Zip Lining in Central Florida

I have been dying to try zip lining ever since I heard about the Zip Line Safaris at Forever Florida.

(OK, and also since I saw people do it on the Amazing Race and act like complete babies considering that they have safety equipment and are on a major network reality show.  I mean, really – is CBS going to let you FALL?  I don’t think so.)

At Forever Florida, you fly across zip lines 55 feet up in the air, reaching speeds as high as 25 mph.  The zip line course takes you over forested wetlands, home to alligators, black bears, white tail deer and the Florida Panther.  It sounds extremely exciting!

Unfortunately, the Zip Line Safaris at Forever Florida cost $85 per person and require advanced reservations – which requires planning – which is not exactly my specialty.  Fortunately for me, a more convenient and less expensive option is now available in Sanford, Florida.

ZOOMAIR Adventure Park recently opened at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.  It features two zip line/rope courses for adults, as well as two courses especially for kids.  And the price is right at just $22.95 for the beginner course and $39.95 for both adult courses.  Granted, you’re not sailing over endangered and potentially dangerous wildlife, but it’s still a great way to spend a few hours in Central Florida.  Best of all – no reservations required!

I hate zoos.

I blame it on the fact that my mother adores the cheap entertainment that staring at animals provides and insisted on spending most of my childhood wandering from one animal exhibit to another.  You can only watch monkeys eat bugs off one another so many times before you start to become apathetic towards the miracles of the Animal Kingdom.

But even I, along with my two kids, enjoy the heck out of The Central Florida Zoo.

This is what "enjoying the heck out of the zoo" looks like.

Although I’m certain the Brevard Zoo would argue that they have equal claim to the name, The official Central Florida Zoo is located in Sanford, Florida.  As Google Maps will tell you, it’s located on Highway 17/92 – but the entrance is easy to miss with the small sign and massive overgrowth of roadside vegetation in the area.

The zoo is small.  It doesn’t begin to compare to a larger attraction like the San Diego Zoo.  And maybe that’s why my family enjoys it so much.

You may only spend a couple of hours walking along the clearly marked paths, or your kids could spend the entire day participating in hands on demonstrations and petting live animals that the staff bring out.

Petting a very old turtle at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford

The zoo is located in Florida, which means the ample shade, air conditioned buildings and water attraction for the kids are especially appreciated in the hot summer months.  (Yes, water attraction.  Let the little ones wear their suits to the zoo!)

Another added feature exclusive to Florida zoos is the massive alligator and crocodile exhibits.  Bring hot dogs!  The crocodile displays are equipped with tubes that you can send food shooting through so that you can watch the animals snap at the airborne meat.

The zoo is open year-round, seven days a week (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Admission is $10.95 for adults, $6.95 for kids over 2, and FREE for kids under 2.  Which means my family of four can enjoy the Florida weather for less than $30 – including the cups of Cocoa Puffs to feed the lamas in the petting zoo!

Feeding goats cocoa puffs in Sanford, FL

Photos by Britt Reints