General Information
All guests, including Dallas Zoo Members, are required to reserve tickets online prior to visiting.
Hours of operation
The Dallas Zoo is open 364 days a year! Closed Christmas Day (Dec. 25). The Zoo hours vary based on the season.
Summer Hours:
July 8 – Aug. 30
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Winter Hours:
Aug. 31 – March 1
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location
The Zoo is located three miles south of downtown Dallas, just off I-35E at the Ewing Ave. / Marsalis Ave. exit.
Main Address:
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35E), Dallas, TX 75203
Be a great Zoo guest
Guest Guidelines
We’re so glad you’re visiting! Please note that we cannot guarantee all animals will be out and visible at all times. We ask that you please be respectful of the Zoo and our animals during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Zoo open and hours?
The Dallas Zoo is open every day except Christmas Day, December 25.
Seasonal Zoo hours of operation:
- Spring and Summer: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fall and Winter: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Now through August 30, the Zoo will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help our guests, animals, and staff avoid the heat of our summer days.
What is the cost of admission and parking?
Admission: Dallas Zoo tickets range from $8 to $24 based on seasonal periods at the Zoo. When you reserve your tickets online, the seasonal pricing will appear at checkout. Children under 2 years old receive free admission. Dallas Zoo members receive free admission with their membership.
Parking: Visitors can pay for parking at the Zoo. Parking is $12 per car for non-members; FREE parking for Dallas Zoo members. The Zoo accepts cash and credit/debit cards with a matching photo ID. We encourage visitors to purchase parking online when buying Zoo tickets, but be aware on high traffic days, the Zoo may turn off the ability to purchase parking online.
How do I get to the Dallas Zoo?
We are located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway in Dallas.
Via car: Exit at Marsalis Avenue from Interstate 35E. Our main entrance is located by the tall giraffe statue, on the northbound access road of I-35E.
Via DART: Take the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) RED LINE to the Dallas Zoo Station.
Can I buy tickets at the gate? Or do I have to purchase online in advance?
Tickets must be purchased online in advance!
Please visit our website, DallasZoo.com to purchase your Zoo tickets today!
Is the Zoo open during the holidays?
The Dallas Zoo is open 364 days out of the year, excluding Christmas Day.
Can I use CityPASS to visit the Dallas Zoo?
Yes, use CityPASS® tickets to visit Dallas Zoo plus 3 more top Dallas attractions at a 50% savings. Buy CityPASS® tickets online for instant mobile ticket delivery. Simply, present your CityPASS® tickets at any guest admission booth at either of the Dallas Zoo’s two entrances (main or south) to receive your timed admission ticket – no advanced reservations are required.
May I bring my own food and drinks?
Guests may bring their own food and drinks, although glass items, alcoholic beverages and single-use disposable straws are not permitted. There are no facilities available for food or cooler storage. We have several restaurants and food and beverage carts on the grounds with a wide selection of healthy, affordable menu items.
May I bring pets into the Zoo?
For the safety of our animals and yours, the Dallas Zoo does not allow pets on the grounds. ADA compliant service animals are permitted.
What rental items are available?
You may bring your own strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs, but they also are available to rent. Our costs:
- Single stroller: $11
- Double stroller: $13
- Manual Wheelchair: $15
- Electronic Wheel Chair w/ Canopy: $35
Rentals are subject to availability and are rented on a first-come, first-served basis at the Gift Shop, located just inside the front gate. Call 469.554.7462 for more information.
Lost and Found?
For lost and found, please visit the Guest Services office on Zoo grounds or call (469)-544-7501 for assistance.
Where can I find family restrooms?
Family restrooms can be found in ZooNorth in the Wonders of the Wild Amphitheater. An additional family restroom is available in Simmons Safari Base Camp in the Giants of the Savanna.
Are there baby-changing stations?
Yes, there are baby-changing stations in every set of restrooms.
The Comfort Station (located in the Guest Services building next to the gift shop) is also available for nursing mothers and includes power outlets for pumping mothers.
I represent a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Would the Zoo contribute tickets or anything to our cause?
The Dallas Zoo is pleased to give back to the community by considering all charitable donation requests from qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the North Texas area. It is our policy to donate up to one (1) Family Fun Four-Pack (two adult and two child admission tickets) per year per eligible organization. Behind the scenes tours or blocks of tickets are not donated. Click here and fill out our request form to be considered.
Can I host my birthday, engagement, wedding, or group event at the Zoo?
If you’re interested in hosting an event, reach out to our team at GroupSales@DallasZoo.com or call 469-554-7479.
