Dallas Zoo Tours

Dallas Zoo
Lunch with lions, feed a giraffe or ride a camel in wild habitats near downtown Dallas. 

Step into the Dallas Zoo and enter the home of what seems like the entire animal kingdom. Among the 2,000 animals you’ll find almost every species, from an endangered gorilla to the most common insect. It’s the only place in Texas where you’ll see koalas.

The zoo covers 106 acres (43 hectares) and is divided into two distinct areas: the original Zoo North section, opened in 1888, and the Wilds of Africa, which opened in 1990. Zoo North is closest to the zoo entrance. A highlight here is the bird landing, where you can feed over two dozen species of birds. The Bug U! enclosure showcases Texas' invertebrates, like the black widow spider. If creepy crawlies aren’t for you, head to the Snout Route, home to mountain lions and giant anteaters. 

Another popular attraction at Zoo North is the Koala Walkabout. Meet Kobi and Tekin, the only koalas in Texas, as well as other famed characters of the Australian outback: kangaroos, emus, wallabies and kookaburras. There's also plenty of interactive entertainment, including pony treks and camel rides, which are great for the youngest family members. 

In the Wilds of Africa, take the 20-minute Monorail Safari through desert, mountain, forest and river habitats. It’s worth the small fee for this narrated tour, as it’s the only way you will see many of the animals in this section. While you’re there, buy some lettuce and feed the giraffes.

Zoo North has its own dedicated food court, which serves sandwiches, salads and hot dogs. If you want to eat amongst the animals you can't go past the licensed restaurant Serengeti Grill. Floor-to-ceiling windows mean you can have your lunch in the company of the zoo's pride of lions. 

The zoo is located three miles (five kilometers) south of downtown Dallas and has its own train station, linked to the main Dallas rail network. For families, the zoo makes a perfect day trip. It’s great when the skies are overcast, too. On hot Dallas days, animals seek shade and may not be visible. 

Dallas Zoo is open daily except Christmas Day.

Plan a trip to see Dallas Zoo

Virgin Hotels Dallas
Canvas Hotel Dallas
Fairmont Dallas
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Dallas Zoo

Reviews of Dallas Zoo

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
249
" "5 - Excellent 59.427207637231504%
4 - Good
130
" "4 - Good 31.026252983293556%
3 - Okay
32
" "3 - Okay 7.637231503579952%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 0.954653937947494%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.954653937947494%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 19, 2019

Take the DART cable car, was a quick and painless way to travel to the zoo

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 9, 2019

I took an Uber to get to the Zoo, but on my way back to the hotel, I took the red line train that stop at the West End station, just one block from the hotel. Very easy to walk to.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 6, 2019

Be prepared to walk the zoo is extremely big.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 20, 2019

Was very busy and limited parking on a Saturday morning.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 4, 2019

A well laid out zoo to get around in.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 18, 2019

Ice chests and outside food are allowed inside the zoo something that I wish I had known ahead of time as it cost $4.10 to buy a water while in the park.

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Best Lodging Options Near Dallas Zoo

Trinity Suites Downtown Dallas
Trinity Suites Downtown Dallas
2.5 out of 5
1126 E. 8th Street, Dallas, TX
Trinity Suites Downtown Dallas
Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
4 out of 5
1401 Commerce St, Dallas, TX
Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
The Bishop Arts Hotel by Bluelofts
The Bishop Arts Hotel by Bluelofts
3.5 out of 5
975 N Zang Blvd, Dallas, TX
The Bishop Arts Hotel by Bluelofts
Omni Dallas Hotel
Omni Dallas Hotel
4 out of 5
555 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX
Omni Dallas Hotel
Canvas Hotel Dallas
Canvas Hotel Dallas
4 out of 5
1325 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX
Canvas Hotel Dallas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.