Everglades Wonder Gardens: One of the Last Road Side Attractions in Florida
Everglades Wonder Gardens is located in Bonita Springs, Florida. It was opened in 1936 as a refuge to injured animals. It is considered a road side attraction; it was built long before the commercial developments that Florida visitors frequently come to see while on vacation.
Most of the smaller attractions have been closed because of competition. Everglades Wonder Gardens continues to thrive due to word of mouth and the rich history surrounding the park. It is very natural and educational; it allows you enjoy what parks looked like before many of them were taken over by larger development.
While visiting Florida or even moving there you have some great benefits by way of the local “see and touch” live animal gardens. Everglades Wonder Gardens is a half-day well spent because you get to see animals in captivity that you may never see in the wild. They are kept in a natural habitat.
This is not strictly a petting zoo, although you may want to stock up on some quarters because you can feed a few of the animals, and nothing brings a smile to a child’s face when they get to feed the animals, parents will be happy to know that their children are interacting with nature and learning about it too. The change machine was broken so that’s why you may need to bring some quarters. The clerk in the gift shop should give you change if you ask.
You may need some sun screen if you attend in the summer months, you’re not directly in the sun all the time but there are a few places that you’re exposed. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and can field questions from four year olds to forty and up. They enjoy what they do so ask as many questions as you want. If you come in on the middle of the tour a guide will lead you to the tour group, just remember which animal’s cage you started at so you don’t repeat the tour.
Upon entering the gift shop you will see lots of toys for kids. There are standard items such as magnets, polished rocks, and squeaking alligators. There are some extra-long pencils that are the length of your child’s arm and plenty of colors to choose from. They also have some unusual items like alligator heads and an assortment of shells too.
One feature in the gift shop are two parrots, they only say “hello” but watching children talk to an animal and have it talk back is fun enough to have them repeat “hello” a dozen times. You may take pictures or shoot video and if you forget your camera the gift shop sells disposable ones.
There is one room that features taxidermy from many different animals. There are articles and news clippings and old pictures hanging on the walls showing the history of Everglades Wonder Gardens. Parents will want to read some of these historical items to their kids.
When the tour starts you will learn everything about the site and the history of Everglades Wonder Gardens. They are open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm. The last tour starts at 4:00pm so don’t arrive after that or you won’t get the full tour. Admission charges are, $15.00 for adults, $8.00 for children aged 3-10 and free admission for children two years or younger. Their phone number is 239-992-2591.
