Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, Gainesville

Generations of animal lovers come together to explore the winding trails of the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, where more than 75 species inhabit displays that stretch across 10 acres of naturally wooded terrain. Run by a full-time staff, as well as Santa Fe College students, the zoo is home to a diverse collection of both native and exotic creatures, headlined by a lineup of family favorites that includes bald eagles, white-throated Capuchin monkeys, and small-clawed otters. While visiting, zoo-goers can lock eyes with endangered beasts or, instead of diving into a mall fountain to inspect the coins, study actual water-dwelling critters wading through the amphibian habitats. Sawdust trails make the zoo easy to navigate for wheelchairs and strollers, and an onsite playground entertains young'uns during breaks from uninhibited discovery.