Fort Worth or Dallas Zoo

Ft. Worth is MUCH better! They also have 1/2 price Wednesdays this summer. It is TOTALLY worth the extra miles.

I would vote for the Fort Worth Zoo.

If you want to make a day of it, you could visit the big park near the Trinity River (across the street from the Botanical Gardens) and down the street from the Zoo. There are many picnic tables that are shaded by the huge old trees, and there is a little train that you can ride around the park. Tickets are inexpensive and kids love it! Have fun!

FW Zoo is awesome! I have gone there since I was younger an my daughter now loves it also. It's very easy to walk and has great exhibits. Dallas Zoo is in a bad part of town and not that great.

I must say that the Fort Worth Zoo is a hundred times better. It is more kid friendly and is just fun. The Dallas Zoo is very dirty, dark, and there are kids there that just make your experience horrible. I went to the Dallas Zoo a couple weeks ago because the Fort Worth one was packed (it was a holiday) and I regreted it. We were there for maybe and hour and I had had enough. Plus... there were so many animals "not on exhibit" that day it was a waste of time. Have a great time though!!!

Fort Worth Zoo is tons better!!! And remember Wednesdays are half price at the Ft. Worth Zoo!!

There is really no comparison! The Fort Worth Zoo.
I used to live in Keller (north of Ft. Worth) and we went several times a year to the Fort Worth zoo. We moved to (north of Dallas) Plano 2 years ago... We went to the Dallas Zoo and it was aweful...Now, We drive from Plano to go the Fort Worth!
When I was a kid, I grew up in SW Fort Worth, the Dallas Zoo was the place to be... But both were city Zoo's. Ten years or so ago the Fort Worth Zoo was bought (and is now privately owned). The exhibits are better and the zoo, they make alot of effort to make the landscaping nice.
L. (mother of 3)

We've been to both zoos in the last few months. There is absolutely no comparison between the two. Ft. Worth zoo is hands down the best. Don't waste your time/money with the Dallas zoo. Your dad was right.

The Ft. Worth Zoo is probably "better" but if your daughter is only 14 months old, she'll love the Dallas Zoo just as much... plus it is MUCH closer. We went to the Dallas Zoo today and had a great time! My son is 17 months old, and loves visiting the elephants, giraffes, apes, etc. With a 14 month old, I wouldn't make the drive to the Ft. Worth Zoo unless you just want to spend a lot of time in the car. Feel free to contact me!

To get there, take 35 south and just follow the signs for the exit. It is really easy to get to. Immediately after exiting, you'll take 2 lefts at the lights (to make a U-turn) and once you're on the north-bound 35 feeder, the zoo's entrance is immediately on your right, before the McDonald's. I don't know how anyone could perceive this as a hard place to find. The GIANT giraffe statue can be seen from the highway!

Oh, you can bring in lunch & drinks, so plan ahead and enjoy a picnic!

Your dad is absolutly right! My husband is a Police Officer in Dallas and he will never take our kids to the Dallas Zoo because he says it is soooo not what it used to be. Terrible part of town and very icky. I'm not saying that your kids wouldn't have a great time there, I know that they would but I would totally suggest Ft. Worth instead!! Looks like most other people seem to agree. Have fun!

Hi E.,

The Dallas Zoo has improved quite a bit, but it just seems that every time we go, we don't really get to see all the animals they claimed they have. I don't think your 14 month old daughter will care either way, but you guys might. The Ft. Worth Zoo is much better and does feature more animals. It is a bit of a drive, but well worth it. I have a 3 year old and we took an entire weekend (Friday included) and stayed out in Ft. Worth and saw lots of great stuff, the Zoo being one of the many things they feature in Ft. Worth.

At her age now, the Dallas Zoo would suffice.

If she were older and you guys could spend more time in Ft. Worth, doing other things besides the Zoo, it is well worth the trip!

Don't forget to take plenty of water and sunscreen!

