Monkey Jungle
Miami's historic Monkey Jungle offers a unique rainforest experience where visitors are in cages and monkeys roam free.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better interactions
Monkey Jungle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better interactions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Miami's historic Monkey Jungle offers a unique rainforest experience where visitors are in cages and monkeys roam free.
"A historic gem where you're in the cage and monkeys roam free – truly unforgettable!"
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds by arriving at opening. You'll have more time and better interactions.
🐒 Buy Monkey Food
Don't miss feeding the monkeys! Purchase peanuts at check-in for a fun, interactive experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monkey Feeding
Designated feeding areas
Watch monkeys pull up baskets of peanuts, a unique and engaging experience for all ages.
Rainforest Experience
Aviary
Walk through a lush aviary and observe monkeys in a naturalistic, spacious habitat.
Fossil Display
Exhibition area
Discover a 10,000-year-old fossil, adding a prehistoric touch to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Interactive Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds by arriving at opening. You'll have more time and better interactions.
🐒 Buy Monkey Food
Don't miss feeding the monkeys! Purchase peanuts at check-in for a fun, interactive experience.
What is the Monkey Forest really like???
ℹ️ Attend Info Sessions
Staff offer great insights. These sessions are highly recommended for learning about the animals.
⚠️ Check for Repairs
Parts of the park may be closed. Call ahead to confirm full access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early!
Beat the crowds by arriving at opening. You'll have more time and better interactions.
🐒 Buy Monkey Food
Don't miss feeding the monkeys! Purchase peanuts at check-in for a fun, interactive experience.
ℹ️ Attend Info Sessions
Staff offer great insights. These sessions are highly recommended for learning about the animals.
⚠️ Check for Repairs
Parts of the park may be closed. Call ahead to confirm full access.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Monkey Jungle for its unique 'humans in cages' concept and the engaging monkey feeding experience. The staff's passion and knowledge are frequently highlighted, making the educational sessions a standout feature. While some note that parts of the park could use updates and that admission can be a bit pricey for the duration, the overall sentiment is positive, with many cherishing it as a historic and memorable family destination.
"Monkey Jungle was truly an experience to remember! The staff was incredibly friendly, especially during the information sessions throughout the day — they answered all our questions, offered great feedback, and were happy to chat. We learned a ton about the different monkey species, the history of the facility, and what makes this place so unique: instead of confining the monkeys, humans are in the cage while the monkeys roam freely across 7 acres. It’s a wonderful way to see them in a more natural habitat.
We made the mistake of arriving a little after 3 PM on our first day, when they stop selling tickets at 3, and they close at 4. We were so happy we came back early the next morning when they opened at 9:45. It was just my fiancé and me for a long time, which made the experience even more special. We got to interact with the monkeys by feeding them and attended multiple info sessions — highly recommend doing that or even the $150 interactive tour if you can. We’ll definitely make time to return whenever we’re back in town!"
MrIquique
"Monkey Jungle is Miami’s Longest-Running Wildlife Park opening back in the early 1930’s!! It is a historic Icon and I have fond memories of going there when I was a young child.
The park was much different back then, I am referring to circa 1975 to the 1980's with my parents. One of the Monkeys reached out to me took my eye glasses off my face. My parents tell the story fondly.
Fast forward like 30 years and here I am taking my own kids to this same park, however the layout is much different. My kids and myself absolutely love feeding the monkeys by putting peanuts in basket and the monkeys are on top and pull up the basket and then put it back down for more peanuts. It is just the coolest and no more monkeys reaching out taking off your glasses.
Feeding the monkeys was never like this before and that is because of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. We are so lucky that this wildlife park is still here today. The path of Hurricane Andrew went directly thru Monkey Jungle causing catastrophic damage that you can not imagine. If they were not already dead, Apes, Monkeys and Gorillas roaming the streets.
God Bless the staff and caretakers of Monkey Jungle, they stayed on site helping the animals that were hurt, helping the animals find their way home. Courageous Amazing People!!!
The wings of Aviary is one of the additions that was added to the park after Hurricane.
Monkey Jungle is such a fun family park, we are so lucky to have this in Miami."
Kathy Hyatt, PA Realtor
"This place has been here since 1932. I grew up coming here as a kid and bringing my kids here as well. It is a unique and enjoyable experience with a friendly staff with feeding and educational shows that they provide through out the day. As you check in you have the opportunity to purchase food to feed the monkeys and the fish. The gift shop is reasonably priced with many gift choices.
Unfortunately today they had a large portion of the park closed for repairs, and because of that they offered the entrance fee at a discount; it was 20 for adults, so you may want to call before coming to confirm if the entire park has reopened.
There was no water fountains throughout the park but vending machines. No food was available the day we were here. As you walk through this place you can clearly see that it has been around for many years and could use some updates and repairs, but it is clean and managed well but no updates. They keep the area looking like a natural habitat so it is not manicured for that reason.
They charge 150 if you want to have a private guided tour and a more personal experience with the monkeys but we did not choose to do this. Parking was easy and there was no charge to park.
