Take a family road trip to one of these top 15 zoos in Texas.
Going to zoos in Texas is a great way to spend a day with family and friends. Some animals at Texas zoos include endangered animals, exotic animals, and all your favorite zoo animals. With so much ground to cover, you’ll want to make the most of your visit by taking along a zoo map, which is typically offered upon entry, or downloading a zoo app if one is available. Explore the top 15 zoos in Texas and plan a visit to one near you.
Do you know which is the biggest zoo in Texas? The answer is below.
Top Zoos In Texas
When my grandson was younger, he loved the petting zoo at the Fort Worth Zoo. I don’t think anyone could ever get tired of petting animals. Our favorites are the lambs.
Most zoos offer a train ride through the park, which is an excellent way to take a break and rest. We don’t ever miss a train ride.
Throughout the year, several zoos provide summer camps for educational purposes. Fort Worth is one that I know does. It was never the right time to take my grandson, but I tried several years in a row. From what I read, it’s an excellent program.
Top 15 Zoos In Texas: Facts
Fun Fact: Did you know monkeys and giraffes can only come out in 60-degree weather or above? I was told that at a zoo in Tupelo, MS. Their climate is much like ours.
- Oldest Zoo In Texas: Dallas Zoo
- Largest Zoo In Texas: Dallas Zoo
- The #1 Zoo In Texas: Fort Worth Zoo
1. Exotic Resort Zoo
Johnson City (Texas Hill Country)
The Exotic Resort Zoo is an independently owned safari zoo, home to over 700 exotic animals representing more than 45 species.
- Hop on a one-of-a-kind guided tour tractor ride through the park.
- Drive-Thru (your vehicle) option (check the website for more info)
Safari cabins are available to rent and come with many excellent amenities.
2. A Drive-Thru Zoo In Glen Rose
Glen Rose (North Texas)
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a drive-thru zoo. Have you ever tried to feed an animal from your car while driving through a zoo? I have. The last time was in Tupelo, MS. That bison wanted all the food AND the container!
3. Caldwell Zoo
Tyler (East Texas)
Animal encounters and giraffe feedings are available at the Caldwell Zoo, which also features a petting zoo and a gift shop. The zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
4. El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The El Paso Zoo has a bug fest going on right now! I love going to zoos that celebrate insects! That’s what it said on the website. Be sure to check out the African Savanna and the Asian elephants.
5. Cameron Park Zoo
Waco
The Cameron Park Zoo is Waco’s 52-acre Natural Habitat. And it’s my pick for having the best colorful website. It just makes you want to visit. I love the greens and bright colors. Check it out!
6. San Antonio Zoo
Last year, the San Antonio Zoo successfully hatched 10 Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards. WOW!!
On selected days, the San Antonio Zoo offers a drive-thru zoo. Check the website for dates and times.
7. Gladys Porter Zoo
Brownsville
Gladys Porter Zoo is home to approximately 1,600 animals and 225 species of plants, spanning 31 acres. So, not only can you visit the animals, but you can also marvel over plants and flowers. I think that it is a great idea to combine the two.
FYI – Brew At The Zoo, held in May last year, sold out quickly.
8. Fort Worth Zoo
Fort Worth Zoo was founded in 1909 with only a handful of animals. The zoo now houses more than 7,000 native and exotic animals. Outside food and beverages are permitted.
I’ve taken my grandson to this zoo many times, and once during Boo at the Zoo. That was fun. When he was younger, we would go inside the zoo gift shop and buy him a stuffed animal. He’s 12 years old now and still loves stuffed animals. I can’t complain – I still have my stuffed bear collection from the 80s.
Travel Pro Tip: The Fort Worth Botanical Garden is conveniently located just down the street from the zoo and is definitely worth visiting if you have the time. We visited there for Mother’s Day and were mesmerized by the abundance of plants and vibrant flowers.
9. Dallas Zoo
Welcome to the largest zoo in Texas, but not the #1. It has been before, but Fort Worth Zoo passed them up.
