Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

  • Home
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Crafts
    • Printables
  • Entertainment
  • Tech & Toys
  • Travel
  • Disney

Jan 10

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

Jan 10

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share

Enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds that South Florida has to offer by visiting Flamingo Gardens, a family-friendly wildlife sanctuary & botanical garden.

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

What do you find yourself yearning for in the new year? For me, it’s adventure and exploration. After living in South Florida for nearly 30 years, I have yet to take advantage of all of the natural beauty that surrounds us. There is so much to see and even more to do in the sunshine state, making it nearly impossible for us to run out of spontaneous escapades the entire family can enjoy together. The warm weather and sandy stretch of coastline attracts thousands of tourists each year. They swim, surf, and bask in the sun without a care in the world. While these are the many perks of being a native Floridian, there are hidden gems scattered throughout the state which tend to be overshadowed by the beaches. One of these places being Flamingo Gardens, a 60-foot wildlife sanctuary, aviary, and botanical garden.

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

I haven’t been to Flamingo Gardens in years and with it being the last week of her winter vacation, Toodie & I decided to visit for a day of fun. If you have never had the pleasure of visiting a wildlife sanctuary before or are a city dweller in need of a nature fix, this is the place to be. It’s home to over 3000 species of exotic plants, native wildlife, birds, and majestic peacocks.

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

The colorful feathers on the male peacocks are truly stunning in person and there are SO many roaming freely. Many of them were also hanging out in the winding branches of the huge trees that overlooked the grounds.  Did you know the bold colors are used to attract their mates? Compared to the males, female feathers are not as dazzling because they’re shorter and often brown or cream color. We even spotted an albino peacock during our tram tour!

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

The Flamingo Pond was our first stop upon arrival. Toodie couldn’t wait to feed the flamingos and other wild birds in the area.

Visiting Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

There are several machines scattered throughout the grounds in which you can purchase a handful of pellets for a quarter. Bring plenty! They go fast, especially if you have a hungry flock surrounding you. Most of the birds will eat them right from your hand which makes for a very cool experience.

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

These pretty-in-pink birds had no problem walking right up to the edge of the water for photo opps! A cafe is also conveniently located right next to the pond for a bite to eat while flamingo watching. They serve fresh fruit, sandwiches, beverages, ice cream, and other snacks.

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

Along he walkway we also came across the turtle and tortoise habitats. These guys are HUGE in person and they actually move a lot faster than you’d expect! Here you will find African Spur tortoises, Alligator Snapping turtles, Box turtles, Freshwater and Softshell turtles.

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

The 25,000 square foot aviary is another great place to get closer to the birds through interactive feeding. You can walk along the path and notice different species all around you. Many of these birds are injured and can no longer live in the wild but are not aggressive towards visitors.

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

They will also eat the tiny food pellets right from your hand. Do watch out for unexpected poop. There may be quite a few on the ground, but remember to look up and be aware of your surroundings! After all, you are in their house.

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

In between the wildlife show and spending time in the other exhibits, visitors can also take a complimentary tram ride through 42 remote acres. During the narrated tour you will learn more about the tropical rain forest and fruit groves. This part of Flamingo Gardens holds some of the last original jungle growth in South Florida and looks just how it did when the Seminole Indians occupied the area.

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

There are plenty of exciting things to do in Florida but if you are looking for a relaxing and family-friendly atmosphere to keep the kids busy all day, put Flamingo Gardens at the top of your list. We had a blast and didn’t end up leaving until they closed. It’s so easy to get immersed in nature!

Explore The Great Outdoors At Flamingo Gardens In South Florida

Have you ever been to Flamingo Gardens or another wildlife sanctuary in your hometown?

