Central Florida Zoo offers free Mother’s Day admission for moms, grandmothers

A Mother’s Day trip to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will come with one less ticket to pay for families headed to Sanford: moms and grandmothers will get in free with the purchase of a general admission ticket. The offer gives local households a low-cost way to turn the holiday into a full-day outing at one of Seminole County’s most familiar family anchors.

The promotion is set for Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3755 West Seminole Boulevard in Sanford. The zoo says the deal must be purchased in person at the front gate or admission window, and it is being billed as “Moms Visit FREE on Mother’s Day!” Parking is free, which keeps the outing from piling on extra costs before families even reach the entrance.

For a price comparison, adult admission normally runs $21.95 online in advance or $26.95 at the gate. That means a family buying one admission ticket to bring a mom or grandmother along will save the full cost of that second adult entry, while still keeping the day within reach for households watching spending. Children 2 and under are free, though they still require a ticket.

The zoo’s regular admission rules also make the holiday promotion fit squarely within its standard discount policy. Special offers are sold at the zoo’s admission window, tickets are valid for one year from the date of purchase, and no rainchecks are offered. The zoo also recommends advance online purchase for regular visits, while noting that certain discounts and reciprocal-admission deals must be bought at the gate.

The attraction remains a dependable choice because it offers more than a quick animal stop. The zoo says it is home to more than 350 animals, including rhinos and cheetahs, and its release highlights both animal encounters and botanical gardens as part of the experience. With weekday hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekend hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Sanford site continues to position itself as a steady holiday option, not just a seasonal one.