Sam Houston, the Fort Worth Zoo’s newest Asian elephant calf, was born on April 1, 2026.
Fort Worth Zoo
Whether you love big animals, bird sightings or just taking your dog for a walk, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has you covered.
With some of the best zoos in the country, Audubon-run birding spots and more, there’s no shortage of things to explore for animal lovers in North Texas.
Here’s a look at some notable animal-related attractions in D-FW:
Article continues below this ad
Zoos and aquariums
Perhaps the most obvious places for animal lovers in the city are the two major zoos in the metropolitan area.
The Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. It dates back to 1888 and now takes up more than 100 acres in Oak Cliff. The zoo has more than 2,000 animals across more than 400 species and welcomes more than a million visitors a year. After your visit, you can also check out Halperin Park, which recently opened near the zoo and above I-35.
Related: $60, 4 animals and a dream: Curious Texas investigates the history of the Dallas Zoo
Article continues below this ad
On the west side of the metro, the Fort Worth Zoo is a nationally recognized facility that houses more than 500 species, including some rare sights. The zoo is the only one in Texas with bonobos and one of five zoos in the world with two rhino species in captivity (black and greater one-horned Asian rhinos), according to its website. All told, the zoo is home to 68 endangered or threatened species.
North Texas is a little more scant on marine life than other kinds of wildlife. The Dallas World Aquarium in downtown and the Children’s Aquarium Dallas in Fair Park are the two main aquarium options in town, but both lack the scale of the zoos in the region.
For wildlife lovers
If you prefer your animals a little wilder than the zoo, North Texas has plenty of options for that, too.
Southwestern Dallas is home to Cedar Ridge Preserve, which is managed by Audubon Dallas, and is home to an array of wildlife including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects.
Article continues below this ad
D-FW is also known for its birding with notable hot spots at White Rock Lake (a pair of bald eagles was recently spotted there) in East Dallas and at the Trinity River Audubon Center in southeastern Dallas.
If you’re willing to take a bit of a drive, you can find more wildlife at several places on the outskirts of D-FW. One notable facility is the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center near Glen Rose (about 70 miles southwest of Dallas) which is home to dozens of species of native and exotic animals across 1,800 acres.
For pet owners
Dallas also has a variety of parks and trails where you can spend time with your pets.
For those close to downtown, the Katy Trail is an extremely popular trail through Uptown and Oak Lawn. It is frequented by walkers, bike riders and lots of people walking their pets. The Katy Trail Ice House also features an expansive pet-friendly patio, if you want to stop by for a drink or a bite while out with your pet.
Article continues below this ad
Farther north, the NorthBark Dog Park offers the largest dog space in North Texas with more than 22 acres of “off-leash” space for trails, a lake, an expansive lawn and showers. It is one of 11 off-leash dog parks in the city of Dallas with plenty of other spots to take your four-legged friends for a walk while on a leash.
Horseback riding
With a long history in the state of horses and cowboys, horseback riding is a good option for those looking for a more hands-on animal experience in D-FW.
The Stockyards Stables at the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards offer trail rides along the Old Chisholm Trail and the Trinity River. The Chisholm Trail is a history cattle route that led herds from South Texas through Fort Worth and all the way up to railheads in Kansas.
Article continues below this ad
In southeastern Dallas, you’ll find another option at River Ranch which offers trail rides at the Texas Horse Park near the Trinity River. The ranch also offers lessons for individual riders and groups.