The Fort Worth Zoo opened in 1909 with a lion, some bear cubs, an alligator, a coyote, a peacock, and a few rabbits housed at Trinity Park. More than a century later, it has grown into one of the most acclaimed zoological facilities in the country, repeatedly named the No. 1 zoo in America by outlets including USA Today and the Los Angeles Times.
Spread across 64 acres in Fort Worth, Texas, the zoo is now home to roughly 7,000 native and exotic animals representing 542 species. Whether you’re planning a first visit or just want to know what makes this zoo stand out nationally, here’s everything you need — from ticket prices and hours to the exhibits and conservation work behind its reputation.
Quick Answer
The Fort Worth Zoo is open 365 days a year at 1989 Colonial Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, with hours generally running 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekends. General admission runs roughly $18–$22 per person depending on age, plus $5 parking, and Wednesdays offer half-price admission. It’s widely considered one of America’s top zoos thanks to repeated No. 1 rankings from USA Today and the Los Angeles Times, its 542-species collection, and its record as a leader in Asian elephant and lesser flamingo conservation.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets & Parking
The Fort Worth Zoo operates every day of the year, including most holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day have shortened hours). As of this writing, general hours run about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, though the zoo adjusts seasonally, so it’s worth double-checking before you go.
Admission is tiered by age: adults (13–64) pay the standard rate, while children (3–12) and seniors (65+) get a discounted rate, and toddlers 2 and under get in free. Parking costs a flat per-vehicle fee at the on-site lot. Every Wednesday the zoo offers half-price general admission, which is popular with locals but also means those days draw bigger crowds. Zoo members get unlimited visits and free parking, and the zoo notes that a membership typically pays for itself in just a few visits for a family.
Because exact prices, hours, and special-event schedules change seasonally, always confirm current details before you go at the official Fort Worth Zoo admission and hours page. Tickets can be purchased online in advance (recommended to skip gate lines) or in person at the entrance.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and moderate crowds, while summer mornings are the move if you’re visiting during peak Texas heat — animals are most active in the cooler early hours, and lines are shorter before mid-morning. Weekdays are consistently quieter than weekends, though April and May bring heavy school field-trip traffic on Thursdays and Fridays.
If budget matters more than crowd size, half-price Wednesdays are the best value, but expect a fuller parking lot and busier pathways. Winter weekdays tend to be the least crowded time of year to visit overall.
Why Fort Worth Zoo Is Ranked Among America’s Top Zoos
The Fort Worth Zoo has been named the No. 1 zoo in the country in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice poll and has also topped rankings from the Los Angeles Times and other national outlets. The zoo credits this reputation to its combination of immersive, naturalistic habitats, hands-on educational programming, and a strong conservation record.
It’s accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), and the American Humane Association (AHA) — making it one of only a handful of U.S. facilities to hold all three certifications. The zoo participates in more than 100 AZA Species Survival Plans and provides habitat for dozens of endangered or threatened species, including running the most successful breeding colony of lesser flamingos in the world and serving as a leader in Asian elephant conservation.
Exhibits and Animal Collection
The zoo’s grounds are organized into themed areas including World of Primates, Elephant Springs, Flamingo Bay, Raptor Canyon, the Australian Outback, African Savanna, Predators of Asia & Africa, and Texas Wild!, which focuses on the state’s own native wildlife.
A standout is the Museum of Living Art (MOLA), a $19 million, 30,000-square-foot herpetarium housing more than 5,000 reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates — widely regarded as one of the best herpetariums in the country. Note that individual habitats occasionally close temporarily for maintenance or animal care, so if you’re visiting specifically to see one species, it’s worth checking the zoo’s site or calling ahead.
A Century of Growth
The zoo has evolved dramatically since its modest 1909 beginnings. Since the nonprofit Fort Worth Zoological Association took over operations in 1991, it has drawn more than 1 million visitors every single year, reflecting steady investment in immersive exhibits and conservation programs.
Looking ahead, the zoo is in the midst of ‘A Wilder Vision,’ a $100 million capital campaign announced in 2016 that includes a planned Forests & Jungles exhibit area targeted to open in 2027, continuing the zoo’s long pattern of reinvestment.
Fort Worth Zoo visitor guide FAQs
What are the Fort Worth Zoo’s hours?
The zoo is open 365 days a year, generally from around 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, with shortened hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Hours can shift seasonally, so check the official admission and hours page before visiting.
How much are Fort Worth Zoo tickets?
Admission is priced by age tier, with adults paying the highest rate, children and seniors a discounted rate, and toddlers 2 and under free. Parking is a flat per-vehicle fee. Wednesdays offer half-price general admission. For current prices, see the official Fort Worth Zoo site linked above.
Is parking free at the Fort Worth Zoo?
No, standard parking costs a small per-vehicle fee, though Fort Worth Zoo members park free as part of their membership benefits.
When is the best time to visit the Fort Worth Zoo?
Weekday mornings in spring or fall offer the best combination of comfortable weather, active animals, and smaller crowds. Summer visitors should aim for early morning to beat both the heat and the crowds.
When did the Fort Worth Zoo open?
The Fort Worth Zoo opened in 1909, starting with just a small handful of animals in Trinity Park.
How many animals live at the Fort Worth Zoo?
The zoo is home to about 7,000 animals representing 542 species, according to the zoo’s own facts and figures.
Why is the Fort Worth Zoo considered one of the best in America?
It has repeatedly been ranked the No. 1 zoo in the country by outlets like USA Today and the Los Angeles Times, holds triple accreditation from AZA, ZAA, and the American Humane Association, and is internationally recognized for conservation leadership, including the world’s most successful lesser flamingo breeding colony and Asian elephant conservation work.
How many people visit the Fort Worth Zoo each year?
The zoo has drawn more than 1 million visitors annually every year since the Fort Worth Zoological Association took over management in 1991.
Get More from Fort Worth Zoo visitor guide
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Fort Worth Zoo visitor guide, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.