Kid-Favorite Petting Farms & Zoos Near Dallas
See and learn about animals from all over the world, those species native to Texas, and those you'd find under the sea at these kid favorite petting farms, zoos & aquariums near Dallas. From milking cows to feeding giraffes, use our interactive map to find animal encounter experiences near you!
We are a parent-to-parent website, collecting ideas for family activities directly from parents like you, and your reviews & recommendations help improve our lists for all DFW area parents!
Looking for more nature fun for your animal-loving kid? Check out our list of the best nature centers for DFW kids.
In-Sync Exotics
Stephanie W.: Dedicated to the rescue and care of exotic felines, In-Sync Exotics is an incredible experience! They house wild cats, such as tigers, leopards, lions, and ocelots.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
The Heard has indoor exhibits on the Texas natural environment, plus miles of nature trails that wind though the diverse habitats of the 289-acre wildlife sanctuary. Don't miss the Animal Encounters Trail, home to non-releasable animal ambassadors like lemurs and bobcats.
North Texas Animal Connections - The Gentle Zoo
Stephanie W.: The Gentle Zoo offers educational programs and activities. Children and adults can learn about animal behavior, husbandry and animal rescue. During your visit, feed the barnyard animals, bounce on the Jumping Pillow, shoot tennis balls into tractor tires with the Ball Blasters, take a tractor train ride, or a Baby Goat Tour.
Lavender Ridge Farms
Stephanie W.: What was originally a melon and strawberry farm is now home to a beautiful lavender field and more perennial gardens. Families can cut fresh lavender branches during the late May-July blooming season. Visit with rescued farm animals, enjoy a lavender-inspired meal at the cafe and take home a handmade product from the gift shop.
Children's Aquarium Dallas
Stephanie W.: Children's Aquarium Dallas was designed for little ones in mind. Everything at the aquarium that the kids will explore is at eye-level for them to enjoy. From rhino iguanas to moon jellyfish & other friends, they'll get to meet many underwater treasures. Visitors will love petting and feeding stingrays!
Dallas World Aquarium
Exhibits at the Dallas World Aquarium are divided by geographical location, and are not just limited to fish. You and your kids will get to experience birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and sea creatures from all over the world!
Dallas Zoo
Stephanie W.: Texas' largest and oldest zoo is as fun as a barrel of monkeys! They are home to several different habitats, animal feedings, wildlife shows, and animal encounters! The possibilities seem truly endless for entertainment, education and exploration at the Dallas Zoo!
Fritz Park - Animal Connection Experience
Stephanie W.: Operated by the City of Irving Parks and Recreation Department, the Animal Connection Experience features a petting zoo, pony rides, exotic animal displays, snack shop, duck pond and children's activity tent.
Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium
Stephanie W.: Come see all your favorite sea animals at SEA LIFE Aquarium in Grapevine Mills! With interactive exhibits including a 360 degree ocean tunnel, this aquarium is sure to entertain. Education is of prime importance, with over a dozen talks per day about various sea creatures!
Nash Farm
Nash Farm always offers free admission. Grapevine’s agrarian traditions are preserved at Nash Farm, which includes the original 1869 farmhouse, historic barn and other structures. The farm grounds, petting zoo, historic structures and exhibits are open for self-guided tours during regular business hours, and also offer fun and educational family-friendly events throughout the year.
Fort Worth Stockyards Stables - Petting Zoo
Stephanie W.: The Stables at the Fort Worth Stockyards are full of fun animals like horses and longhorns (which your kids can sit on for a great photo op!), and they also have a petting zoo perfect for little ones! This little zoo with animals like goats and chickens is especially fun in the spring when there are plenty of new baby animals to see!
Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo currently houses over 540 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians from all over the world. They host Zookeeper Chats, giraffe feeding experience, an interactive stingray exhibit, Safari Splash water play area, educational animal encounters, train, carousel, and more!
SeaQuest Fort Worth Aquarium
Stephanie W.: With animals from all over the world, SeaQuest is the perfect, interactive adventure for kids and adults alike! Check out iguanas and large Amazon fish from the rainforest, hand feed sharks at Shark Lagoon, or make friends with the colorful birds of the Mayan jungle. The Egyptian Desert exhibit has snakes, tortoises and lizards to pet, and they even offer snorkeling with sting rays! You'll never run out of things to explore at this truly unique aquarium!
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Stephanie W.: Fossil Rim is like the Serengeti brought to Texas! This incredible wildlife refuge is home giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, zebras, gazelles and more. Safaris, both self-guided in your own car and guided by trained professionals, are available. Their Children's Animal Center is a petting zoo with a giant tortoise, dwarf goats and others! Fossil Rim is dedicated to animal preservation. Your family will get an experience of lifetime while helping save these endangered animals!
Primary photo: Grapevine CVB
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