Daytrips, Kids and Animals

— by Adele Woodyard

Schools out, kids are home, and no time (and/or money) for long vacations? To get away for a day is easy when you live in Florida where ATTRACTIONS is spelled in capital letters. Some that appeal especially to kids begin with the letter “A” as in “animals”. Here are a few (besides Mickey) located in Central Florida, from Tampa Bay to the Space Coast . Call or check web sites for hours, fees and directions.

Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is on Alt. 19, just south of Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs. Sort of a retirement home for monkeys, it was opened to the public in 2008. Although the majority of residents are chimps, orangutan and other primates, you’ll also see exotic birds, reptiles, a lemur or two, maybe even a black bear. An occasional retiree has been in show business, e.g. Cheeta is a celebrity chimp from Tarzan movies back in the 1930s.. 727-943-5897; www.suncoastprimate.org

Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa has been chosen as top children’s zoo by both Parents magazine (2009) and Child magazine (2004). Latest newcomer to its 2000 animals is a 10 year old koala from Australia that joins Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies at the Kangaroo Walkabout section. In summer heat all will enjoy a water flume ride on “Gator Falls”, and little ones a romp under the fountain’s spray at the entrance. Special prices and/or events are occasionally offered. 813-935-8552; www.lowryparkzoo.com

Dinosaur World in Plant City may not have live animals, but what kid doesn’t love long-dead dinosaurs? Extra fun to see how many of the 150 replicas of these ancient beasts that roam through the grounds, your child can identify. There’s also a Fossil Dig included in admission price for ages 3-12—others pay extra. 813-717-9865; www.dinoworld.net

Green Meadows Petting Farm in Kissimmee introduces city kids to such animals as cows, chickens, turkeys, donkeys and sheep. There’s even a non-farm (in the US anyway) water buffalo. Kids can try to milk a cow, ride a pony, a tractor-drawn hayride, and hop on a little train. 407-896-0770; www.greenmeadowsfarm.com

Central Florida Zoological Park near Sanford (Lake Monroe) has, on its 21 acres, a variety of species that are endangered or threatened with extinction. These include the elephant; big cats like leopard , tiger and cheetah; as well as the more common monkeys, reptiles and birds. Some animals are touchable and may eat out of your hand. 407-323-4450; www.centralfloridazoo.org

Brevard Zoo, Melbourne has animals from Africa, Asia, and Australia as well as American wildlife. There’s ostriches, lemurs, white rhinoceros, the Thompson gazelle, colorful exotic birds, and alpacas from the Andes. Train rides and kayak paddles are also available. From July 4 through August 29 the zoo will be open on Saturdays until 9 p.m and free after 5 p.m.. 321-254-9453; www.brevardzoo.org