Looking for the best zoos in Texas? Look no further.
Texas is a state of many wonders, from its rich ranching heritage to its delicious Tex-Mex cuisine.
But did you know it’s also home to some of the best zoos in the country?
From Houston Zoo, with over 6,000 animals from 900 species, to the Austin Zoo, which focuses on rescuing and providing homes for neglected or abandoned animals, there is something for everyone in Texas.
Nature lovers will be enthralled by the variety of wildlife exhibits available at each zoo. At the same time, animal enthusiasts are sure to enjoy learning more about their favorite creatures.
If you’re looking for a fun day out, each zoo offers plenty of interactive activities and educational programs guaranteed to make the trip an unforgettable experience.
So put on your hat and pull on your boots – we’re going on an adventure into some of the most beautiful and diverse wildlife viewing spots in one of America’s largest states!
Best Zoos in Texas
There are a number of amazing zoos in Texas that can be considered as one of the best zoos in Texas. We have narrow them down and curated a list of 15 best zoos in Texas.
Not only are the zoos educational and interactive, but they also give visitors a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that these zoos must continue to grow to accommodate more animals and environmental organizations.
Therefore, everyone must act responsibly towards nature and animals if we want our world-class zoos to continue thriving for years to come.
Houston Zoo
Let’s start our lit from one of the best zoos in Texas, the infamous Houston Zoo.
The Houston Zoo is a popular attraction for visitors to the city and offers something for everyone.
From the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat and Kipp Aquarium to the African Forest, home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates, plenty of interesting creatures and exhibits exist to explore.
The friendly staff at the zoo will also be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the animals or the facilities.
When it comes to food options, plenty of delicious options are available, like sandwiches, burgers, salads, snacks, and even ice cream!
The zoo also has several animal encounters, such as Behind-the-Scenes tours and Zoo Snooze overnight programs for those who want an immersive experience.
For those planning a visit to the Houston Zoo, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- wear comfortable shoes as there’s lots of walking involved
- bring sunscreen and hats as some exhibits are outdoors
- consider visiting during the weekdays as weekends can get quite busy
- avoid visiting during summer months due to extreme heat
- plan on spending an entire day to see all of its wonders
Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Fort Worth Zoo
A visit to the Fort Worth Zoo will surely be an exciting adventure for visitors of all ages! The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the best zoos in Texas.
It has an impressive exhibition of animals, including exotic animals like gorillas, that are entertaining and easy to observe.
They have a variety of well-developed habitats and are still being updated.
The amenities at the zoo are second-to-none. Families can enjoy activities like camel rides and giraffe feeding experiences. At the same time, kids will love Texas Wild, the carousel, and the Yellow Rose train.
Although food options onsite are mediocre, visitors can bring a picnic lunch to take full advantage of plenty of areas within the zoo grounds where they can stop and enjoy their meal.
It is important to note that in order to see everything that the Fort Worth Zoo has to offer, it is recommended that visitors allow at least 4 hours for their visit.
With its comprehensive collection of attractions and activities, it will be easy to fill your day with memorable moments!
Website: https://www.fortworthzoo.org/
Address: 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110, USA.
Dallas Zoo
If you are an adventurous person looking for an unforgettable experience, make sure to check out the Dallas Zoo.
This 106-acre zoological wonderland is Texas’ largest zoo that offers guests a chance to get up close and personal with animals through interactive experiences in a calm, safe setting.
The zoo is renowned for the excellent care given to its animals, whose living quarters are well looked after and offer plenty of space to explore.
Visitors can also enjoy attractions like the carousel and fun shows featuring different kinds of animals on stage.
In addition, staff members are always available to provide helpful guidance, ensuring that your trip to the zoo goes off without a hitch!
The Dallas Zoo is one of the best zoos in Texas – worth visiting!
Website: https://www.dallaszoo.com/
Address: 650 S R.L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203, USA.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Those looking for an adventure like no other should check out the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – one of the best zoos in Texas.
This one-of-a-kind zoo offers guests a chance to explore nature while enjoying all sorts of entertaining activities, from relaxing walks along the Riverwalk to getting up close and personal with animals!
You can even get inside your car and let the animals come right up to you, offering gentle and friendly interactions that make for a truly unique experience.
Be careful, though – the ostriches are very curious and could stick their long necks into your vehicle if you give them the opportunity!
The staff here are accommodating and knowledgeable, ensuring your visit goes as smoothly as possible despite the hot weather.
Website: https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/
Address: 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, USA.
