If you are planning for a family trip to the Lone Star State, you might first want to find out the best zoo in Texas.
The invasion of electronic gadgets into our lives is making us more sedentary. That’s why visiting the zoo can be considered time-consuming and exhausting for most parents these days. From a kid’s point of view, though, these long and tiring trips will be well worth it. I love how children’s faces light up and their eyes sparkle when they see an animal for the first time. Every now and then, nothing can compare to the excitement they get when they are at the zoo.
Since Texas is home to some of the biggest zoos and aquariums in America, you wouldn’t want to miss out on this chance to help your kids obtain precious knowledge and bring the whole family together. Without further ado, let’s explore some of the best zoo in Texas!
List Of 5 Best Zoo In Texas
Fort Worth Zoo
So you want to find a site that features fun and educational activities all year long? In that case, the Fort Worth Zoo is a wonderful place to begin! From Boo At The Zoo to Texas Wild! Wonderland, no matter how many times you visit, you will be greeted with excitement and awe.
Even without any activity, Fort Worth itself is still an intriguing site with more than 540 animal species. The list includes more than 60 endangered animals, as well as 112 species in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan.
The zoo operates year-round, and half-priced tickets are available every Wednesday.
Fort Worth Zoo Full Tour
Cameron Park Zoo
The Cameron Park Zoo is home to a vast diversity of creatures. Not only can you observe but also interact with some of them – that’s what I like the most. From the king vultures to the underwater species, the site guarantees a unique experience even for adults.
Your children will have a lot of fun exploring the zoo’s various exhibits: Orangutans, Sumatra tigers, and Komodo dragons can be found in the Asian forest, while the Brazos River Country showcases indigenous plants and animals found on the banks of the Brazos River. If they want to see paddlefish? Head to the Blackland Prarie region’s aquarium! The zoo operates all year long except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Thanksgiving.
TGR Exotic Wildlife Park
The TGR Exotics Wildlife Park, which offers up-close and personal views of more than a hundred creatures, is a thrilling place to explore some of the most exotic, fascinating, and endangered animals. Though not as frequently as Fort Worth Zoo, the park also holds special events throughout the year, allowing visitors to obtain precious knowledge about wildlife.
Additionally, what sets TGR Exotic apart is its educational activities. “A Day As A Zookeeper” offers visitors a backstage view of the zoo’s daily. Guests can find out how the zookeepers take care of each creature, feed them, and keep the environment clean.
Gladys Porter Zoo
Spreading out over 28 acres in Brownsville, Texas, the Gladys Porter Zoo features more than 1,600 creatures. It’s a wonderful option if you want to spend your holiday in a tropical garden while admiring stunning animals like African lions, camels, and Western lowland gorillas.
The Gladys Porter Zoo’s breeding project for endangered wildlife species is one of its most prized assets. The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and the Phillippine crocodile are just some of the endangered species the site is planning to save as part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s (AZA’s) Species Survival Plan.
In case you are searching for some exciting group activities, you can book a private train tour and ride around the park.
Best Zoo In Texas – El Paso Zoo
The El Paso Zoo sits on more than 35 acres of fun and adventure. Accredited by AZA, the El Paso Zoo promotes the conservation of wildlife and natural resources while giving visitors a chance to reconnect with Mother Nature.
Animal from all over the world, including Asia, Africa, and of course, the Americas, can be found here. You will be surprised to see some exotic creatures from the Chihuahuan Desert, such as Mexican wolves and jaguars. Aside from learning about the resident animals, this expansive green space offers various family attractions like the African Star Train and the Foster Tree House Playground.
To get a glimpse of the creatures and book your tickets, visitors can check out Zoo Cams online on their website. After spending a day at the zoo, you might want to continue the fun at one of El Paso waterparks.
The Capital Of Texas Zoo
A trip to Austin and Bastrop wouldn’t be completed without visiting the Capital of Texas Zoo. Just 20 minutes east of downtown Austin, the site is home to more than 500 unique and stunning creatures. Although The Capital of Texas Zoo is smaller than other sites, it offers a happy, intimate setting with happy and healthy animals. The site now hosts breeding programs for 14 endangered species and is considered the fastest-growing zoo in Central Texas.
The Capital Of Texas Zoo
What About Aquarium?
Observing aquatic life is different from watching animals in a zoo or safari. The soundtrack of the aquarium has a mellow rhythm as we watch uniquely shaped creatures that spark our imagination. Since we have gone through the list of zoos, it is worth mentioning some of the best aquarium in Texas as well.
Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium is a fantastic destination if you want to see a wide variety of sea (and some land) animals. Sandbar shark, porcupinefish, and American alligator are just some names in this aquarium’s extensive collection. At the Aquatic Nursery, you might even spot baby jellyfish or seahorses!
SEA LIFE Grapevine
SEA LIFE Grapevine might not be the biggest aquarium around. However, if you are searching for a one-of-a-kind underwater experience – including the only 360-degree ocean tunnel in Texas and the only sea turtle hospital in North Texas – this is the place to go.
SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium
SEA LIFE Grapevine’s Interactive Rockpools feature sea stars, anemones, and other adorable creatures visitors can interact with. Some incredible critters are also available, like flashlight fish, stingrays, and jellies, to name a few. You can even see the aquarium’s infamous Zebra shark, Solomon, up close and personal!
San Antonio Aquarium
The San Antonio Aquarium promises visitors much more than some cool fish – they also host a wide range of events, educational programs, and feature a vast collection of creatures.
Some of the special encounters visitors can take part in are Snorklening with Stingrays, feeding some of the animals, and even walking the plank to jump into shark-infested waters. You may even be able to encounter a mermaid if you are lucky enough!
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But Hey, A Trip To The Zoo Is Not Just For Kids!
That’s the list of the best zoo in Texas for you! Even as an adult, these amazing zoos, wildlife parks, and aquariums will guarantee you a wonderful learning experience and might turn out to be a highlight of your journey.
We all know that indulging in nature will relieve stress, so on the next trip, just take a deep breath and spend a few minutes watching a bird or butterfly. Make the rounds and take it all in, or just find a bench and chill. Your brain, heart, and nervous system will thank you.
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