A New Paws On Experience Is Coming Soon

We are delighted to share with you that our Paws On loop is about to receive a makeover! This special area has seen generations of children and families learning and playing together – and very soon a whole new generation will get to create new memories together with all new experiences and theming.

This area has not undergone a major renovation since 2009, making the coming changes especially exciting!

Kids splashing in water

This does mean that this area will see some closures over the next few months. Our construction schedules may change slightly, but please keep these dates in mind: 

May 11 - Early June

The entire Paws On area will be closed – this means the water play area, Upland Acres playground, Indian River Lagoon aquarium and Barnyard.

Early June - August 10

The water area will reopen.

August 11 - October

The entire area will be closed again with a reopening timeframe planned for October.

This renovation includes general maintenance like painting and updating landscape but also involves repairing the aquarium and certain buildings and resealing the water play area.

You can also look forward to incredible new elements as well:

Panther Passage

Previously the Upland Acres playground, this multi-level play structure will let our young guests roam, explore and play like never before. Don’t worry – the beloved gopher tortoise will be incorporated into this area

Tiny Trails

Say goodbye to Sea Turtle Beach as we welcome a brand-new area dedicated to toddlers.  

Young siblings lean against a tree

Bringing Back the Whale

Depending on how long you’ve called our area home, you may remember the days that the whale near our water play area worked. Once this area reopens, you’ll be able to experience this icon in a new way!  

Refreshed Program Space

Guests of all ages will be able to learn and play with our staff and volunteers in a whole new way.   

Refreshed Barnyard

You’ve probably already seen the new climbing bridges for our Nigerian dwarf goat herd, buwell be adding a new expanded chicken coop and some other features to keep our animal residents happy and healthy.