Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, Dallas World Aquarium is a unique and fascinating place that offers a one-of-a-kind and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
It is home to over 200 different species of fish, reptiles, mammals, birds, and invertebrates from around the world. The visitors will also get to explore some exotic animals like the Hourglass tree frog, Jaguar cichlid, Pied tamarin, and more.
From exotic rainforest species to local Texas wildlife, the aquarium’s diverse array of aquatic and land species will excite, educate, and inspire visitors.
It is one of those iconic locations in the city which should not be missed to visit.
If you are planning your trip to Dallas soon, read this guide to know everything about the Dallas World Aquarium. From ticket prices, ways to reach and the attractions nearby, this travel guide mentions everything to ease your visit.
Important Information
| Best Time to Visit | January – March |
| Suggested Visit Duration | At least three hours |
| Visiting Hours | Monday – Sunday 8:30 a.m. Last Entry: 4:00 p.m. |
| Ticket Prices | Starting from $19.95 |
| Specialty | • Conservation Programs in Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela • Key attractions include Zebra angelfish, Ocelot, American flamingo, Blackeye goby, Warty chameleon, and more |
| Address | 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA (View on Maps) |
| Contact Number(s) | +1 214-720-2224 |
| Links | Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest |
Brief History
The Dallas Aquarium was opened to the public in 1992 at an old warehouse at 1801 N. Griffin Street.
This majestic aquarium is located in a historic warehouse built in 1924! This charming building has a rich history, serving various industries until 1982. Imagine the stories it could tell!
In August 2004, visitors could finally experience the beauty and wonder of this place.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, they recently opened its Cloud Forest Trek in July 2020. Get ready to be transported to a magical world of towering trees and misty clouds.
It has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1997. It is also a proud member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) since 2000.
Interesting Facts
- The aquarium has a living sea dragon exhibit featuring the rare and endangered sea dragon.
- It has a two-story rainforest with over 3,000 living plants, including rare plants from the Amazon.
- The Mundo Maya exhibit is a majorly immersive experience with a 400,000-gallon walk-through.
- The aquarium’s coral reef exhibit is the largest in the country.
- It has a unique “shark tunnel”, where visitors can walk through and observe sharks and other sea creatures.
Free Admissions
Visitors can also get free admission to Dallas World Aquarium under the conditions mentioned below:
Membership
Join the exclusive club at the aquarium and enjoy a world of perks with their membership program!
Imagine unlimited access for a full year and discounts that keep adding up – 10% off at the gift shop, 10% off on special events, and exclusive access to members-only events.
There are different membership programs for everyone, from individuals to families. To be a member, you can fill out their membership form and email it to them at [email protected].
Tickets
You can book tickets for the aquarium either after arrival or online.
The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Also, note that it allows last entry on Christmas Eve at 2:00 p.m.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: $29.95 + tax
- Child: $19.95 + tax (3 thru 12)
- Baby: Free (2 and under)
- Senior: $24.95 + tax (65+)
- Military: Retired and active-duty military staff with one guest can get tickets at $24.95 each + tax (photo I.D. required)
Note: For a group of more than 20 people, you can contact them at [email protected] to get any available offers and to know the summer restrictions.
Discounts
At the time of writing the article, there are no current discounts available. However, before the visit, you can contact the admissions office at Dallas World Aquarium to inquire about ongoing discounts or offers.
You can reach them at +1 214-720-2224 or [email protected]. You can also check out reputed platforms like Groupon or Knoji for coupons.
Gift Cards
The Dallas World Aquarium offers gift cards that can be used as payment for admission, in-house restaurants, gift shops, and membership.
Gift cards can be purchased in person at the aquarium, or you can even get them on reliable platforms like Giftly and Giftrocket.
It will allow them to explore the marine life or they can also redeem the card for other activities, such as shopping at the gift shop.
Animal Encounters
The Dallas World Aquarium offers animal encounters from five continents, 14 countries, three oceans, and numerous rivers and seas.
You can also get the option to feel the species, attend educational sessions, dine, and more. The aquarium has approximately 248 species at its three different levels collectively. Here are some of the animals you can see:
Palm Tree Polyps
The aquarium takes you on a journey to explore various species for the first time! One of them is Palm tree polyps.
These are a type of colonial organism that lives in the shallow waters of coral reefs. You can see how these have a similar structure and appearance to anemones.
