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Local picks in Texas

Zoos and fun activities

You want a day out that keeps you moving while satisfying your interest in wildlife.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01

African Savanna offers naturalistic habitats with large enclosures and interactive kid areas. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with plenty of shaded spots for relaxation. Ongoing remodeling adds fresh exhibits, keeping the experience dynamic and engaging.

Interactive areas for kids keep the fun going, while watching the animals awake adds to the excitement. Walking through the African Savanna offers a lively and engaging experience for all ages.

African Savanna exhibit stands out with its beautiful and improved displays. The zoo hosts a wide variety of amazing animals and maintains a clean, well-organized environment.

People are saying

"I had so much fun seeing all the animals at the zoo."

"I had so much fun seeing all the amazing animals."

"It's really Kid Friendly; my kids had a lot of fun."

Good to know

1

Wednesday offers a friendly discount price for admission.

2

The zoo is currently remodeling some areas, including the African Savanna.

3

Expect larger crowds on weekends, especially during peak hours.

02
Petting Barn at Fort Worth Zoo image 1

Petting barn offers gentle goats and a calf to pet near a play area designed for interaction. Surrounding zoo features shaded paths and a forest-like ambiance with well-cared-for animals. The setting suits families seeking close animal encounters and relaxed exploration.

Petting Barn offers a hands-on experience that kids find very fun. The toy exhibits add a playful twist, making it a spot full of family fun and memorable moments.

Lots of interactive activities for children make this zoo stand out, including a Petting Barn and opportunities to feed giraffes. The zoo is very clean and offers plenty of shade, making it easy to explore even with mobility aids like electric carts and wheelchairs.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place to get up close to animals."

"The petting barn at the zoo was the best part."

"The petting barn is so much fun for the kids."

Good to know

1

The zoo offers a special half-price admission on Wednesdays.

2

I highly recommend buying tickets in advance to walk in easily.

3

The lines at the food places were about 45 minutes or longer.

03
Old MacDonald's Farm image 1
Children's farm

Children's farm offers spacious outdoor areas with pony rides, train rides, and multiple playgrounds including a sand mountain. Atmosphere stays calm and easy-going, making it suitable for family outings. The farm combines animal petting with simple, fun activities for kids.

Many areas offer fun activities for kids, including pony rides and train rides. Children learn while playing, making it a great spot for family fun and early field trips.

Wide open spaces let animals roam freely and approach visitors for petting and feeding. The petting zoo includes farm animals, pony rides, and a train ride, all covered by a fixed entrance price.

People are saying

"It's a fun, interactive place for kids to learn and play."

"The petting zoo here is awesome and engaging for kids."

"It's a charming family destination with hands-on fun for kids."

Good to know

1

Tickets for kids and adults cost $18.95 each.

2

The train runs once per hour for rides around the farm.

3

Restrooms are in poor condition and need significant work.

04
Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve image 1

Small, cramped zoo with hands-on animal interactions like feeding stingrays and otters creates an engaging experience. Family-friendly atmosphere features indoor play areas and bounce houses, making it lively and upbeat. Facility offers wheelchair accessibility and a shuttle service for convenience.

Hands-on animal encounters and interactive activities create a fun and educational experience. Fish pedicures add a unique and unexpected twist to the day.

Animal interaction stands out with many chances to touch and pet creatures included in the ticket price. Tours offer a hands-on experience that goes beyond typical zoo visits.

People are saying

"You can feed and touch so many animals; it's really hands-on fun."

"Travis made it so fun and kid friendly, feeding animals was a highlight."

"You can pet and feed the animals at this Zoo, not just look."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early.

2

The facility is wheelchair accessible, but some areas may not be compliant.

3

The penguin interaction is scheduled from 5-6pm, but entry may be restricted.

05
The Dallas World Aquarium image 1

Multi-level space blends tropical rainforest and underwater tunnel experiences with lush greenery and exotic animals. Crowds create a cramped, busy atmosphere despite thoughtful design and flow. Families and children find engaging interactive displays and diverse wildlife throughout.

Educational exhibits and interactive displays create a fun experience for all ages. The environment feels engaging and lively, making it easy to spend hours exploring.

Combines a small indoor zoo with an aquarium, offering a two-in-one experience under one roof. Admission covers both the zoo and aquarium, creating a unique blend of animal exhibits.

People are saying

"This aquarium felt more like a zoo with birds and land animals."

"It's a fun place for family activities, especially with kids."

"It felt more like a zoo than an aquarium."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $16.50 if you stay longer than 1.5 hours.

2

Prepaid parking is often oversold, making it hard to find a spot.

3

Expect long wait times even with pre-purchased tickets.

06
Fort Worth Petting Zoo image 1

Small outdoor zoo features goats and sheep in fenced pens with visitors feeding animals from outside. The atmosphere is family-friendly with a casual, hands-on vibe as animals interact eagerly for food. Concrete flooring and shaded tents provide basic shelter, while entry and feed cost are modest.

Feeding the animals offers a hands-on experience with their soft fur. Activities here provide fun for the whole family.

Three large pens hold only goats and sheep. Visitors cannot enter stalls or directly interact with animals. The setup is small and simple, lacking typical petting zoo features.

People are saying

"The petting zoo only had goats and sheep outside the fence."

"It's a great place for kids and family outings."

"Feeding the animals was a fun activity, especially with the feed cup."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is $5 per person.

2

A cup of animal food costs $3.

3

Parking in the nearby lot costs $17.50.

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