Another Texas-sized family experience awaits within the many nationally recognized zoos, aquariums, and animal sanctuaries you’ll find across the state.
Fort Worth Zoo
With its commitment to conservation, education, and recreation, the Fort Worth Zoo carries a long list of accolades. Housing 540 animal species, including over 60 endangered and threatened species, this zoo offers visitors views of the extraordinary. Observe the state’s only bonobo exhibit, both the black and greater one-horned Asian rhino, and the most successful breeding colony of lesser flamingos in the world. Take a ride on the Yellow Rose Express train, race to the top of the 25-foot Tasmanian Tower rock climbing wall, or cool off at Safari Splash, a 14,000-square-foot splash pad.
Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo offers close encounters of the flippered, fanged, and furry kind to over two-million visitors a year. Home to more than 900 animal species, Houston Zoo also supports wildlife conservation projects in some 20 countries. Immerse yourself in the many special exhibits, including the Galápagos Island exhibit — the zoo’s newest — where you’ll find an environment evoking the archipelago’s unique oceanic habitats and landscapes. Stroll through an underwater tunnel, and learn about Humboldt penguins, sea lions, giant tortoises, sharks, and other wildlife that call the Galápagos Islands home. At the Children’s Zoo, feed a goat, watch river otters play underwater, and ride the Wildlife Carousel. Enjoy giraffe feeding time and meet a rare Southern White Rhino in the African Forest. Train a sea lion to catch a frisbee, take a flashlight tour during the zookeepers’ evening rounds, or rub down an elephant during bath time — special animal encounters and activities are available daily.
Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi
One of the largest aquaria in the U.S., the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi focuses on marine species of the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean Sea. 17 exhibits invite guests to learn about the creatures both below and near the water’s surface. Enormous tanks at Coral Reef, Blue Hole, and Flower Gardens enable visitors to see eye-to-eye with stunning ecosystems of fish, coral, and other aquatic invertebrates. At Dolphin Bay, Otter Creek, and Tortuga Cay, you can observe these playful animals from above and below the water. Watch reef sharks gliding through the remains of a Spanish galleon shipwreck or summon your courage and pet a (small) predator at the Saving Sharks exhibit.
Moody Gardens, Galveston
In addition to a golf course, spa, hotel, private beach, and water park, Moody Gardens is an ecotourist destination that features three main pyramid attractions: Rainforest (housing the flora and fauna of this lush ecosystem), Discovery (housing science-oriented exhibits), and Aquarium. Aquatic life abounds throughout the 1.5-million-gallon exhibits. Walk “under the sea” to find sharks, thousands of tropical fish, and mesmerizing jellies. Or watch penguins and seals take a break from their play and lounge on the rocks. Ride a replicated 1800s-style Paddlewheeler boat as it cruises along Offatts Bayou, or enjoy an adventure without leaving your seat in the MG 3D Theater.
Dallas Zoo
Founded in 1888, The first zoo in the southwest has grown to be the state’s largest. The Dallas Zoo’s expansive 106-acres are now home to over 2,000 animals, representing more than 400 species. The zoo offers a multitude of experiences and encounters, including giraffe feedings, an interactive aviary, and live presentations where visitors get up close with reptiles, penguins, porcupines, and other animals. These experiences are part of its mission to engage people and save wildlife. Guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes with the keepers are also available. Or take your children on a virtual reality trip through a mountain gorilla habitat in Rwanda in the Gorilla Trek VR Theater.
San Antonio Zoo
A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, the San Antonio Zoo offers an intimate glimpse of 750 animal species across 11 geographic zones in a natural, serene setting. In addition to offering private and semi-private, interactive tours guided by animal experts, this zoo invites its youngest guests to learn through play at the 1.5-acre Tiny Tot Nature Spot. Let monarch butterflies land on your shoulders in the butterfly rainforest, splash in the shallow waters of a riverbank, or test your skills on an adventure course. Older kids flock to a film at the Project Selva 4D Theater, featuring special effects such as snow, scent, and wind.
Interactive Wildlife Centers, Glen Rose and San Antonio
Engage with wildlife without leaving your car. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, in Glen Rose, and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, near San Antonio, invite visitors to enjoy self-guided driving tours through protected wildlife habitats with options to see and feed more than 40 different species of animals. Guided Safari Tours are also available, and you can stay overnight at Fossil Rim.
SEA LIFE Aquarium, Grapevine and San Antonio
Need a fish fix? SEA LIFE Aquarium has locations along the San Antonio River Walk and in Grapevine Mills Mall, both offering underwater ocean tunnels and plenty of exhibits and activities to keep the family engaged.
Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas
“World” may be the operative word in this Dallas destination. In addition to marine exhibits, the Dallas World Aquarium features a rainforest of land animals, birds, and other exotics, as well as endangered species. Find Orinoco crocodiles, sloths, and toucans atop the three-story urban jungle. Children will delight in diverse inhabitants, from giant anteaters to pygmy marmosets — the smallest monkeys in the world. Down in the aquarium, spot the bioluminescent organs of flashlight fish, wave to the manatee sharing a swim with freshwater stingrays and river turtles, or dare to enter the shark tunnel.
Whichever you visit, don’t be surprised if you also encounter smiles, wonder, and maybe even an elusive moment of teen awe.
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