Discover a thrilling way to celebrate Halloween at Gainesville’s Carson Springs Wildlife with a unique drive thru and walk thru event. Perfect for families and adventurers alike, this spooky outdoor experience brings seasonal fun to Florida’s natural landscape.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including families with children and older adults.
Wildlife
History
Carson Springs Wildlife is part of Gainesville’s long-standing commitment to conservation education and outdoor recreation.
Conservation
The event emphasizes minimal environmental impact, using existing trails and themed decorations that do not harm native flora or fauna.
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Discover a thrilling way to celebrate Halloween at Gainesville’s Carson Springs Wildlife with a unique drive thru and walk thru event. Perfect for families and adventurers alike, this spooky outdoor experience brings seasonal fun to Florida’s natural landscape.
Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation operates a family-focused wildlife park offering guided tours, seasonal events, and educational encounters. Founded to promote animal welfare and conservation, the foundation specializes in close, safely managed experiences with big cats and other species. Professional zoologists lead every tour, providing expert commentary on behavior, biology, and conservation practices. Visitors can choose from walking tours or ride tours using unique motorized vehicles that increase accessibility for families, seniors, and guests with mobility needs.
Daily and seasonal offerings include private walking tours, private ride tours, group morning walks or rides, themed holiday tours such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Halloween drive-thru experiences, plus special events like Spring Safari and open house days. Many experiences incorporate live big cat feeding demonstrations, Raptor shows, and keeper talks that highlight responsible animal care and species-specific enrichment.
Safety and animal welfare are emphasized in every interaction. Tours are designed to maintain safe distances during demonstrations while maximizing viewing opportunities. Advance booking is recommended for limited-capacity events and holiday tours. Educational programming targets families, school groups, and wildlife enthusiasts, with hands-on learning led by credentialed staff.
Carson Springs works with conservation partners to support research and public outreach. Transparency about husbandry, enrichment, and conservation goals reinforces visitor trust. Clear booking policies, professional staff, and structured experiences make the foundation a reliable choice for guests seeking memorable, educational, and accessible wildlife encounters.
On-site staff follow documented protocols and regularly update educational materials to reflect current conservation science and visitor feedback.
Expert Guides
Professional zoologists
Hands-on wildlife educators
Tours Offered
11 tours
Private, group, and holiday options
Big Cat Demos
Feeding demonstrations
Close, safe viewing
Reserve limited-capacity tours now — accessible ride options, expert zoologists, and big cat demonstrations await.
Drive Safely Through the Haunted Route
Keep your speed slow and steady during the drive thru to fully enjoy each spooky scene and maintain safety.
Wear Comfortable Shoes for the Walk Thru
The walk thru section involves uneven ground and natural trails; sturdy footwear will keep you comfortable.
Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Early evening visits offer shorter lines and better photo opportunities before the event gets busy.
Bring Insect Repellent
Florida’s autumn evenings can still be buggy; a bit of repellent ensures a more comfortable experience.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Helpful for navigating the walk thru trail after dark safely.
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Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for the outdoor walk thru portion over natural terrain.
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Light Jacket or Sweater
Even Florida evenings can get cool; layering keeps you warm.
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Seasonal Events
Holiday specials
Spring Safari and holiday tours
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the spooky scenes and memorable moments throughout the event.
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