These Florida zoos have great deals, free kids tickets in September

If it was too hot to take the kids to the zoo this summer, you're in luck. Several Florida zoos have great deals going on in September.

Here's where to go.

Brevard Zoo : Kids free with adult tickets

Now in its 30th year, the Brevard Zoo in Viera near Melbourne , named one of the best in the country, has a great deal for kids this month . Children 11 and younger can get in for free as long as they're accompanied by a paying adult who is a Florida resident. Adults can bring in up to three children.

Adults need to present a state-issued photo ID or utility bill with an address and matching photo ID. The offer ,ay not be combined with other discounts.

The Brevard Zoo is home to over 900 animals, a South American zipline and an African savannah kayak trip, Guests can feed giraffes, walk among kangaroos and ostriches, take a train ride through exhibits, pet goats or just relax at the kids' splash area. In addition to daily admission, the zoo also hosts homeschool and preschool classes as well as family experiences. Brevard was listed in U.S. News and World Report's list of "26 Best Zoos in the U.S " for 2023.

Note that due to expansion construction the Wild Florida loop is temporarily closed on Sept. 3-6 and then Mondays through Thursdays for the rest of September. Starting Sept. 13 the loop will reopen on Fridays and weekends. During the closure, the Treetop Trek and Wetlands kayaking will not be available. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, giraffes will not be appearing publicly until after noon.

• Address: 8225 N Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL
• Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. with last admission at 3:30 p.m.
• Tickets: $32.95 for ages 12-64. Seniors 65 and older get in for $27.95. Children aged 3 – 11 are normally $21.95. There are also additional experiences such as a behind-the-scenes tour of animal care and a rhino encounter that require separate tickets. Check the web site for availability. Annual memberships are available.
• Info: brevardzoo.org

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens : Kids free with adult ticket

North of Orlando in Sanford, just off Interstate 4, is the 116-acre, 101-year-old Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It's home to more than 350 animals from 11 different species and features giraffe feeding, rhino encounters, ziplines, a train ride, a petting zoo, a splash pad, a collection of different gardens and native plants, and multiple educational programs, camps and learning opportunities.

It's also free for kids through Sept. 20 . Buy one adult ticket, get one free children's general admission ticket.

Florida residency is not required but you do have to buy the tickets in person. May not be combined with other discounts or promotions, not valid for Sunset at the Zoo or other activities.

• Address: 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. Sanford, FL
• Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with last admission at 3:30 p.m.
• Tickets :
  • Monday-Friday: $23.95 for ages 13-54. Seniors 55 and older get in for $19.95. Children aged 3 – 11 are normally $17.95. All tickets are $2 cheaper if you buy online.
  • Weekends, select holidays, other peak dates: $25.95 for ages 13-54. Seniors 55 and older, $21.95. Children aged 3 – 11 are normally $19.95. Online tickets still $2 off.
  • Experiences such as the rhinoceros encounters , giraffe feeding and Barnyard Buddies have additional fees. Annual memberships are available.
• Info: https://www.centralfloridazoo.org

ZooTampa: Buy one day, come back anytime in 2024*

ZooTampa runs a bit pricier than most zoos, with one-day tickets going for $47.95 for ages 12 and up and $37.95 for kids.

But right now if you buy a single-day ticket, you can visit and then come back any other time you want this year for free (* except for blackout dates ), plus you can get admission to seasonal events such as Creatures of the Night and Christmas in the Wild, and that ain't bad.

ZooTampa has over 1,000 animals , manatee fountains, Asian Gardens, a carousel, a splash pad, rides such as the Tasmanian Tiger Coaster, the Aussie Trek, an African expedition, encounters with elephants, penguins, wallabies, giraffes, rhinos, leopards and a giant tortoise.

• Address: 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL
• Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Tickets : $47.95 for ages 12-64. Children aged 3 – 11 are $37.95. There are also additional experiences such as a behind-the-scenes tour of animal care and a rhino encounter that require separate tickets. Check the website for availability. Annual memberships are available.
• Info: zootampa.org

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: These Florida zoos have great deals, free kids tickets in September