Wild Florida
Overview
For an unforgettable family adventure near Orlando, head out of the theme parks and explore Florida’s vast natural wilderness. Just over 30 minutes’ drive south of Kissimmee lies Wild Florida Adventure Park, where you can glide deep into the protected swamps, marshes and rivers of the Central Florida Everglades on a thrilling airboat tour - a fantastic day trip for families staying in Orlando villas.
Choose from an exhilarating half‑hour or a full hour airboat tour through untouched wetlands, where you’ll have the chance to see native wildlife such as alligators, bald eagles, herons and other birds in their natural habitat. Every airboat ticket includes admission to the Gator Park and wildlife exhibits, so you can extend your adventure beyond the boat.
The wildlife park is home to more than 200 exotic and native animals, and offers experiences like giraffe feeding platforms and live animal shows that are fun and educational for children and adults alike. The self‑driven Drive‑thru Safari Park lets you explore at your own pace from the comfort of your car, spotting zebras, bison, oryx and other free‑roaming animals against a scenic backdrop of open landscapes.
If the idea of an airboat isn’t quite your thing, you can still enjoy this wildlife destination at a gentler pace by spending time wandering the park, watching animal demonstrations or enjoying a family picnic in the shade. There’s also a grill and ice‑cream parlour on site to keep everyone refuelled.
The park typically operates Monday to Saturday, and as with most Everglades boat tours and wildlife attractions near Orlando, it’s advisable to book your airboat or safari experience in advance, particularly during peak holiday seasons, to secure your preferred timeslot.