Dallas Zoo ticket prices and hours
General admission to Dallas Zoo costs $22.99 for adults and $15.99 for children ages 3 to 11. Children under 3 enter free. Senior tickets (ages 65 and up) are $15.99. These prices are for walk-up tickets purchased at the gate on the day of your visit.
The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may shift seasonally or for special events. Parking costs $15 per vehicle in the main lot. If you plan to visit more than once a year, a membership often costs less than two visits and includes parking.
Online tickets purchased in advance are sometimes discounted slightly compared to gate prices, though the savings are usually $1 to $2 per ticket. Check the Dallas Zoo website directly before your visit, as pricing can change and special promotions run periodically.
Key Takeaways
- Adult admission is $22.99 and children ages 3 to 11 are $15.99; children under 3 enter free.
- Parking is a separate $15 charge per vehicle, so budget that into your total cost.
- Buying tickets online in advance may save $1 to $2 per person compared to the gate.
- An annual membership pays for itself in two visits if you plan to return within a year.
What's included with general admission
Your ticket covers access to all animal exhibits and the zoo grounds. This includes the big cat area, primate habitats, reptile house, and the African savanna section. You can spend as much time as you want in each area and revisit exhibits.
General admission does not include animal encounters, feeding experiences, or the train ride that loops through the zoo. Those are add-ons you purchase separately. The zoo also has a carousel and splash pad that operate seasonally; these require separate tickets or tokens.
Extra costs beyond admission
The zoo train, which runs a loop through the grounds, costs $5 per person and saves walking time if you have young children or limited mobility. The splash pad is free to use during warm months if you bring your own swimsuit, but changing facilities have a small fee.
Food and drinks are available throughout the zoo at standard amusement park prices — expect $12 to $18 for a meal and $5 to $7 for drinks. Bringing your own food and water bottles is allowed, which can cut costs significantly if you plan a full day.
Animal encounters and photo experiences with keepers run $25 to $75 depending on the animal and the length of the experience. These are not included in admission and must be reserved in advance.
Membership versus single visits
A basic individual membership costs around $99 to $129 per year, depending on the membership tier. This covers unlimited visits, free parking, and discounts on food and merchandise. If you visit twice, the membership has paid for itself.
Family memberships are available and cost more but cover multiple household members. Membership also gives you reciprocal benefits at other zoos and aquariums in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums network, which can add value if you travel.
Discounts and special pricing
Texas residents can sometimes find discounted admission through the Dallas Zoo's website or through local promotions. School groups and large parties (typically 15 or more people) receive group rates; contact the zoo directly for quotes.
Some employers and credit unions offer discounted Dallas Zoo tickets as a member benefit. Check with your HR department or financial institution before buying at full price. Senior discounts are built into the standard pricing structure.
Planning your budget for a full day
A family of four (two adults, two children ages 3 to 11) paying walk-up prices will spend $77.96 on admission alone. Add $15 for parking, and you're at $92.96 before food, drinks, or any add-on activities.
If you buy lunch for the family at the zoo, budget another $60 to $80. A train ride for all four adds $20. So a full day with modest spending lands around $170 to $200 for a family of four. Bringing your own food and skipping the train cuts that roughly in half.
How Dallas Zoo compares to other Texas attractions
Dallas Zoo's admission is in the middle range for major Texas zoos. The Houston Zoo charges similar prices, while the San Antonio Zoo runs slightly lower. Most Texas aquariums (which sit in the same category as the zoo for planning purposes) charge $20 to $30 for general admission.
The Dallas Zoo is larger than many regional zoos and includes more animal species, which affects pricing. If you're deciding between the zoo and an aquarium, the zoo typically offers more ground to cover and more time to spend, so the per-hour cost may be lower if you stay most of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks into Dallas Zoo?
Yes. You can bring your own food, water bottles, and snacks. Outside food is allowed, which makes a significant difference in your total cost if you're visiting with a family. Alcohol and glass containers are not permitted.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I just show up?
You can buy tickets at the gate on the day of your visit, but online advance purchase sometimes offers small discounts and lets you skip the ticket line. During peak season (summer and holidays), arriving early or buying online is recommended to avoid long waits.
Is parking included with admission?
No. Parking is $15 per vehicle and is charged separately from admission. If you have a membership, parking is included, which is one reason memberships pay off quickly for repeat visitors.
What time should I arrive to see all the animals?
Most visitors spend 4 to 6 hours at the zoo. Animals are most active in the morning and late afternoon, so arriving at opening (9 a.m.) gives you the best viewing. Plan to stay until at least 1 or 2 p.m. to see a good range of activity.
Are there discounts for military or students?
The Dallas Zoo website lists current discounts, which have included military and student rates in the past. Discounts vary by season and promotion, so check directly with the zoo or ask at the ticket window before paying full price.