Have kids who love animals? If you're looking for animals in Vero Beach, Sebastian, or within about an hour's drive, we have the list! From farm animals to marine life, we have all the animals you'll need to please your animal lover.
Here's where to find animals within an approximately one-hour radius of Indian River County. Click on each place to find out more and plan your visit!
Looking for even more animal adventures?
Check out our Family-Friendly Florida Day Trips Guide.
Jump to: Animal Habitats and Nature Centers | Aquariums and Zoos | Farms Animals
Animal Habitats and Nature Centers
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
8385 S Hwy A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL | (321) 723-3556
Fish, bird watch, and explore the trails to see what wildlife you can observe. This refuge protects vital habitats for loggerheads and green sea turtles, and you can see nesting sea turtles here.
255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL | (772) 589-5050
Walk the trails to see if you can spot any wildlife, visit the touch tank for close-up encounters, or take a pontoon tour. The ELC offers a variety of adult and youth classes and camps.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL | (772) 225-0505
A 57-acre marine life center featuring nature trails, touch tanks, and a 750,000-gallon gamefish lagoon. There are educational programs as well as opportunities to feed the stingrays. Inside the center there are aquariums, educational games, and exhibits. The Center is free for ages 2 and under, $8 for children, and $16 for ages 13+. Membership is available.
14200 US Hwy-1, Juno Beach, FL | (561) 627-8280
This is a sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation center. Visit their outdoor ecosystems to see marine life, take a tour, or participate in a class!
Manatee Observation and Education Center
480 N Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL | (772) 429-6266
Take a stroll on this nature center's walkway and tower to look for manatees and other marine life. You can also explore exhibits, including a touch tank and viewing tanks, to learn more about manatees and other Florida wildlife. The center is only $3 per person, or free for kids ages 5 and under.
5400 NE St James Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL | (772) 785-5833
See if you can spot wildlife on the trails, nature playscapes, and gardens. The center is free and open every day from dawn until dusk.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach, FL | (772) 581-5557
America's first National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2023. Enjoy fishing, birding, hiking, and ranger-led programs.
Aquariums and Zoos
Brevard Zoo
8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL | (321) 254-9453
I highly recommend an annual membership to Brevard Zoo! There are a variety of animals in the Africa, Australia, Caribbean, Florida, and Rainforest exhibits, along with giraffe and bird feedings. Some of the popular animals there include lions, sea otters, and meerkats. Kids will also enjoy the playground and splash pad.
Palm Beach Zoo
1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 547-9453
Animal exhibits here include The Islands, Asia, the Tropics of the Americas, and Florida Wetlands. This zoo offers close-up animal experiences with select animals such as otters and sloths.
St. Lucie County Aquarium (Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit)
420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL | (772) 462-3474
This small aquarium features a touch tank and an education station with self-guided activities for kids. Admission is less than $5 for all ages (4 and under are free).
Farm Animals
Flying Pig Ranch
5265 Emerson Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL | (772) 828-6834
Kids can see and interact with animals at this ranch that takes in unwanted and abused animals. Please call before you visit. Admission is donations.
LaPorte Farms
7700 129th Street, Sebastian, FL | (772) 633-0813
Kids will enjoy seeing animals such as a zebra, llama, miniature horses, a variety of birds, and more. LaPorte Farms also has special events and camps. Admission is donations.
Peterson's Groves & Nursery
3375 66th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL | (772) 562-6900
Kids can look at the pig, chickens, goats, and cows in the back while enjoying delicious ice cream.
Know of a place to see animals in our area that we're missing? Please let us know at alisone@macaronikid.com and we will add it to our list!
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