Fort Worth Zoo
4.6(15K)google
4.1(560)yelp
FamilyOutdoor
Overview
The Fort Worth Zoo is a zoo in Fort Worth, Texas, United States, and is home to 7,000 native and exotic animals. It has been named as a top zoo in the nation by Family Life magazine, the Los Angeles Times and USA Today, as well as one of the top zoos in the South by Southern Living Reader's Choice Awards. The Fort Worth Zoo is accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Zoological Association of America (ZAA), and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best TimeSpring or autumn brings the finest travel weather, avoiding intense mid-summer heat. Repeatedly voted among the top 5 zoos in the nation, family outings are highly recommended for a weekday morning precisely at 9:00 AM opening time (note: Wednesdays feature highly popular half-price ticket admissions); catch their massive African rhinos and primates highly energetic for breakfast routines.
Getting ThereSituated south of downtown in the cultural university district at 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth. Drivers enjoy immediate and seamless access; follow University Drive due south from the center core for 3 miles, and turn left onto Colonial Parkway straight into the ticketing booths. The facility operates an enormous, well-striped flat-fee surface lot.
Travel Tips
- Wednesdays are designated Half-Price Days across the calendar year. While yielding high cost optimization, local family crowds flatten the primary access on Colonial Parkway into a total standstill by 9:30 AM. To maintain tour quality, avoid Wednesdays entirely or queue at the exterior gates by 8:30 AM.
- The specialized Texas Wild! and Elephant Springs pavilions enforce rigid, non-reversible one-way pedestrian routing; strollers and oversized gear wagons are strictly banned inside these indoor viewing corridors and must use external Stroller Parking stalls. Security will intercept non-compliant rolling gear.
Photo Tips
Best LightThe northern habitat loops feature low forest canopy cover, raising ground-level radiant temperatures significantly by 2:00 PM. The prime visibility window for active flamingo and hippo behaviors is before 10:00 AM during scheduled morning feeding; midday forces fauna deep into artificial shade caves out of view.
Reviews
Positive
- Ranked among the nation's top three zoos, the new Elephant Springs and Texas Wild habitats feature brilliant setups for high visual spectacle.
- It houses an abundance of rare orangutans, black rhinos, and penguins viewed from level wooden boardwalks, making trail signs and education perfect.
- Public infrastructure is highly modern, well-supported by high-frequency shaded pavilions, a fun splash park, and clean flush restrooms with top accessibility.
- Admission fees are very reasonable and budget-friendly for its scale, offering half-price tickets on Wednesdays; keeper service management is professional.
Heads up
- The vast complex involves heavy walking and sloped pathways, which can be quite strenuous for visitors navigating strollers or wheelchairs all day.
- On-site dining and gift shops feature high premium pricing; basic fast food is heavily marked up, and lunch queues get lengthy and chaotic on weekends.
- During blistering summer afternoons, many predators hide away deep in shaded dens, leaving enclosures looking empty and reducing the viewing experience.
- The private lot charges a premium and fills by 10 AM on holidays, forcing driving visitors to waste time circling historic neighborhoods for a stall.