By Kate Cohen
August 7, 2026
Without a doubt, Orlando is known for its incredible theme parks and world-famous attractions.
However, it’s Central Florida’s local, family-owned businesses that create the community’s strong backbone of hospitality and authenticity.
Take, for example, The Showcase of Citrus in Clermont.
This agritourism destination is the perfect place for a day of fresh air and family-friendly fun.
Meet exotic animals, ride on the world’s largest monster trucks, pick your own citrus fruit, and learn all about Florida’s fascinating wildlife.
Here’s what you can look forward to with a visit to The Showcase of Citrus.
Key Takeaways
- Monster Truck Eco-Tours
- Exciting Animal Encounters and Petting Zoo
- Delicious Food and Goodies
- The Perfect Toddler-Friendly Activity in Orlando
- U-Pick Citrus
- Seasonal Events
- Experience Authentic Orlando with a Stay at Rosen Inn International
Monster Truck Eco-Tours
One of the biggest (literally) attractions at The Showcase of Citrus is a tour of the property on the enormous tiger-striped monster trucks.
These oversized, open-air vehicles are more like school buses on monster truck wheels, offering a safe, comfortable ride the whole family can enjoy.
You’ll learn all about the farm and its residents on a guided tour led by a knowledgeable driver with fascinating insights and facts to share.
Pick up a bucket of animal feed to befriend exotic critters like ostriches, water buffalo, gazelles, bison, a camel, and other friendly animals. You may even spot zebras and Watusi cattle grazing nearby.
The Showcase of Citrus is also home to a tribe of Bigfoots (Bigfeet?) that live within a wooded reserve on the property. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive through thickets of trees where these elusive creatures live.
Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about Florida’s ecosystems, conservation, and local farming practices.
A ride on one of the world’s largest monster trucks is a wonderful way to experience the rugged wilderness of Central Florida in an exciting new way.
Riders ages 13 and older can enjoy the hour-long excursion for $25 per person. Kids ages 4 – 12 ride for $15, and little ones 3 and under ride for free.
Exciting Animal Encounters and Petting Zoo
The Showcase of Citrus is the perfect place to get up close to a variety of fun and fascinating animals.
Take, for example, Ron and Rhonda, the ranch’s signature capybaras.
These friendly sweethearts love belly rubs and fresh veggies, both of which you can offer them during the capybara meet-and-greet.
This small group encounter gives guests the chance to feed and pet Ron and Rhonda while learning about their fascinating species from an experienced keeper.
Another incredible animal experience offered at The Showcase of Citrus is the Lemur Meet-and-Greet, where you can spend time with their resident black and white ruffed lemurs, Martin and Morty.
These rambunctious cuties love perching on your shoulder and snacking on banana slices as you snap pictures and make memories.
While these two encounters are ticketed events, there are still plenty of friendly animals to engage with for free.
Take, for example, the goats, chickens, donkeys, and mini horses at the petting zoo.
Kangaroos, alpacas, pigs, and peacocks are also charismatic residents of the ranch.
Whether you purchase petting zoo food at the farm or just stop by for pets and smiles, the animals at Showcase of Citrus will surely be delighted to see you.
Delicious Food and Goodies
Adventuring, exploring, and learning can work up an appetite.
When you start getting hungry, head to the open-air canteen for refreshments.
A must-try item is the orange juice slushy, made with freshly squeezed orange juice and served with or without soft-serve vanilla ice cream.
Adults can enjoy a selection of local draft beer and wine from the attraction’s proprietary wine label.
There is also a kitchen serving delicious menu items like quesadillas, chicken fingers, and gator chili.
Before you head home, be sure to check out the General Store. It has shelves stocked with delicious products like sauces, jams, honey, wine, and other culinary goodies.
There are also plenty of Florida-made gifts and toys to remind you of your time exploring The Showcase of Citrus.
The Perfect Toddler-Friendly Activity in Orlando
Entertaining little ones can be a challenge. A destination like The Showcase of Citrus is the perfect place to keep them active and engaged.
In addition to the petting zoo, toddlers will love the playground and the sandy play area located under the shady boughs of mature trees.
You can enjoy a delightful outing full of fresh air, active play, friendly animals, vintage tractors, and colorful decor, all for free.
Kids of all ages love The Showcase of Citrus, but little ones especially will get a kick out of everything the ranch has to offer.
U-Pick Citrus
The Showcase of Citrus began as an expansive citrus orchard in 1989.
Nearly four decades later, you can still be a part of the ranch’s agricultural legacy with their U-Pick Citrus opportunities.
Typically available from November through March, you can visit The Showcase of Citrus to hand-pick your own fruit.
Varieties include Valencia oranges, navel oranges, tangerines, and honeybells (a juicy cross between tangerines and grapefruit).
Of course, U-Pick availability is dependent on the growing season, so be sure to check the Showcase of Citrus Facebook page for updates on U-Pick opportunities.
Seasonal Events
The animals and monster trucks are fabulous draws year-round.
But when Easter, Halloween, and Christmas roll around, The Showcase of Citrus transforms into a special holiday destination.
Springtime brings a visit from the Easter Bunny, complete with plenty of photo opportunities.
In the fall, the ranch hosts the Pumpkin Ponderosa, a family-friendly event with a sprinkle of spooky fun. Pick out your perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, enjoy a special menu of seasonal refreshments, and roast marshmallows over an open fire as the sun sets.
For a slightly scarier experience, check out the Haunted Monster Truck Rides, an after-dark tour experience designed to thrill and chill.
As the holidays draw closer, The Showcase of Citrus becomes a warm winter wonderland.
Guests can meet Santa Claus, find your family’s Christmas tree, and take a special monster truck ride to enjoy an array of twinkling Christmas lights and a magically festive story.
Of course, the animals, playgrounds, and monster trucks will also be waiting to make your holiday trip to The Showcase of Citrus extra special, too.
Experience Authentic Orlando with a Stay at Rosen Inn International
When you stay at a centrally located hotel like Rosen Inn International, the best local Central Florida attractions are never far.
After a wonderful day at The Showcase of Citrus, you can come back to your comfortable hotel room to recharge and get ready for your next Orlando adventure.
Enjoy perks like our two sparkling, seasonally heated swimming pools and our Kids Eat Free program, where little ones 5 and under can enjoy our onsite breakfast buffet for free with each paid adult meal.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Orlando and share our passion for hospitality with you throughout your stay.