All You Need to Know about Brevard Zoo and the Treetop Trek

Families visiting our vacation rental in Cocoa Beach often ask me which theme parks they should visit in Orlando. While the big parks are tempting, I always recommend something different, Brevard Zoo, either for half a day or a full day. Brevard Zoo is one of Florida’s most interactive and family-friendly zoos. Its strong educational focus, open habitats, and hands-on experiences make it a highlight for both children and adults.

What to see

If you walk clockwise through the zoo, your first major area is Expedition Africa. At opening time, giraffes are not always visible immediately, so it’s often worth returning to this section later in the day. Giraffe feeding remains one of the absolute highlights and is still available daily, subject to animal participation.

In the Australia/Asia area, you can walk around the kangaroo enclosure, and you can see many other animals. What we like a lot is feeding the lorikeet birds.

Wild Florida is a beautifully designed and very educational area representing Florida’s natural ecosystems. Elevated boardwalks lead you through wetlands with views of native wildlife, including alligators, birds, and otters.

My personal favorite in the Rainforest Revealed / La Selva Rainforest area continues to be the monkeys and free‑flying birds. The lush vegetation, overhead animal pathways, and immersive design make this section feel more like a nature reserve than a traditional zoo.

The Paws On area is perfect for younger children, but there’s plenty to enjoy for older kids and adults, too. It includes a small petting zoo, shaded play areas, and fun water features where kids can cool off on hot days. Check out other children’s activities in this post.

Which add-ons are worth it?

The Brevard Zoo offers several exciting add‑on adventures that are absolutely worth considering.

Feeding the giraffes or the colorful lorikeets is always a highlight.

For something truly unique, the kayak tour through Expedition Africa lets you paddle quietly along the Nyami Nyami River, passing giraffes, zebras, and rhinos with expert guides sharing insights along the way. There’s also a self‑guided option in the Wetlands for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. If kayaking is your thing, you might also enjoy this post.

Prices and availability vary by season, so booking popular experiences early in the day is recommended.

Treetop Trek

The Treetop Trek is now fully integrated into the Brevard Zoo experience and requires zoo admission, rather than being a completely separate attraction as in the past. It is no longer positioned as something “outside” the zoo, but as an elevated way to experience parts of it from above.

You can choose between several adventure options:

• Canopy Walk – an easy, self‑guided elevated walk about 20 feet above ground, offering great views into the Rainforest Revealed habitats.
• Chutes & Ladders – designed for children, featuring bridges and short zip lines (perfect for families).
• Zip It – a high‑speed zip line experience offered only on select dates throughout the year.

Some more advanced zip‑and‑challenge courses that existed in earlier years are now offered only seasonally or in simplified formats, so it’s best to check availability in advance. Depending on the experience you choose, plan 30 minutes to 2 hours, including preparation and safety briefings.

Tips:
Closed‑toe shoes are required, and morning slots are usually best due to cooler temperatures.

Tips for your visit

• You can buy food and drinks in the zoo. There is also the Flamingo Cafe. I would recommend bringing water (food is not allowed) and eating outside of the zoo in nearby places. We can recommend the Grills Riverside Melbourne, which is only a 10-minute drive away and offers great views of the Indian River, or the Pineda Inn, also with nice views of the river – the perfect place to finish your visit to the zoo with a late lunch or early dinner.
• Book popular experiences (kayaking, feedings, Treetop Trek) as early in the day as possible.
• Start your visit early to take advantage of cooler temperatures and higher animal activity levels.
• Bring bathing suits for kids so they can enjoy the water features in the Paws On area.

Do you have any recommendations?

Do you have your own recommendations or highlights from Brevard Zoo?