When it comes to zoos, there are hundreds in the U.S. But of the more than 200 facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and there can only be a few of the “best.”

This week, USA TODAY’s 10 Best released its reader’s choice list of the top 10 zoos in the U.S. for 2025, and two Florida zoos made the list. If you’re stumped on how to keep your kids entertained this spring break and live in Jacksonville, you have one of the top five best zoos in the country at your doorstep.

“A panel of experts nominated their top picks for the best zoos in the United States — facilities that excel in the fields of animal care and enrichment, while also facilitating meaningful interactions between animals and human visitors. Then, readers voted to determine the winners,” the rankings list says.

Here’s which two Florida zoos made the list, where they rank and why.

USA TODAY’s ‘10 Best’ zoos for 2025

First place on USA TODAY’s list went to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska, which is home to the world’s largest indoor desert, a one-acre sea lion and seal exhibit, a stingray beach in the warm months, up-close giraffe feeding experiences and more.

Colorado Springs’ Cheyenne Mountain Zoo took second place and Columbus, Ohio’s Columbus Zoo and Aquarium took third.

The first Florida zoo on the rankings list is the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, which took fourth place overall.

“See giant anteaters, vampire bats, and a Brazilian rainbow boa at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, which span 117 acres along the Trout River,” the rankings say.

“Blending lush botanical gardens with diverse wildlife habitats, the zoo's African Forest showcases western lowland gorillas and bonobos, while the Range of the Jaguar is a national award-winning South American exhibit.”

It’s only right that the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars football team would boast a nationally-recognized exhibit that revolves around the big cat that football fans in the city sport on hats, shirts and just about anything you can slap a logo on.

In addition to the iconic jaguar exhibit, visitors of all ages can visit the Stingray Bay touch pool to feel what stingray “wings” are like as they swim by. And the “Wild Florida” exhibit features native species most Floridians are familiar with, like alligators, snakes, manatees and bobcats.

The Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, about 2½ hours south of the Jacksonville Zoo, took sixth place overall.

“Home to more than 800 animals, the AZA-accredited Brevard Zoo takes the zoo-going experience to adventurous new levels,” the rankings say.

“Guests can walk through the canopy above South American jungle habitats, or kayak through an Africa-like savanna or restored Florida wetland.”

How much are the Jacksonville Zoo tickets?

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last call for entry is at 4:30 p.m.

General admission tickets for adults range from around $30 to $35, from around $25 to $30 for kids ages three through 12 and around $28 to $33 for seniors.

Total experience tickets include admission to “Frozen in Time: An Ice Age Adventure” 4D Theater, unlimited train and Carousel Rides (Children 12 and under), Nature Agents adventure and animal feedings. Total experience tickets cost around $10 to $15 more than general admission.

What does it cost to get into the Brevard Zoo?

The Brevard Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last call for entry is at 3:30 p.m.

General admission tickets vary by a few dollars, depending on whether you buy them in person or online. General admission for adults is around $34, around $28 for seniors, around $22 for kids ages three to 11 and free for children younger than 3.

You can also opt into a zipline adventure for an added cost.