The Dallas Zoo, founded in 1888 and the oldest zoo in Texas, covers 106 acres in Oak Cliff, about three miles south of downtown off I-35E. Families come for a collection of more than 2,000 animals, a well-loved children’s area, and some of the closest giraffe encounters in the state.
The zoo is split into two main sections. ZooNorth holds the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, where kids can meet goats and ride the carousel. The larger Wilds of Africa section includes Giants of the Savanna, where giraffes, elephants, zebras, and ostriches share a habitat. At the giraffe feeding platform, visitors can hold lettuce up to the animals at eye level. The Simmons Hippo Outpost has underwater viewing windows into the hippo pool. The Wilds of Africa monorail and the mini-train help younger visitors save their legs on the long loop. Ticket prices are flexible and start around US$18 (source: The Better Vacation).
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
The zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except December 25 (source: Dallas Zoo).
Plan around the heat and the crowds:
- Arrive at opening, when animals are most active and Texas temperatures are lower.
- Weekday visits outside spring break and summer have the shortest lines.
- On “Tiger Tuesdays,” the first Tuesday of each month, admission drops to US$8 and crowds grow.
- Buy tickets online to lock in the best price.
To skip parking fees, take the DART Red or Blue Line to Dallas Zoo Station, which is steps from the entrance.
