Are you looking for the perfect place to take your family for an unforgettable day of fun? Look no further than ZooTampa at Lowry Park!
Are you planning a trip to ZooTampa at Lowry Park? If so, you’re in for an unforgettable experience! At ZooTampa, you can explore an array of exotic wildlife, take part in interactive exhibits, and learn about conservation efforts. Whether you’re an animal lover, an avid explorer, or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Here are some tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your visit to ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
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Arrive Early
Visiting ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a great way to spend the day. To get the most out of your experience, make sure to arrive early.
Not only will arriving early mean primo parking spots available, but it will also give you time to explore the entire zoo and get to see all of your favorite animals. Early morning is also the best time to catch the animals when they are active and alert. You can also catch many of the shows before the park gets too crowded.
Arriving early will give you plenty of time to take it all in!
Keep in mind: the zoo opens at 9:30am on most weekdays.
Get a Map
Thankfully there are plenty of directional signs around the zoo. When we arrived for the ribbon cutting of the New Florida Wilds Exhibits, we were running a few minutes behind and ran ahead without a map. We were able to find our way around because of the signs, but a map makes a trip to the zoo SO much easier! A map will help you locate all of the exhibits, demonstrations, and restaurants (oh, and we can’t forget the bathrooms!!) within the zoo easily and help you plan out your day.
Not only that, it will help you find your way back to the entrance if you get lost! Maps can be found at the information desks located at the entrance, or you can download the ZooTampa app (so easy!). With a map in hand, you’ll be able to navigate the zoo with ease and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Pack Snacks and Water
Make sure you come prepared for your day at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. It can be a long day and you don’t want to get hungry or thirsty in the middle of your zoo experience. You are allowed to bring your own food, drinks (non-alcoholic and no glass), and coolers, which is great news because it can save you some money! Just make sure you follow all the rules and regulations when bringing outside food, drinks, and coolers, like making sure to store everything in a designated area and not feeding the animals.
Pack snacks like trail mix, granola bars, crackers, and fruit that you can easily eat throughout the day and save room for lunch. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle and fill it up at one of the many water fountains throughout the park. Remember, hydration is key! By packing your own snacks and water, you can save money and enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the shady areas of the park.
To note: There are plenty of restaurants and stations to get food, drinks and snacks inside the zoo as well. Taking snacks is a money-saving tip that we love, especially as a family of eight! I will say, the popcorn in the park is delicious!
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Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo as the first zoo in the United States and Canada to earn AAHA accreditation after an extensive evaluation. The zoo also has the only nonprofit animal hospital in the world dedicated to caring for injured, sick, and orphaned wild manatees, and works in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to rehabilitate manatees for release back to the wild.
AAHA
Know What Animals You Want to See
Visiting ZooTampa at Lowry Park is an experience you’ll never forget! With over 2,000 animals in over 300 species from all over the world, it can be hard to know where to start.
For us, Lennon and Quinn made sure to tell us ahead of time they really wanted to see the “elphalents” and giraffes!
Before you go, take some time to do a little research about the animals you want to see. Whether it’s a rhinoceros, giraffe, or zebra, get familiar with the location and habits of your favorite animals. That way, when you arrive at the zoo, you’ll already have an idea of where to go first! For example, bears are most active during the early morning… really most animals are more active in the morning, or cooler, parts of the day.
At ZooTampa, you can choose to wander around and see whatever catches your eye, or you can plan ahead and make sure you don’t miss any of the amazing wildlife. It’s entirely up to you!
The zoo offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. There are up-close animal encounters, tours, and educational programs, and it’s definitely a great idea to take advantage of the Keeper Talks and Demonstrations. Check out the zoo’s website for more information about the animals and activities available.
No matter which animals you decide to visit, you’re sure to have a great time at ZooTampa at Lowry Park!
Go on a Weekday
If you can, plan to visit the zoo on a weekday when it’s less crowded. Not only will the lines be shorter, but there will also be fewer people competing for the best view of the animals.
Even if you’re only able to go on one day, it’s worth trying to go during the week if you can. You can spend more time looking at the animals and less time waiting in line. Be sure to check the calendar to make sure that you don’t miss any special events or animal talks that may be offered on certain days.
Take Your Time
When visiting ZooTampa at Lowry Park, you don’t want to rush your experience. Not only will you miss out on the best parts of the zoo, but you won’t get to truly appreciate all the amazing animals and exhibits. So, make sure to leave plenty of time to explore and soak in the atmosphere. Take your time strolling around the park and exploring different enclosures.
If you find yourself particularly drawn to one area, stay there for a while and really appreciate the animals. Enjoying your visit at a relaxed pace will ensure you get the most out of your experience!
Experience a hidden part of Florida! Grab the whole family, board a boat and take a ride along a crystal clear spring to the thrill of a three-story splashdown on Roaring Springs! Plus, enjoy play areas for the kids and mosey on down the Florida Boardwalk.
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Try the Expedition Wild Africa Safari Ride (included!)
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure during your visit to ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the Expedition Wild Africa Safari Ride is now open and the perfect family activity. This ride takes “research interns” (aka visitors) on a tour aboard the brand-new open-air expedition vehicles to learn all about the animals that call the Habari Preserve home. The fun-filled journey gives guests an authentic experience of being on an African safari!
The Expedition Wild Africa Safari Ride is included in the price of admission, so be sure to give it a try during your visit. I definitely recommend heading there at the beginning of the day to try and beat any lines!
The ride offers a great opportunity for guests of all ages to explore the wonders of African wildlife in a safe and interactive environment. So whether you’re a fan of lions, giraffes, elephants or any other majestic animal, be sure to hop on board and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wildest continent on Earth!
Don’t Miss the New Florida Wilds Exhibits!
Visiting ZooTampa at Lowry Park is an amazing experience in itself, but if you’re looking for something extra special, then you’ll definitely want to check out the newly updated Florida Wilds exhibits. This area offers an immersive experience of the diverse and native wildlife of the state of Florida, with over twenty species of native birds, reptiles and mammals. Some of these animals include black bears, bald eagles, alligators and Florida panthers.
As you explore the exhibits, you’ll learn about how the animals live, their behavior, and the importance of conservation efforts. You can also take part in interpretative signage, including rookery towers that provide tips for Floridians on how to safely live alongside the many species that share our state’s diverse ecosystem.
A favorite of ours is the giant Manatee Mangrove! We felt like we were so up close and personal with the manatee!
Since 1991, the manatee care and veterinary team have treated over 500 manatees with the majority reintroduced back to Florida waters.
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Visiting the new Florida Wilds exhibits is a great way to explore Florida’s unique wildlife and gain an appreciation for nature. It’s sure to be an adventure you won’t forget!
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