Visit Dallas Zoo

Dallas Zoo
#16 of 100 things to do in Dallas

Dallas Zoo is a 106-acre zoo located 3 miles south of downtown Dallas, Texas in Marsalis Park. Established in 1888, it is the oldest and largest zoological park in Texas and is managed by the non-profit Dallas Zoological Society. Wikipedia

Dallas, Texas is home to one of the largest and most historic zoos in the United States: the Dallas Zoo. Spanning over 100 acres in the Oak Cliff community, this beloved destination welcomes millions of visitors each year to experience wildlife from around the globe. From life-sized animatronic dinosaurs to a glowing lantern festival and a butterfly pavilion, the Dallas Zoo offers year-round adventures for all ages.

Whether you are a parent looking for a free (or reduced-price) membership through Zoo For All, a couple seeking a unique evening block party, or a tourist wanting to see gorillas, elephants, and penguins, this guide provides everything you need to know—from ticket prices and opening hours to activities for adults and children, parking, special exhibits, and membership savings.

The Dallas Zoo opened in 1888 and is the largest zoological park in Texas. It is divided into two main areas: ZooNorth (home to the Giants of the Savanna, Wilds of Africa, and the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo) and the Wilds of Africa (featuring the famous Monorail Safari and the newly renovated gorilla habitat). The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), ensuring high standards of animal care, conservation, and education.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Address: 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203 (Exit 1-35E at Marsalis Ave)

• Phone: +1-469-554-7500

• Official Website: https://www.dallaszoo.com

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Hours & Admission

Opening Hours

The Dallas Zoo is open 364 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). Hours vary slightly by season, but the standard schedule is:

Note: Animal exhibits and the monorail close 30 minutes before the zoo closes. Always check the website’s “Plan Your Visit” page for holiday or weather-related changes.

Ticket Prices (General Admission)

Tickets must be reserved online in advance – walk-up sales are limited. Prices below are evergreen guidelines.

Discounted Memberships: Zoo For All
Through the Zoo For All program, Texas residents who participate in SNAP or WIC can receive a Family-level membership at a reduced price. This includes free daily admission and parking. Inquire at Guest Services or on the website.

Online Ticket Add-Ons:

• Parking: $10 (free for members)

• Monorail Safari: $5 per person (ages 2 and under free)

• Destination: Dinosaurs (seasonal): $6 per person (members $5)

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Activities for Adults & Children: Wildlife, Festivals & Play

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All Ages: Signature Exhibits

1. Giants of the Savanna
   A multi-species habitat featuring elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and lions. You can feed giraffes (daily, weather permitting) for a small fee. A raised boardwalk gives adults and children a eye-to-eye view with the giraffes.

2. Wilds of Africa
   Home to gorillas, chimpanzees, okapis, and the Monorail Safari – a 20-minute narrated tram tour that takes you over habitats you cannot see on foot. Excellent for toddlers who need a seated break.

3. Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo
   A dedicated area for young children (ages 2–10) featuring:

   • A petting yard with goats and sheep.

   • A bird aviary (walk through and feel birds land on you).

   • A “Nature’s Neighborhood” play structure with slides and climbing nets.

   • A splash pad (open May–September; bring a swimsuit and towel).

4. Penguin Cove
   An indoor/outdoor habitat for African penguins. View them swimming underwater through large glass windows – toddlers love it.

👨‍🦱 Adults: Unique Evening Events & Relaxation

1. Sunset Safari Block Party
   The zoo partners with local organizations (e.g., Visit Dallas) to host evening block parties with live music, food trucks, and beer gardens. Example: June 21 Sunset Safari Block Party – a celebration of global soccer matches coming to Dallas. Check the website’s events calendar.

2. Illuminature – Glowing Lantern Festival
   A seasonal evening event (typically summer) where the zoo transforms into a wonderland of giant glowing lantern animals, light sculptures, and projection mapping. Adults enjoy the romantic atmosphere, and there are cocktail stations throughout the route. Family Four Pack tickets are often available for summer access.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Tours (additional fee)
   Book a Wild Encounters tour to feed a giraffe, meet a penguin keeper, or visit the elephant barn. Minimum age varies (usually 6+). Reservations required at least two weeks in advance.

👧 Children & Families: Dinosaurs, Butterflies & Preschool

1. Destination: Dinosaurs (Seasonal – Spring through Fall)
   Located in ZooNorth, this exhibit features more than 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar. Kids can:

   • Dig for “fossils” in a sand pit.

   • Sit on a baby dinosaur model for photos.

   • Learn dinosaur facts from costumed guides.
     Strollers are recommended – the dinosaur trail is about 0.5 miles of walking.

2. Flutter By / I Spy Butterflies
   A seasonal butterfly pavilion (typically spring through early summer) where you walk among hundreds of colorful, fluttering butterflies. Children are given a “I Spy” card to find specific species. The exhibit teaches pollination and insect life cycles.

3. Wild Earth Preschool
   An on-site nature preschool for children ages 3–5. Young learners connect with animals and nature through hands-on discovery and outdoor adventures. Enrollment is ongoing – check the website for tours and registration.

4. Enrich an Animal
   Families can shop the zoo’s Amazon wishlist (called “Enrich an Animal”) to donate toys, scents, or food for the animals. Then, watch a video online of the animal opening your gift. This is a great rainy-day activity to extend the zoo experience at home.

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Special Programs & Savings

To Join: Visit the website’s “Membership” page. Join and save $30 on Passport level or above.

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Dining & Amenities

Picnics Allowed: You may bring your own food and drinks. There are shaded picnic tables near the entrance and by the Children’s Zoo. No glass containers allowed.

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Parking & Public Transportation

🚗 Parking

• On-site parking lot: $10 per vehicle (free for members).

• Address for GPS: 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203.

• Overflow parking: Available across the street at no extra cost on busy days (weekends and holidays).

Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to secure a spot in the main lot.

🚆 DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

• Dallas Zoo Station is located on the Red Line. The station drops you directly at the zoo’s entrance.

• Schedule: Trains run every 15–20 minutes on weekdays, every 20–30 minutes on weekends.

• Cost: Standard DART fare (adult $3 all day, children under 5 free).

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What to Bring & Tips

1. Sun protection – The zoo is mostly outdoors. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential, even in winter.

2. Water bottles – Free refill stations are located near restrooms.

3. Strollers – Rentals available at Guest Services ($8 single, $12 double). But bringing your own is recommended for comfort.

4. Comfortable shoes – You will easily walk 2–4 miles.

5. Check feeding schedules – Giraffe feedings, penguin talks, and keeper chats are posted at the entrance. Typically:

   • Giraffe feeding: 11 AM – 2 PM (weather permitting)

   • Penguin chat: 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM

6. Reserve tickets online – Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed, especially on Free Days (rare) or during special events like Illuminature.

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Upcoming Events

The Dallas Zoo has a rotating calendar. Below are typical annual events:

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Stay Connected:

Follow the Dallas Zoo for real-time animal antics, event announcements, weather closures, and behind-the-scenes videos.

• YouTube: Dallas Zoo – Animal enrichment videos, keeper talks, and live cams

• Facebook: Dallas Zoo – Daily animal photos, event reminders, and rescue stories

• X (Twitter): @DallasZoo – Quick updates, feeding times, and weather alerts

• Instagram: @dallaszoo – Stunning wildlife photography, baby animal announcements, and visitor reels

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!