The setting
Flamingo Gardens is lushly landscaped with tropical and native plants and trees that carpet the grounds with shade. There are criss-crossing paved paths along exhibits, as well as open green space under a canopy of mature oak trees. Most attractions are outdoors, though there is an air-conditioned gallery with special art exhibits that change seasonally.
The morning is the best time to visit if you want the gardens to yourself, perhaps for a tranquil stroll through the tropical landscape while the baby sleeps in the stroller, or to have the sea otter exhibit all to yourself with your toddler. There is a one-mile paved loop path (where the tram goes every half hour) that makes for a nice walk. It will take you to the back of the park to a scenic landscape with fruit trees and a cypress swamp. Visitors have plenty of space to spread out.
Location
Located in Broward County in the town of Davie, the botanical garden is about 25 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale or the Fort Lauderdale International Airport and about 45 minutes from Miami International Airport.
Time allowance
Plan to spend at least a couple of hours, but you can easily make a half day of it with the tram tour and wildlife show.
Pets
Service animals are allowed, but no emotional support animals or family pets.
Food and drinks
No food, drinks or coolers can be brought in, but you can bring in bottled water or a refillable bottle. There is a bottle filler near the entrance. No straws are allowed or sold at the park because they can harm wildlife if swallowed.
The gift shop at the entrance sells bottled water, soda, Gatorade and ice cream bars.
The Flamingo Pond Snack Bar sells packaged deli sandwiches, salads, kids meals and snacks like nachos, soft pretzels and popcorn from under a Tiki Hut. There are drinks and ice cream bars, too. A separate food truck sells hot sandwiches, burgers (including a plant-based burger) and kids’ meals. All sandwiches from the food truck can be served on a lettuce bun.
Seating is available at umbrella-covered picnic tables overlooking the flamingo pond and habitat. It’s a nice place to take a break and see the flamingos in action.
What to bring
Wear clothing and shoes that will be comfortable for walking outdoors. There are paved paths everywhere, but plenty of grass to walk on, too. Depending on the weather you may want:
-sunscreen
-bug spray
-sun hats
-drinking water
-a stroller
Stroller/wheelchair rentals
Double and single stroller rentals are available in the gift shop. Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters also are available to rent.
Accessibility
The park's amenities are accessible, with wide paved paths throughout the gardens and around animal exhibits. There are accessible restrooms before you enter the gift shop, and within the park.
The tram has a ramp that is accessible for a manual or electric scooter. Visitors also can leave wheelchairs or scooters at the tram station and transfer to a seat if they desire. A stepstool is available.
Gift shop
You will enter through the gift shop, where you can buy kid-friendly souvenirs and flamingo-themed toys and clothing. (Don’t feel rushed to shop. You also will exit through the gift shop). There's also sunscreen, bug spray, drinks and ice cream for sale.
Arboretum
The first stop after the gift shop is the arboretum, a collection of towering Florida Champion trees, plus hundreds of native and exotic trees intertwined with paved paths, a small stream, ground orchids, a pond and a waterfall. There are bird habitats with colorful toucans and parrots along the paths and the compact area is a good introduction to the gardens.
Wildlife encounter
Shows are held three times a day in an intimate, kid-friendly outdoor classroom. After each show, you can pose for photos with the birds and animals starring in that day’s production.
Aviary
A half-acre paved walk inside the aviary is a chance to see Florida's native waterfowl up close. There are 27 different varieties, including pelicans and storks, in a natural setting that includes a coastal prairie and a cypress swamp. As you walk to and from the aviary, you will see bird habitats featuring Bald eagles, Golden eagles, hawks and other birds of prey.
Gallery
The air-conditioned gallery might feature nature-inspired paintings, artwork or photography, or it might have an educational exhibit on water conservation or an environmental cause. Exhibits rotate throughout the year.
Historic Wray Home
The summer home of the founders of Flamingo Gardens, this modest home is furnished in the early 1930s period, with a living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom. Volunteer docents will help answer questions and give an informal tour. You can leave the stroller outside or bring it inside. The home also is wheelchair accessible.
Wildlife exhibits
This compact area of animal habitats is easily accessed with a stroller or a tot's tiny feet. There is Josh the black bear, tortoises, alligators, a Florida Panther and a bobcat in separate habitats. There’s also a fan-favorite - playful river otters making use of a waterslide and toys. The flamingo pond makes a colorful backdrop for photos and a cool place to hang out and watch the pink-hued birds strut about.
Animal experiences
Kids ages 8 and older can book a VIP animal experience to meet and handfeed Josh the bear, or to meet and learn about a Florida Panther. Close-toed shoes are required and shoes will need to be disinfected before the animal experience begins.
