Dallas Zoo

Ten minutes. That is the whole drive, and it is the reason the Dallas Zoo ends up on most of our guests’ itineraries whether they planned it or not.

The Giants of the Savanna habitat is the part people talk about afterwards — elephants and giraffes sharing open ground rather than sitting in separate pens. If giraffe feeding is available during your visit, it puts a lettuce leaf in your child’s hand and a very long tongue about eight inches from their face. It is the kind of photo you will still have on your phone next year.

Practical notes, because they matter. The zoo is hilly in places, so comfortable shoes are a good idea, especially with younger children. In the warmer months, an earlier visit can also make for a more comfortable day. Weekday mornings tend to be a calmer choice than busy weekends.

Budget a good part of the day rather than trying to squeeze the zoo between other stops. Then come back, let everyone cool off, and settle the argument about who saw the best animal over a game of pool.

A family of giraffes in the Giants of the Savanna habitat at Dallas Zoo