child in all of us.
Here you’ll meet Frosty, Andy, Amber, and Pip. Amber is the roller skater, Pip is the daredevil cliffhanger that hangs by his beak, and Andy is the star athlete who slam-dunks a miniature basketball.
Frosty is very special. He is a 78-year-old guest star that arrived at Jungle Gardens in 1972, after achieving superstardom on the popular Ed Sullivan TV variety show. Frosty rides a unicycle while Pip hangs below. After the show kids can hold the birds and pose for photographs.
This show is at 12:00 pm.
Reptile Encounter
The Reptile Show features an introduction to the world of reptiles. Kids and adults learn the difference between alligators and crocodiles and can see both at the park. Guests are even invited to hold a baby alligator (with a securely taped snout).
Touching its cool reptile skin not only connects an individual with what is often a scary animal but he or she learns about its world and habitat. Butterscotch the Burmese Python, (a safe snake) wraps around the trainer as she points out its unique characteristics.
Trainers share tips on exotic pet care and the responsibilities of caring for these reptiles. Many of the park’s reptiles were adopted after owners could not care for them any longer.
This show is at 3:00 pm.
Eat at the Flamingo Cafe or Pack a Picnic
If you visit during lunch, you can sit near the large shaded fountain in the pond and watch bright orange koi swimming lazily by. You are allowed to pack a picnic lunch with you when entering the park or buy something in the gardens.
The Flamingo Café serves lunch, including healthy alternatives such as salad and wraps. If you don’t want to pack your lunch, choosing to eat here is a great option.
Visit the Flamingo Pond
A highlight is the Flamingo Pond where a flock of 30 bright, pink American Flamingos stand along the water’s edge and slowly walk through the shallows. Flamingos were once abundant in Florida, and there are still wild flocks spotted in some places around the state during the winter.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of the best places to see flamingos up close, walk among them, and even feed them. Birdfeed is available for sale and makes an ideal photo opportunity with the kids.
Visit the Butterfly Garden
The butterfly gardens are restocked regularly with a variety of butterflies. It is home to many beautiful species including Monarchs, Malachites, Giant Swallowtails, Palamedes Swallowtails, Spicebush Swallowtails, Julia, Zebra Longwings, White Peacocks, and Giant Fritillaries.
Walk through the butterfly house and see butterflies in every stage of their development. A zoo attendant inside the exhibit is available to answer any questions and make Butterfly food available for sale.
Jungle Playground
Give kids the chance to run off some energy in the Sarasota Jungle Garden. This is a great place for children to spend a bit of time while parents can relax in the shade.
Jungle Gardens is a park that is ideal for small children, especially for a half-day. But it is also a place that will appeal to every generation. The park is low-key and friendly providing a serene respite from a hectic schedule, but with enough to see and do to thoroughly enjoy an authentic Florida day.
Things to do near Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is located just six miles from the jungle gardens. This is a great place to visit to learn more about ocean life and conservation.
This aquarium involves a variety of animals, touch pools, and hands-on exhibits.
Learn more at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Website.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
Ringling Museum of Art
The Ringling Museum of art is a must-visit if you are in the area. You can see a large collection of beautiful works of art.
While in the area, make sure to visit the Ringling Circus Museum on the same property.
Learn more at The Ringling website.
The Ringling Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Siesta Key Beach
Take some time to unplug for a bit and enjoy Siesta Key Beach. The gorgeous white sand beach is the perfect place to relax.
There is a free trolley to get around the island. You can also enjoy a variety of vendors and concession stands while in the area.
Learn more about Siesta Key on the Visit Sarasota website.
Siesta Key Beach Address: 48 Beach Road Sarasota, FL 34242
More Things to do near Sarasota Jungle Gardens
- The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
- Sarasota Classic Car Museum: 5500 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
- Sarasota Opera House: 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Places to eat near Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Guests come to Dry Dock Waterfront Grill for the gorgeous views and stayed for delicious food. Sit alongside the waterfront and enjoy foods such as grouper, mussels, and oysters.
They are most famous for their lobster roll and their fresh crab claws.
Learn more from Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill Address: 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Fork and Hen
Fork and Hen Restaurant takes comfort food to the next level. With items such as fried chicken, mac and cheese, and chicken and waffles, you are sure to find a favorite.
The snapper and fried chicken are their most popular dishes. Make sure to try them when you visit.
Learn more from Fork and Hen.
Fork and Hen Address: 2801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Bacres
If you’ve ever wanted to try authentic Eastern European food, look no further. Bacres is famous for the authenticity of their flavors.
They are most famous for their mushroom soup and their stunning desserts.
Learn more from Bacres.
Bacres Address: 3333 N Tamiami Trail #100, Sarasota, FL 34234
More places to eat near the jungle gardens
- 1592: 1592 Main St Sarasota, FL 34236
- Beso: 30 S Lemon Ave Sarasota, FL 34236
- Owen’s Fish: 516 Burns Ct Ste 7030 Sarasota, FL 34236
More things to do near Sarasota Jungle Gardens.