This Florida Farm Combines Monster Trucks, Capybaras, Lemurs, and Family Fun
Showcase of Citrus in Clermont isn’t your typical Florida attraction. This 2,500-acre working citrus farm has transformed into one of Central Florida’s most unexpected adventures, where monster truck safaris roll past exotic animals and families feed capybaras between sips of fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Free admission makes it even better—you only pay for the experiences you want, from animal encounters to that unforgettable ride through the groves in a school bus lifted six feet off the ground. Whether you’re looking for a break from theme park chaos or just want to see a camel up close, this quirky Clermont gem delivers something completely different.
Monster Truck Safari Through Working Citrus Groves
Picture a bright yellow school bus hoisted onto massive monster truck tires, then imagine bouncing through citrus groves and past exotic animals for 45 minutes of pure entertainment. That’s the signature experience at Showcase of Citrus, and it’s nothing like you’d expect.
The ride isn’t just about the vehicle—though watching a school bus tower over orange trees is pretty wild—it’s about the journey through parts of the 2,500-acre property most visitors never see on foot.
Your driver doubles as tour guide and comedian, keeping everyone laughing while sharing facts about the farm’s history and the animals you’ll encounter. The tour makes three stops where you’ll feed buffalo, goats, camels, and ostriches using the feed provided during the ride.
Joe the camel has become something of a celebrity among regular visitors, often stealing the show with his enthusiastic approach to snack time.
The wheelchair-accessible design means everyone can join the adventure without climbing or struggling to get aboard. Families with small children especially appreciate this thoughtful touch.
The elevated vantage point gives you views across the rolling groves that ground-level visitors miss entirely, and the gentle bouncing adds just enough excitement without being scary for younger riders.
Tours run throughout the day, and booking online in advance is smart during peak seasons and weekends. The 45-minute duration hits the sweet spot—long enough to feel like a real adventure but short enough that restless kids stay engaged.
After your safari ends, you’ll still have leftover feed to share with the goats and pigs near the reception area.
The monster truck safari costs extra beyond free admission, but reviews consistently rank it as the highlight of visits. Parents mention their kids talking about the experience for weeks afterward.
Even adults who weren’t sure about the concept end up admitting it’s genuinely fun, not just kid-focused entertainment. The combination of novelty, animals, and that slightly ridiculous sight of a school bus on steroids makes this one of the most memorable activities in Clermont.
Capybara Meet and Greet with Ron and Rhonda
Ron and Rhonda are the farm’s resident capybaras, and they’ve built quite the fan club. These South American rodents—the world’s largest, actually—have become social media stars and visitor favorites at Showcase of Citrus.
Their gentle, easygoing personalities make them perfect ambassadors for their species, especially for guests who’ve never encountered a capybara before.
The private capybara encounter lets you get up close with these barrel-shaped animals in a way that regular zoo visits can’t match. You’ll feed them, pet them, and learn about their habits from knowledgeable staff members like Sam and Kaylee, who guests consistently praise for making the experience special.
The capybaras seem genuinely content during these sessions, munching away while visitors snap photos and marvel at their surprisingly soft fur.
One family shared a touching story about staff members going above and beyond when their daughter wasn’t feeling well. Instead of making her wait two hours for her scheduled slot, Sam and Kaylee arranged a quick five-minute private session so the family could leave.
That daughter ended up needing emergency surgery shortly after, making that capybara encounter an even more precious memory. Stories like this show how the staff understands these aren’t just activities—they’re moments families will remember forever.
Booking the capybara experience in advance is essential since spots fill quickly, especially on weekends. The encounter doesn’t require extensive time commitment, making it easy to fit into your visit alongside other activities.
Even if you don’t book the private session, you can still visit Ron and Rhonda in their habitat and watch them from outside their area.
Kids absolutely light up around these creatures, probably because capybaras look like giant guinea pigs with their friendly faces and calm demeanor. Adults find them equally charming, often remarking that meeting capybaras wasn’t something they expected to do in Florida.
The reasonable pricing for this unique encounter makes it accessible for most families, and the photos you’ll take are guaranteed conversation starters back home.
Exotic Animal Feeding Experience Across the Property
Free admission gets you through the gate, but the real magic happens when you grab a bucket of feed and start making friends with the resident animals. Showcase of Citrus houses an impressive variety of exotic and domestic animals across the property, from goats and donkeys to buffalo, camels, tortoises, and even a miniature pony with an attitude.
The smart move is buying the large bucket and dividing it into smaller containers if you’re visiting with a group—you’ll have plenty to share.