Are commercial photography and videography allowed?
Wedding and portrait photography is allowed at the Dallas Zoo.
Fees are charged by the hour. People intending to take photos/film/video for commercial purposes at the Dallas Zoo must submit a request in writing to the Dallas Zoo Marketing Department at least two weeks before the date of the intended photo shoot.
Contact us at Press@DallasZoo.com for details.
May I leave and come back in?
We prefer to limit in-and-outs, but you may return to your vehicle if you forgot something you need.
Can I arrive before the time on my ticket?
The time on your ticket is meant to be your window for arrival at the Zoo. We ask that you try to arrive as close to that timeframe as possible.
If you’re not able to do so, we will accommodate your same-day arrival as best we can given crowds. We ask that you contact Guest Services at (469)-554-7501 or email tickets@dallaszoo.com to reschedule if you need to adjust the day of your visit.
Can I refund, cancel, or exchange my tickets?
The Dallas Zoo tickets are non-refundable; however, we are happy to exchange your tickets to visit another day.
Please contact Guest Services at (469)-554-7501 or email tickets@dallaszoo.com for assistance.
Do you offer discounts for military, teachers, senior-citizens, or low-income families?
We do offer additional discounts days and programs. All available discounts are listed on our website. Please visit Buy Tickets to view available discounts.
Can I use a different Zoo membership to visit the Dallas Zoo?
As a member of your local AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, you gain access to discounted admissions to other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that choose to participate in the Reciprocal Admissions Program. The Dallas Zoo is an AZA-accredited zoo.
Please visit Buy Tickets for more information.
Is the Zoo open when it rains?
The Dallas Zoo is open rain or shine, so we encourage guests to check the forecast before purchasing tickets.
For extreme weather conditions, please check our social media channels or look for an email from the Zoo for any operational changes.
Will events at the Zoo take place if it rains?
Dallas Zoo events are rain or shine unless severe weather permits. In the case of extreme weather and the event is cancelled or rescheduled, we will notify attendees.
If you do not receive a notification regarding a cancellation or rescheduling due to the weather, please plan to attend your favorite Dallas Zoo event.
Be sure to follow us on social @DallasZoo for event updates.
Can I feed the animals?
Our animals are on special diets, so outside food is not permitted for feeding the animals. Guests may purchase special items from the Zoo to feed the giraffes, Galapagos tortoises, and the birds at Birds Landing in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo.
If you do not see the animal of your choice, unfortunately, feedings are not available.
Will I always see the animals?
When temperatures reach triple or negative digits, some of our animals might retreat to their barns.
We ask all guests to respect the animals and their decision to roam about their habitats.
How do I become a member at the Dallas Zoo?
You can join the Dallas Zoo Membership Program:
- By visiting the Membership page.
- By calling 469.554.7400
- By stopping by the Membership Booth at the front gates at the Zoo.
If you have any Dallas Zoo Membership related questions, please email Members@DallasZoo.com
Can I make a donation to the Zoo?
We are happy to accept donations. Please visit Donate to the Zoo to learn more about how to make a donation to the Zoo.
If you need further assistance, please call 469-554-7420 or email Development@DallasZoo.com.
How can I volunteer at the Zoo?
We love our volunteers! Visit our volunteers page to see our adult and youth volunteer opportunities.
How do I book a field trip to the Zoo?
The Dallas Zoo welcomes groups and organizations throughout the year for WILD field trips. Visitors of all ages can spark and maintain their interest in animals, the environment, science, and more!
Head to our Field Trip Planner page to plan your trip and review our FAQs.
If you need additional assistance, contact our Education team at education@dallaszoo.com.
I'm interested in a job/career at the Dallas Zoo, how do I apply?
Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Please visit Careers to learn about job opportunities at the Dallas Zoo.
May I bring a drone or a stand-up scooter?
Neither drones or stand-up scooters are allowed in the zoo, for the safety of guests and animals.
What is the smoking policy at the Zoo?
To reduce exposure to secondhand smoke to our guests, animals and staff and ensure a good experience for all guests, smoking and vaping will not be allowed inside the Dallas Zoo. Guests may smoke only in designated areas, which are located more than 25 feet from both the Main and South entry gates. Hand stamps will be provided to ensure easy re-entry. Should you observe a guest smoking, please report it to a Zoo employee, and we’ll address the situation.
May I bring a weapon to the Zoo?
No. Under state law, the Zoo is considered both an amusement park and an educational institution, so concealed weapons aren’t allowed, even for licensed holders of concealed handgun permits.
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