The Dallas World Aquarium
Starfish and stingray, clownfish and coral, jellyfish and…flamingo; you can find them all at The Dallas World Aquarium. Home to much more than just your expected underwater creatures, The Dallas World Aquarium boasts countless other fauna living on land and flying in the air.
Focusing on some of the world’s most diverse tropical regions — with exhibits highlighting the Mundo Maya, Orinoco, South Africa, and Borneo, as well as a 20,000-gallon walk-through aquarium — the complex offers plenty to explore for visitors of all ages.
What to do at The Dallas World Aquarium
Go from being surrounded by the mesmerizing, underwater world, where you’re enveloped by fascinating sea life gliding all around, to the Cloud Forest Trek, where you can see what it feels like to be high in a tropical canopy and spot several species of sloths.
Sprawling across two refurbished warehouses in Dallas’ Historic West End District, just half a mile from The Adolphus Hotel, the privately-owned aquarium and zoo is one of the city’s best attractions for animal lovers. Along with the array of exhibitions and a wide variety of animals, including several endangered species, the aquarium also often features live feedings and talks. Check the website for a current list of events, which include special activities such as watching divers and getting to know some crowd-pleasing creatures, like otters and penguins.
In need of refreshments before exploring even more? Take a break and grab a snack at one of The Dallas World Aquarium’s three restaurants. Café Maya, on the third floor of the Mundo Maya exhibit, features Tex Mex favorites paired with views of the Shark Tunnel, flamingos, and more. On the third floor of the Orinoco exhibit, The Jungle Café offers deli-style sandwiches, pizza, salad, and snacks. Meanwhile, eighteen~O~one Restaurant, located on the first floor of the Aquarium, serves specials from the international reef locations, such as Australia, Indonesia, and Mexico, featured in the exhibits of the Reef Room.
How to visit The Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium is open daily: Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Last entries are open 1.5 hours before the park closes.
Several ticket rates are available with free admission for children aged two and under.
The Dallas World Aquarium is about a 10-minute walk from The Adolphus Hotel. For those driving (five minutes), two onsite parking lots are located next to the aquarium, allowing for quicker access to our general entrance. There are also additional parking lots and metered street parking in the surrounding area.
The Dallas World Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
