For parents and children traveling together it is often tough to find a place that is of interest to both parties. Parents like educational and edifying outings while children just want to be let loose and have fun. A great way to combine both interests is to plan a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The children love looking at animals and running around in excitement while parents can learn more and also be assured of their children getting some good out of the trip.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been built at the head of the Trout River over a land area of around 110 acres. More than 2000 different animals can be found in the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, making it one of the most loved and recommended attractions in Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is kept open through the entire year. The only holidays in the year are on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. The zoo is kept open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. in the summer period, which is observed from 6th of March to 7th of September the zoo timings are extended till 6:00 PM on the weekends and on holidays.

The admission ticket to the zoo for adults is rated at $13.95, for children between 3 and 12 years of age is rated at $8.95 and for senior citizens above 65 is rated at $11.95. There is no charge for vehicle parking at the zoo.

Jacksonville Zoo, the only walking safari in Northeast Florida, endows us an opportunity to discover the earth's wildlife under one roof. The zoo houses nearly 2,000 animals and over 1,000 plant species. Today it has become one of the premiere attractions in the city.

What to explore at Jacksonville Zoo? There is always much to see and do at Jacksonville Zoo. Apart from exotic animals and plants, Jacksonville Zoo also boasts a Play Park with Splash Ground, Savanna Blooms Garden, Wildlife Carousel, Ride the Train, the Range of the Jaguar and etc. And the number of special attractions is growing. Ready to start a true family adventure at the world-class establishment? Learn more about the zoo before setting out:

Jacksonville Zoo

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/about/

Whether you are a newcomer or a lifetime resident in the city, we bet you don't want to spend too much on outing. To benefit visitors and local residents alike, we'll show you some tricks to cut your budgets without sacrificing your good mood.

To start with, we'd like to let you know the regular gate admission of Jacksonville Zoo. It's $13.95 for an adult, $11.95 for a senior over 65 years old, $8.95 for a child between 3 to 12 years old. The zoo is free to visit for children at or under the age of 2. Free parking is available at the zoo.

It's noteworthy that gate admission won't include the fares of Zoo Train Rides and Additional Wildlife Carousel Rides. Zoo Train Rides will cost another $4 for an adult and $2 for a child. The ticket price of Wildlife Carousel Rides is $2 per child.

If you don't want to miss the Train Rides and Carousel Rides, we'd suggest you to buy the value tickets. Value tickets will include the gate admission, Train Rides and Carousel Rides. It's $17.95 for an adult, $15.95 for a senior over 65 years old, $10.95 for a child between 3 to 12 years old. Want to have a blast at the zoo with best value price? Get a value ticket from:

Online Tickets

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/index.php/yourvisit/online_tickets

For military and AAA members, you can get a 10% discount when buying without sacrificing the holiday mood. tickets at the gate. You might be asked to show your Active Military ID or valid AAA Membership card. Discounts are not available online.

For group visitors of 15 people or more, discounted group rates are available. Yet reservations and prepayment must be made at least two weeks in advance. Only regular rates would apply if your groups buy tickets at the gate. For detailed info, you can call (904) 757-4463, ext. 120 or visit:

Group Rates

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/yourvisit/zoo_hours/

For local residents, the applicable annual members of Jacksonville Zoo could be a real bargain. Members can enjoy not only free admissions but also special invitations, discounts on Educational Camps and shop gifts. Jacksonville Zoo has seven levels of membership. And the annual fees vary accordingly. Choose the proper membership level in the light of your individual situation:

Membership Levels & Rates

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/membership/

Jacksonville Zoo, as a participant of Reciprocity Program, offers a generous 50% discount to members of reciprocating zoos. It will only be honored for up to 2 adults and 2 children. As for more info about this program, you can contact the Membership Department at (904) 757-4463, ext.114 or visit:

Reciprocal List

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/membership/reciprocal_list/

Finally, we'd share with you a few tricks to save one or two bucks off the Jacksonville Zoo admission. For visitors coming by bus or MAX, they can receive $1 off gate admission per person. For Winn-Dixie shoppers, they can get $2 off admission. Jacksonville Zoo offers discount coupons now and then as well. Keep an eye on it if you want to make the full use of your money.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a great way to spend a day. Housing more than 2,000 animals and 1,000 plant varieties, it makes for the prime wildlife destination for your whole family.