Have fun either way!!

G. B.

I live and Frisco and the Fort Worth Zoo is well worth the trip! It is cleaner and in a nice partof FTW....plus you can go to the Botanical Gardens as well for a nice picnic or for a quick bit of pictures.

I just went to the Dallas Zoo last weekend and i thought that it could have been better. If you want to get something good for you money i would suggest the Fort Worth Zoo. Your dad was right about the Dallas Zoo it's run down.

As others have said, the Dallas Zoo has made many improvements over the years. I wouldn't say that the zoo is run-down or dirty (really, though, zoos are pretty much all dirty). Dallas has the train, which younger kids LOVE!

Ft. Worth is a better zoo overall. However, we took my daughter there when she was about 2.5, and it was just too much for her. Your tendancy is to see everything, and the zoo is much larger than the Dallas Zoo. My daughter was overwhelmed and tired by the time we left, and we didn't even get through everything. If you want to get your full money's worth, then go to the Dallas Zoo.

Definitely the Fort Worth Zoo. I was recently at the Dallas Zoo with my 6 year olds kindergarten class. It has changed from a few years ago and is better now, but by far the Fort Worth Zoo is cleaner and has much more to see. It's worth the trip over.

I have been to both too, and I actually prefer the Dallas Zoo. We take the DART, which my daughter loves. And there is a really cool play area for kids, with a 'river' to splash in and pony rides. I think it is a pretty nice zoo, and big enough for us. The FW zoo is just too big, even for me. My daughter likes to look at the animals but is pretty much 'over it' about an hour after we get there no matter which zoo we choose and she is 4.

E.,

We went to the Dallas Zoo at spring break. Yes, it is in a bad part of town. For someone that has just moved to Dallas it was confusing trying to get there as well. I have yet to get to go to the Fort Worth Zoo. Parts of the Dallas Zoo are under construction. You can see that there is every effort going into trying to make the zoo experience nicer. The food is horrible and EXTREMELY expensive. We will go back as we have a membership there, but we will pack a picnic lunch.

Have a wonderful time at which ever zoo you chose!
Dene' H.

Hi E.! I'm relatively new to the Dallas area (we've been here about 1 1/2 years) but I have taken my 2 1/2 year old son to both the Dallas and Fort Worth zoo within the last year. When comparing the two, the Fort Worth zoo is worth the extra time spent in the car. More animals to see, better kept, nice spots to stop and get something to eat, and a fun train ride. The weather is supposed to be great! Enjoy the zoo!

I've never been to either one, but everyone that
I know does not like the Dallas zoo at all!

I just went with a friend and her son to the Dallas Zoo. It is in the bad part of town but it is a nice ZOO. We found it to be very clean and the staff was helpful while we were there. The animals seemed well kept and the habitats were nice. They even have a petting zoo. We enjoyed. Forth Worth Zoo is highly rated among Zoo's and is very very nice. Hope this helps.

C.

Ft. Worth is definitely better! The last time we went to the Dallas Zoo, there were very few animals out. I'd go to Ft. Worth.

I think Ft.Worth is so much better! It is much larger, and there is a great kids' section. Have fun!!!

Like others have said, the dallas zoo is more than enough for her age. And they have a cute kids area with a shallow wading pool that she should love. Just check to make sure the kids area is open.

Have fun. If you are going around meal times, call to check if you can bring your own food 'cause from what I can recall there isn't much selection there. But given her age, that may not be a big issue for you.

The Fort Worth Zoo is better, but I would hardly characterize the Dallas Zoo as run down and dirty. Both of my kids have enjoyed it every time we went.

I've never been tot the Dallas Zoo, but the Ft Worth Zoo is great! They have a great kids area & my daughter loves it!

The Dallas zoo is close and pretty cool - not nasty. However the Forth Worth zoo is pretty incredible. They are not really on the same playing field as far as Zoo's go. If you want to do the whole day at the Zoo thing - definately go to the Forth Worth Zoo. If you are trying to fill in a couple of hours - go to the Dallas Zoo.

