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The Best Wildlife Attractions, Zoos & Parks in Tampa Bay

  • May 24, 2024
  • | 11:02 AM

Tampa Bay is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a variety of top-rated wildlife centers and parks. Whether you’re passionate about sea animals or enjoy bird watching, Tampa Bay’s wildlife attractions provide exceptional viewing and interactive experiences – a great way to keep your weekend activities fresh! We’ve done our research on the best wildlife attractions, parks and zoos in Tampa Bay, so that you don’t have to.

 

Check out our master guide on wildlife attractions in Tampa Bay for our tips and recommendations.

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park 🦁

Previously known as Lowry Park Zoo, Zoo Tampa has been serving the Tampa Bay area for years. With 63 acres of animals, fields, sanctuary areas, and rides – this place has it all. These animals are well taken care of, as Zoo Tampa has been recognized by the State of Florida as the center for Florida’s efforts of wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

We’ll let you in on a local favorite – the annual passes! You can spend as many days as you please at Zoo Tampa with an annual pass. Plus, tons of other perks.  Plan a day, grab some food, and view interesting exhibits – we never get tired of it. We highly recommend this spot if you have little ones, or planning to bring the whole family for a day out.

📍 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33604

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 🎢🦘

At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, wildlife meets a thrilling theme park! Known for its innovative roller coaster rides, this park is also well known for its dedication to animal research and conservation.For any animal lovin’ adrenaline junkies out there, this is the place for you, purchase the annual pass and make many trips.

Busch Gardens features 335 acres of African-themed animal attractions and rides. Here you can catch a glimpse of rhinos, sloths, lions, elephants, and so much more! We love their viewing areas and their interaction centers – especially their spot-to-hand-feed kangaroos. For couples, we love the private safari options, too!

📍 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa, FL 33612

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Watch UNATION ride the Iron Gwazi roller coaster😱😍

Clearwater Marine Aquarium 🐬 🐠

Planning a beach day in Clearwater? Don’t miss the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a top marine animal attraction in Tampa Bay. This non-profit is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of marine life, offering unique exhibits where you can witness these efforts firsthand.

Ideal for a family outing or a memorable date night, the aquarium also features the “Remembering Winter” experience—a 360 VR musical tribute to Winter the Dolphin, the star of the movie “Dolphin Tale,” who passed away in 2021. Explore this and many other engaging marine wildlife attractions at the CMA!

📍 249 Windward Passage Clearwater, FL 33767

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The Florida Aquarium 🦈🦦

Located in the heart of Channelside and Downtown Tampa, the Florida Aquarium is a must-visit 250,000-square-foot marvel. This non-profit showcases a variety of interactive exhibits that are a hit with visitors. Don’t miss the unique marine life exhibits, including the black light-lit seahorse tanks and the entertaining lemur jungle gym.

Our favorite things to do at the Florida Aquarium are touching stingrays, diving with sharks, or cooling off at the Water Fun Zone. This family-friendly area features a shallow water playground with spouts and fountains, perfect for kids. Dive into the wonders of one of the top Tampa wildlife parks!

📍 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

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Croc Encounters 🐊🐊

Croc Encounters is a must-visit for reptile lovers in Tampa Bay. Florida is renowned for its alligators and American crocodiles, and there’s no better place to see them than Croc Encounters! This favorite Tampa spot lets you dive deep into the world of reptiles with guided tours, educational talks, and hands-on experiences. Enjoy exploring at your own pace with their self-guided tours available every Saturday.

Planning a special event? Croc Encounters offers unique birthday party packages that are sure to thrill any wildlife enthusiast. Friends or fam visiting from out of town? Show them a snapping good time at this top Tampa wildlife park, You’re in for an unforgettable day with family and friends.

📍 8703 Bowles Rd., Tampa, FL 33637

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HorsePower for Kids 🐴❤️

HorsePower is a hidden gem near Oldsmar. This non-profit location offers interactions with horses, shetland ponies, goats, guinea pigs, and more! The most popular attraction at HorsePower has to be the horseback riding experience – great for beginners or people that just want to have a great experience with the horses.

This is the perfect Tampa wildlife park for young kiddos! With a child-size zip line, playground, and picnic area – your child is sure to have an amazing time. Consider having your child’s next birthday party at HorsePower.

📍 8005 Racetrack Rd., Tampa, FL 33635

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Alligator and Wildlife Discovery 🐍🐊

Nestled in the Madeira Beach area, the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center offers hands-on animal experiences that bring you up close and personal with Florida’s native wildlife. This local gem showcases a variety of creatures including alligators, amphibians, reptiles, and some marine life.