The Dallas World Aquarium offers an up-close look at these amazing creatures in their Coral Reef Exhibit. Not only this, but you can also observe the polyps in their natural habitat.
Blackeye Goby
The aquarium is home to rare species, including the Blackeye Goby, also known as the Red Spotted Goby, in the Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit.
Live the exciting experience of observing a Blackeye Goby’s reproduction, diet, and habitat. Come along with your kids and involve them with you in this fun learning adventure too!
The Blackeye Goby is a small species of fish, typically only two to three inches in length. They are silver with black spots and stripes, hence their name.
Harlequin Shrimp
The aquarium houses the Harlequin Shrimp among the large range of exotic animals and creatures. This colorful species is known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
Exhibits
The Dallas World Aquarium is home to many different species, some of which can be seen in the following famous exhibits:
Mundo Maya
Some of the animals on display are the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), the American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), the Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctate), the Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), and the Jaguar Cichlid (Parachromis managuense).
Mundo Maya commemorates one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth by include a cenote.
The first floor of this exhibit features reptiles and amphibians such as lizards, snakes, and leaf-nosed bats, as well as marine animals such as huge groupers, stingrays, and other fish.
Scarlet macaws, hummingbirds, and pelicans all call the upper floor their home.
Aquarium
A variety of marine life, including the Harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta), Palm tree polyp (Clavularia viridis), Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus), Colt coral (Cladiella sp.), and Magnificent foxface (Siganus magnificus), may be seen in the Aquarium’s exhibit.
Borneo
Species such as the blue penguin (Eudyptula minor), Shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex), Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria), Banded archerfish (Toxotes jaculatrix), Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus), etc., are highlights of the Borneo exhibit.
Orinoco
The Orinoco exhibit has a variety of animals, including the Bare-faced curassow (Crax fasciolata), Orinoco geese (Neochen jubata), Pied tamarin (Saguinus bicolor), Rosy-billed pochard (Netta peposaca), and Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias).
South Africa
Warty chameleons (Furcifer verrucosus), Tomato frogs (Dyscophus antongilii), white-crested turacos (Tauraco leucolophus), African green pigeons (Treron calva), black-footed penguins (Spheniscus demersus), and many more may all be seen in the South Africa exhibit.
Explore the outdoors in the South African exhibit, which has a penguin colony and a seasonal Madagascar display.
As long as you know where to look, you may find a wide variety of geckos, frogs, and chameleons in vivid colours.
Live Cams
The aquarium also features a live webcam, which can easily be accessed through its website. This webcam allows you to watch the live movements of the species inside the aquarium even after you come back home after the visit.
However, there is currently only one webcam that streams the live movements of manatees.
Explore the webcam here.
Learning Opportunities
Dallas World Aquarium fosters the awareness of different species among young minds. They offer curriculums and interactive lessons for students’ field trips and even teaching material for teachers.
Kids’ Club
The Dallas World Aquarium offers a Kids’ Club program for children aged 4-12. This program educates children about the animals, plants, and ecosystems of the aquarium through interactive activities, such as scavenger hunts.
Aquarium Tours and Talks
The aquarium offers a variety of guided tours, talks, and interactive experiences for kids. These include behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and more.
Educational Programs
The Dallas World Aquarium offers educational programs for school groups, scouts, and for all educators who want to organize a field to the museum.
These programs provide an up-close look at the animals and ecosystems of the aquarium, as well as hands-on activities and interactive learning opportunities.
Summer Camps
The aquarium hosts summer camps for kids aged 5-12. These camps include educational activities and observing the natural livelihood of the animals, as well as crafts and other fun activities.
Teachers can also access the materials and lesson plans from this page.
Events
The aquarium offers bookings for private events that can be confirmed by contacting them directly via phone or email.
The large events areas, in conjunction with the dining, feature open visitors to a large variety of culinary experiences.
The large occupancy makes the Dallas World Aquarium appropriate for informal or seated functions. It is also open to bookings for birthday parties and other group celebrations.
It offers birthday parties for kids of all ages. These parties include a personalized tour of the Aquarium, a behind-the-scenes look at animal habitats, and special activities.
There are different celebration areas available for events with varying standing and sitting capacities-
| Space | Standing Capacity | Sitting Capacity |
| The Porthole | 600 | 600 |
| Reef Room with 1801 Bar | 250 | 250 |
| Tribal Gallery | 300 | 300 |
| The Orinoco Room | 100 | 100 |
| Cafe Maya | 200 | 200 |
| Shark Tunnel | 70 | 70 |
If you want to make bookings for any special events, you can reach out to the admissions office at +1 214-720-2224 or [email protected].
