I know chances are slim that anyone has been to both, but does anyone have a preference? They are about the same distance from home...

I have been to both and I would choose Lowry park hands down. It has been named the #1 Family Zoo, I think in the nation. Plus, the price is really good, compared to say Busch Gardens.

CFZ, to me, was very cheesy and more of a caged zoo, whereas Lowry Park the animals were in an open terrain.

That is exactly what I needed to know, thanks! Any chance you have heard of Big Cat Rescue? Or even better, been there? Its somewhere in the Tampa area, too.

I've heard of Big Cat Rescue but have never been. I think that is the place where a tiger got loose a couple years ago. I could be wrong though.

I heard Dinosaur World, off of I-4, is cheesy too but still worth a 1 time visit if your child is into Dinosaurs.

I also vote for Lowery Park. It is a winner hands down! We live near there and have passes and there is always something new to experience. The river boat tour is really interesting. Try to do that if you go.

Like alliegator, I've been to both, and while CF Zoo is a nice, small zoo, Lowery park has a wider variety of animals, better exhibits, and more to do.