If you’re a parent, then you know all about drool and runny noses. But you’ve probably never experienced it like you will with the cute critters at Naples Zoo.
Get ready for an exciting, up-close adventure that will be remembered by both you and your kids for a lifetime as you hand-feed giraffes, watch alligators being fed, take a cruise, and watch fun educational shows.
Don’t forget to book your vacation rental in advance so you have somewhere comfy and convenient to come home to when nap time strikes!
1. Feed the Giraffes
Photo Credit: LightField Studios
By far, the coolest thing at the Zoo is feeding the giraffes. They are right there in your face as you hand them crispy, fresh leaves of romaine lettuce. The kids will love seeing the animals up close and personal and may even get a little frightened as their big, black tongues reach out for the food and drool comes out of their mouths and hits the ground.
Being right there next to the herd of young male giraffes, feeding them and yes, even smelling them will lead to lots of curiosity that you can then harness later at the library with books. This is just one of the many attractions that you’ll enjoy while visiting Naples Zoo.
2. See The Alligator Show
Photo Credit: Nadezda Murmakova
Another great show is when the trainers feed the alligators. At any other zoo, you’re lucky if the alligators open their eyes or mouth, let alone move. Alligators are fun to look at regardless, but at Alligator Bay at Naples Zoo, you get to see these creatures up close and personal.
Visitors also have the opportunity to observe the Florida panther during special tours and family-friendly activities, making it a unique and educational experience.
The trainers get right near the water’s edge with big chunks of food, and the alligators come up and grab it from them. Your heart skips a beat as you see how fast they actually are, and the kids all ooh and ahh.
There are several other shows that are fun to see like the Snake Show and Safari Show, which are educational as they show a wide variety of exotic birds and animals. If you take a bit of time after the show, you can even talk to the trainers. The trainers and staff are extremely nice, polite and anxious to answer questions from young and old alike.
3. Meet Monkeys on a Primate Expedition Cruise
Photo Credit: Danita Delimont
The next thing to enjoy is the Naples Zoo cruise. The roughly 20 minute ride takes you around the island, where you will see many different monkeys. The cruise navigates around created lakes that house primates on islands, enhancing the zoo’s landscape. Next is lunch and playtime. The zoo has a couple of playgrounds for the kids to run and play while you get lunch ready.
There are several picnic areas available, but for those who don’t have time to pack a picnic, The Wynn (the local high-end grocery store) offers affordable and healthy refreshments and lunch items alike.
4. Go Wild in the Animal Exhibits
Photo Credit: Yuda Purwa
Julius Fleischmann introduced parrots and other new animal species during the 1950s as part of the zoo’s transformation into Caribbean Gardens. There is only glass that separates you from the animals (cheetahs or leopards & black bears).
That adds to the excitement a bit especially if one of the big cats comes up close to the glass like in the brochure photo. There is also an area for feeding fish (large colorful Japanese Koi) and turtles, which was thoroughly enjoyable.
5. Explore The Gardens
Photo Credit: SunflowerMomma
Finally, walking through the gardens and having close encounters with ducks and butterflies as you walk along the trail loop are all part of the fun.
The first plantings by botanist Henry Nehrling in 1919 laid the foundation for what would become the Naples Zoo. In the 1950s, Julius Fleischmann enhanced the garden’s landscape with new plantings, lakes, and pathways. Your heart will be happy with fond memories as you remember all the fun, joy, and excitement you had at the quaint but impressive Naples Zoo in Florida.
Planning Your Visit To Naples Zoo
How Much Time Do I Need?
Planning a visit to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a breeze! Our zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM. We recommend setting aside at least 2-3 hours to fully explore our beautiful historic botanical garden and meet all of our exotic animals.
Don’t forget to check our website for any special events or closures before you come. During your visit, you can enjoy a meal at our café, pick up a souvenir at the gift shop, or relax in one of our picnic areas. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a full day of fun, the zoo at Caribbean Gardens offers a delightful escape into nature.
Are There Kid’s Programs & Activities?
At Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, we believe in making learning fun for kids of all ages. Our Safari Squad programs, designed for children ages 3-5, offer a delightful mix of short lessons, arts and crafts, storybook readings, and play stations. It’s a fantastic way for the little ones to engage with nature and animals in a hands-on environment.
Older kids will love our Meet the Keeper talks, where they can interact with our knowledgeable zoo staff and get up close with the animals. And don’t miss the Primate Expedition Cruise, a unique adventure that lets kids see our primates in their island habitats.
Of course, no visit is complete without the unforgettable experience of hand-feeding our friendly giraffes. At the zoo at Caribbean Gardens, every day is an adventure waiting to happen!
Are There Special Events & Programs?
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is more than just a zoo; it’s a hub of exciting events and programs throughout the year. Our annual Zoo Lights event transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland, perfect for creating magical holiday memories.
For those interested in learning more about wildlife conservation, our Conservation Lecture Series offers fascinating insights from experts in the field. We also provide behind-the-scenes tours and special animal encounters that offer a deeper look into the lives of our residents.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new and exciting happening at the zoo. Be sure to check our website regularly for the latest updates on upcoming events and programs.
How Can I Supporting The Zoo’s Mission
Naples Zoo is dedicated to providing an enriching experience for visitors while promoting conservation and protecting wildlife. By supporting the zoo, you’re contributing to vital conservation efforts both locally and globally. Consider becoming a member, making a donation, or volunteering your time to help the zoo’s team continue its mission.
Supporting conservation efforts helps ensure the long-term survival of our planet’s precious wildlife and makes a positive impact on the environment. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for all living creatures. Join us in our mission and be a part of something truly special.
Visiting Naples? Find Your Perfect Home Away From Home!
Naples is a dream destination for families, with kid-friendly nature activities, family-friendly eateries, and beaches that your entire group will love. With so much to do on offer, why not stay a while?
Naples Florida Vacation Homes offers the perfect “home base” for day trips. Choose from daily, weekly, or monthly vacation home rentals — simply select the dates that fit your schedule. Naples Florida Vacation Homes properties provide plenty of space for families with our houses offering 5+ bedrooms. Enjoy!