Also the JAX Zoo takes pride in the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. A variety of fun activities are available for guests to the zoo, from zoo & garden tours to train rides & day camps. Just join to discover the earth's wildlife and have fun interactions with animals and environment.

When to visit Jacksonville Zoo? This fantastic zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 364 days a year. The zoo is not open on Christmas Day. From March 5 to September 6, summer hours will be adopted for the zoo. You can visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and the zoo will be open until 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Please note that the Zoo gate closes one hour prior to the zoo closing hours.

Note: Jacksonville has a mild climate all year around and the city just has some cold days in the winter period. Many visitors do not visit the zoo in winter as most animals are not in the mood to welcome and interact with coming guests. The summer season is a peak travel period and involves bigger throngs and higher accommodation prices. If you want to avoid big crowds, visit the zoo on weekdays and non-holidays.

A host of fascinating upcoming events will be displayed at Jacksonville Zoo. If you're planning to visit the zoo in the near future, take advantage of these special events and enjoy more at the zoo.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 12-14: Valentine's Day Special Admission Offer

Feb. 19-20: Black History Month Special Admission Offer

Mar. 5: Spring Garden Tour - Garden Hodgepodge

Mar. 24: Wild Things Spring Event - Yabba Dabba Zoo

Apr. 2: Spring Garden Tour - Get in Touch with the Garden

Apr. 8: Member's Only Sleepover

Apr. 16: ExZOOberation 2011

Apr. 30: Earth Day - Party for the Planet 2011

May 7: Spring Garden Tour - Xeric Gardens Are Not Just for Rocks

Jun. 4: Spring Garden Tour - Gardening Without Sun

Calendar and Events of Jacksonville Zoo

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/events

Located on 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville Zoo can be reached easily via I-95. If you prefer to drive to the zoo, these driving directions can be your guiding light.

To get to the Zoo

1) From I-95 N - Head north on I-95 N and take exit 358A to merge onto Heckscher Drive toward Zoo Pkwy. Turn right at Haydon Road and take the first right to stay on Haydon Road. The entrance to the zoo is on your right.

2) From I-95 S - Head south on I-95 S toward Exit 362A. Take exit 358A to merge onto Heckscher Drive toward Zoo Pkwy. Make a right turn at Haydon Road. The zoo entrance will be on your right side.

3) From Dames Point Bridge - Head south on Florida 9A S. Take the Merrill Road W exit toward Jacksonville University. Turn left at Merrill Road and take another left. Turn right to merge onto Florida 9A N and take exit 41 for FL-105 S. Turn left at Heckscher Dr and drive for 5 miles. Turn left at Haydon Rd and take a right at the first crossing on Haydon Rd.

4) From Atlanta or Valdosta - Guests from Atlanta or Valdosta can drive along I-75 S and merge onto I-10 E through Exit 435 toward Jacksonville. Proceed along I-10 and merge onto I-95 N. Take exit 357 to merge onto Edgewood Avenue toward Tallulah Drive. Continue on Tallulah Drive and turn left onto Main Street N. Drive across the bridge and turn right onto Zoo Pkwy. The zoo is within a mile ahead on your right.

5) From Brunswick or Savannah - Take I-95 S toward Jacksonville. Keep on driving on I-95 S and go past the Jacksonville International Airport. Take exit 358A for Zoo Parkway. Proceed on Zoo Parkway for about 1/4 mile and the entrance will be on your right.

6) From Gainesville, Daytona, St. Augustine or Orlando - Visitors from these cities should take I-95 N to Jacksonville. Then you can follow the same routes of I-95 N to the zoo.

Back to I-95

Take exit from the zoo and turn left onto Zoo Pkwy. Drive approximately 1/4 mile on Zoo Pkwy and you'll see the entrance ramp for I-95 S on your left. The entrance ramp for I-95 N is ahead on your right.