Save

Save

Posted by youngatheartmommy 6 Comments
Filed Under: Family, Travel Tagged: #LoveFL, Family Fun In Florida, Flamingo Gardens, Florida Travel, South Florida, Travel

Comments

  1. ELISE LANEY says

    Jan 06 at 5:12 pm

    I LOVEEEEEE flamingos!
    Reply
  2. AnnMarie John says

    Jan 07 at 1:44 pm

    I would LOVE to visit here. I have been in CO for about 5 years now and there is so much to see and do here and I need to visit some of them. Most of them are better done in the summer however. Maybe one day I can visit you in South Florida and we can do this all over again.
    Reply
  3. shelly peterson says

    Feb 11 at 8:49 pm

    What a neat place to visit. I would love to go to a wildlife sanctuary. The kids would love it.
    Reply
  4. Betty Sanders says

    Jan 15 at 1:22 am

    I grew up in Ft. Lauderdale in the 50's and 60's. Flamingo Groves as it was called then was a favorite of our family. Happy to know it is still there. I live in Tennessee. Hope to get to see it again someday.
    Reply
    • youngatheartmommy says

      Jan 15 at 12:48 pm

      Oh wow! I’m sure it’s gone through quite a few changes since. It’s a beautiful place, that’s for sure. We love visiting, even it’s to just walk around and enjoy the scenery. The peacocks are always a favorite for us.
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 10 Reasons To Visit The Miami Seaquarium With Your Family says:
    Jul 13 at 12:25 pm
    […] venturing out-of-town for our next getaway later this month. South Florida has everything from wildlife sanctuaries to water parks to beaches and museums. There’s never a shortage of things to do here, […]
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hello there! I’m Jessica - just your everyday mom navigating through life with the help of iced coffee and frequent trips to Target. Follow along for yummy recipes, crafty projects, and family-friendly travel tid-bits.

Search

Instagram

A 𝗙𝗜𝗡-𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 spin on Ta A 𝗙𝗜𝗡-𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 spin on Taco Tuesday just in time for tomorrow! #sponsored 🌮🐟 Do you ever swap our traditional proteins like meat and chicken for a healthier twist? It’s always refreshing to try something different and @gortonsseafood makes it so easy!

Prepare to be 𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗗 on the explosion of flavor and sweet heat that lies within these tortillas.🪝Served with a fresh jalapeño mango salsa and avocado crema drizzle, these beer battered fish tacos will be your family’s new favorite dish.

Gorton’s Beer Battered Fillets are a great source of protein. Their delicious crunchy coating and flaky centers will make you want to #SwapInSeafood at least twice a week! #ItsSeafoodTime #sdtuesdaylove @walmart
Because what’s Easter without a little 𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗞?! 🐰🥕 It’s fun. It’s festive. It’s a sweet and savory combination of 𝗘𝗚𝗚-𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧 snacks. When it comes to no-bake treats, this is one of my all-time favorites to toss together when the holidays roll around. It can be made within minutes and customized with your favorite toppings!

#instafoodie #foodlover #tastyfood #yum #devour #fortheloveoffood #sugarrush #foodgasm #foodiemiami #foodiegram #feedfeed #sweets #sweettooth #foodies #foodielife #foodiechats #easter #eastertreats #bunnybark #socialapril5babes
It’s 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗬 time! 🐰😋 How do I like my eggs? In chocolate form please. Sharing this fun treat just in time for Easter tomorrow! Here’s what you need to make your own Peanut Butter Bunny Pops.

🥕 candy eyeballs
🥕 @reeses peanut butter eggs
🥕 mini pretzel sticks
🥕 @sprinklepop.shop edible bunny ears
🥕 pastel M&M candies
🥕 paper straws
🥕 white icing (for assembly)

#instafoodie #foodlover #tastyfood #yum #devour #fortheloveoffood #sugarrush #foodgasm #foodiemiami #foodiegram #feedfeed #sweets #sweettooth #foodies #foodielife #foodiechats #easter
Spoiler Alert 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗦. Easter is less Spoiler Alert 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗦. Easter is less than a week away! #sponsored 🐰🥕 Have you put the finishing touches on your baskets? 𝗛𝗢𝗣 on into your nearest @Walgreens for the best fillers and goodies to make it the most 𝗘𝗚𝗚-𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧 celebration. It’s a one-stop-shop for all the Easter essentials, including candy and small toys for the little bunnies. 🐣 This year I found everything I needed in one quick trip, which is practically unheard of! From cotton candy to plastic eggs, colorful grass and adorable plushies, they have so many options.