These events may include anything from birthday parties, group celebrations, personalized tours, special activities for the kids and more.
Dining at the Aquarium
eighteen~O~one
The Aquarium’s first-floor restaurant has worldwide gourmet fare, with rotating specialties highlighting the cuisines of the countries whose reefs are shown in the adjacent Reef Room. Their menu highlights include Wonton shrimp wraps, Rice paper wraps, and chicken Caesar salad.
Time: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Cafe Maya
On the third level of the Mundo Maya exhibit, guests may enjoy classic Tex-Mex meals in a cozy setting replete with walnut and oak furniture and a bird’s-eye view of the show’s exotic attractions, including the Shark Tunnel, Flamingos, Ocelots, and more.
Time: Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Jungle Cafe
It’s on the third level, above the Orinoco: Secrets of the River exhibition, in the canopy. The Jungle Café is a terrific place to stop for a bite to eat while visiting the Dallas World Aquarium, with its wide selection of salads, deli sandwiches, pizzas, and snacks.
Do try out their menu specialties including Jungle Jr. All Beef Hot Dog, Ball Park Nachos, and more. You can also check out their specialties section on the menu.
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Gift Shop
The gift shop has various products from plushies to apparel and paintings to help you remember your visit. Members get 10% off on every purchase.
Aquarium Map
The aquarium is divided into three levels along with upper and lower levels. These levels have Orinoco Rainforest, Aquarium, and Mundo Maya set on each level.
To better understand, you can take a sneak peek at the map of the whole facility, along with separate maps for each level.
Visit here to view the map.
How to Reach & Parking
Directions
It is situated at Downtown Dallas, Texas, at 1801 N. Griffin Street, in the West End Historic District. Just six minutes of driving time separates you from the Dallas Zoo via the I-35E northbound exit at Griffin Street.
Parking
You can also get a slot for paid parking at any one of the two DWA Priority Public Parking lots. These lots are situated right next to the aquarium.
If parking at the aquarium is not available, visitors can also get parking access at surrounding lots. The costs for parking may be anywhere between $8.00 and $10.00.
Nearby Hotels
Thompson Dallas (Best Rated Hotel)
Distance: 0.18 mi
The Thompson Dallas has an outdoor pool, private parking, a fitness center, and a terrace in a convenient location about 4 minutes’ walk from Dallas World Aquarium. The hotel offers exceptional personalized hospitality and nightlife offerings.
The hotel is also close to the Thanks-Giving Square, Giant Eyeball, Dallas Arts District, and more such attractions. Visitors can enjoy a luxurious stay here and explore much more along with the vast Aquarium.
Homewood Suites Dallas Downtown (Best for Couples)
Distance: 0.18mi
This hotel, at the heart of Dallas, is equipped with high-definition televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi. Couples mostly like the location. “Feel at home” as they say, during your stay at this hotel along with the advantage of their complimentary breakfast and grocery shopping service.
The hotel is close to about 34 popular attractions including Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures, Pioneer Plaza, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, and more.
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas (Best Luxury Hotel)
Distance: 0.37 mi
The Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas offers free Wi-Fi and a fitness facility. The seasonal outdoor pool is the charm of the hotel. It is the top pick if you are looking for an ultimate comfortable stay.
The rooms offer a view of the city, and the location offers easy access to popular attractions. After exploring the aquarium, you can head to Tree Sculptures, Dallas Arts District, and more- while staying in close geography to your hotel.
Omni Dallas Hotel (Best for Relaxing)
Distance: 0.48 mi
Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel is in the heart of Dallas with a gym on site. In addition, there is a heated infinity pool for guests to enjoy. The hotel is a retreat, connected to the Dallas Convention Center through the sky bridge.
Enjoy the spa service along with relaxing hotel rooms. Also get to explore attractions like Pioneer Plaza, Reunion Tower, Dallas Cattle Drive Sculptures, and more with easy access from the hotel.
Mint House Dallas – Downtown (Best Price)
Distance- 0.43 mi
A 10-minute stroll from Dallas Holocaust Museum, once you get there, you can enjoy the hotel’s restaurant, shared lounge, and a fitness facility. Parking is free, and guests also have access to a private garage.
The hotel is near major locations like Klyde Warren Park, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas Museum of Art, and more.
Nearby Restaurants
Dakota’s Steakhouse – Downtown Dallas (Best Steaks)
Distance: 0.6 mi
Popular for offering a food experience like no other, you must visit them for the best quality steaks.
The ones who are always looking for new and great wine experiences must try their wine. They update their wine menu after every two weeks as they believe- “ no steak is complete without the complement of a great wine.”
Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse (Wide food choices)
Distance: 0.4 mi
Looking for the highest quality beef after your aquarium visit? This is the place! They offer venison, wild boar, elk, game birds, and more. This place is perfect for visitors looking for special menus.
The restaurant offers a variety of menus including a lunch menu, dinner menu, private dining menu, and even special occasions menu (like Valentine’s Day). And you must not miss their Tomahawk Ribeye, which is cooked to perfection!
Monarch (Great For Fine Wines)
Distance: 0.8 mi
Visit them for fresh handmade pizza, grilled seafood, and steaks. You must try their lasagna and shrimp scampi ravioli.
Meso Maya – Downtown Dallas (Best For Outdoor Dining)
Distance: 0.5 mi
Best culinary adventure in the outdoors! Get the earthy flavors in the delicious Mayan and Mexican cuisine. Travelers in search of vegetarian or vegan food options can visit here for a wide menu. Are you a fan of margaritas? Check out their wide margarita options too!
3Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails (Good For Groups)
Distance: 0.6 mi
American eatery with a lot of historic touches! They bring farm-to-market fare and fresh cocktails with vintage feels. You must try out their popular dishes including Steak Frites, and Southern bread pudding.
Attractions Nearby
There is so much more to explore near Dallas World Aquarium. After uncovering the nook and corner of the aquarium, you must visit the nearby attractions and make the best out of our Dallas trip.
Here are some of the popular attractions you would love to visit.
The Sixth Floor Museum
Distance: 0.5 mi
This museum is dedicated to the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. It features a variety of exhibits and artifacts, as well as a recreation of the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository.
Reunion Tower
Distance: 1.5 mi
This iconic 561-foot tower is a great place to get an amazing view of the Dallas skyline. The observation deck features an interactive touchscreen experience that gives visitors a virtual city tour.
The Dallas Arts District
Distance: 0.8 mi
This vibrant neighborhood is filled with museums, galleries, performing arts venues, and more. You can explore the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Collection of Asian Art.
The Dallas Zoo
Distance: 3.7 mi
This world-class zoo is home to thousands of animals and over 400 species. You can explore the park on foot or take a guided tour to learn more about the animals.
Working at the Aquarium
The aquarium currently does not promote any working opportunities. However, you can connect with them at +1 214-720-2224 or [email protected] to get updates on available work openings.
Donation Requests
You can inquire about making donations by connecting with their admission office or mailing them at [email protected].
Reviews
The Dallas World Aquarium is a great attraction for all ages! Visitors can explore the multiple levels there and observe a variety of animals.
The exhibits are well-maintained and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It also offers educational programs and a variety of interactive activities.
Overall, it’s a great way to spend a day and learn something new.
You can read other’s reviews on Tripadvisor and Yelp to plan your trip better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dallas World Aquarium?
Dallas World Aquarium is situated in North Griffin St., Dallas, USA.
Is it free?
No. But membership offers one-year free admission to members.
How much are the tickets?
Ticket prices for adults are $29.95, children (3 through 12) are $19.95, and senior citizens (65+) are $24.95, excluding tax. For children under the age of 2, admission is free.
How big is it?
The aquarium has a glassed-in tunnel forty feet long where sharks swim over visitors’ heads as part of a 20,000-gallon walk-through display.
How long to spend at the aquarium?
It is recommended to spend at least three hours there.
Where to park?
There is paid parking available at surrounding lots.
How much is parking?
The price for parking varies from $8.00-$10.00.
Is the aquarium worth it?
Yes. It is one of the nicest spots in Dallas and has impressive reviews.
Other Nearby Aquariums
A word from FIA
Whether you are looking for a great day out with the family or a place to learn more about the aquatic world, the Dallas World Aquarium is the perfect destination.
We have collected all the necessary information you might need while planning a visit there. If this article gave insights on everything you wanted to know about Dallas World Aquarium, do share it with your friends and family members.
If you still have any queries, let us know via our contact page.