If you’re looking for a wildlife escape near Dallas and Fort Worth, Sharkarosa Zoo is a perfect day-trip destination where your family can get up close with exotic animals and enjoy a bit of outdoor time together.
Here’s your locally-made-with-love guide to the Sharkarosa Zoo.
Park Hours, Admission, and Location
Location: Pilot Point, TX (about a 45-minute drive north)
Hours: every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Last Entry: Final car admitted at 3:30 p.m.
Admission: $17 for adults 13 and up, $12 for kids 3–12 and seniors
Kids Under 2: Free admission
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Tickets: Buy online or at the gate
Sharkarosa Zoo Exhibits
When it comes to Sharkarosa Zoo Exhibits, you’ll find engaging, hands-on attractions that keep your kids active, learning, and excited.
The Animal Encounters exhibit lets families interact with creatures like sloths, lemurs, camels, and kangaroos. Private sessions cost $100 for a group of up to six.
The Petting Zoo features goats, sheep, miniature horses, and donkeys with feed bags priced at $3 each or 4 for $10.
You’ll also enjoy the air-conditioned Reptile Room, dual playgrounds with shaded seating, and a snack bar and gift shop perfect for souvenirs or lunch breaks.
Animal Encounters
Animal encounters let families book a private 15–20 minute session with animals such as two-toed sloths, ruffed lemurs, or reptiles. The experience costs $100 and adds a personal learning moment led by a keeper. No reservations are needed, but arrive early to secure your spot; Sharkarosa is popular!
Petting Zoo
The petting zoo is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. Feed goats, sheep, mini horses, and donkeys at your own pace in a safe, fully fenced area. Feed bags are $3 each or 4 for $10. Covered benches let parents relax while little ones explore.
Reptile Room
This indoor, air-cooled space houses snakes, turtles, and lizards. Kids can touch some under supervision, and staff offer simple facts throughout the day. It’s perfect for escaping the heat.
Playgrounds
There are two playgrounds, one near the petting zoo and another by the snack bar. They include slides, climbing structures, swings, and shaded rest areas. They give kids a chance to run off steam while parents keep a watchful eye nearby.
Snack Bar & Gift Shop
Bear’s Den Snack Bar offers sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, and drinks, so you don’t need to leave the site. The gift shop lets you grab stuffed animals, hats, toys, and treats. It’s a convenient stop before heading home.
Animals
You’ll spot over 180 animals at Sharkarosa Zoo, including:
- Ruffed lemurs
- Two‑toed sloths
- Skunks
- Camels and llamas
- Kangaroos and wallabies
- Alpacas and miniature horses
- Capybaras
- Porcupines
- White lions and tigers
- Bobcats and binturongs
- Reptiles and exotic birds
Conservation
Sharkarosa Zoo is a nonprofit with a strong focus on wildlife conservation. Their mission is to educate families about rare and endangered species through educational presentations every 30 minutes.
As a USDA-licensed ranch, they assist with exotic animal rescue by providing housing, veterinary supplies, and expertise. Funding comes from admissions, donations, and grants. Every visit helps support rescue efforts and conservation programs for animals in need.
Get Involved
Looking to support Sharkarosa Zoo beyond visiting? Here are ways to get involved:
- Animal Lover Internships (age 18+)
- Volunteer programs (age 18+) with tasks like habitat upkeep, fence painting, and cleaning
- Community service opportunities for local groups
- Field trips and organized group visits
In addition, families can donate cash or purchase items from the zoo’s Amazon Wishlist, including towels, feed, enrichment toys, cleaning supplies, and pet foods.
These donations directly support animal care and the daily operations of the organization.
Tips for Visiting the Sharkarosa Zoo
To make your day smoother at Sharkarosa Zoo, follow these tips:
- Arrive early to secure Animal Encounter spots
- Bring hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles
- Wear closed‑toe shoes for walking on dirt paths
- Purchase $3 feed bags for the petting zoo
- Plan 2–3 hours to enjoy all the exhibits without rushing
- Check their Facebook page before visiting for specials like $10 Fridays and splash pad updates
With a little planning, a visit to Sharkarosa Zoo can be a memorable, educational, and fun family outing. You’ll return home with new knowledge, happy kids, and a sense of connection to wildlife conservation.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a repeat guest, Sharkarosa Zoo is a North Texas treasure worth the trip.
Read:
The Best Zoos in Dallas Fort Worth
