The Dallas Zoo, Texas’s oldest zoo, founded in 1888, covers 106 acres in Oak Cliff, about three miles south of downtown. Families come for close encounters with elephants, giraffes, and big cats, plus a dedicated children’s zoo built for small explorers (Planet Whitley).
A 67.5-foot giraffe statue, the tallest statue in Texas, greets visitors at the entrance. Inside, the Giants of the Savanna habitat groups African elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions in one mixed landscape, and the giraffe-feeding platform puts you eye to eye with the herd. The Wilds of Africa section adds gorillas and chimpanzees, viewed best from the Safari Monorail as it loops above the habitats. Younger children head to the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo for hands-on animal encounters, then ride the carousel (The Better Vacation).
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
The zoo opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closes only on Christmas Day (Dallas Parks; Dallas Zoo). Ticket prices change by date, starting around $18. Book online for the best rate, and watch for discounted first-Tuesday “Tiger Tuesdays.” Arrive at opening, when animals are most active and the Texas heat is mildest. Fall weekdays bring the lightest crowds. DART’s Red and Blue lines stop at Dallas Zoo Station, right by the entrance, and riders can get a ticket discount.
