Gatorland

Founded in 1949 with only a handful of alligators living in huts and pens, Gatorland now houses thousands of alligators (including a rare blue one) and crocodiles on its 70-acre spread. Breeding pens, nurseries, and rearing ponds are situated throughout the park, which also displays snakes, toads, insects, turtles, and a Galápagos tortoise. Its 2,000-foot boardwalk winds through a cypress swamp and breeding marsh. Headliners include Gator Wrestlin', using the old "put-them-to-sleep" trick, but it's more of an environmental awareness program; Gator Jumparoo, a crowd-pleaser in which the park's largest reptiles lunge 4 or 5 feet out of the water to snatch a hunk of meat from a trainer's hand (with younger, more agile gators added to the act); Up Close Encounters, showcasing the park's toothy carnivores, slithery snakes, and other wildlife; and Critters on the Go, a mobile show that allows younger kids a chance to interact with the park's cuddlier critters. The Mile of Monsters, a self-guided walking tour, was added in 2010, showcasing 24 of the park's most notorious alligators and crocodiles (each with a sign that tells about its capture or unusual behavior). A train ride, a treat for younger children and tots, runs through the park ($2 per person); other kid-friendly attractions include the Gully Gator Splash Park, a new wet-and-dry play area; and Allie's Barnyard, a small petting zoo.

Making its debut in summer 2011 is the Screamin' Gator Zip Line, a 45-minute experience that takes adventurous guests zooming 65 feet above several exhibits -- including the park's collection of Cuban jumping crocodiles! -- at speeds of up to 30 mph. Combination tickets including park admission and the zipline run $70.

The Trainer for a Day program lets up to five guests get up close and personal with the gators for a day -- or 2 hours, in this case. The $125 experience puts you side by side with trainers and includes a chance to wrangle some alligators (minimum age 12). Advance reservations are required, and admission to the park is included (and a 20% discount off a regular admission ticket is extended to up to six members of your party). A 1 1/2-hour Gator Night Shine tour is also available ($19.99, regardless of age) and takes you along the wooden walkways with only a flashlight and a guide (insect repellent and gator food are included). Advance reservations are required.

Tip: Printable discount coupons and special Internet ticket prices are available at the park's website. Be sure to check it out before you leave home. Gatorland now offers a Gator Grunt package, which includes admission, all-day access to the train, the opportunity to get into the ring with the gators (along with a souvenir photo), and a package of gator food (all sold separately otherwise). Prices run $29.99 for adults and $23.55 for kids ages 3 to 12.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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