The Fort Worth Zoo is a North Texas tradition that is not to be missed. Rated as one of the top in the country, the zoo is home to over 7,000 animals from around the world. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, it offers an unforgettable experience. The Fort Worth Zoo should be on your bucket list.
I recently visited with my two kids, and we had an amazing day exploring all the zoo has to offer. My guide will help you maximize your visit with helpful tips from a fellow mom!
Why the Fort Worth Zoo is a Must-Visit
The Fort Worth Zoo offers a simple, easy-to-navigate layout, making it perfect for families. The zoo is divided into themed sections representing different parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, Texas, and Australia. The thoughtfully designed habitats give visitors an authentic feel of the animals’ natural environments, making the experience more immersive.
Put these cool items on your zoo bucket list:
- Giraffe Experience: Get face-to-face with giraffes in the African Savanna! Feed them Zoo-approved lettuce for $6 ($5 for members). Open during regular Zoo hours. Outside food is prohibited.
- Safari Splash: Closed for the season! A 14,000-square-foot water play area with slides, a water dump tower, and more. $6 ($5 for members) with Zoo admission. More info here.
- Yellow Rose Express Train: Ride between Safari Depot and Texas Wild! One-way tickets are $5 ($4 for members).
- Junior Train Conductor Experience: Help collect tickets, ring the bell, and receive a hat, vest, and certificate! Must schedule 24 hours in advance. More info here.
- Lone Star Mining: Pan for gemstones and other collectibles in Texas Town. Bags start at $8.99.
- Central Market Playbarn: A farm-themed play area for crawling, climbing, and sliding fun near Texas Wild!
- Outdoor Learning Theater: Live animal shows featuring native Texas species like owls and alligators. A greatplace for conservation education and events.
- Texas Nature Traders: Kids (3+) can bring fossils, rocks, and other artifacts to trade for points and prizes. More info here.
- Country Carousel: Ride a western-style horse on this Texas Wild! carousel. Tickets are $5 ($4 for members).
- Wild West Shooting Gallery: Test your aim in an interactive laser target game. $2 per play.
- Tasmanian Tower: Climb a 25-foot rock wall near the Australian Outback. $5 ($4 for members). Climbers must be at least 40 lbs.
- Predators of Asia & Africa: Visitors can see lions, tigers, and other incredible creatures up close.
- The Museum of Living Art (MOLA): Home to reptiles and amphibians in beautifully designed habitats. It’s a fantastic place to take a break from the heat while learning about unique species.
With so much to do, the Fort Worth Zoo is one of the city’s most unique destinations for families.
Overview
Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
Admission & Hours
- Adults (13+) – $20
- Children (3-12) – $16
- Toddlers (2 & under) – FREE
- Seniors (65+) – $16
- Parking – $5 per vehicle
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (hours may change, so call 817-759-7555 to confirm)
Holiday Hours (Limited Services)
- Thanksgiving & Christmas Day: Noon – 4 p.m.
- New Year’s Day: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Know Before You Go
- No reservations needed – just show up and enjoy!
- Cash & credit cards accepted
- Safari Shop is closed for renovations, but other gift shops are open.
- Cold weather? Some animals may stay in their barns.
- School field trips are common on weekday mornings, and half-price Wednesdays & weekends tend to be busier.
Rentals
- Single Stroller – $12/day
- Double Stroller – $14/day
- Motorized Scooter – $40/day
- Complimentary Wheelchairs (limited availability)
- The rental station is located at Safari Supplies near the entrance.
Now that you’re in the know get ready for an awesome day at the Fort Worth Zoo!
Best Times to Visit the Fort Worth Zoo with Kids
For the best experience, the best time to visit the Fort Worth Zoo is on weekdays in the early morning. This allows you to beat the crowds and see the animals when they’re most active. Spring and fall provide cooler weather, but summer visits are still great, thanks to shaded paths, indoor exhibits, and misting stations.
Tip: If you visit in the summer, don’t miss Safari Splash for $5.
How to Purchase Tickets and Save Money
Here’s how to save big on your next trip to the Fort Worth Zoo:
- Half-Priced Wednesdays: Every wednesday, get your tickets for half their normal price.
- General admission: $19 for adults, $15 for children (ages 3–12), and free for kids under 2.
- Discount days: Visit on Wednesdays for half-price admission.
- Memberships: If you plan to visit more than once, a membership offers free entry and extra perks.
- Ticket purchase: Buy online to save time or at the gate for convenience.
What to Pack for a Day at the Zoo
Wondering what to pack for a day at the zoo? Start here:
- Pick me ups: Snacks and water bottles (outside food allowed, but no glass, straws, or alcohol)
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen and hats for sun protection
- Stroller (rentals available if needed)
- Comfortable shoes and clothes (expect to do lots of walking)
- A small backpack for carrying essentials
- Hand sanitizer and wipes to keep hands clean between exhibits
How to Get a Fort Worth Zoo Map
Navigating the FW Zoo without a map just ain’t where it’s at.
Maps are available at the entrance or can be downloaded from the zoo’s website. Taking a photo of the map on your phone ensures you won’t lose it during your visit. Interactive digital maps are also available on the zoo’s website, making it easy to navigate the park with real-time updates.