The tortoise has developed a reputation for absolutely loving lettuce, making him a favorite stop for visitors who bring greens specifically for him. Meanwhile, the miniature pony apparently runs the show with his own distinct personality, entertaining guests with his antics.
Each animal seems to have its own fan club among regular visitors who return specifically to visit their favorites.
Feeding stations are positioned throughout the property, so you’ll encounter animals as you explore rather than finding them all clustered in one area. This setup encourages wandering and discovery, especially for kids who get excited spotting the next animal around the corner.
The goats near the reception area are particularly social, eagerly approaching anyone carrying feed buckets.
During the monster truck safari, you’ll stop to feed larger animals like buffalo and camels that roam in more spacious areas away from the main visitor zones. These encounters feel different from typical petting zoo experiences because the animals have room to move naturally.
They approach because they want to, not because they’re confined to small spaces.
Staff members position themselves around animal areas to answer questions and ensure safe interactions. They’re genuinely knowledgeable and happy to share facts about each species’ habits, diets, and personalities.
The animal care standards are clearly high—visitors consistently comment on how healthy and well-maintained all the creatures appear.
The reasonable feed bucket prices mean families can easily afford to let kids have extended animal interactions without breaking the budget. This accessibility is part of what makes Showcase of Citrus such a hit with parents looking for affordable family entertainment that still feels special and memorable.
Lemur Encounters and Special Animal Experiences
Adding to their exotic animal lineup, Showcase of Citrus has introduced lemur meet-and-greet experiences that are generating serious buzz among return visitors. These primates from Madagascar bring something entirely different to the farm’s animal roster, and their playful, curious nature makes them instant favorites.
Watching lemurs move with their distinctive hopping gait and seeing those famous striped tails up close is an experience that feels almost safari-like.
The lemur encounters follow the same high-quality format as the capybara sessions, with trained staff facilitating interactions that are safe for both visitors and animals. You’ll learn about lemur behavior, their endangered status in the wild, and what makes these creatures so special.
The educational component never feels preachy or boring—staff members share information naturally while you’re enjoying the hands-on experience.
Animal encounters at Showcase of Citrus rotate and expand based on season and availability, so checking their website or calling ahead helps you plan around specific animals you’re hoping to meet. The farm continuously adds new experiences, keeping the attraction fresh for repeat visitors.
Regular guests mention discovering something new almost every visit, whether it’s a different animal or an updated encounter format.
These special animal experiences cost extra beyond general admission, but the pricing remains competitive compared to similar encounters at zoos or dedicated wildlife facilities. You’re getting intimate, small-group access rather than viewing animals from a distance behind barriers.
That proximity and interaction time justifies the additional cost for most families.
Photography during animal encounters is not only allowed but encouraged, with staff members often offering to take family photos so everyone can be in the picture. The backgrounds are naturally scenic—you’re outdoors on a working farm with citrus groves and Florida vegetation creating picture-perfect settings.
These aren’t sterile indoor exhibits with concrete floors and artificial lighting.
Visitors with children report that animal encounters often become the trip highlight their kids talk about for months afterward. There’s something powerful about actually touching and feeding an exotic animal rather than just seeing one through glass.
Showcase of Citrus understands this and has built their encounter programs around creating those memorable, tactile experiences that stick with families long after they’ve left Clermont.
Country Store, Honey House, and Local Product Shopping
The on-site country store and Honey House serve as both shopping destination and tasting room, packed with locally produced goods that make perfect souvenirs or pantry additions. Free honey samples greet you immediately—a smart strategy that usually leads to jar purchases once you taste the quality.
The honey comes from local sources and reportedly helps with allergies for residents who use it regularly, adding a practical benefit beyond just tasting delicious.
Shelves are stocked with citrus-related products you’d expect from a working grove: marmalades, jams, jellies, and preserved fruits. But the selection extends well beyond citrus to include salsas, hot sauces, pickled vegetables, and other Florida-made specialty foods.
Visitors consistently mention buying peach jam and various salsas as standout purchases they’re glad they grabbed.
The wine selection surprises many first-time visitors. Peach wine and green apple wine get specific mentions in reviews as being surprisingly good—not the overly sweet fruit wines some people expect.
Tastings are available, letting you sample before committing to bottles. These fruit wines make unique gifts for folks back home who think they’ve tried everything.
Fresh citrus availability depends on the season, which runs roughly October through May for most varieties. During peak season, you can buy fresh-picked oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits to take home.
The U-pick experience occasionally becomes unavailable due to weather conditions—an unusually cold winter can impact availability—but the store maintains citrus product inventory year-round.
