Brevard Zoo - a giraffe standing next to a stone wall
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Brevard Zoo

4.7
·8k reviews·Melbourne, United States

Experience unique animal encounters like kayaking with giraffes and feeding majestic giraffes at Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Brevard Zoo - a giraffe standing next to a stone wall

Brevard Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience unique animal encounters like kayaking with giraffes and feeding majestic giraffes at Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida.

4.7
(8k reviews)

"This zoo is a must-visit for its interactive experiences and naturalistic habitats!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Kayak Adventure Booking

Book kayak tours in advance, especially on busy days. It's a unique way to see animals!

🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun

Feeding the giraffes is a must-do! Check feeding times as they can be limited.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kayak African Adventure

Kayak African Adventure

African Realm

Paddle through the African savanna, getting up close to giraffes, rhinos, and zebras from a unique water perspective.

Giraffe Feeding Experience

Giraffe Feeding Experience

African Realm

Reach out and feed a towering giraffe! A truly memorable and interactive encounter for all ages.

Paws On Water Play Area

Paws On Water Play Area

Near the entrance

A fantastic splash zone for kids to cool off with water features, a dump tank, and interactive sculptures.

Rainforest Trek

Rainforest Trek

Rainforest Realm

Explore lush habitats with digital quizzes and murals, offering an immersive and educational journey.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit early on weekdays for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Weekends and holidays can get very busy, especially during peak season. Consider the 'Paws On' water play area for kids to cool off during hot Florida days.

Unique Experiences Await

Don't miss the chance to kayak alongside giraffes and other African animals, or feed the giraffes! These interactive experiences are highlights for many visitors and offer fantastic photo opportunities.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Splash pad is perfect
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of the best zoos in the country! #brevardzoo #melbourneflorida #spacecoast #zoo #kayak #kayaking #africa #giraffe #rhino #lemur #florida
@marinaaashley
996 likes • 28.3K views

🎯 Kayak Adventure Booking

Book kayak tours in advance, especially on busy days. It's a unique way to see animals! TikTokInstagram+1

🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun

Feeding the giraffes is a must-do! Check feeding times as they can be limited. TikTok+2

the Brevard zoo in Melbourne, FL is by far the most active zoo I've ever been to. the habitats model real environments for their animals and they give their animals engagement activities. the animals look healthy and don't give me those anxious vibes. by far the best zoo I've felt comfortable in and for moms out there, kids under 12 are free during the month of September! #mom #life #animals #zoo...
@the.girl.mama.nadia
44 likes • 435 views
A day at our local zoo is one of our favorite activities to do as a family of 3 🦒 @brevardzoo #zoo #brevardcounty #brevardzoo #spacecoast #florida #brevard #zooday #familyday #familyactivities #giraffe #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #fypシ
dadduties_
32 likes • 1.7K views

💧 Cool Off at Splash Pad

The 'Paws On' water play area is a lifesaver on hot Florida days. Bring swimsuits! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. TikTok

It’s heating up on the Space Coast, and the Paws On water play area at Brevard Zoo is the perfect spot to cool off! Open daily from 10–4:45pm, this splash zone has something for everyone — a mangrove forest, a dump tank (get ready to get soaked!), and even a bubbling manatee sculpture in the shallow area made just for littles. Bonus: it’s included with zoo admission! 📍Brevard Zoo: 1000 Zoo Parkwa...
littlelocals321
40 likes • 926 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Kayak Adventure Booking

Book kayak tours in advance, especially on busy days. It's a unique way to see animals! TikTokInstagram+1

🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun

Feeding the giraffes is a must-do! Check feeding times as they can be limited. TikTok+2

💧 Cool Off at Splash Pad

The 'Paws On' water play area is a lifesaver on hot Florida days. Bring swimsuits! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. TikTok

☀️ Stay Hydrated

Florida heat is no joke! Bring water bottles or utilize the misting stations. Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

This zoo is highly recommended for families with kids of all ages. Instagram+1

🎟️ Check for Discounts

Look for potential discounts like Florida resident specials or military appreciation days. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Brevard Zoo for its engaging and interactive animal encounters, particularly the giraffe feeding and unique kayaking experience. The zoo is lauded for its naturalistic habitats and commitment to animal welfare, making it a top choice for families and animal lovers. Some visitors note that parking can be crowded on busy days, and the Florida heat can be intense.

"I haven’t visited this place in a while, and it still feels as interesting as ever! There’s a wide variety of animals from all around the world (including here), spread out into multiple exhibits! I do like some of the animals in here, such as giraffes, lemurs, and birds. Recently, they’ve added a lot more digital activities such as in the Rainforest Trek exhibit (you can scan multiple QR codes to take mini quizzes and learn more about the animals). There’s even murals you can take pictures in front of, made by talented artists! I recommend you take your kids to this zoo, since there’s a lot to explore and do!"

Aidin K

"The best zoo or animal park I have been too (besides Disney's Animal Kingdom). So well maintained and perfect balance of areas and things to do. Great activities for kids and feeding a Giraffe was icing on the cake."

Dennis Frye

"What an amazing zoo! Very interactive, very fun! We kayaked and did the zip line. Took about three hours to do everything. They have big swamp coolers throughout the zoo. Learned a lot about the zoos history which made it even cooler. Visited all the way from Washington state and it was definitely worth it!!! One of my favorite zoos!"

