Central Florida is a magical place, home to many wonderful theme parks and attractions. From the thills of coasters to the exploration of hidden gems, there are so many things to do in Orlando in 2024. And, if you’re looking for activities in Orlando where the whole family can have fun, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford should be on your list of places to visit this year, again and again!
Every year the Sanford Zoo has a WILD list of fun events for kids and families. Keep reading and mark your calendar with one or all of these fun family activities and events in 2024.
Indigo Bluegrass BBQ
On February 10, slither on over to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where the Zoo’s Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) will host the 3rd Annual Indigo Bluegrass BBQ! At this fun family-friendly event, guests will enjoy live bluegrass music, savory BBQ for purchase, live guest presentations from the OCIC, a charity raffle, presentation of native reptiles during the Amazing Reptiles show and other fun activities. Come out for this special event and learn more about the importance of Florida’s native Eastern indigo snakes, discover how you can help and make a difference in Florida’s ecosystem.
Hippity Hop Adventure, presented by Orlando Health
If you’re looking for a fun family activity to celebrate the spring season in Central Florida, hop on over to the Central Florida Zoo. The Zoo’s annual Hippity Hop Adventure, presented by Orlando Health, is perfect for kids of all ages. In addition to all the fun of the Zoo, kids can meet and take pictures with the Easter Bunny, show off their best dance moves with a live DJ, grab a goody bag and other fun activities. Best of all, this fun family activity is included in general admission to the Zoo. This year’s event will take place March 30, but more details will be announced soon.
Brews Around the Zoo
The Central Florida Zoo’s annual beer tasting event, Brews Around the Zoo, returns April 13. Adults 21+ can sample more than 30 delicious craft beers, as well as wine and seltzers while strolling around the Zoo and enjoying live music. Food will be available for purchase. The event is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Zoo, supporting its mission of animal conservation and community education. Tickets for this wildly popular event go fast, so keep an eye out on our website.
Sunset at the Zoo
Beat the summer heat and enjoy a cool evening at the Zoo in Sanford. This fun family summer event allows guests to enjoy the Zoo after-hours. Sunset at the Zoo takes place on the fourth Friday of every month from May to September. The Zoo reopens at 5 p.m. with discounted admission and offers up tons of fun until the sun goes down. Guests of all ages can enjoy music, games and the chance to see the animals after the heat of the day. Plus, each month’s event will celebrate a culture, complete with activities, food and educational opportunities.
Zoo Boo Bash
If you’re looking for things to do in Orlando with kids for Halloween, they’ll have a ghoulish good time at the Zoo’s annual Zoo Boo Bash, presented by Orlando Health! This event for kids lets little ghouls and goblins show off their costumes while trick or treating in a safe environment. The Sanford Zoo also gets dressed up with festive decorations. Plus enjoy kid-friendly Halloween activities, and of course, candy. The event is included with Zoo admission and will take place Oct. 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 in 2024.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
You don’t want to miss this Central Florida holiday tradition! Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild is an annual event at the Central Florida Zoo and is so wildly popular, tickets sell out fast. Guests of all ages can stroll down a ¾-mile path around the Sanford Zoo and enjoy the larger-than-life, handcrafted lanterns illuminated in the night by thousands of LED lights. Along the way, they can also enjoy live music, food and drinks and authentic artisan crafts. The event runs November through January, making it perfect to enjoy during the holidays with family and friends.
As you can see there are so many exciting things to do in Sanford, and fun events for kids and families to attend at the Central Florida Zoo in 2024. Make plans now to visit the Sanford Zoo this year. We can’t wait to see you! To stay up to date or for more information visit our website at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407)-323-4450.
