Dallas Zoo Events
With a wide range of events and activities catered to all ages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Dallas Zoo provides unique and memorable experiences, from community-focused events to special animal encounters.
events for all ages
august 13
conservation speaker series: saving gorillas
Join us for an enlightening evening focused on gorilla conservation with Tommi Wolfe, Executive Director of GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education). This event offers a unique opportunity to hear about ongoing conservation efforts being done to protect these majestic animals.
holiday season
Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant
Light up your holidays at Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant. Walk through more than a million sparkling lights across the Zoo, experience larger-than-life animals lanterns, and enjoy holiday-themed activities that are perfect for the entire family.
Destination: Dinosaurs Presented by Reliant
Discover dinosaurs in one of the largest immersive dinosaur exhibits in the country. Step into a prehistoric park and wander among colossal creatures from the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic periods, and prepare to meet their descendants living among us today.
july 18 (sold out) & Aug 6
Dollar Days
Get ready for the wildest deal of the summer! Dollar Days, this year presented by Whataburger, returns on July 18 and August 6. Admission to the Dallas Zoo is just $1 on these days. This is our way of saying “thank you” to our amazing community that supports us year-round. These days sell out every year, so get your tickets NOW!
winter
Penguin Days
In January and February at the Dallas Zoo, admission prices drop along with the temperature. Guests can bundle up and enjoy a discounted day at the Zoo.
Over for the 2024 season
Safari Nights
The Dallas Zoo’s annual Safari Nights concerts on summer Saturdays are perfect for the whole family. Enjoy cover bands, extended hours at the Zoo, family-friendly activities, and special animal encounters – all included with your Zoo admission.
spring
solar eclipse viewing
Dallas is the largest city in the path of totality for the solar eclipse coming this April. Step right into the excitement at the Dallas Zoo and join us to view the eclipse and observe how our animals respond to this amazing natural phenomenon.
once a year
Toss the Tusk
We invite guests to visit the Zoo for this “Toss the Tusk” event to surrender illegal products and learn more about this effort. Guest who wish to participate may bring their items to the Zoo’s main entrance. Admission is not necessary to engage in the “Toss the Tusk” event.
Adult-Only events
Attendees must be 21+ to participate.
three times a year
dallas zoo after dark
Looking for a way to experience the Dallas Zoo after hours? Adults 21+ are invited to take over the Zoo and enjoy fun activities, food trucks, animal encounters, adult beverages, music, and more.
first saturday in november
Zoo to Do
This one-of-a-kind fundraiser gives guests a chance to explore the magic of the Dallas Zoo! Stroll through the Wilds of Africa while enjoying live entertainment, cocktails and the best dishes in Dallas served by some of the city’s most popular chefs who share your love of the Dallas Zoo.
member-only events
Become a member and join the next event! Reservations are required for all member events.
monthly
Member mornings
All Dallas Zoo members are invited to join us the first full weekend of every month as we highlight different species throughout the year! Members can participate in Keeper Chats, special activities, and exclusive member-only hours at the Zoo.
twice a year
Member festivals
Dallas Zoo members at the Passport level and above can enjoy some of our largest member-only events of the year. Member Festivals include Keeper Chats, face painting, ambassador animal presentations, kid-friendly activities, and seasonal fun.
TWICE A YEAR
Member Happy Hours
Cheers to being a Dallas Zoo member! All members ages 21+ can enjoy a kids-free event at the Zoo, complete with cocktails and activities geared toward adults.
four times a year
behind-the-scenes events
Dallas Zoo members at the Sponsor level and above can get special access to our animal habitats and operations. These exclusive events include complimentary food and drinks and small-group experiences.
president's circle events
Become a President’s Circle member and join the next event! Reservations are required for all member events.
three times a year
president's circle parties
All President’s Circle members are invited to exclusive parties to enjoy special animal experiences, Keeper Chats, and family-friendly activities. Valet parking and complimentary food and drinks are included.
four times a year
insider events
Fellow level and above President’s Circle members are invited to participate in exclusive experiences that keep you in the know about happenings at the Zoo. These include first looks at new exhibits, behind-the-scenes access, and new arrival celebrations. Complimentary food, drinks, and activities round out these events.
once a year
curator's luncheon
Ambassador level and above President’s Circle members are invited to attend an exclusive lunch with our senior level curators and zoologists to learn more about the Zoo in an intimate setting. The luncheon provides an opportunity to ask questions, gain knowledge, and get to know our Zoo staff.