San Antonio Zoo
The San Antonio Zoo is one of the best zoos in Texas and a must-visit destination for animal and nature lovers alike.
Established in the 1800s with a generous donation from George W. Brackenridge, this zoo is home to some truly special animals and experiences.
You can admire the animals in their well-looked-after enclosures of all sizes, as well as get up close and personal by feeding them!
The whole place is kept immaculately clean, creating a safe atmosphere for exploring.
Website: https://sazoo.org/
Address: 3903 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA.
Cameron Park Zoo
The Cameron Park Zoo is a great place to escape for an enjoyable and leisurely stroll.
You can complete a lap of the zoo in about an hour, so it’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to see what this lovely little zoo has to offer.
This charming attraction features a variety of animals, from exotic species, in their very own African Serengeti exhibit – where you may even get the chance to spot some rhinos! – through to more familiar creatures that are beautiful and fun to watch.
You’ll also find plenty of trees, bamboo, and other plants all around, making for a picturesque walk with lots of natural elements that add to the tranquil atmosphere.
Website: https://www.cameronparkzoo.com/
Address: 1701 N 4th St, Waco, TX 76707, USA.
Caldwell Zoo
Nestled in the heart of Texas, Caldwell Zoo is one of the best zoos in Texas and a wonderful escape for animal and nature lovers alike.
From its lush landscaping to the wide variety of fauna on exhibition, it’s easy to see why this destination has become so popular.
Stroll through the grounds easily and take in the sights – you’ll love observing all sorts of animal antics as you go.
Plus, if you feel like taking things at a slower pace, there are plenty of spots along the way that make perfect picnic destinations!
What’s more, they have an excellent annual membership program for those who visit often and helpful staff who can answer any queries quickly.
Check online beforehand to ensure you get the most out of your visit!
Website: https://caldwellzoo.org/
Address: 2203 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tyler, TX 75702, USA.
Gladys Porter Zoo
The Gladys Porter Zoo offers a unique blend of zoological and botanical experiences, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn about nature in a fun and interactive way.
From exotic animals housed in open-air exhibits to lush greenery and diverse plants, this wildlife preserve has something for everyone.
With its ideal subtropical climate, the region is home to many world-renowned species.
It’s also an excellent spot for bird watching – don’t miss out on visiting the aviary, where you can glimpse the majestic American Bald Eagle!
This beloved attraction is one of Brownsville’s iconic destinations, with plenty of activities to entertain the whole family.
Grab some ice-cold beers and explore what Gladys Porter Zoo offers. It is one of the best zoos in Texas, certainly not to be missed!
Website: http://gladysporterzoo.org/
Address: 500 E Ringgold St, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA.
Exotic Resort Zoo
Exotic Resort Zoo is a privately-owned safari park that offers an unforgettable day out for family and friends.
Exotic Resort Zoo is one of the best zoos in Texas with over 600 animals, 45 exotic species, and tractor-tram rides with unique tour guides covering the property, your experience will be like no other!
The narrated guided tours are highly recommended – they’ll provide all the information you need to ensure you can feed the animals safely and get the most out of your interaction with them.
Plus, with helpful staff on-hand who are both friendly and knowledgeable, also plenty of petting areas to explore too – your experience will be fully immersive but totally safe as well!
Website: https://www.zooexotics.com/
Address: 235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City, TX 78636, USA.
El Paso Zoo
The El Paso Zoo is a family-friendly and accessible park that offers plenty of fun, adventure and a whole host of exciting activities.
From the wheelchair-friendly carousel to the rare find of an accessible train, this zoo has gone above and beyond to ensure everyone can enjoy it!
The glass exhibits are kept pristine, making it easy to get up close and personal with the animals housed inside.
All animals are also well looked after – you can be sure they have plenty of room to roam in spacious, beautifully landscaped open areas instead of being confined in cages or small enclosures.
And don’t forget free parking plus great value admission fees – just be careful not to let the kids overdo it with souvenir shopping as the gift shop is a little pricey!
Website: https://www.elpasozoo.org/
Address: 4001 E Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79905, USA.
Abilene Zoo
Abilene Zoo is one of the best zoos in Texas that is a perfect place for a day out with family and friends.
With so many animals, there’s something for everyone – from feeding the fish to giraffes and other animals.
The staff are always welcoming and friendly; they know their stuff too, so you can be sure your questions will be answered quickly.
The grounds are also kept extremely clean and tidy, and the enclosures are well taken care of – making your visit an enjoyable yet safe experience.
Plus, with such reasonable admission prices, what’s not to love?