We’re particularly fond of the tortoise exhibit, where you can interact closely with these gentle giants! Don’t miss out on the center’s one-of-a-kind “Kiss A Gator” experience—it’s a fun and safe way to get a peck from a gator, something you definitely shouldn’t try at home!  🤣

📍 Temporary Home: 14805 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708

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Suncoast Primate Sanctuary 🐒🐵

Swing by the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary Foundation in Palm Harbor, a cherished Tampa wildlife destination. As a non-profit, this sanctuary cares for over 100 animals, specializing in monkeys and orangutans. You’ll discover a variety of animals here, including chimpanzees, reptiles, and tropical birds. The Sanctuary provides a haven for animals retired from personal ownership, testing labs, or the entertainment industry.

Feeding the primates is a highlight – we definitely recommend it! Suncoast focuses purely on animal welfare, opting out of souvenirs and theatrical extras. Pre-visit tip: pack some snacks, as there are no food concessions at the park

📍 4600 US-19 ALT, Palm Harbor, FL 34683

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Swim in the RumFish Grill Tank 🐟🐡

Dive into the “Swim With The Fish” experience at RumFish Grill! It isn’t just a fantastic restaurant; RumFish Grill also offers an exhilarating “Swim With The Fish” snorkeling adventure. Plunge into their 33,500-gallon tank teeming with tarpon, snook, sharks, and a green moray eel!

This unique experience is open to swimmers aged 8 and up, with all necessary gear provided. Safety is a priority with trained lifeguards on duty, ensuring a worry-free adventure. We highly recommend this experience! Cap off your swim with a delightful meal at RumFish Grill for the perfect date night.

📍6000 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, FL 33706

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The Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium 🦞🐙

Mote Aquarium in Sarasota is a non-profit animal attraction dedicated to marine research and educating the Sarasota area about marine life. The Mote Aquarium offers tons of experiences you can’t miss out on. From breakfast with sharks, kayaking, family programs, and even boat tours.

We love their up-close exhibits, one of our favorites is Shark Zone, a beautiful display of bonnethead sharks and stingrays. You can also view the goliath grouper – a larger-than-life grouper species! After visiting the MOTE, grab a bite at one of the restaurants in St. Armands Circle (you can’t go wrong with any of the options here).

📍1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

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Seaside Seabird Sanctuary 🦜🦉

Discover Seaside Seabird Sanctuary! A unique Tampa Bay wildlife attraction – home to over 100 birds, including Eastern Brown Pelicans, American White Pelicans, and Hawks, the sanctuary offers a distinct focus on avian care. This dedicated wild bird rescue cares for sick and injured seabirds and doubles as a picturesque tourist spot with 3 acres of beachfront property.

We’re captivated by its unique approach to wildlife rescue and the educational opportunities it provides. Visit their website to learn about special events and youth activities offered at the sanctuary!

📍18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785

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Cats & Caffeine Café & Lounge 🐈😻☕

A cat lovers paradise! Book a visit to Tampa’s first cat café & lounge! A unique café where you can relax with a room full of adorable, adoptable cats and kittens. Enjoy your coffee and a sweet treat while making new furry friends! Dedicated to rescuing homeless cats, they offer more than just a haven for these animals; they provide a delightful experience for our visitors too.

Friendly kitties are ready to cuddle, play, and even pose for photos with you. Go  in for a coffee, leave with a new friend—or just some great memories. We love the special events they host throughout the month such as cat yoga, guided painting, & movie night.

📍 4033 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629

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Tampa wildlife and beyond 🦁🦓

Chicken Yoga with Ybor Misfits 🧘🐥

You've heard of goat yoga, but what about Chicken Yoga?

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Sit. Stay. Down Dog Yoga 🧘🐶

Yoga events enriched by the presence of adoptable puppies at the Dog Bar

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Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari 🚘🐘

Ride, walk or drive-through the adventure of your choice!

Discounted tickets

Everglades Airboat Tour and Drive-Th

Explore 170-acre park full of wild animals!

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Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour 🏊😍

Get up close and personal with amazing marine life!

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Volunteer w/ the Humane Society 🐕🦮

Do you have 2 hours during the week to donate? Become a Canine Companion (Dog Walker)!

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Your Tampa Bay wildlife adventure awaits.... 🦚😁

Excited about exploring these different Tampa Bay wildlife parks and zoos? Let us know your favorite! Tag and follow us @StuffToDoInTampaBay on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for the best Tampa Bay has to offer. Check out our weekend guide and discover more things to do in Tampa Bay.

Curated by

Caitlyn Lincoln

Caitlyn Lincoln | Visit Profile >

St. Pete native w/ a theatre & writing background. 10+ yrs in Event Production & Design. Now, event curator for TB UNATION. Let's do it IRL❤

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