Don’t be a 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗬 and wait until the last minute. Shop through the #walgreens app and pick up your items through their convenient curbside service!
𝗢𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗬 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗬 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦! I think I may have found the holy grail of coffee creamers. #ad ☕️😍 Would you believe my fist job in high school was a barista at a tiny coffee shop in the mall? Now I just pretend to be one at home and @planetoat has been helping me create cups full of happiness. Their Oat Milk creamers are so creamy and delicious. They are the perfect way to elevate both iced and hot coffee beverages with just the right amount of sweetness. Choose one.. or all three of their new flavors: French Vanilla, Coffee Cake, and Caramel!

Which one are you excited to try first? #PlanetOatCoffeeCreamer

[http://gofyi.ly/5A068DDC]
Bon Appétit! Lover of authentic Italian food, thi Bon Appétit! Lover of authentic Italian food, this one is for 𝗬𝗢𝗨. #hosted 🥖🍅 Say 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗘-diem and dive on into a heavenly spread crafted with comfort food from @carrabbas Italian Grill. Powered by pasta or fresh Burrata sitting in a bed of balsamic glazed tomatoes? If you love Italian as much as I do, then I’m sure these are some of your favs!

Spring has sprung at Carrabas and their new seasonal specials have hit the menu and our 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗬 bellies. Whether you’re dining or carrying out a delish meal for home, be sure to try one of three featured dishes through April 4th.

🍗 Chicken Piccata
🐟 Mahi  Wulfe
🍖 Tuscan-Grilled Lamb Chops

What’s your go-to dish at Carrabas?
Make the week 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 by spre Make the week 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 by spreading a little kindness! #ad 🌈✨☘️ Over the rainbow excited for this fun and festive way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day. These adorable @entenmanns Minis are individually wrapped and fit perfectly in standard treat bags so you can share #MiniActsofKindness with others. 

You can find a variety of Entenmann’s® Minis at your local @Publix or @Target. #Entenmanns #SocialSpotters #snowdayinfebtoday
Transform your favorite childhood cereal into a 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗢𝗨𝗦 dessert! 🌈✨ These kid-friendly parfaits are a whimsical treat layered with @entenmanns pound cake, creamy @coolwhip, and @luckycharms. ☘️ Raise a spoon and celebrate #NationalCerealDay because you’re one sweet bite closer to a pot of gold!

#foodgasm #miamifoodie #eeeeeats #yummy #delicious #lovefood #eatfamous #f52grams #foodietribe #zipkick #instafoodie #foodlover #tastyfood #fortheloveoffood #sugarrush #foodgasm #foodiemiami #foodiegram #tastingtable #heresmyfood #forkyeah #feedfeed #17daysofmagic
Hello snack time, our old friend. We want some app Hello snack time, our old friend. We want some applesauce again! 🍎😋 The tastiest way to satisfy a hungry tummy after playtime is with @musselmans_Apple_Sauce. These girls love it’s homemade taste and since they come in individual snack-size cups, no sharing is required. A spoonful of healthy fuel is all that’s needed for their next adventure!
 
Musselman’s Applesauce is made with fresh, 100% American grown apples from their family farms. No wonder it’s absolutely delicious. Did you know that they’ve been harvesting fruit from their orchards since 1907? So much care goes into ensuring that their applesauce is wholesome, so that parents feel confident giving it to their families!
 
#Partner #PickMusselmans #FamilyFarms #Applesauce
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe

Enter your email address to receive updates!

POPULAR POSTS

  • Mermaid Munch Popcorn Snack Mix
    Mermaid Munch Popcorn Snack Mix
  • Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies
    Chocolate Pecan Coconut Cookies
  • 10 Fun Spots In Orlando For Families To Visit
    10 Fun Spots In Orlando For Families To Visit
  • Wooden Watermelon Coasters
    Wooden Watermelon Coasters
  • Free Printable Back To School BINGO Game
    Free Printable Back To School BINGO Game
  • Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Sandwiches
    Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Sandwiches

Everywhere

© 2016 YoungAtHeartMommy.com. All rights reserved.