Fodor's Expert Review Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Sanford has had a zoo since 1923, and there's a certain charm about the place. In addition to 400-plus animals, including giraffes (you can feed them), cheetahs, monkeys, and crocodiles, there's the Seminole Aerial Adventures, with rope bridges and a zipline through the treetops, and the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, a mini water playground. Evening events for grownups are as popular as summer camps for kids. The Florida black-bear habitat and Florida Trek are delightful, as is the steam-powered, 1/5-scale train that puffs around the grounds. Burgers, salads, and kids' meals are available