Monkey Jungle: A Local's Guide From Homestead
In this article
Monkey Jungle is a wildlife park in southern Miami-Dade County where the people walk through caged pathways and many of the monkeys roam free around them. It covers about 30 acres of subtropical forest at 14805 SW 216th Street, in the farm country north of Homestead, and it has been open since the 1930s. For buyers looking at Terra Sol, Lennar's townhome community in Homestead, it is one of the closest family outings.
This guide covers the park's history, what you will see, tips for a first visit and how to get there from Terra Sol.
The idea that makes it different
At most zoos, the animals are behind fences and the visitors walk free. Monkey Jungle flips that. Visitors follow covered, caged walkways, and many of the primates move freely through the trees outside the cage.
The park's own website sums it up with a well-known tagline about humans being caged while the monkeys run wild. That is exactly what it feels like. You stand in the walkway and the monkeys come to you on their own terms.
A short history
According to the Wikipedia article on Monkey Jungle, the park began when Joseph DuMond released six Java macaques into the forest here. Sources give slightly different opening years in the early-to-mid 1930s. The park's own website says it was established in 1935.
Java macaques still make up most of the primates at the park today. Wikipedia also says Joseph DuMond's son, Frank, collected the plants for the park's Amazonian Rainforest exhibit.
What you will see
Wikipedia lists more than 300 primates at the park, including:
Java macaques, the original residents
Squirrel monkeys
Black-capped capuchins
Red howler monkeys
It also mentions lemurs, sloths, turtles, tortoises and other animals.
The Amazonian Rainforest exhibit is one of the highlights. Wikipedia describes it as a large, semi-natural tropical rainforest with three monkey species living in it.
The park also has a nonprofit science and education partner, the DuMond Conservancy for Primates and Tropical Forests.
Shows and guided tours
Monkey Jungle runs guided shows and tours on a schedule through the day. Guides talk about the animals and their natural behavior rather than teaching tricks. The park also offers a guided rainforest tour.
The website says reservations are requested and walk-ins are accepted when space allows. Show times, hours and ticket prices change, so check the Monkey Jungle website the day before you go.
Tips for a first visit
Book ahead. Reserve your time slot on the park's website, especially on weekends and holidays.
Go early. Mornings are cooler, which makes the outdoor walk easier.
Dress for the heat. Wear light clothes, a hat and comfortable walking shoes.
Bring sunscreen, water and bug spray. Much of the walk is outside under trees.
Plan your day around a show. The guided talks are the best part for kids.
Keep hands and food inside the walkway. Follow the staff's rules about the animals.
Leave time. Walking the paths and catching a show can fill a good part of a morning.
Ask about the rainforest tour. It is a separate guided walk, so check whether it is included with your ticket or booked on its own.
How it differs from a traditional zoo
A traditional zoo, like Zoo Miami, shows many kinds of animals from around the world in separate habitats, and you walk the open paths between them. Monkey Jungle does one thing and goes deep on it. It is built around primates, in a forest setting, with you inside the walkway and the animals outside it.
That makes it smaller and more focused than a big zoo. Many families find it a good fit for younger kids, who can see a lot in one shaded loop without a long day of walking. If you have visitors in town, you can do both on different days and they will feel like two very different trips.
Photo tips
Shoot through the gaps. Get your phone lens close to the mesh so it fades from the picture.
Turn off the flash. It bounces off the walkway and can startle animals.
Be patient. The monkeys move on their own schedule. Wait a minute and they often come closer.
Look up. Many animals sit high in the trees, not at eye level.
Who will enjoy it
Young kids, who love seeing monkeys up close
Visiting family, as an easy ""only in South Florida"" outing
Photographers, for close views in a natural setting
Anyone new to the area who wants to see a real local landmark
Make it a half-day in the Redland
Monkey Jungle sits among the farms and nurseries north of Homestead, so it pairs well with nearby stops:
Fruit & Spice Park, a county park growing more than 500 varieties of fruits, spices and other plants. See the Fruit & Spice Park page.
A fruit stand on the way home, for mangoes, avocados or a fresh fruit milkshake in season.
Our Redland, FL guide covers the area's farm stops, history and crops.
Getting there from Terra Sol
Terra Sol sits at SW 172nd Avenue and SW 336th Street in Homestead, just east of Krome Avenue. Monkey Jungle is on SW 216th Street, which is also called Hainlin Mill Drive.
The simple way to think about the route: head north on Krome Avenue, then east on SW 216th Street to the park. Check a map app for current conditions before you leave.
If you want a bigger trip, read Homestead to Key West: The Roads for heading south.
Living near it
Homestead puts farms, a wildlife park and national parks close by. Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park are both near Homestead, and the Redland farm belt is close by. For a family, that means an easy supply of weekend plans that do not need a long trip or a big budget.
Terra Sol has four two-story townhome plans from about 1,649 to about 1,804 square feet, each with a one-car garage and a balcony off the owner's suite. See them all in our Terra Sol floor plans guide. Curious about the finishes inside? Our coffered ceiling guide shows what the owner's suites include.
Common Questions
What is Monkey Jungle?
Monkey Jungle is a wildlife park in southern Miami-Dade County where visitors walk through caged walkways while many of the primates roam free. It covers about 30 acres of subtropical forest and has been open since the 1930s.
Where is Monkey Jungle?
It is at 14805 SW 216th Street, in the farm country north of Homestead. SW 216th Street is also known as Hainlin Mill Drive.
What animals live at Monkey Jungle?
Wikipedia lists more than 300 primates, including Java macaques, squirrel monkeys, black-capped capuchins and red howler monkeys. It also mentions lemurs, sloths and tortoises.
Do I need a reservation?
The park's website says reservations are requested and walk-ins are accepted when space allows. Booking ahead is the safer choice, especially on weekends.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Plan for a good part of a morning. That gives you time to walk the paths, see the rainforest exhibit and catch a guided show.
Is Monkey Jungle close to Terra Sol?
Yes. It is in the farm area north of Homestead. From Terra Sol, you head north on Krome Avenue and then east on SW 216th Street. Check a map app for current conditions.
Want to see Terra Sol and the area around it? Call 561-704-0091 or See Terra Sol in Homestead — Schedule a Visit.
Related reading: Redland, FL: Farm Country Near Terra Sol, Homestead to Key West, Terra Sol Floor Plans Compared, Coffered Ceiling Guide, and the Terra Sol community page.