We love the Dallas Zoo all year round, but my favorite time to visit is during Penguin Days in January and February.  We are blessed with some gorgeous sunny days during the winter months here in DFW, and our family loves to be outside.  The Dallas Zoo offers discounted $5 admission during January and February, and kids 2 and under are always free.  The Zoo is open from 9-4 daily except on Christmas Day.  Parking is $8 per car, or you can ride the DART Red Line train to the Zoo stop.
Our two favorite things to do at the zoo are feeding the giraffes and watching the keepers in action during the keeper encounters.  You can find a full schedule of both fun options on the zoo’s website.  The giraffe exhibit is truly magical, and every visitor can get close to the graceful giants.  For a small price you can feed the giraffes with food provided by the keepers.  Never feed zoo animals your own food.  It can be very dangerous for them, making them ill or even killing them.  The keeper encounters are really cool because you and your family can learn more about the animals and what the keepers do on a daily basis.
Did you know I worked at the Little Rock Zoo for two years during high school?  It’s true.  I volunteered as a keeper assistant in the Bears and Small Carnivores section.  I LOVED it, and the sloth bears and river otters still hold a special place in my heart.  The porcupines and grizzly bears on the other hand, not so much.
Petting a giraffe is really a special treat.  They are so beautiful and have the most amazing eyelashes. Did you know the Dallas Zoo has a groundbreaking multi-species exhibit featuring elephants, giraffes, and other African creatures co-habitating? This exhibit alone is worth the visit.  The zoo has so much to offer, and is the perfect outing for a sunny winter’s day.  I highly recommend the children’s zoo, the new koala exhibit, and the penguins.  Bring a picnic lunch or grab a meal at the Serengeti Grill or Zoofari Foot Court.
We started taking our kids to the zoo at around 8 months old, telling them about the different animals.  Now our toddler can name them all and has a serious love for them.  If you visit and fall in love, consider supporting the Zoo by becoming a member.  You get in free year round as well as free parking, and get discounts at other zoos around the country.  Family memberships start at $99 for two adults and their children.  That’s the best deal in town for year round family entertainment and education.
What’s your favorite animal at the zoo?

5 Comments on Frugal Family Fun in DFW: Visiting the Dallas Zoo in the Winter {$5 Admission}

  1. I need to get my kids to the zoo pronto! That price is just too good to miss out on! And how cool that you worked at the zoo in high school!!

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