Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
A working zoo set inside a century-old tropical botanical garden, where you can hand-feed a giraffe, boat past islands of monkeys and apes, and stand a few feet from a Florida panther — all under a canopy of giant fig trees.
Updated June 2026
Naples Zoo is the city's anchor attraction, and the short answer is yes — it's worth the ticket. You feed giraffes by hand, glide past free-roaming monkeys and apes on a guided boat cruise, and walk shaded paths through one of Florida's oldest botanical gardens, all on a compact, easy-to-walk site just off Goodlette-Frank Road in the middle of town.
It's a genuine half-day out, and one of the best things to do in Naples with kids. Because so much of the route runs under a thick canopy of old fig and bamboo, it also holds up better than most attractions on a hot or drizzly afternoon — see our rainy-day picks for more like it. Plan on roughly three hours to do it justice.
What not to miss
A handful of experiences set this zoo apart from a standard animal park.
Hours, tickets & the practical stuff
The details that change most often — treat these as a guide and confirm current figures on the zoo's site.
A smooth half-day
- Buy tickets online the night before and arrive near 9 am opening, when it's coolest and the animals are liveliest.
- Head straight to the giraffe platform early, before the feeding line builds.
- Catch a keeper talk or feeding — grab the day's schedule at the entrance and plan your loop around it.
- Ride the Primate Expedition Cruise when the queue is short, then walk the shaded garden paths to the big cats and panther.
- Wind down at the playground and café, then head out to the beach for the afternoon and the sunset.
Where to go next
Build the rest of the day around the zoo.
Naples with Kids
The zoo plus every other reliable kid-pleaser in town, from splash pads to the children's museum.
Rainy-Day Ideas
Where to go when a Gulf shower rolls through, including the zoo's shaded paths.
Old Naples
The walkable historic blocks, the Pier and the beach, ten minutes from the zoo.
Things to Do
Every attraction, tour and idea for filling your days on the Paradise Coast.
Find a place to stay nearby
Common questions
How much are Naples Zoo tickets?
Standard adult admission runs in the mid-$20s, with reduced rates for children (around $18), plus modest discounts for seniors and military, and free entry for children two and under. Buying online ahead of time often saves a little and lets you skip the ticket line. Prices change, so confirm the current figures on the zoo's website before you go.
What are Naples Zoo's hours?
The zoo is generally open 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily, with last entry around 3:30 pm. It closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and keeps shorter hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Arrive in the morning for cooler weather, shorter lines and more active animals.
Can you really feed the giraffes?
Yes. You step up onto a feeding platform and hand-feed the giraffes a piece of romaine. It's a small add-on cost on top of admission (recently about $5 for a few pieces) and usually runs daily through the afternoon. Check the day's schedule at the entrance, as the feeding window can shift.
What is the primate boat ride?
The Primate Expedition Cruise is a calm, guided boat ride past a string of islands where monkeys, lemurs and apes live without fences between them and the water. It's narrated and included with your admission. Lines are longest at midday, so ride it early or late in your visit.
How long do you need at Naples Zoo?
Plan on about three hours to feed the giraffes, ride the primate cruise, see the big cats and Florida panther and walk the gardens at an easy pace. Families with young kids who linger at the playground and exhibits can easily stretch it to half a day.
Is Naples Zoo good for a rainy day?
Better than most outdoor attractions, since much of the route runs under the old garden's thick tree canopy and there are some covered areas. A light passing shower is manageable, but the zoo can still close exhibits or feedings in heavy weather, so check conditions and the schedule on the day.