We are going to the Forth Worth zoo this weekend also. It is a VERY nice zoo.
My family and I are taking a picnic to the park, spending all day in Fort Worth, then having diner in Fort Worth.

The park has a train ride also.

It is worth the drive in my opinion. It is approx 70-75 miles from our house one way.

I will not go to the Dallas zoo. They have had quite a bit of bad press in the last couple of years, and it is not in the safest of areas.

Hi E., yes, I totally agree with your Dad. We have been to both and think the Forth Worth zoo is awesome! It is so much bigger with more animals and over-all more to offer. Prepare for a ton of walking! My husband and I are in good shape and our feet were really tired by the end! We have a four year old son and he wanted to see everything! The other great thing is there is a shopping and eating area on the right as you head into where the Zoo is and afterwards, if your little one isn't too tired, ya'll could go and have a yummy meal before heading home. Have a great time and say hello to the gorillas for us! We got the cutest picture of our Son with a baby gorilla that was standing in a glassed in area of their habitat. It looks like he's standing right by Cameron and Cam thought that was the coolest thing ever! We will def. go back soon! Blessings, J.

Both Zoos have their good and bad sides. The Dallas Zoo is in a questionable neighborhood, however, you can take the Dart train to the zoo and not have to pay for parking. There is a station right at the zoo... The Dallas zoo is smaller, but it is easier to see more animals with a small child than the Ft. Worth - since it is so big. Dallas has a fun area for the kids to play... Just remember - no matter where you go - it is getting to be end of school time and there will most likely be lots of school kids there... Have a great time. Our son was about 14 mon when we took him for the fist time and he loved it!!!

We are zoo fanatics. Both zoos are great for different reasons. It really depends on how much time you have to spend. Dallas would take maybe 2-3 hrs to see. FW takes us about 4+ hrs, including a brief lunch break.

Dallas has done much rehab to the facility and it's actually a great experience. Not dirty and rundown anymore (I would have agreed w/your dad way back when). The Wilds of Africa is fantastic, and as you will see if you visit they are continuing to rehab the zoo and there's lots of promise there. I have never felt unsafe at the zoo itself, but you do have to stay within the immediate area- parking lot and interior of the zoo. Luckily, it's an easy on/off right off of the highway so you don't have to wander through neighborhoods. We are members because it's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

As for the FW zoo, we just went last weekend. It's fantastic as well. It's a larger facility, so more to see. More "touristy" feel to it. I will warn you that it's one of the largests tourist attractions in the area so that means major crowds. That's the only drawback.

Hope you have fun. Either zoo will be great!
K.

Well, there is some truth to what he said. That is what the Dallas zoo was like a few years ago. They have improved it quite a bit - added exhibits, cleaned up a bit, etc. The newer habitats are nice...some of the older habitats are - well - older habitats. The Fort Worth zoo is still probably a bit nicer, but I find it harder to get to. You can get to the Dallas zoo on DART (and then go to West End to eat or shop afterwards if you want, also on DART), or if you're driving it's right along the freeway just south of downtown.

Also, if you're ever considering a membership to a zoo, the Dallas zoo is part of the cooperative agreement that lets people with a membership visit other zoos and aquariums around the country for free or at a discounted rate. The Fort Worth zoo isn't. And, last I checked, the Fort Worth zoo cost more unless you go on Wednesdays, which at least used to be half-price day.

So...bottom line, for one, single visit to the zoo, where you have all day and don't mind driving, the Fort Worth zoo is probably nicer. But I like the Dallas zoo for a lot of other reasons and it's a lot nicer than it used to be.

The Fort Worth Zoo is alot better. We recently went to the Dallas Zoo and it was fun, but we took the train around the zoo and saw nothing b/c the river was under construction. The Fort Worth Zoo just seems to have it 'together' a little more. Dallas will get there, it will just take some time.