The Dallas Zoo is a great attraction with numerous family-friendly activities. I once got to go inside the pen with the Galapagos tortoises – that had never been done before. They love lettuce –lots of it.
Travel Pro Tip: The Dallas World Aquarium, located in downtown Dallas, is an attraction worth visiting.
Fort Worth Zoo vs. Dallas Zoo
I’ve always heard that people prefer the Fort Worth Zoo. I’ve been to both, but at the FTW Zoo more often because I live closer. Either one is good to visit. They both have amazing animals. When you’re in town or want to visit one of the zoos but can’t decide, I’ve found that the one with a brand-new baby is the one to go to.
10. Houston Zoo
As you walk into the Houston Zoo, the impressive sea lion exhibit is the first you see, and I hear they put on a pretty good show. Did you know they are called sea lions because they roar like lions?
Travel Pro Tip: On the first Tuesday of each month, the Houston Zoo offers free admission.
11. Austin Zoo
The Austin Zoo is a rescue zoo. I thought they all were. However, it’s great to know that abandoned animals have a place to go. There is a train ride too! As I mentioned earlier, I never pass up the opportunity to ride a train at the zoo. It’s that little kid in me, I guess. If you want to know what else to do around Austin, here are places to visit near Austin for your enjoyment. I hope to see other Central Texas zoos follow suit.
12. Ellen Trout Zoo
Lufkin
The website features a lot of greenery, making it look very inviting. I would go if I were in Lufkin or near the area.
13. Frank Buck Zoo
Gainesville (North Texas)
I have passed this zoo on I-35 many times, but have never visited it. Shame on me. Well, we always had someplace to be!
14. Abilene Zoo
At the Abilene Zoo, you can book an up-close tour with an animal. My grandson and I did that (photo above with a rhino); it was the best experience we have ever had with an animal. It’s not every day you get to feed a rhino. The Abilene Zoo is the smallest in Texas.
Fun Fact: Zoos in Texas collaborate to care for their animals; occasionally, animals must be relocated. You can see two Striped Hyenas at the Abilene Zoo for a brief time – they were formerly at the Fort Worth Zoo and will return sometime in 2023.
Fun Fact: Did you know giraffes sleep standing up? Giraffes do most everything standing up. The Abilene Zoo houses giraffes and offers giraffe feedings twice daily for $40.
15. Amarillo Zoo
Amarillo Zoo offers educational camps. The Amarillo Zoo is open 7 days a week, 9:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
16. Bayou Zoo
Alvin, TX (the Gulf Coast)
The Bayou Wildlife Zoo offers tram rides through the zoo. It was a fun ride for me, and I enjoyed feeding the animals along the way. Kids will love it! Bayou Wildlife Zoo.
More Zoo-Like Places In Texas
• Moody Gardens in Galveston is not an actual zoo, but it’s worth mentioning because they have animals, and kids love them!!
- Aquarium Pyramid – penguins, seals, stingrays, sharks, and more!
- Rainforest Pyramid – otters, Saki monkeys, sloths, and an array of birds
• The Wild Animal Sanctuary Texas in Boyd (North Texas)
The Animal Sanctuary Texas houses lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other exotic animals rescued from illegal or abusive situations. I had no idea this place was super close to where I live. The sanctuary is not open to the public, but you may visit a couple of times a year if you become a supporter by making a donation. The website has more information on that.
I’m surprised Texas doesn’t have more zoos, but hopefully, these top 15 zoos in Texas will satisfy our readers.
Don’t miss these:
- Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo 5640 IH 35 South, New Braunfels, TX.
- 500+ animals
- get up close & personal
- They aren’t your average zoo
- Aggieland Wild Animal Safari at 18075 FM 974, Bryan, TX. Use TXWILD22 to save $2 on all regular-priced tickets.
- drive-thru
- on foot
- 700+ animals
- animal feeding experiences
- Grapeland Safari at 13440 U.S. Hwy 287 North, Grapeland, TX
- drive-thru
- Feed the animals from your car
- One cup of feed with admission. $12.95 per person
- group discount
Out of these 15 zoos in Texas, which ones have you been to? What’s your favorite?
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