JC. Princen The Dallas World Aquarium and zoo is located near the Historic West End District in downtown Dallas, at 1801 North Griffin Street.
After renovating an old warehouse, the aquarium opened its doors in 1992. It purchased another warehouse next door, which is joined to the original building by a “channel.” The second part of the aquarium was opened in 1997, and the “channel” connects the freshwater and the saltwater ecosystems.
The Dallas World Aquarium not only exhibits species that live in the water, but also contains flora and fauna from around the world. There is a rain forest section that includes a number of flying species that can be seen building nests, caring for their young and more. Visitors will see reptiles, fish, amphibians and invertebrates in the rain forest. Visitors can go through a forty-foot long tunnel to see rays and sharks, as they go from indoor to outdoor exhibits.
There are various talks, feeding times and performances taking place throughout the day, every half an hour from 10:30 to 16:00. The Orinoco Crocodiles are only fed on Saturdays at 11:30.
The Dallas World Aquarium is open daily from 08:30 to 16:00 pm, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas, when it is closed. There are discounts for children between the ages of 3 – 12 years, with no entrance fee for children 2 and under. Senior citizens, 60 and older also receive a discount. Memberships are also available.
It is likely that visitors will spend quite some time at The Dallas World Aquarium. Meals or snacks can be bought from one of the three restaurants available. Two of the restaurants, the Cafe Maya and eighteen-O-one are open between 11:30 and 14:30, while Jungle Cafe is open from 11:00 to 16:00. There is a gift shop and a book store that are open daily.
Admission
Adult – $26.95 + tax
Child – $18.95 + tax (3 thru 12)
Child – free (2 and under)
Senior – $22.95 + tax (65+)
Cover image by Karthik D