Driving Directions to Jacksonville Zoo

http://jacksonville.citysearch.com/profile/map/605362990/jacksonville_fl/jacksonville_zoo_gardens.html

It's time to refresh yourself at the restaurants scattered throughout the zoo for the utmost enjoyment. Jacksonville Zoo has two full-service restaurants, a snack bar and more dining options. When you're touring around the zoo, you are never more than a few steps away from refreshments, like the Trout Plaza Cafe, Main Camp Cafe, Palm Plaza Cafe and Play Park Cafe. Drinks, ice cream, hot dogs, pretzels, sandwiches, salads and other quick refreshments are all available.

Restaurants at Jacksonville Zoo

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/yourvisit/restaurants

With three gift shops, the Jacksonville Zoo is the right place for you to take home a souvenir. These gift shops deliver a wide option of zoo memorabilia, toys and trinkets that can make your zoo vacation more meaningful. Mombassa Gift Shop, Village Market and the Kids Shop welcome visitors throughout the year.

Gift Shops at JAX Zoo

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/yourvisit/gift_shops

Situated at the mouth of the Trout River, Jacksonville Zoo is the largest zoo between Atlanta and Orlando. The zoo occupies an area of approximately 110 acres and has a collection of 2,000 animals. Jacksonville Zoo highlights the Range of the Jaguar. The marquee attraction once won the 2005 AZA Exhibit of the Year Award. Animals on the exhibits are native to Neotropical Rainforests. Other exhibits at the zoo also include the Plains of East Africa, Great Apes of the World, and the Australian Outback.

Explore the Jacksonville Zoo for an interactive and instructive family adventure experience. You may feel you're in a real habitat with diverse wildlife and exotic plant life. However every dollar counts when you're having a family vacation at the zoo. Make full use of a variety of coupons, special offers and promotions to save money while exploring the zoo.

ShopAtHome.com is one of your premier sites for online access to savings. The website offers exclusive discounts and free coupons with over 100,000 printable and coupon codes, including grocery coupons and coupons for famous tourist attractions. Currently, there're four coupons for Jacksonville Zoo. Check out the details to save you a lot of money for your zoo visit.

Jacksonville Zoo Coupons from ShopAtHome

http://www.shopathome.com/Coupons/jacksonvillezoo.org

Coupon Mountain updates the latest coupons and discount codes for Jacksonville Zoo. The coupon website is a popular source for printable coupons, promo codes & discounts and hot deals for online shoppers. Since all promos and coupons are valid through a period of time, it's better to browse through the website frequently to get the best deals for your family vacation to the Jacksonville Zoo.

Zoo Coupons and Coupon Codes

http://www.couponmountain.com/zoo-discounts-bargains.html

8coupons brings together all local coupons, discounts and deals on entertainment, restaurants and other services, including Jacksonville Zoo. This New York-based deal aggregator website distributes and updates popular deals and digital coupons for customers. These coupons are updated based on weekly top deals or customized online feeds. You can check back in a few days not to miss any coupons for the zoo.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Coupons from 8coupons

http://www.8coupons.com/discounts/jacksonville-zoo-and-gardens-32208

Local newspapers and magazines often have available Jacksonville Zoo coupons. When you're planning to pay a visit to Jacksonville Zoo, keep an eye on the entertainment section of local newspapers and magazines in advance. If you're lucky enough, you may find some valid coupons for Jacksonville Zoo.

Many hotels and other local businesses nearby the Jacksonville Zoo offer coupons. It's always a good idea to ask and check with the front desk of hotels, stores, and local restaurants close to the Jacksonville Zoo since many times zoo coupons and discount vouchers are provided.

Never forget to check the official website of Jacksonville Zoo for special offers and limited-time promotions. Currently, there're two coupons available for guests. One is Valentine's Day Special Admission Offer and the other is Black History Month Special Admission Offer.

To celebrate Valentine's Day, one adult admission free is offered with the purchase of one adult admission if you bring this coupon to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The coupon is good on February 12, 13 and 14, 2011.

Valentine's Day Special Admission Offer

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/events/event_details/valentines_day_special_admission_offer

With a Black History Month Special Admission Offer, you can get one adult free when buying one adult admission or you can choose to buy one child admission and get one child free admission. The coupon is good on February 19 and February 20.

