My husband Billy and I have been to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park many times, but this was our grandbabies first visit, and they had a great time! He’s going to be 2 in a few weeks and she’s turned 3 a few months ago.
We went in March, which is right before it starts getting hot in Florida. Perfect weather for an outdoor activity.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
Note: You may notice different clothing in some photos. We had to do three clothing changes during the day due to weather changes and lunch mishaps. lol
We took the scenic boat ride to the attraction area. It was their first time on one and I think it was the highlight of the day for them.
My granddaughter particularly liked the dark room with all the tanks of reptiles and fish.
More Florida fun: Day trip to St. Augustine
It’s always a hit or miss as to what kind of wildlife you’ll see when you visit. Most of the deer were far back but this little guy was up for a photo. Deer were my mother’s favorite animal so they hold a special place in my heart.
This pelican was walking around, showing off his wings to anyone who would look. Did you know pelicans have the largest bills of all birds?
They really enjoyed the kid’s activity center and spent quite a bit of time playing at the puzzle table.
We can’t forget about the main attraction, the manatees! They’re considered one of the most gentle of all sea creatures. Fact: Manatees are Florida’s state mammal.
View a longer video of our visit with the manatees here.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park has been a participant in the FWS Manatee Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release Program for 30 years, and has helped rehabilitate more than 40 injured manatees during that time. Source
You can also look for manatees at Blue Spring State Park, which is right outside Orlando! For more information on Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, check out their website.
Eee! My kids and I were talking about visiting Florida next summer and I was telling them about how people can get to see the manatees. 🙂
All the reptiles and wild animals… very fun to learn about them up close!!
I love the scenery and being able to see all the animals. We live in NC but this would be an awesome place to visit.
I loved seeing this post. I live in Iowa, but I used to live in Floral City, Florida and my mother took us there several times as kids and 2 times as an adult. I never tire of it. Its so pretty, the animals so beautiful and the scenery is awesome. I am so glad your grandkids enjoyed it!
This looks and seems like such a nice place to visit. The manatees look so pretty and the water is so pretty! I have always really loved manatees- they are so interesting! Also, clothing mishaps are a definite for any occasion! Lol
My nephew would love to visit here. Thank you for sharing this wonderful place.
I’ve never been there before but it looks like a lot of fun. Would be a great day trip for us.
We are always trying to incorporate something we all like to do. Our son loves sea life and his children all love the water. We love animals and sea life and have a particular love of manatees. This is a perfect place for us.
Love the pictures! Looks like a great family place!
My nieces would love to visit this park! They love animals.
Sounds like a fun park to visit. Love the photos.
Sounds like a fun park to visit. Love the photos
This looks like such a nice place to take your family.
It looks like a lot of fun. We would love those pelicans!
What an amazing place to bring my family and visit! So much to look at and see!! My grandsons love to see animals in person!
I love visiting wildlife parks.
Wow, I bet the kids had fun! This place looks really well preserved and organized…
Manatees are incredible animals, I saw them in real life just once…they are huge!
Looks like such a great way to spend the day.
Love this place, the kids look like they’re having a good time.❤️
Florida has so many great day trips for families. There are many options beyond theme parks b
How fun!! I definitely need to add this to our list of places to visit next time we are down in Florida. My son just loves animals, so any type of wild life park or zoo is right up his alley!