Last Updated on October 25, 2022 by Usama
Located only three miles from downtown, Dallas Zoo is easily accessible by car and public transit. If you’re coming to the state’s oldest and largest zoological park, we’ll help you plan your visit and learn all about Dallas Zoo parking services. Discover the working hours, admission cost, car parking availability, and the best alternatives to the main lot.
Use the following address for driving directions: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203. If you’re using I-35, take the Ewing Ave./Marsalis Ave. exit to get to the Zoo entrance, which is right below the huge giraffe.
Zoo Hours & Admission
The Zoological Park is open every day except Christmas. The operating hours are 9 AM to 5 PM during spring and summer, and it closes at 4 PM during fall and winter.
Visitors must purchase tickets in advance here, while Zoo members must reserve them online. Admission ticket prices vary according to seasonal attendance; see them below.
| Visitor | Weekday Rate | Weekend Rate |
| Adult (12-64) | $15 | $17 |
| Child (3-11) | $12 | $14 |
| Senior (65+) | $12 | $14 |
Tip: If you also want to visit Perot Museum and GeO-Deck, purchase Dallas CityPASS to gain admission to all three attractions for only $49.
Parking at Dallas Zoo
The main Dallas Zoo parking area is placed in front of the Zoo, at 721 E. Clarendon Dr., but you can access it from Shelter Pl. While free parking is available for Zoo members, other visitors pay $10 per vehicle. The Zoo accepts both cash and credit or debit cards.
Be sure to arrive early if you plan to visit the Zoo on a weekend, spring break, or another peak period. We suggest getting there at 9 AM, right when it opens.
Note: According to Dallas Innovates, a new deck park at the Zoo is currently under construction, and Phase One is set up to open in late 2023.
ADA Parking
Accessible parking spots are placed right in front of the Zoo entrance for easy access. These are obtainable on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend early arrival on peak days. The same Dallas Zoo parking fee applies, and each person occupying an ADA stall must own and display a disabled permit or license plate.
Overflow Lot + Top Alternatives
Dallas Zoo also offers an overflow parking lot whenever the main one is full. It’s located on Shelter Pl. within walking distance, and the staff will direct you to the entrance. The $10 fee is charged in this area, too.
If you don’t find an available parking space in the main one, you’ll most certainly locate it in the overflow lot. So, don’t leave your car in the nearby residential areas or on the surrounding streets and risk getting a Dallas parking ticket.
You can also park in downtown Dallas for as low as $5 and then take a bus or train to the Zoo. Use SpotHero to pre-book a spot and learn more about public transit in the following section.
Public Transportation Options
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit offers the best alternative to driving and parking at the Zoo. The DART Rail Red Line serves the Dallas Zoo Station, which is just a two-minute walk away. These trains go north and also make stops in Downtown Dallas, Richardson, and Plano.
Alternatively, use DART’s bus route 45, which picks up and drops off at a stop located steps away from the Red Line station. This route runs from downtown Dallas to Camp Wisdom Station. DART’s local one-way cash fare is $2.50, while a Day Pass is $6.00.
Find Cheap Spots Anywhere in Dallas
Aside from Dallas Zoo parking information, our awesome team helps drivers learn all about parking at the following city locations.
- Dallas World Aquarium
- Perot Museum
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Klyde Warren Park
- Dallas Farmers Market
- Cotton Bowl
Also, if you’re planning a trip soon, don’t hesitate to reserve DFW or Dallas Love Field parking using our simple booking form.