Beyond food products, the store carries Florida-themed gifts, decorative items, and practical souvenirs that don’t feel overly touristy. Prices remain reasonable, especially compared to theme park gift shops.
You’re supporting a working farm and local producers rather than buying mass-produced items shipped from overseas.
The store layout encourages browsing without feeling cramped or overwhelming. Staff members are helpful without being pushy, answering questions about products and offering recommendations based on what you’re looking for.
Many visitors mention planning to buy more wine or specific products on their next visit after sampling items the first time around, suggesting the quality justifies return trips specifically for shopping.
Tractor Bar and Fresh Food Truck Offerings
Adults haven’t been forgotten at this family-friendly destination. The Tractor Bar offers an impressive selection of craft beers on tap, providing a relaxing spot for parents to unwind while kids play in the nearby sandbox or visit animals.
The bar’s casual outdoor atmosphere fits perfectly with the farm’s laid-back vibe—no fancy cocktail lounge pretensions, just cold beer and good company under Florida sunshine.
Seasonal specialty drinks rotate throughout the year, with fall bringing Halloween-themed adult beverages that guests rave about. The bar doesn’t just serve alcohol either—fresh-squeezed orange juice drinks and the famous orange creamsicle slushies are available for all ages.
That creamsicle drink gets mentioned repeatedly in reviews as being exceptionally refreshing, especially on hot Florida days when you’ve been walking around feeding animals.
Food trucks positioned near the bar area serve surprisingly good food that goes well beyond typical fair fare. Gator nachos and gator quesadillas prepared by chef Leo have developed a following among regular visitors.
Trying gator gives out-of-state tourists that authentic Florida experience they’re seeking, and the quality preparation makes even skeptics into fans.
The pineapple Dole Whip deserves its own paragraph—this frozen treat is apparently so good that multiple reviews specifically call it out. Visitors familiar with the famous Disney version claim Showcase of Citrus holds its own in the Dole Whip department.
Having a quality frozen dessert option is clutch when you’re spending hours outdoors in Florida heat.
The bar and food area includes plenty of shaded seating where families can rest between activities. The setup encourages lingering rather than rushing through your visit.
You can grab lunch, let kids burn energy at the playground, and then continue exploring when everyone’s recharged.
Pricing for food and drinks remains reasonable, continuing the farm’s overall theme of affordability. You’re not paying theme park prices for a beer or snack.
The combination of quality offerings and fair pricing makes the Tractor Bar and food area genuinely enjoyable rather than just a necessary convenience. Multiple reviews mention being pleasantly surprised by how good everything tasted, suggesting expectations were exceeded across the board.
Free Playground, Photo Opportunities, and Seasonal Events
The massive outdoor sandbox loaded with toys provides a surprisingly popular attraction for younger children who need a break from animal activities. Swings and other playground equipment round out the play area, all positioned in shaded spots that keep kids from roasting in direct sun.
Parents appreciate having this option when little ones need to just be kids for a while without structured activities or animal encounters.
Free admission to the playground and general grounds means families can visit just to let kids play without spending money on other activities. This accessibility makes Showcase of Citrus a regular stop for local families who might visit multiple times throughout the year.
The playground area is well-maintained with plenty of space, so it doesn’t feel crowded even when the farm is busy.
Photo opportunities are everywhere across the property, especially during seasonal events. Fall festival decorations transform the farm into an Instagram-worthy wonderland with hay bales, pumpkins, and autumn displays creating perfect backdrops.
Holiday seasons bring similarly impressive decorating efforts. Visitors consistently comment on the photo-friendly environment and the fact that new displays appear regularly, giving return visitors fresh scenes to capture.
Seasonal events like the Haunted Monster Truck Tour add special programming beyond the daily offerings. These events typically require advance ticket purchases and sell out quickly, so planning ahead is crucial if you’re visiting during Halloween or other major holidays.
The haunted tour apparently includes a tour guide fighting off monsters and zombies while keeping passengers safe and laughing—exactly the kind of silly fun that makes memories.
The 2,500-acre property provides plenty of room to wander and explore without feeling hemmed in or stuck in crowds. You can find quieter spots away from main activity areas when you need a breather.
The spacious layout also means the farm never feels overcrowded even during peak visitation times.
Free parking adds another cost savings to an already affordable day out. When you add up free admission, free parking, reasonable activity prices, and quality food offerings, Showcase of Citrus delivers exceptional value.
Central Florida residents especially appreciate having this option as an alternative to expensive theme parks when they want a fun family outing that won’t demolish the budget.
