An Urban Escape Filled with Wonder and Wildlife
Our family recently embarked on an exciting day at the Dallas World Aquarium, a vibrant escape in the heart of downtown Dallas. From toddler wrangling to being wowed by exotic creatures, this visit was a mix of education, entertainment, and a few unexpected surprises.
Choosing the Right Time for Your Visit
We prefer to visit during weekday mornings, typically on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, when it’s less crowded. The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and until 5 p.m. in the spring.
This time, we kicked off our adventure with lunch from Jason’s Deli in Rockwall, opting for the drive-thru to keep things moving. While the idea of eating in the car seemed convenient at first, finding fries in the crevices later made me rethink that decision!
Parking and Entrance Experience
Parking at the Dallas World Aquarium is straightforward, though it is unmanned. You’ll need to find a kiosk, enter your car’s license plate number, and pay $10 for a parking ticket to display on your dashboard. The walk to the entrance takes you along a winding path lined with jungle foliage, teasing glimpses of the wildlife to come.
My husband decided to drive us through Deep Ellum where it seemed most of the buildings were being renovated and the road is under construction all the way down on Elm Street. I can envision it looking much brighter in the future.
Here is a creepy fact. Have you ever asked yourself why Wes Craven chose to name the street, Elm Street in the slasher horror flick on Nightmare on Elm Street? Elm Street was the name where John F. Kennedy was assassinated. He said that it’s the street where innocence ended.
Admission: A Bit of a Sticker Shock
Admission for our family of five was $104.73—a bit of a shock, though children under 2 are free. With two 3-year-olds and a 5-year-old, we’re considering the membership program, which might be more cost-effective for families like ours.
Navigating the Aquarium: To Stroll or Not to Stroll
When our children were younger, we brought a stroller, but we quickly learned it wasn’t ideal. The exhibits are structured in a way that makes it difficult for kids to see much from stroller height, and the narrow pathways can make navigating with a stroller cumbersome. This time, we left the wagon at home and kept a close eye on our little explorers, especially with the open spaces across the aquarium’s three levels.
Exploring the Exhibits: From Jungle to Ocean
The Dallas World Aquarium is a multi-level wonderland. The cascading waterfall is a stunning sight from both the top and bottom levels. Everywhere you turn, there’s something new to discover—be it a variety of turtles, active anteaters, or slender monkeys swinging through the trees. The pathways can feel like a maze, leading you through bridges, stairs, and levels filled with exotic vegetation and creatures.
One of the highlights was encountering the Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, whom my kids immediately recognized as “Mr. Flash” from Zootopia. Though he was curled up in a ball, missing the perfect photo opportunity, it was still a memorable moment.
Into the Deep: Oceanic Wonders
As we descended to the lower levels, the atmosphere shifted to a glowing blue, highlighting the oceanic exhibits. My children were in awe of the jellyfish, manatee, and other deep-sea creatures. The manatee, in particular, left quite an impression with its enormous size.
We even found Nemo, Marlin, and Dory in the tropical fish tanks, much to the delight of our little ones. The Leviathan Crabs, with their eerie, neon glow, were a captivating but slightly spooky sight.
Shark Tunnel: An Underwater Experience
The shark tunnel is a must-see, offering a unique perspective as you walk beneath these majestic predators. The Dallas World Aquarium is proud of its 12 saltwater tanks, designed to replicate underwater environments from around the world. Touch screens along the way provide educational insights, making this area both fascinating and informative.
A Mayan Journey: From Jaguars to Flamingos
One area opens up to a Mayan tribal theme, where a black jaguar prowls in an enclosed exhibit. Along the way, we encountered an owl, fruit bats, and an array of slithering creatures. The flamingos, with their shrimp-filled diets, were a bright and colorful center of attention.
Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned
We managed to navigate the gift shop without any major meltdowns, a small victory in itself. The items were reasonably priced, and it’s nice to know that purchases help support the aquarium’s mission. Overall, our day at the Dallas World Aquarium was a fantastic family experience, worth the cost of admission.
Bonus Stop: A Lesson Learned at Klyde Warren Park
After the aquarium, I suggested we head over to Klyde Warren Park, just minutes away. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a bit of a misstep. The kids couldn’t resist the water features, running barefoot through cold water spouts—leading to a week of fevers and night sweats. A reminder for next time: sometimes, it’s best to head home while the mood is still high.
In the end, despite the hiccups, our day was filled with fun, learning, and memories we won’t soon forget. The Dallas World Aquarium is a great spot for families looking for an educational and entertaining day out in the city.
