Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction!

Established in 1939

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Know Before You Go

Here's some general information before you arrive to help make your visit to Sarasota Jungle Gardens as fun as possible.

Accessibility Guide

Our winding paths stretch approximately 1.2 miles.  They are all paved brick suitable for walking, strollers or wheelchairs.  There are some small inclines throughout the park.  Some areas have crushed shell or sand.  Approximately 60% of the park is shaded with many benches placed throughout.  Our show area is bleacher style but can accommodate wheelchairs along the side.  Our Gift Shop, Reptile World and Flamingo Cafe are air conditioned buildings and the rest of the facility is outdoors.  We offer picnic table seating around the Cafe as well.   There are 5 Handicap parking spots available near the entrance to the Gift Shop/Admission building.  If needed, manual adult strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent at admissions.  They are provided on a first come first serve basis.  Only animals trained as service to persons with disabilities are permitted.  Comfort or emotional support animals are not permitted.

Parking

There is a paved parking lot at our entrance in front of our Gift Shop/Admission building.  Parking is free.  The parking lot is open for guests during business hours only.  Cars left overnight will be towed.  During busy times or during special events, overflow parking is available at the church across Bay Shore Road.

Photography

Visitors are welcome to take still photos and videos for personal use during normal business hours.  Tripods are allowed as long as access to walkways are not impeded.  Our shows are proprietary; recording them is prohibited. Permission for commercial photography or video must be obtained in writing prior to shooting (at least 72  hours) some fees apply.  All  commercial photography or video must also give credit acknowledgement to Sarasota Jungle Gardens.  

Gift Shop

Our gift shop offers many unique nationally and locally made collectibles, souvenirs, toys, apparel, jewelry and other mementos.  Many items may be ordered online and shipped directly to your home.

Baby Changing Area

Changing tables are available for use in all restrooms (both male and female) located in the Gift Shop/Admission building and our Flamingo Cafe'.

Unaccompanied Minors

For everyone's safety, all children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult (parent, guardian or chaperone).  Children may not be dropped off or in any way left unattended.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Food and Beverage Policy

For children under the age of 3, snacks and drinks may be brought in.  Additionally, for school groups, lunches may be brought in as long as they are packed together in coolers and sealed.   Coolers, food and drinks are otherwise prohibited.  There are 2 picnic tables available on a first come first served basis.  They are located just off our parking lot near Bay Shore Road.  Our Flamingo Cafe' offers an array of sandwiches, salads, drinks and snacks and some kid friendly food too.  

Free Wi-Fi

We do offer free Wi-fi in select areas around the park.  Please ask at the Flamingo Cafe' for current password information.

Lost or Stolen Tickets/Passes

We are not responsible for lost or stolen tickets or passes.  If you plan to leave the gardens and return you may do so the same day.  However, you must receive a hand stamp prior to leaving for readmission.  Annual and summer passes may be reprinted after verification for a small fee.  

Security

We reserve the right to refuse admission.  No weapons, firearms or explosives or similar may be brought into the park.  Bags, backpacks, strollers and purses may be subject to search prior to entry.  Radios are not permitted.  And, the use of threatening language or obscenities are prohibited. 

Inclement Weather

We do not offer refunds in case of in inclement weather.

Dress Code

We are a family friendly facility and therefore require appropriate dress at all times.  Bathing suits are not considered appropriate. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.  Skateboards, and all types of roller shoes or skates, bicycles and scooters also prohibited.

Feeding Animals

Guests are permitted to feed many of our animals.  However, for their health, they may only be given food from the coin operated feeders or bagged food available in the park. No outside food (i.e. bread, etc.) is allowed.

Smoking

For the health and safety of our animals and guests, we are a non-smoking facility, including e-cigarettes.  There are places to extinguish smoking materials at our entrance.  Thank you for your cooperation.