


Dallas Zoo
650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas
The Basics
The Dallas Zoo has two main sections separated by a tunnel. The main entrance is at ZooNorth, where you’ll find the children’s zoo, Cheetah Encounter, tigers, primates, birds, and the amphitheater. Wilds of Africa houses giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, and dozens of other species. Visitors can feed birds, see engaging wildlife shows, and take a ride on the Endangered Species Carousel.
Things to Know Before You Go
Save money by purchasing a CityPASS, which includes admission to the Dallas Zoo in addition to other Dallas attractions.
There are several on-site restaurants and food vendors, including the Serengeti Grill, where you can watch African lions just inches away through the restaurant’s viewing wall.
Strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent.
Guests may bring food and drinks (and there are picnic spots available at the zoo), but disposable straws, glass, and alcohol are not allowed.
How to Get There
The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway in Marsalis Park, about three miles southwest of downtown Dallas. From downtown, take I-35E/South R.L. Thornton Freeway to exit 425C toward Marsalis Avenue/Dallas Zoo. Paid parking is available. You can also take the DART Red Line, which stops right in front of the zoo.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Dallas Zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Crowds can be heavy on weekends and school breaks. An ideal time to visit is right as the zoo opens, as you’re more likely to catch animals at their liveliest. Check the zoo schedule for upcoming events and animal talks and shows that you might want to see.
Backstage Animal Encounters
During select times of year for an additional fee, you can take a 90-minute guided tour of the Dallas Zoo and hear all about your favorite animals from the zookeepers themselves. You’ll get to feed apples to African elephants, take photos with an endangered penguin, and experience a special animal-encounter show.
- Things to do in Texas
- Things to do in Houston
- Things to do in San Antonio
- Things to do in Galveston
- Things to do in Branson
- Things to do in Sapa
- Things to do in New Orleans
- Things to do in South Padre Island
- Things to do in Monterrey
- Things to do in Orange Beach
- Things to do in Albuquerque
- Things to do in Nashville
- Things to do in Louisiana
- Things to do in Missouri
- Things to do in New Mexico
- Reunion Tower
- Reunion Tower GeO-Deck
- Pioneer Plaza
- Dealey Plaza
- Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza
- Neiman Marcus
- Dallas World Aquarium
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- Nasher Sculpture Center
- Dallas Arts District
- Medieval Times Dallas
- Fair Park
- George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
- NorthPark Center