Don’t forget to check out their gift shop; it is one of the most affordable and has a great variety of souvenirs!
Website: https://abilenezoo.org/
Address: 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX 79602, USA.
Ellen Trout Zoo
The Ellen Trout Zoo is a one-of-a-kind experience that offers plenty of fun and adventure for the whole family.
All admission fees cost just $18/family, making it an incredibly inexpensive day out – and you can bring your own food to picnic while watching the animals!
From tables near animal viewing areas to the remarkable collection of wildlife – from large animals like jaguars to small ones such as wallabies and flamingos, underwater hippos, tortoises and various birds– you’ll easily be able to spend a half day here.
Plus, a park with two playgrounds and a small lake surrounds the zoo for added fun. You’ll find everything clean, well cared for and up close – unlike other best zoos in Texas!
Website: https://www.ellentroutzoo.com/
Address: 402 Zoo Cir, Lufkin, TX 75904, USA.
Austin Zoo
Austin Zoo is one of the best zoos in Texas, where visitors can take part in an unforgettable experience while also helping animals in need.
As a nonprofit zoo located at the southwest edge of Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, they focus on providing care and protection to rescued exotic animals.
Not only is it a great day out for all ages, but their mission – to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education – makes it much more meaningful.
Despite being smaller than some other best zoos in Texas, what sets Austin Zoo apart is its stunning location in the Texas Hill Country, making the drive-in feel like you’re going the wrong way – but don’t worry, you’re not! Plus, the train ride is always a fun addition.
The staff takes great pride in providing excellent care for their animals, which adds to the overall enjoyment of your visit.
For those looking for a unique experience that also helps benefit rescued wildlife, Austin Zoo is definitely worth checking out!
Website: https://austinzoo.org/
Address: 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736, USA.
TGR Exotics Wildlife Park
From reptiles to exotic animals, the park offers plenty of opportunities to learn about these amazing creatures and get an up-close look at them.
The two guides present at the park are full of reptile knowledge, ensuring that your visit is both exciting and educational.
Plus, all the animals are hand-raised, giving them incredible personalities and dispositions.
Visitors return with rave reviews; they had a fantastic time with kids and adults returning home happy.
If you’re looking for something fun in the Woodlands / north Houston area, consider visiting TGR Exotics Wildlife Park – it’s well worth it! To book your tour, simply go to their website.
Website: https://www.tgrexotics.com/
Address: 22115 Sherrod Ln, Spring, TX 77389, USA.
Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari
Explore a unique wildlife experience at Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari, an unforgettable adventure in Central Texas!
Guests can drive the 3-mile loop through the safari and have the chance to feed and interact with animals.
The ranch is home to camels, ostriches, zebras, buffalos, cows, emus, goats, kangaroos, peacocks, and many more.
Not only is it a great day out for all ages, but to ensure everyone stays safe during their visit, guests are kindly reminded not to hand-feed any of the animals.
If you want to feed the animals, you can buy food for them at the zoo entrance.
By the end of your journey, you’ll be rewarded with sights such as a buffalo taking a dip in one of the ‘watering holes’!
It’s no wonder why so many people recommend this ranch; not only is it an excellent experience for great value, but also, seeing animals up close in their natural environment makes all the difference.
Website: https://www.topseyranch.com/
Address: 945 Co Rd 118, Copperas Cove, TX 76522, USA.
A quick recap – Best Zoos in Texas
What are the best zoos in Texas? The best zoos in Texas are:
- Houston Zoo
- Fort Worth Zoo
- Dallas Zoo
- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
- San Antonio Zoo
- Cameron Park Zoo
- Caldwell Zoo
- Gladys Porter Zoo
- Exotic Resort Zoo, Inc.
- El Paso Zoo
- Abilene Zoo
- Ellen Trout Zoo
- Austin Zoo
- TGR Exotics Wildlife Park
- Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari
Final Words
Texas offers some of the most impressive zoos for people of all ages to explore.
From unique animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the US to extensive conservation efforts, these Texas zoos truly offer an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting day trip or just want somewhere picturesque and peaceful where you can listen to the soothing sounds of nature, these Texas zoos have something for everyone!
I hope this article answers all your queries regarding the best zoos in Texas.
Let us know which is your favorite zoo in Texas in the comments. Also, feel free to use the comments section to share your experiences.
FAQs
What is the largest zoo in Texas?
The Dallas Zoo is the largest zoo in Texas that covers a sprawling 106-acre area and boasts over 2,000 animals from 406 species.
3 thoughts on “Best Zoos in Texas”