I had a great time at the Jungle Island for the NIU Alumni New Year's Eve Party this year. We were in town for the 2013 Orange Bowl in Miami, and got a chance to walk around the zoo and enjoy the area with our private party. They had some really cool white tigers and lions, as well as a Liger!

Jungle Island is neither a Zoo nor a animal-based theme park, somewhere in the middle. My 2.5 year old fun, he liked the Camel Ride best. One useful tip, the photo they take during the camel ride, it is free for you to take (more correctly, it is included in the $15 camel ride cost). They don't tell you that, you won't know that unless you check out the price tag at the photo pickup counter. Overall, it was a good experience.

$8 parking. park is small and you can get around in 3-4 hours. shows are nice and spread so you just can go from show to show. not overcrowded and you are able to sit close for alot of the shows. park pictures can be expensive but you dont have to buy them so all the photo people were not a problem. Infact, we were able to get a pic with a 10 foot albino python that i gladly paid for. Use the miami go card and save money to go to this park. food is good and backpacks are allowed. The bird show is the best and they are up close and personal. You can feed the fish and other animals for a small price. I would return.

We have been coming to Jungle Island since it was Parrot Jungle Island. They never disappoint as they are always adding new attractions to appeal to a wide range of guests. The enjoyment does come at a price though...and it ain't cheap!! We did not mind the steep cost as it was a vacation and we had a great time. But they really need to "cool it" with the aggressive photo ops right when you walk in. This can be very off putting!! It is a lot for people to absorb right after they have just paid a fortune to walk through the turnstyle. And once through the turnstyle, you and your kids are ushered into a photo with some adorable animals. Once your kids see those photos you are suckered into having to buy them...not a great way to end a lovely day with the family. You are not allowed to use your own camera and they "police" it in a very controlling and uncomfortable way.

All this being said, it is a wonderful place and it is rare that someone cannot have a great time here! So much beauty to behold and so many smiling happy faces all around. The shows never disappoint and are run very well. The animals all look very well cared for and the place is very clean and well laid out.

If you are in Miami with your kids you really should make a trip to Jungle Island. Be prepared to pay a lot but it can be a beautiful day spent with the family!