Dallas Zoo offers a diverse array of exhibits and attractions, from the Giants of the Savanna to the African penguins. Meanwhile, Fort Worth Zoo boasts an impressive list of animals and engaging exhibits. The ticket prices and family-friendliness vary, allowing you to make an informed choice for your next visit.
Read the full article to get more detailed information about Dallas Zoo vs Fort Worth Zoo.
Dallas Zoo vs Fort Worth Zoo – In-Depth Discussion
These two spots are very popular for tourists. But some key factors specify the choice of the tourists. Those key factors are given below for your better preference.
| Factors | Dallas Zoo | Fort Worth Zoo |
| Location | 650 S R.L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas | 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring between March to May and Fall between September to November. | Same as Dallas Zoo |
| Accessibility | 21.1 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. | 25.9 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. |
| Accommodation | April-August offers Spring and Summer camps inside the zoo. October-January offers
Fall and Winter camps. |
Offers safari overnight camp inside the zoo area. |
| Activities | Animal Adventure outreach, Backstage safari, Education and Family trip, field trip, Wild Adventure for kids, Zoo Crew. | Giraffe Experience, Safari Splash, Outdoor Learning Theater, Yellow Rose Express Train, Country Carousel, Wild West Shooting Gallery, Playbarn, Texas Nature Traders, Tasmanian Tower. |
| Dining & Restaurant | Prime Meridian Cafe, Serengeti Grill, Safari Marketplace. | Bluebonnet Cafe, Savana Grill, Safari Snaks, Crocodile Cafe, Ice Cream Parlor. |
| Cost | Ticket range $8 to $22 | Ticket range $14 to $18 |
Location
Dallas Zoo is located near Dallas’s main town. The Interstate 35E highway goes beside the zoo. Whereas Fort Worth Zoo is located beside Log Cabin Village and Park Hill.
Dallas Zoo is 21.1 miles away from Dallas/Fort International Airport. It takes almost 25 minutes to reach the zoo from the airport.
Fort Worth Zoo is 25.9 miles away from Dallas/Fort International Airport. It takes almost 30 minutes to reach the zoo from the airport.
Best Time to Visit
For the best experience at the Dallas Zoo, plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon.
At the Fort Worth Zoo, mornings are the best time to observe active animals.
The animals are more active, and the weather is comfortable in the morning or late afternoon at Dallas Zoo. On the other hand, weekdays are less crowded, and half-price Wednesdays and weekends are popular at Fort Worth Zoo.
Consider the season, as hours vary, and check for special events on the Dallas Zoo’s official website. This policy is also valid for Fort Worth Zoo. Ticket prices range from $8 to $22 and $16 to $20, with discounts available for CityPASS holders and military personnel at Dallas Zoo and Fort Worth Zoo.
Accessibility
The Dallas Zoo is certified as “sensory inclusive,” offering sensory bags for quieter visits. The Fort Worth Zoo is a Certified Autism Center, providing sensory bags for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Dallas Zoo has wheelchair accessibility but can be challenging. But Fort Worth Zoo offers complimentary wheelchairs and is stroller-friendly. Guests can bring their food and drinks, and also there are restaurants in both Zoo.
Dallas Zoo offers sensory-friendly days and Wild Adventures Camp. On the other hand, Fort Worth Zoo provides the FWTA Safari Shuttle for transportation.
Accommodation
Dallas Zoo offers a variety of camp experiences for students from Kindergarten to Grade 6, providing guided tours, animal encounters, nature-based learning, and educational experiences. On the other hand, Fort Worth Zoo offers Safari Overnight adventures, allowing visitors to explore the zoo through guided evening and morning tours.
Dallas Zoo has camps available in both spring and summer, as well as fall and winter, accommodating different seasons and school breaks. But Fort Worth Zoo includes climate-controlled accommodations, evening activities, live animal presentations, an evening snack, continental breakfast, and all-day zoo admission.
The single-day and weekend camps at Dallas Zoo offer opportunities for exploration, education, and wildlife empathy. Thanksgiving and winter break camps provide in-depth educational tours, games, creative projects, and close-up animal encounters. But Fort Worth Zoo’s experience focuses on exploring animal adaptations and is suitable for groups, families, birthday parties, youth groups, scouts, and school groups.
Activities
At Dallas Zoo, you can enjoy programs such as Animal Adventures Outreach, Backstage Safari, and Field Trips, promoting conservation awareness and education. Meanwhile, Fort Worth Zoo provides the Giraffe Experience, allowing visitors to feed giraffes, offering an up-close encounter.
Families can participate in Education & Family programs, while kids aged 3-5 can join Wild Earth Preschool at Dallas Zoo. On the other hand, you can cool off at Safari Splash, a water play area with slides, water toys, and more at Fort Worth Zoo.
Teens can also volunteer in the Zoo Crew program at Dallas Zoo. The Outdoor Learning Theater of Fort Worth Zoo offers educational animal shows, and the Yellow Rose Express Train provides a scenic journey.
Dining & Restaurant
Dallas Zoo offers a delightful array of dining options like Prime Meridian Cafe, Serengeti Grill, and Safari Marketplace.
Meanwhile, Fort Worth Zoo excites your taste buds with an array of dining experiences like Bluebonnet Cafe, Savana Grill, Safari Snaks, Crocodile Cafe, and Ice Cream Parlor.
At the Prime Meridian Café of Dallas Zoo, you can savor diverse choices such as sandwiches, salads, and pizzas with scenic views of the flamingo pond. Serengeti Grill lets you dine alongside majestic lions while relishing gourmet burgers. The newly opened Safari Marketplace in Wilds of Africa Plaza satisfies cravings with Texas barbecue and fair favorites like fried PB&Js.
Bluebonnet Cafe in Texas Wild! offers a rustic ambiance with mouth-watering options from Dickey’s BBQ to Pizza Hut. Savanna Grill in the African Savanna marketplace serves hamburgers, hot dogs, and peri peri chicken kabobs.
Cost
Dallas Zoo offers a range of ticket prices, with adults (12-64) paying $8 to $22 depending on the day. In contrast, Fort Worth Zoo has a more straightforward pricing structure that adults (13+) have to pay $18, children (3-12) and seniors (65+) have to pay $14, and toddlers (2 & younger) enter for free.
Parking is a fixed $10 at Dallas Zoo. Members of Dallas Zoo can enjoy free admission and parking. On the other hand, Parking is $5 per vehicle at Fort Worth Zoo.
The Dallas Zoo offers various discounts, including City Pass which saves 47% on admission to four Dallas attractions, and also Military and Group discounts. Fort Worth Zoo has a fixed pricing system but offers half-price admission on Wednesdays. Reservations are no longer required, and they accept cash and credit cards.
Which One Should You Choose – Dallas Zoo vs Fort Worth Zoo
The choice between the Dallas Zoo and the Fort Worth Zoo ultimately depends on your preferences and location.
The Dallas Zoo, located in the city, offers a larger variety of animals and attractions, including its acclaimed Giants of the Savanna exhibit. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a comprehensive zoo experience with a wide range of species.
On the other hand, the Fort Worth Zoo, situated in a more spacious and park-like setting, provides a more relaxed and scenic atmosphere. It’s an excellent option for those who want a family-friendly environment with well-designed enclosures and a focus on conservation efforts.
Both zoos have their unique charm, so your decision may come down to your location and specific interests.
Conclusion
I hope this article will help you to choose a better Zoo for your preference. Now you know about Dallas Zoo vs Fort Worth Zoo. Both places give you a memorial trip. With the above comprehensive details about these zoos, you can plan your trip without any confusion.
