 |
 |
Pre-reserving tickets is still required at the Dallas Zoo. You can do that on their website. The Dallas Zoo has implemented variable pricing depending on how busy they plan to be. Simply click "Buy Tickets" button then add the number of guests. You will then pick a date and a time to visit. While you are adding your tickets to your cart, go ahead and add parking as well ($10 per vehicle). Current ticket prices: Adults $8-$21, Youth/Seniors $8-$16, children under 2 are FREE. Also, masks are not currently required.
The first attraction you will see when you enter the zoo is the Endangered Species Carousel on the left side. They have both ride-on creatures as well as sit-in features. Fun for any age. Tickets are $4.00 each which can be purchased at the booth right in the middle of the walkway.
The brand-new Dino Safari is a shuttle through the world of dinosaurs (life-sized animatronics). Children under 36" need to be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost $6.00. There's a nice little merchandise cart at the exit of the ride with a limited number of items to purchase. The ride will be available until Labor Day in September.
Another fun ride for children is the Mini-Train. Adults can ride but it's pretty cramped IMO. The website calls it the "T-Rex Express" but the dinosaurs have been replaced with animal statues. Tickets are $3.00 each. The train goes around a large loop at a pretty slow pace so good for any age.
One of my family's favorite things to do is to feed the animals. Currently, only the giraffe feeding station is open. For $6.00 (or $10.00 for double) you will receive lettuce leaves and (at least on our visit) some carrot sticks. They discourage guests from touching or petting the giraffes. It's best to feed the giraffes early in the day before they wander off.
 |
 |
We had a rare treat of seeing the cheetahs pacing around their enclosure. Normally we would be searching the very back areas for a glimpse of a sleeping cat.
 |
 |
 |
The lion cubs that we saw last year looked almost fully grown! And, of course, they were sleeping. The best view of these cats is inside the Serengeti restaurant. It can get kinda crowded but it's worth the wait as they usually lay right in front of the glass windows.
 |
 |
The hippo trio headed out of the water to munch on grass and hay. The viewing area at the end of the downward stairs isn't always the best way to see these beauties especially when the algae has grown thick.
Overall Family Review:
- 17 year old - Enjoyed the giraffe feeding; a bit too big for the mini train
- 12 year old - Enjoyed Dino Safari, mini train, and the giraffe feeding
- 7 year old - Enjoyed Dino Safari and mini train; was a bit scared to feed the giraffe
- 1 yeaar old - Enjoyed the mini train and the giraffe feeding
Zoo Address: 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35E), Dallas, TX 75203
Zoo Hours: 9am-5pm daily
For More information, visit dallaszoo.com