Overall we had a great day enjoying a place that we remembered very well as a kid."
Maria Pellini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monkey Jungle is located in Miami. Driving is the most common way to get there, and parking is free. Public transportation options might be available, but check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times.
Yes, parking is available and it's free for visitors. This makes it convenient for those driving to the attraction.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally available in Miami and can be a convenient option for reaching Monkey Jungle if you prefer not to drive.
Monkey Jungle typically opens around 9:45 AM and stops selling tickets at 3 PM, closing at 4 PM. It's always best to confirm hours directly with the park, especially if there are ongoing repairs.
While the park aims to be accessible, some areas might have uneven terrain due to its naturalistic setting. It's advisable to contact Monkey Jungle directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but general adult tickets have been around $20-$30. Discounts may be offered if parts of the park are under repair. An interactive tour is also available for a higher fee.
While not explicitly stated, it's often recommended to check the official Monkey Jungle website for online ticket purchasing options to save time.
Discounts may be offered, especially if sections of the park are closed for repairs. It's a good idea to inquire about potential discounts when booking or upon arrival.
Information on re-entry policies is not widely available. It's best to assume that re-entry might not be permitted or to confirm with staff upon entry if you anticipate needing to leave and return.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, can help ensure entry and potentially save time.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
Monkey Jungle is home to various monkey species, and also features an aviary with birds. The focus is on providing a naturalistic habitat for the animals.
Yes, feeding the monkeys is a highlight! You can purchase special food, like peanuts, to feed them from designated areas.
Monkey Jungle offers information sessions throughout the day where staff share insights about the animals and the park's history.
A visit to Monkey Jungle can take about an hour to see the main attractions. However, if you plan to attend multiple info sessions or opt for an interactive tour, you might spend longer.
While monkeys can be unpredictable, Monkey Jungle has safety measures in place. Visitors are advised to follow staff instructions and avoid provoking the animals. The park's design allows humans to be in cages while monkeys roam freely in certain areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Vending machines are available for drinks and snacks. However, full food service might not always be available, so it's wise to check beforehand or bring your own snacks.
Information on bringing outside food is limited. It's generally a good idea to check the park's policy or stick to purchasing from available vendors.
Monkey Jungle primarily offers vending machines. There are no full-service restaurants within the park itself.
Vending machines typically offer standard snack and drink options. The main food interaction is feeding the monkeys with purchased peanuts.
Given the limited food options, it's advisable to have a meal before or after your visit, or to pack substantial snacks if you plan to spend a longer time there.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Always follow staff guidance.
The monkey feeding areas and the aviary offer great opportunities for photos. Try to capture the monkeys in their naturalistic habitats.
While you can take photos of the monkeys, direct selfies with them are generally discouraged for safety and animal welfare reasons. Maintain a respectful distance.
There are usually no specific restrictions on standard camera equipment. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits.
Visitors often share photos of the monkeys interacting, being fed, and in their spacious enclosures. Capturing the unique 'humans in cages' concept is also popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Attending the information sessions is highly recommended to keep children engaged and learning. Consider the Rainforest Experience for a more personalized and magical encounter, especially if your children are very young and might be intimidated by larger crowds.
💰 Budget Travelers
Keep an eye out for potential discounts, especially if parts of the park are under repair.
Focus on the free information sessions to get the most educational value from your visit.❤️ Couples & Animal Lovers
Consider the private guided tour for a truly romantic and educational experience, offering deeper insights into the animals' lives and the park's conservation mission.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Concept: Humans in Cages
This concept, which has been a part of Monkey Jungle since its early days, offers a unique perspective on wildlife observation. It emphasizes the well-being of the animals by allowing them ample space and freedom, while ensuring visitor safety. The staff are integral to this, guiding interactions and providing educational context about each species.
Many visitors find this setup to be a refreshing change from traditional zoos, offering a more authentic and less intrusive way to connect with nature. The ability to feed the monkeys directly from these enclosures is a particularly memorable aspect, creating a tangible connection between humans and the animal kingdom.
A Historic Miami Landmark
The park has weathered significant challenges, most notably Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which caused catastrophic damage. The resilience of Monkey Jungle and the dedication of its staff during and after the hurricane are often highlighted by visitors, underscoring its importance as a historic icon.
Despite its age, the park strives to maintain a naturalistic environment, which means it may not always appear manicured. However, this commitment to a natural habitat, combined with its historical significance, makes Monkey Jungle a unique and cherished part of the Miami landscape.
Interactive Experiences and Education
Throughout the day, the knowledgeable staff conduct information sessions. These sessions are highly recommended as they provide valuable insights into the monkeys' behavior, diets, and the park's conservation efforts. They are a fantastic way to deepen your understanding and appreciation for the animals.
For those seeking an even more in-depth experience, Monkey Jungle offers a private guided tour, often referred to as the 'Rainforest Experience.' This premium option provides a more personal encounter with the animals and the environment, making it a truly memorable occasion, especially for families with young children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit