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Zoo Update:
Prime Meridian Café will be closed until 3:00 p.m. this Friday, December 12, for a private event; however, the restrooms will remain open. Please explore our other dining options during your visit.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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Accessibility

Accessibility

The Dallas Zoo provides a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experience for all guests. Our facilities are designed to accommodate visitors of all abilities, from wheelchair-accessible pathways to sensory-friendly programming. The Dallas Zoo celebrates the diversity of our community and strives to create an environment where everyone feels wildly included.  

zoo ACCESSIBILITY:

  • The Dallas Zoo is Sensory Inclusive Certified (TM) by KultureCity for our commitment to inclusivity. Through this partnership, the Zoo is recognized as a trained and trusted advocate for individuals with sensory needs. See more details below for our on-site accommodations.
  • Participants in Texas’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can purchase a Family-level membership at a reduced price by presenting their EBT card and a matching, state-issued photo ID in person at the Membership Booth.  
  • Learn more about Zoo For All

PLAN YOUR VISIT:

  • The main lower parking lot is the closest parking area to the Main Entrance and includes ADA-compliant accessible parking spaces in addition to general parking. Sidewalks and wheelchair-accessible pathways connect the lot to the Main Entrance, ensuring smooth and barrier-free access for guests using mobility devices.
  • Other parking areas, including the Elephant and Tiger Lot, provide clearly marked accessible parking.

At the Zoo:

  • The Dallas Zoo is actively increasing English and Spanish bilingual signage throughout the Zoo to help guests easily navigate exhibits, amenities, and experiences. For translation support, look for Zoo staff wearing special name tags that indicate they are bilingual and available to assist.
  • Sensory Bags
    • Our sensory bags are designed for both adults and children with sensory needs and contain items that can help lessen sensory overload. The sensory bags include fidget tools, noise-reducing headphones, and visual cue cards.
    • Sensory bags are available for guests to check out free of charge the day of their visit by visiting the Information Booth just inside the Zoo gates.
    • Sensory Signs and Quiet Spaces
      • Signage is placed throughout the Zoo indicating areas where there may be sensory challenges as well as quiet spaces for relaxing.
    • Use our digital map to locate sensory areas. 
  • Throughout the Zoo, guests will find a variety of amenities including a Comfort Station, indoor rest areas, designated stroller routes, and family restrooms.
    • Family restrooms are ADA accessible and are equipped with benches, child changing stations, and privacy locks. These restrooms are located at Wonders of the Wild Amphitheater, Destination: Dinosaurs (just inside the entrance), Wildflower Ridge near the entrance of the Monarch Express Mini-Train, Serengeti Grill, Base Camp, and Simmons Hippo Outpost.
    • At this time, family restrooms are not equipped for adult individuals needing to be laid down to be changed.
    • For nursing parents, the Comfort Station located in the Guest Services building next to the Gift Shop offers a quiet, private space with seating and power outlets for pumping.
  • Use our digital map to locate restrooms and the Comfort Station.
  • The Zoo welcomes service animals, but cannot permit pets or emotional support animals onto Zoo grounds.
  • Under the ADA, Title II and III, a service animal must be a dog (or miniature horse) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. 
  • Guests visiting with a service animal are asked to check in at Guest Services upon arrival.
  • Rentals
    • Guests are welcome to bring their own strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs. The Zoo also offers mobility aids available to rent. Our rental costs:
      • Single stroller: $11
      • Double stroller: $15
      • Manual wheelchair: $15
      • Electronic wheelchair with canopy: $35
    • Rentals are subject to availability and are rented on a first-come, first-served basis at the Gift Shop, located inside the Zoo’s front gate. Please call 469.554.7562 for more information.
  • Trams and Carts
    • If you need transport assistance during your visit, please alert on-site staff or contact Guest Services for support.
  • Endangered Species Carousel
    • The Endangered Species Carousel has an ADA accessible ramp and seats available for guests who require mobility assistance. Height and weight restrictions apply.
  • Monarch Express Mini-Train
    • The mini-train is wheelchair accessible. Height and weight restrictions apply.
      • Riders must not have a condition which prevents a typical seating position or use of safety restraints.

Wheelchair Accessible:

  • Wild Encounters Stage
  • The Wonders of the Wild Amphitheater
  • Giraffe Feeding Station
  • Birds Landing
  • I Spy Butterflies
  • Goat Yard

Zoo staff are available at each location to assist guests as needed.

  • Guests can find gluten-free and vegan-friendly dietary options at Prime Meridian Café located in ZooNorth and Serengeti Grill located in the Gregg Hudson Giants of the Savanna.

EDUCATION:

  • The Dallas Zoo Education Department offers sensory-friendly events designed to provide calm, inclusive, and welcoming experiences for guests of all ages. These events feature reduced crowds, limited noise, and thoughtful accommodations to support individuals with sensory sensitivities.
  • Resources available during these events include sensory-friendly success guides, printable maps for easy navigation, and designated sensory havens and activity stations for breaks and regulation.
  • Sign language interpreters are also available upon request with advance notice to ensure meaningful access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing guests.
  • View our Success Story
  • The Dallas Zoo is committed to providing inclusive and accessible educational experiences for all participants. Guests who require one-on-one aides, behavioral support staff, interpreters, or other assistance are welcome to bring a support person to accompany them during Education Programs and Camps. There is not a cost for the aide to attend if they are required in order for the child to participate in the camp or program.
  • To help our team provide the best possible experience, we encourage guests to inform us of any accessibility needs or accommodations in advance. This may include mobility support, sensory considerations, communication preferences, or other individualized support needs. Our staff will work with you to ensure a welcoming, safe, and enriching environment for every participant.
  • Regular field trip prices apply to student entry, however any aides required for special needs students are free. You will need to contact the Education Department to reserve these field trips in order to access the free tickets for aides.
  • If you have questions or would like to request accommodation, please contact the Education team at Education@DallasZoo.com prior to your scheduled program.

Group Sales Events:

  • ADA trams are available for Group Sales events for a fee, but are not generally provided for other events. However, wheelchairs and electric vehicles (EVs) are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis during such as Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant.

REQUEST ASSISTANCE

If you have specific accessibility needs or require assistance during your visit, our friendly Guest Services team is here to ensure your time at Dallas Zoo is enjoyable and memorable. Visit the Guest Services office next to the Gift Shop or call 469.544.7501.