KENANSVILLE, Fla. — Sometimes the animals that create the biggest smiles aren’t the biggest or most exotic ones in the park.

For younger visitors especially, getting closer to friendly farm animals can become one of the memorable parts of a family day at Wild Florida Adventure Park.

Wild Florida’s Gator Park offers families much more than its famous reptiles. The attraction includes a petting zoo area where visitors can discover a different side of the animal world and enjoy an experience designed to bring guests closer to familiar farm animals.

For children who may be seeing farm animals up close for the first time, the experience can also provide an opportunity to learn that every animal — whether exotic or familiar — has its own behaviors, needs and personality.

It’s all part of a Gator Park that features more than 200 native and exotic animals.

And here’s what makes a Wild Florida visit especially unusual: the scale of the wildlife can change dramatically in just one day.

Families can go from visiting smaller farm animals to seeing massive American alligators, then climb into their vehicle for the Drive-thru Safari Park, where giraffes, zebras, bison, wildebeest and other animals await.

Add an airboat tour and the adventure moves from the animal park into the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades, where guests can search for native wildlife while experiencing one of Central Florida’s natural landscapes.

For parents looking for a family outing that combines animals, outdoor adventure and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos, Wild Florida offers a lot to discover in one destination.

Bring the kids, bring the camera and get ready for a hands-on taste of the wild side.

Wild Florida Adventure Park is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed Sundays. Reservations can be made Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wild Florida is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, FL 34739.

For reservations or additional information, call 407-957-3135 or toll-free at 866-532-7167, or email info@wildfl.com.

Guests can also book an airboat adventure through Wild Florida’s website.

From friendly farm animals to alligators and giraffes, there’s something for animal lovers of almost every age at Wild Florida.