Showcase of Citrus
This classic roadside landmark, known as “Florida’s Fresh Air Attraction®,” has family-friendly animal experiences. The animals in residence include both farm and exotic animals. Goats, pigs, chickens and a miniature horse are some of the farm friends on site. Animal feed is available for purchase at the Old Time Country Store for guests to feed some animals directly. Other unique experiences offered are the meet-and-greets with capybaras or lemurs. Families will get to interact with the animals and learn fun facts from a member of the animal care team. Guests can also book a monster truck ride of the property where you can see zebras, bison and water buffalo.
Trout Lake Nature Center
Located in Eustis, the Trout Lake Nature Center has walking trails, natural history exhibits and educational events. They have some Animal Ambassadors that live at the center including turtles and snakes. The friendly staff members will gladly teach visitors about the animals, their habitat in the wild and place in the ecosystem. The center is a great place to learn about natural Florida and get the chance to see some native species in the wild. It’s common to see many types of birds, small forest animals and reptiles. A boardwalk passes over the marsh to a dock overlooking Trout Lake. From this secure vantage point, alligators can be spotted in the lake or on the shoreline.
Uncle Donald’s Farm
Visitors can feed farm animals and take a nostalgic hayride at this family-owned farm in operation since 1980. Part of their mission is to connect people with animals, agriculture and a nearly forgotten way of life. Guests can feed chickens, goats, sheep and cows with bags of corn you can purchase for a small fee. Visitors will also get a chance to see some animals that don’t typically live on a farm like an ostrich, coyote and a cougar. Uncle Donald’s Farm offers visitors a chance to see animals up close in an authentic, uncrowded setting.
LunaSea Alpaca Farm
This alpaca farm in Clermont is a unique destination for fuzzy animal encounters. There are 35 alpacas and 5 llamas in residence, but that number is growing at the onsite nursery. Guests can visit the nursery where they will learn that a baby alpaca is called a “cria” which is a Spanish word for baby or offspring. Besides farm tours, the farm offers unique experiences like alpaca yoga, painting with alpacas, and cookies & crias. Reservations are required for all experiences: the website has details on availability, age requirements and admission.
Orlando Cat Café
For fans of felines, the Orlando Cat Café is a must visit in south Lake County. The main attraction is the 1,000 square foot Cat Play Area. Here, 12-15 cats wander freely with guests—entry fee required for humans. The coffeehouse is open daily and offers coffee, tea, pastries and a viewing window into the cat play area. Watching the cat’s playful behavior turns a coffee break into a joyful experience. When guests want to take that joy home, they can adopt their favorite. All cats are available for adoption through a partnership with the SPCA.
Choose one or more of these animal attractions and start planning your trip to Lake County today!