Nei pressi della Villa Giulia, con ingresso dalla via Lincoln, si trova l'Orto Botanico, in cui gli edifici originali furono eretti al tempo dell'illuminato viceré Caracciolo, nel 1785 e che assunse subito importanza e fama internazionali. L'edificio centrale, detto Ginnasio, fu destinato ad accogliere l'aula delle lezioni, la biblioteca, l'alloggio del direttore dell'Istituto annesso ed altri uffici, ed è di gusto prettamente neoclassico. Attualmente l'Orto ricopre una superficie di dieci ettari ed il temperato clima palermitano vi ha favorito la crescita delle più svariate specie vegetali: dracene, bambù, ficus magnolioides dalle radici aeree, platani, tigli, ananas, e oltre.
This center organizes activities that aim to teach children and adults about nature and wildlife. While the center is in Palermo, the organization usually takes trips to the nearby coastal town Cefalu. The activities can last a weekend or an entire week. The organization also organizes adventure camps for children aged seven to seventeen. Cycling enthusiasts will find bike rentals and tours operating from the center. For nature enthusiasts, the center also organizes holidays in places like the Cea Serra Guarni, a local farm.
The Bioparco di Sicilia is a botanical garden, zoo and reptile house thirty minutes by car from center of Palermo. The biopark is spread over 60000 square meters (645834.63 square feet) and has some rare plant and animal species that are worth seeing. Llamas, meerkats and zebras are some of the animals that are housed in the park. Other attractions include the Land of Dinosaurs where patrons get the chance to see 20 life size dinosaur models. The modern zoological museum also doubles up as a conservation center where not only do patrons get a chance to view the majestic animals, but the park also conducts research and organizes educational programs for the young ones. There is also a small bar on-site from where you can buy a few drinks while the kids can call for an ice cream. Note that park timings are seasonal and subject to change. Calling ahead to confirm the same is advisable.