Yes, Dallas has a major zoo in the heart of the city

The Dallas Zoo is located in Fair Park, a 55-acre urban park in central Dallas. It is one of the largest zoos in the United States and has been operating since 1888. The zoo is open year-round and houses more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.

The zoo sits about 3 miles south of downtown Dallas, making it accessible by car, public transit, or rideshare. Fair Park itself is a historic venue that hosts other attractions and events, so you may find parking and crowds vary depending on what else is happening that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Dallas Zoo is located in Fair Park and is open daily, though hours change seasonally—check the website before you visit.
  • General admission prices vary by age, with discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel.
  • The zoo includes major exhibits like the Wilds of Africa, the Flamingo Cove, and the Sumatran Tiger Exhibit.
  • Parking is available on-site, but arriving early on weekends and holidays can mean shorter wait times and better parking spots.
  • The zoo offers additional paid experiences like giraffe feeding and behind-the-scenes tours beyond standard admission.

Admission prices and hours

General admission to Dallas Zoo costs different amounts depending on your age. Children ages 3 to 11 pay one price, adults pay another, and seniors (65 and older) receive a discount. Children under 3 are free. Prices are set by the zoo and do change, so visiting the Dallas Zoo website directly will show you the current rates before you buy tickets.

The zoo is open daily, but hours shift with the season. During warmer months, it typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., though summer hours may extend later. Winter hours are shorter. The zoo closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so plan around those dates if you are visiting during the holidays.

You can buy tickets online in advance or at the gate on the day of your visit. Online purchase sometimes offers a small discount and lets you skip the ticket line, which is useful on busy days.

Major exhibits and animal areas

The zoo is divided into themed sections. The Wilds of Africa is one of the largest areas and features giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and other African savanna animals. You can watch giraffes up close and, for an additional fee, feed them by hand—a popular experience for visitors of all ages.

The Flamingo Cove is a walk-through aviary where flamingos and other tropical birds move freely around you. The Sumatran Tiger Exhibit showcases these endangered big cats in a naturalistic setting. The zoo also has sections for primates, reptiles, bears, and smaller mammals, so there is variety across the grounds.

The zoo regularly rotates and updates exhibits, so if you have visited before, some areas may look different. Check the zoo map when you arrive or read it from the website to plan which sections you want to see first.

Getting there and parking

Dallas Zoo is located at 650 R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-30) in Fair Park. If you are driving, take I-30 to the Fair Park exit and follow signs for zoo parking. On-site parking is available and costs a flat fee per vehicle. Parking lots fill up on weekends and during school holidays, so arriving before 10 a.m. usually means easier parking.

Public transit is an option if you prefer not to drive. DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) bus routes serve Fair Park, and you can check the DART website for the routes and schedules that work for your location. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also drop off near the zoo entrance.

Fair Park has limited street parking, but the zoo's lot is the most reliable option. If the zoo lot is full, Fair Park has additional parking areas, though you may have a longer walk to the entrance.

What to bring and what to expect

Wear comfortable walking shoes—the zoo covers 55 acres and you will be on your feet for several hours. Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially during summer months, as much of the zoo is outdoors with limited shade. A refillable water bottle is useful because drinking fountains are scattered throughout the grounds, though you can also buy drinks and snacks at concession stands.

The zoo allows outside food and drinks, so packing a lunch or snacks can save money. Strollers are available to rent if you are visiting with small children. The zoo is generally stroller-friendly, though some paths are uneven or steep.

Crowds are heaviest on weekends, school holidays, and during summer vacation. Weekday visits during the school year tend to be less crowded. If you dislike large crowds, plan your visit for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning in the fall or spring.

Special experiences beyond general admission

In addition to walking the grounds, the zoo offers paid add-on experiences. Giraffe feeding is the most popular—you stand on a platform and hand-feed the giraffes lettuce or other vegetation. This costs extra but is memorable, especially for children.

The zoo also offers behind-the-scenes tours and keeper talks at various times throughout the day. These are included with admission or cost a small additional fee depending on the program. Check the zoo's daily schedule when you arrive to see which talks or tours are happening during your visit.

The zoo occasionally hosts special evening events during summer months, which have extended hours and sometimes include entertainment or activities beyond the standard daytime experience.

Membership and repeat visits

If you plan to visit more than once or twice a year, a membership may save money. The zoo offers annual memberships at different levels, each with benefits like unlimited visits, guest passes, and discounts at the gift shop and food vendors. The membership cost breaks even after two or three visits, depending on which membership tier you choose.

Members also get early access to special events and sometimes discounted rates on add-on experiences like giraffe feeding. If you live in the Dallas area or visit frequently, membership is worth calculating against your expected visit frequency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the zoo?

Yes, outside food and drinks are allowed. You can bring a picnic lunch, snacks, and refillable water bottles. The zoo has picnic areas and benches throughout the grounds. Concession stands are also available if you prefer to buy food on-site, though prices are higher than outside food.

Are there shaded areas to rest during the day?

Some areas have shade from trees or covered structures, but much of the zoo is open and sunny. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and plan rest breaks in shaded spots or at indoor exhibits like the reptile house. The zoo is large, so pacing yourself and taking breaks is important, especially on hot days.

Is the zoo wheelchair accessible?

Most of the zoo is accessible, though some paths are uneven or have slopes. Wheelchairs and mobility devices are available to rent. Call the zoo ahead of time if you have specific accessibility questions about particular exhibits or areas.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds than summer. Winter is cooler but has shorter daylight hours. Summer is busiest but has the longest operating hours. Avoid visiting during extreme heat or cold if possible.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

You can buy tickets at the gate, but purchasing online in advance is faster and sometimes cheaper. Online tickets let you skip the ticket line, which saves time on busy days. Check the zoo website to see current prices and any online discounts.