Black History Month Special Admission Offer

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/events/event_details/black_history_month_special_admission_offer

Note: To enjoy the special rates, you must present the coupons that can be downloaded from the websites. Both coupons cannot be used together with any other coupon, discount, combination ticket or other special offer.

Three social networking sites for Jacksonville Zoo can be your good source for additional coupon info. Facebook Page, Twitter Stream and YouTube Videos often have some surprising coupon offers for customers. Follow on these networking sites and you'll be informed of the latest coupons for the Jacksonville Zoo if any.

Coupons offer you great deals and help you save money. On Jacksonville you are sure to get coupons almost everyday offering you the greatest deals where you will get deals for the whole family. To get the best deals you should look out for public holidays and other occasions as you are likely to get even greater deals which will help you save more. For instance on Memorial Day you buy one ticket and get the other one free.

Visit Jacksonville special offers

http://www.visitjacksonville.com/includes/coupons/display.cfm?couponID=1883

Jacksonville zoo coupons

http://www.mahalo.com/jacksonville-zoo-coupons

With the coupons from Jacksonville zoo there are many fun activities you can take part in for the whole family to enjoy. This is a great place where you can relax with your whole family for vacation. Some of the activities you can take part in are adventure landing and you can also enjoy BCCK transportation services at very affordable rates. Other than the zoo one can also enjoy the beautiful gardens that are found in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville zoo printable coupons

http://www.mahalo.com/jacksonville-zoo-printable-coupons

Jacksonville has a family pass which you can get for spring and you will be able to save a lot of money. With this you are entitled to adventure landing, the museum of science and history the Jacksonville zoo and the garden. You can get the tickets at their website where you will get different rates for both children and adults. The special rates that are good for the whole family as you end up saving 7% per person.

Jacksonville zoo and gardens

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/index.php?/

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with wildlife around you? Do you want to do your share in protecting and caring endangered animals? Jacksonville Zoo is now offering opportunities for you to do your share.

Jacksonville Zoo provides both full time and part time positions. The zoo promises to benefit full time employees with free medical, dental and life insurance, 403B Retirement Plan and paid time off. Full time jobs at Jacksonville Zoo vary from bird keepers to supervisor and technicians. We'll list some full time jobs currently available for you:

Animal Commissary Technician

Responsibilities:

- Performing diet preparation

- Ensuring food quality

- Cleaning work areas

- Maintaining inventory

- Collecting browse and preparing browse for distribution.

Requirements:

- A relevant working background

- good communication, organizational ability

- basic math skills

- A valid Drivers license

- Food preparation experience

- Be able to lift up to 50 lbs easily

If you are interested in the Animal Commissary Technician position, click the following link to know more about the job description and their contact info:

Animal Commissary Technician

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/index.php/about/work_at_the_zoo/animal_commissary_technician

Bird Keeper

Responsibilities:

- Care and feeding animals

- Maintenance of assigned areas

Requirements:

- A degree in biology or related field preferably

- Two years relevant working experience

- A valid Driver's License

- Solid observational and record keeping skills

- Be able to lift up to 50 lbs easily

- Other practical skills regarding to animal husbandry, environmental enrichment, minor repair and etc.

If you are interested in the Bird Keeper position, click the following link to know more about the job description and their contact info:

Bird Keeper

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/index.php/about/work_at_the_zoo/bird_keeper1

For more available full-time positions at Jacksonville Zoo, please visit the zoo job page on its official site:

Jacksonville Zoo Job List

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/index.php/about/work_at_the_zoo

For college students and animal lovers who want to enrich their spare time, part time jobs are also available at Jacksonville Zoo. For instance, they are now hiring an Education Exhibit Guide. Applicants with knowledge on life science will be preferred. Applicants must have the ability to communicate and interact with guests very well and be able to work in a flexible schedule. As most of the part time jobs are only temporary, we'd suggest you to follow the latest jobs information on its official site.

Jacksonville Zoo welcomes animal lovers to volunteer at the zoo as well. Volunteers will get engaged in all areas of zoo operations, Both adults and teens can apply to be volunteers as long as you are interested and passionate. Want to join the wildest team in the town? Contact the Volunteer Office at (904) 757-4463, ext. 176 for more information. Or you can visit:

Volunteer Opportunities

http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/support/volunteer/