SPECIAL EVENTS
The Dallas Zoo has really kicked it up a notch in the last couple of years in utilizing their land for additional reasons to come to the zoo. It started with Holiday Lighting sponsored by Reliant Energy where they deck out the zoo with themed lights to get in the spirit of the season. Some of the activities include delightful treats to seasonal music to a light show in the amphitheater.
From April 5 to September 2, 2019 they have brought in a Dino series where some are animatronics or just statues that are placed around the entire park. There is one area near the Herpetarium: Reptiles and Amphibians on the northern part of the Zoo that has a little children’s train where you can see more of the roaring Dino action.
On Saturday’s they host Safari Nights featuring a live band that plays in their Beer Garden for guests to enjoy the music, beer, food truck and/or other vendors.
CHILDREN’S ZOO
The kids can enjoy a natural play space that features a tree slide, splash their feet in the babbling brook and pet animals in a barn area.
GIRAFFE FEEDING
An animal encounter where you can feed giraffe’s face to face. The cost is $5 to feed them from the platform with zoo prepped food. There is also an opening nearby where the giraffe’s could also say hello and you may pet them.
In addition to this, there are scheduled zoo keeper encounters who will bring out an animal ambassador to share some educational information and answer any questions from spectators. Typically, you can see the signage placements or check the online schedule what those times are.
A PERSONALIZED WORKOUT
If you have small children, or in my case a toddler son (age 4) and twin daughters (age 2) we pull them in on our red radio flyer wagon. Pulling the wagon gives you exercise, the kids enjoy being pulled around and it is good to use to corral them when they start darting off. The wagon can be transformed into a mobile bench or as a two seater. Ours came with a handy canopy with 4 places to put our drinks in. Besides it being a taxi, you can enjoy the sweet smells of the florals and being surrounded by the sounds of nature. Briskly walk the winding trails, hike up stairs or stroll through the exhibits at your own pace. It can be a stress reliever as you absorb the scenery. You can watch the natural behavior all around by taking the public walking paths, hopefully, in a pair of appropriate shoes.
ADVENTURE WITH FAMILY/FRIENDS
Whether you are with your family or friends or a combination of both. Memories are written and loved for years to come of your adventures to the Dallas Zoo. Sharing with your children what they would normally see in picture books or on nature documentaries in real life. It can inspire them and fascinate their minds of the creatures that exist.
Here are 9 fun ideas to incorporate:
• Enjoy a traditional picnic basket on the green spaces.
• Dine at one of the themed restaurants with good views of the habitats.
• Share a treat as you journey through the park.
• Hop on a train.
• Do a photo scavenger hunt for animals/plants (Use the Zoo Map to take a picture of the animals on your list to find.)
• Zoo Bingo (Cross off the letter of the first letter of the animal that you see first off of a bingo card.)
• Feed the animals where it is allowed.
• Ride the Carousel.
• Take selfies or family group photos with all of the animal bronze statues throughout the park.
– DINING –
For our family party of 5. We each got a meal from the Prime Meridian Café and we spent about $65.00. No discounts/Coupons.
- Hamburger and fries
- Turkey Club Sandwich and fries.
- 1 Peanut Butter Sandwich, animal crackers, apple sauce and juice pouch. (All items that were prepackaged.)
- 2x Five piece chicken dino nuggets, animal crackers, apple sauce and juice pouch. (All items that were prepackaged and/or defrosted.)
- Souvenir with sip top ($1.00 off refillable)
- 2 hard plastic Souvenir cups ($1.00 off refillable)
I would not recommend the dino nugget kid meal. One of the nuggets were overcooked.
Serengeti Grill has a much smaller air conditioned dining hall, but the patio and deck area has plenty of space and views of the lion and elephant open air exhibits.
For the safety of the animals straws will not be available for drink purchases.
– BEST TIME TO VISIT THE DALLAS ZOO –
In my opinion, earlier in the day is best. It works for us, because our children have a early afternoon nap time. Days that the weather forecasts that it is going be 100% chance of rain. Be sure to look at it to see if it says, “scattered showers.” If so, during the warmer months might be a much less crowded day to visit when there is scattered showers. During the week will most likely be less crowded than on the weekends. Unless you are wanting to be in crowds then holidays and weekends you will most likely find the zoo typically crowded.
– GENERAL ADMISSION COSTS –
One of the questions that comes up often is whether or not we should get a zoo membership. Based on how much we have already spent on one meal of $65, plus drinks, a carousel rides, general admission and parking for at least one visit. It would probably benefit us to get a family pass. Below I provided the current fees and membership levels and benefits of the Dallas Zoo located at: 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35E), Dallas, TX 75203.
$17.00 Adults (ages 12-64)
$14.00 Children (ages 3-11)
$14.00 Seniors (age 65 and up)
FREE Children (age 2 and under)
FREE Dallas Zoo Members
To learn more about the DALLAS ZOO visit their website at: www.dallaszoo.com
