Dallas World Aquarium

The basics

There are five main exhibit spaces at the Dallas World Aquarium: Mundo Maya, Orinoco, Aquarium, South Africa, and Borneo. Visitors will see crocodiles, black-footed and blue penguins, stingrays, ocelots, moon jellyfish, and toucans, among many other animals. The 20,000-gallon walk-through tank features a diverse kelp forest and coral reef ecosystem.

Animal feedings and talks, such as “Sloths are for Kids” and “Ocelot Conservation Talk,” are scheduled on the half-hour. Crocodiles are fed every Saturday. Although there are no official guided Dallas World Aquarium tours, visitors are provided with a comprehensive field guide.

Things to know before you go

• The Dallas World Aquarium is an ideal attraction for families.

• Even though this is a small-scale aquarium, plan to spend at least two hours going through the exhibits.

• Three on-site restaurants serve a variety of snacks and meals.

• Purchase Dallas World Aquarium tickets in advance to save time waiting in line, which can be long during peak times.

How to get there

The aquarium is located at 1801 N. Griffin Street, in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas, Texas. From the Dallas Zoo, it’s about a six-minute drive: Take I-35E north to the Griffin Street exit. Paid parking is available in surrounding lots. You can also take the DART Rail to the West End Station stop.

When to get there

The Dallas World Aquarium is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Saturday afternoons can be busy, but if you are there at 11:30am, you can see the crocodile feeding. Try to plan your visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds, and go on a weekday if you can.

Concentration on conservation

The Dallas World Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and partners with conservation groups from around the world, including several groups in Central and South America. The aquarium houses 10 endangered species and 41 that are on a species survival plan.

How much time is needed at Dallas World Aquarium?

You’ll need at least 1.5 hours to explore the Dallas World Aquarium, but it’s worth putting aside two hours to see all the attraction offers. Five main exhibit spaces feature creatures ranging from jellyfish and crocodiles to blue penguins, plus three on-site restaurants and cafes.

Is the Dallas World Aquarium all indoors?

Yes, the Dallas World Aquarium is all indoors, so it’s an ideal activity for one of Dallas’ relatively rare rainy days. While most exhibits are inside, the penguins have an outdoor enclosure section. There is air-conditioning throughout the aquarium and plenty of natural light floods in from the glass rooftop.

Is parking free at Dallas World Aquarium?

No, parking at Dallas World Aquarium isn’t free. However, there are two parking lots beside the aquarium, which makes parking and getting inside a breeze. Parking prices range from $8 to $15 for the day. If the lot is full, plenty of metered parking exists.

Does the Dallas World Aquarium have penguins?

Yes, the Dallas World Aquarium has two types of penguins—the blue and black-footed penguin (also hilariously known as a Jackass penguin). Penguins are active and social animals, so you’ll likely see them swimming, slipping, and sliding into the water.

Does the Dallas World Aquarium have dolphins?

The Dallas World Aquarium doesn’t have dolphins, but it has a range of other animals in enclosures, hailing from South Africa, Borneo, and Mundo Maya. Its most popular aquatic residents include crocodiles, jellyfish, and stingrays, some of which you can see in the colossal walk-through tank.

Does the Dallas World Aquarium have sea turtles?

While the Dallas World Aquarium doesn’t have any sea turtles in its aquarium section, it does have several other species of turtle in the enclosures themed around Borneo and Mundo Maya. These include the red-eared slider turtle, the Mexican giant musk turtle, and the yellow-spotted Amazon turtle.

Ways to explore

Admission tickets to Dallas World Aquarium grant full access to all its exhibition areas spread across four floors: Cloud Forest Trek, Mundo Maya, Orinoco, Aquarium, South Africa, and Borneo. Most visitors arrive independently and spend a couple of hours here; you may need longer if you stop for a meal or refreshments at one of the on-site cafés, or if you’re a wildlife enthusiast who’s particularly engaged with the exhibits. The aquarium features as a stop on some hop-on hop-off bus tours of the city.

Accessibility

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators throughout. There are accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs are available for loan. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; reduced-rate admission tickets are available for children aged 3–12, and kids 2 and under enter for free.

What to pack

Your ticket or e-ticket, photo ID, reusable water bottle, camera

What to wear

Light layers, as temperatures vary throughout the climate-controlled exhibition areas.

Not allowed

Food (outside of the cafés), feeding or touching creatures

Amenities

Cafés, gift shop, bookshop, restrooms, baby-changing facilities, water fountains, paid parking, baby-nursing station

Address 

Dallas World Aquarium is located along North Griffin Street in downtown Dallas. It’s easy to reach on foot, by car, or by public transport.

Driving

To drive to the aquarium, take I-35E north to the Griffin Street exit. Paid parking is available next door at the DWA Priority Public Parking lot.

Public transportation

Getting around downtown Dallas is easiest on foot, and the aquarium is within a short walk of many central sights. Alternatively, take the DART Rail to West End station, from where it’s about a 4-minute walk to the aquarium.

Best times to visit

The aquarium is open from 8.30am to 5pm, with the last entrance at 4pm. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so plan your visit earlier in the day to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekends always draw bigger crowds, so choose a weekday for a quieter visit. The aquarium is open daily year-round, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are the best times to sightsee in Dallas, but expect long lines and busy exhibitions, especially over spring break. Alternatively, the indoor attraction is the ideal spot to escape the summer heat.