Good morning E.,

Hands down the Fort Worth Zoo is much better! I agree with your Dad, you will get so much more out of the Fort Worth Zoo.

You will also enjoy how clean the Fort Worth Zoo is. Worth the drive!

HI E.,

I have been to both Zoos. I personally like the Dallas Zoo better. The Childrens Zoo is really fun for the kids. Very hands on and visual. They have done alot of renovations over the last 10 years.

When I went to the Forth Worth Zoo I was a little dissapointed.

I had heard the same thing about the Dallas Zoo but did not experience that all. Our family loves taking the Dart train from Plano to the Dallas Zoo so we get two fun things to do in one day!

Hope that

Our family have been members of the Dallas Zoo for five years, and my daughter was practically raised there. Each year we keep renewing. In spite of their funding challenges, I think the Dallas Zoo has come so far. We love it. No, it's not as big as Fort Worth, but it has just the right of everything that our family loves. The Children's Lacerte area has been a blast. Dallas is in a run down neighborhood, but that should not stop you. You can take the Dart Train and it let's you off at the front gate. We have never had any problems since going. I highly recommend the tram there...you see things that you don't see on foot. Regardless of the zoo that you choose, I hope you have a great time.

The Fort Worth Zoo is nice, also, but I have found the people to be nicer at Dallas. That's been our experience, but we could have gone on a bad day. We've only been to Fort Worth twice. For the driving time, money, Dallas has been our choice.

Fort Worth Zoo is MILES better. I would go so far to say it is the best zoo out of all the cities in Texas.

Fort Worth Zoo if you're up for the drive. The Dallas Zoo is fine if you're not up for the 2 hour drive. Wear comfortable shoes. The Fort Worth Zoo does have as many hills as the Dallas Zoo but you can wear yourself out at both before the day is over.

E.,

I'm with your husband. The Ft. Worth zoo is much better! It's definately worth the drive! Have fun!

K.

The Fort Worth Zoo is nice, clean, and enjoyable. It has a train also you can ride. The animals have a nicer enviornment.

While it has been a few years since I have been to FT Worth Zoo, it is excellent. It is larger and more for the kids. I was at Dallas Zoo in March and it is not a bad place either. They are doing some upgrading of the place and some exhibits weren't open b/c of it. Still a nice zoo. I hope this helps. I think either way you will be pleased

There is no comparison. The FW zoo is TONS better. however, your 14 month old daughter won't care. Take her on the carosel, the children's zoo, and to see the monkeys. That's what we did with my son and he was about the same age. We had free admission to the zoo; otherwise, we wouldn't have gone. Not worth the price of full admission.

Fort Worth for sure! They have a much better layout, etc. Much cleaner, organized, etc. I have gone to the Dallas Zoo a few times since I live in Mckinney to save time, but always wish I would have gone to the Ft. Worth zoo by the end of the day. It is worth the drive!

The Dallas Zoo has definitely seen some improvement over the last few years, but in my opinion, the Ft. Worth Zoo is a nicer walk and experience.

No one will deny that FW is the better zoo. However The Dallas Zoo has a new director now and are making improvements. I have a friend with a young toddler and she just joined the Dallas Zoo and says it is great for her daughter. For older kids, I agree that you should go to FW, but your little one won't notice a difference. Dallas is much closer to you, and I am pretty sure a child her age would prefer a shorter car trip! I plan on taking my 16 month old to the Dallas Zoo soon. FW can wait till he can appreciate it more.

I took my son's to the Dallas Zoo last week. I had never been before and was really looking to just get out of the house for awhile. It served our purpose, but I will most likely never go again. I pales in comparison to the Ft. Worth Zoo. The kids 3 and 4 could care less. They like to run around outside and occasionally pay attention to whatever animal is there, but they paid much much more attention at the FW Zoo. Don't waste your money in Dallas.

C.