Melanie Reichert

What People Like

Interactive animal encounters
Unique kayaking tours
Naturalistic habitats

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Florida heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Brevard Zoo is located in Melbourne, Florida, on the Space Coast. Its address is 8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940. TikTok+1

The zoo is easily accessible by car. Major highways lead to Melbourne, and there is ample parking available. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is generally recommended. TikTok

Yes, Brevard Zoo offers parking. It can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is advised. Reddit

The closest major airport is Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), which is a short drive away. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is also an option, though it's a longer drive. TikTok

Absolutely! Using a GPS or navigation app with the address '8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940' will guide you directly to the zoo. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but general admission typically ranges from $25-$30 for adults and $20-$25 for children. It's best to check the official Brevard Zoo website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts. TikTok

Yes, purchasing Brevard Zoo tickets online in advance is highly recommended. This can save you time at the entrance and sometimes offers slight discounts. TikTok

Brevard Zoo often has promotions, including Florida resident discounts and sometimes free admission for children under a certain age during specific periods. Military discounts may also be available. Instagram

Brevard Zoo hours typically vary by season, but they are generally open from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. TikTok

Yes, Brevard Zoo offers various membership options, which can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple times a year. Memberships often include perks like free admission and discounts. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, and kangaroos. The zoo features over 500 animals across various themed areas like the African Realm and Rainforest Trek. TikTok+3

Yes, you can feed the giraffes, which is a very popular and memorable experience. There may be other opportunities for animal encounters, so check the schedule upon arrival. TikTok+2

The kayaking adventure allows you to paddle through the African savanna, offering a unique perspective of animals like giraffes and zebras. It's an additional cost but highly recommended. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! The 'Paws On' water play area is a fantastic spot for children to cool off with various water features. It's included with admission. Instagram

Yes, Brevard Zoo offers zip-lining adventures and the 'Paws On' water play area. The Rainforest Trek also features interactive digital elements. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The zoo has dining options, including Nourish321, which offers burgers and other meals. There are also snack stands and concessions throughout the park. Instagram

Generally, outside food and drinks are permitted, but it's always best to check the zoo's specific policy on their website to confirm. This can be a great way to save money. TikTok

While specific menus can change, most zoo eateries offer a variety of options. It's advisable to inquire at the food stands or check online menus for current offerings. Instagram

Yes, Nourish321 provides a sit-down dining experience. There are also picnic areas available if you choose to bring your own food. Instagram

The 'Thor' smash burger at Nourish321 has been mentioned as a popular item. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The giraffe feeding area offers iconic shots. The kayaking tour provides unique angles of animals. Also, look for the artist-made murals for fun photo ops. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to avoid disturbing the animals. TikTok

Drone usage is typically prohibited at zoos and wildlife parks to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals and visitors. Always check the zoo's specific regulations. TikTok

A camera with good zoom capabilities is ideal for capturing animal details from a distance. A smartphone with a good camera is also perfectly suitable for most visitors. TikTok

The giraffe feeding experience is a prime photo opportunity. Some exhibits may also have designated areas for close-up viewing that are great for photos. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Brevard Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. The 'Paws On' water play area is a huge hit for kids to cool off and have fun. Instagram Don't miss the giraffe feeding experience, which is always a memorable moment for children. TikTok The zoo's layout is generally easy to navigate with strollers, and there are plenty of engaging exhibits to keep young minds entertained. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. TikTokInstagram

💰 Budget Travelers

While admission fees apply, Brevard Zoo offers value through its interactive experiences and well-maintained exhibits. Consider purchasing a membership if you plan to visit multiple times, as it can be more cost-effective. TikTok Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help save money, though it's always good to check the zoo's policy on outside food. TikTok Look out for any special promotions or Florida resident discounts. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Brevard Zoo offers diverse subjects. The giraffe feeding and kayaking tours provide unique angles and close-up opportunities. TikTokInstagram The well-designed habitats offer naturalistic backdrops for animal portraits. Keep an eye out for the artist-created murals for some fun, creative shots. TikTok Remember to be mindful of lighting and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Kayaking Experience

One of the most talked-about attractions at Brevard Zoo is the opportunity to kayak through the African Realm. This isn't just a leisurely paddle; it's an immersive journey where you can observe giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and other savanna animals from the water. Many visitors describe it as a truly unique and unforgettable experience, offering a perspective you can't get from the usual pathways. TikTokInstagram+1

Booking this adventure in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak times, as spots can fill up quickly. The kayaking tour is an additional cost on top of general admission, but reviewers consistently state it's well worth the price for the unparalleled animal encounters. It's a fantastic way to make your zoo visit even more memorable and provides excellent photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Interactive Animal Encounters

Brevard Zoo stands out for its commitment to interactive experiences that go beyond just viewing animals. The giraffe feeding station is a major highlight, allowing visitors to hand-feed these majestic creatures. This hands-on activity is a consistent crowd-pleaser and a favorite for both children and adults. TikTok+2

Beyond feeding giraffes, the zoo often provides opportunities for other animal encounters, though these can vary. The overall design of the habitats is also praised for being naturalistic and engaging for the animals, leading to more active and healthy-looking wildlife. This focus on animal welfare and visitor engagement makes the zoo feel more dynamic and educational. TikTokInstagram

Family Fun and Cooling Off

For families visiting Brevard Zoo, the 'Paws On' water play area is an absolute must-visit, especially during Florida's warm climate. This splash zone offers a fun way for kids to cool down with various water features, including a dump tank and interactive sculptures. It's a great way to break up the day and ensure everyone stays comfortable. Instagram

Reviewers frequently mention the zoo's suitability for families, highlighting the engaging exhibits and the overall positive atmosphere. The zoo's layout is generally easy to navigate, and the presence of misting stations throughout the park further enhances comfort for visitors of all ages. TikTokInstagram

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