The Gulf Breeze Zoo is one of our favorite family outings near Pensacola Beach.
It’s close enough for an easy morning adventure and interactive enough to keep kids (and adults!) entertained for hours.
One of the biggest highlights is feeding the animals. You can hand-feed giraffes and camels, visit the goats, and step inside the budgie aviary. Pro tip: bring a little lettuce into the aviary. The budgies absolutely love it and will start landing all over you. One minute you’re a regular parent on vacation, and the next you’re Ace Ventura with birds perched on your arms, shoulders, and head. It’s adorable and makes for the best photos.
The zoo also offers special animal encounters, including sloths, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, and alligators for those wanting an extra memorable experience.
Don’t miss the Safari Express Train, which is included with admission and runs every hour on the hour from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It’s a fun way to see some of the zoo’s larger animals while giving your feet a little break.
The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:00 PM.
Admission is still one of the best values around:
- Adults: $29.95
- Seniors: $27.95
- Children (ages 2–12): $22.95
- Under 2: Free
If you’re local or visit often, an annual membership is worth looking into. Military and law enforcement discounts are also available with valid ID.
And because Florida likes to remind us who’s in charge, don’t forget your refillable water bottle. The zoo allows outside water bottles, which makes staying hydrated easy while you explore.
If your kids love animals, this is one outing that’s almost guaranteed to be a hit.