Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Centers in DFW

Dallas-Fort Worth is full of some great zoos, aquariums, and nature parks. No matter if the weather is horrendous or fabulous, here are some great places to head with the whole family.

Dallas Zoo

650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas TX  75203

The Dallas Zoo is located three miles south of downtown Dallas and is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. The zoo provides a home for more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species. Some of their most popular attractions and exhibits are giraffe feedings, the cheetah encounter, the gorilla research station, and herpetarium. 

*The Dallas Zoo is opening back up to the public on May 29, 2020 with changes to their ticketing and entry process. All visitors must reserve their visit online before getting to the zoo, including choosing an arrival time. There will also be new traffic flows and pathways throughout the zoo to allow for proper social distancing. Face coverings are also required for anyone over the age of 2 when entering restrooms and other indoor areas.

Fort Worth Zoo

1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth TX 76110

Fort Worth's zoo spans 64 acres and houses over 500 unique species of animals, including 68 endangered and threatened species. Some of its most popular exhibits include the tigers, orangutan, African penguins, and the aviary. 

*The Fort Worth Zoo is opening back up to the public on May 29, 2020. Reservations will be required and can be made online no earlier than 3 days in advance. Visual reminders will be placed throughout the zoo to remind you to maintain social distancing and guests are encouraged to wear face masks.

Dallas World Aquarium

1801 North Griffin Street, Dallas TX 75202

In an old warehouse in the Dallas' famous West End District is where you'll find the Dallas World Aquarium. Not only will you find traditional aquarium tanks here, but you can also see animals like their infamous sloth, jaguar, and their penguins.

*The Dallas Aquarium remains closed due to COVID-19 and will announce when it plans to reopen on its social media and website. Stay tuned to those places for more information.

Sea Life Aquarium

3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine TX 76051

A favorite attraction in DFW is the Sea Life Aquarium located at Grapevine Mills Mall. Here you can find thousands of ocean animals like turtles, sharks, exotic fish, reptiles, and stingrays. 

*Sea Life Aquarium in Grapevine is open and is allowing guests at 25% capacity. Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the aquarium and guests are guided with directional markings to maintain proper distance while enjoying the attractions.

SeaQuest Aquarium

1974 Green Oaks Rd, Fort Worth TX 76116

SeaQuest Aquarium Fort Worth offers a petting zoo aquarium feeding experience for the ocean-lovers in your life. They are home to approximately 1,200 animals from over 300 species including iguanas, coral, sea stars, and otters. 

*SeaQuest Aquarium is temporarily suspending its normal interactions and is offering a "walkthrough" experience where guests can look at the animals and view animal feedings and behavioral shows. They are also allowing 25% occupancy with signs promoting social distancing. Guests are not required but are encouraged to wear masks.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose TX 76043

An hour and a half from DFW Airport, in Glen Rose, Texas, is Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. This drive-through wildlife center allows you to enjoy seeing animals from the comfort of your own car. You can also feed the animals using food purchased from the Admission Center. It typically takes about 2 hours to drive all the way through the wildlife park. 

*Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is open every day from 8:30am-4:30pm. Tickets must be purchased online where you will be asked to choose a day and time of arrival. You may arrive any time within your scheduled arrival window and can stay for as long as you'd like once inside the park. 

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch

11670 Massey Road, Pilot Point TX 76258

Sharkarosa Ranch is a non-profit wildlife ranch in Pilot Point, Texas that is made up of 126 acres housing roughly 130 animals at a time. Some of the animals you'll see when visiting include alligators, zebras, lemurs, black bears, and camels. 

*Sharkarosa Ranch is open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm. Social distancing guidelines are being put into effect - because of that, the tram rides are temporarily suspended, but they are offering more presentations throughout the day to allow guests to see more of the animals.