The place: St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Florida.
Who visited: Jeffrey and Sally Weaver of Florence, Massachusetts, and their daughter Georgia, age 5.
Why they loved it: You can see every living species of crocodilian -- alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and more -- as well as exotic birds, snakes, turtles, and monkeys. The beautiful century-old park includes a two-acre swamp crisscrossed by wooden boardwalks and overhung by native trees. Entertaining live presentations on the park's animals are included in the admission price ($22 for adults, $11 for kids ages 3 to 11). "You're right there with all these alligators," says Sally, who is FamilyFun's assistant art director. Her daughter was especially taken with Maximo, an enormous saltwater crocodile. As Georgia gazed at him, says Sally, "she was terrified and excited. She just loved it."
Timing tips: Catch an alligator feeding (noon and 3 p.m. daily) or go late in the day to see hundreds of wild wading birds -- including herons, egrets, ibis, and wood storks -- fly in to roost above the gators.
For more information: Call 904- 824-3337, or visit the park's Web site at alligatorfarm.com.