Tip: Maps make for memorable souvenirs and are natural additions to scrapbooks!
Special Events and Seasonal Fun
- Member Mondays: The Zoo opens one hour early, at 9 a.m., every Monday in June, exclusively just for Zoo members and their guests. It’s one way to say thank you for being a Zoo member.
- Valentines: Share the love this V-Day, both with your loved ones and with the animals! Every event ticket and animal adoption package supports the care and feeding of the Zoo’s 7,000 residents, as well as conservation work around the world.
- Beastro: Local restaurants gather for food and music.
- Boo At Zoo: Enjoy treat stations, live entertainment, animal shows and more. This festive daytime event is free with Zoo admission or membership. Check out our full guide to Boo at the Zoo.
- Zoo Run: Join us for the 26th annual Zoo Run, Fort Worth’s favorite family-friendly 5K and 1K fun run! Run, walk, or jog your way along the Zoo’s main path and beautiful surrounding neighborhoods in support of the Zoo’s local and international conservation and education efforts. Plus, each registration receives a ticket to the Fort Worth Zoo, valid through Dec 31. 2025!
Check the zoo’s website for live event updates.
Dining Options: Where to Eat with Kids at the Zoo
Wondering where to eat with kids at the Fort Worth Zoo? These are your in-zoo options:
- Main Restaurants: Grab a meal at Pizza Hut, Dickey’s Barbecue, Ranch Grill, Jungle Grill, or an Ice Cream Parlor serving Bluebell Ice Cream. Zoo members get a 10% discount!
- Jambo Snacks: Located by the cheetah habitat, offering popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs.
- Bluebonnet Cafe: A western-themed eatery in Texas Wild!, serving BBQ, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, salads, and fresh fruit.
- Savanna Grill: Found in the African Savanna, with hamburgers, hot dogs, and peri peri chicken kabobs.
- Safari Snacks: Between the meerkat and hippo habitats, offering popcorn, cotton candy, and ICEEs.
- Splash Snacks: Located in Safari Splash, serving light bites like sandwiches, salads, fruit, chips, and drinks.
- Penguin Snacks: Across from the penguin habitat, featuring hand-dipped corn dogs, soft drinks, popcorn, and Dippin’ Dots.
- Monkey Business: Near the primates, serving frozen chocolate-covered bananas, popcorn, and cotton candy.
- Crocodile Cafe: By the Museum of Living Art (MOLA), with burgers, chicken sandwiches, and ice cream.
- Ice Cream Parlor: Found in Texas Wild!, serving Bluebell Ice Cream with a toppings bar for sundaes and treats.
- Kona Ice: Cool off with a customizable shaved ice from the Kona Ice truck in the Australian Outback.
- Picnic Areas: Bring your lunch and enjoy the Zoo’s shaded picnic spots throughout the park.
Outside food is allowed but must be eaten in the picnic areas. Packing a healthy homemade lunch can be a great option for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions.
Insider Info: The Carousel and Train Ride
One of everyone’s fav stops at the Fort Worth Zoo is the train or carousel experience. Here’s the scoop:
- Junior Train Conductor Experience: Let your kiddo become a junior train conductor on the Yellow Rose Express at the Fort Worth Zoo, where they’ll collect tickets, ring the bell, and even get their own train hat and safety vest! For $40, they’ll enjoy two train rides with up to three guests—just book 24 hours in advance and get ready for a fun ride!
- Yellow Rose Express Train: A fun, scenic ride through the zoo. Kids 5+ can sign up as Junior Conductors (pre-booking required).
- Carousel: A charming western-themed ride in Texas Wild! ($5 per ride, $4 for members).
Shopping for Zoovenirs
The zoo has multiple gift shops, including Safari Shop, Safari Traders, and Toadally Texas Treats.
- Elephant Springs Cart: Find plush toys, T-shirts, stickers, postcards, and hats featuring Asian elephants and rhinos near Elephant Springs.
- Safari Shop (Currently closed for renovations): Located at the entrance, this shop offers souvenir essentials like sunscreen and diapers, plus mugs, T-shirts, and toys.
- Safari Traders: A small shop in the Savanna Marketplace selling hats, mugs, animal masks, and hand-beaded jewelry made from recycled Zoo paper.
- General Store: Located in Texas Town, this shop carries Zoo mugs, T-shirts, stuffed animals, bookmarks, and cool stones and gems.
- Toadally Texas Treats: A classic candy shop near Texas Town offering homemade fudge, sweet & sour candies, and Texas-themed souvenirs.
- Tropical Treasures: Found in Safari Splash, this shop sells sunscreen, towels, swimwear, and water toys perfect for the splash park.
- Seasonal Locations: Extra merchandise carts pop up in spring and summer, including in Predators of Asia & Africa.
💡 Zoo members get 10% off all merchandise! Plus, you can shop online for many Zoo gift items.
Tip: A fun and affordable option is the make-a-penny station for a custom souvenir.
Wrapping Up Your Fort Worth Zoo Adventure
Whether feeding giraffes, riding the carousel, or watching elephants play, families create unforgettable memories here. With special events throughout the year and well-planned facilities, it’s a destination worth visiting again and again. The zoo continues to expand and improve its exhibits, ensuring a fresh experience with every visit. Start planning your adventure today!