Last Friday, we dove into an adventure so wild, even the animals at the Fort Worth Zoo seemed to be trying to keep up with us! Well with our feral children anyway!
With sunshine and the perfect spring breeze, we were ready to explore this beloved Texas wildlife wonderland. From exotic critters to interactive fun, every corner offered a thrill for all ages.
Morning Among the Beasts
We arrived early, (but still not early enough to dodge the caravan of school buses) to the sweet symphony of chirping birds and chattering monkeys. First stop: the World of Primates. The gorillas stole the show, especially a pair of lively siblings—one a baby, the other a rambunctious teen—tumbling and wrestling across the enclosure. Meanwhile, their weary parents looked on from a shady stone overhang, clearly unimpressed. I’ve never related to a gorilla more in my life!
Next up: The African Savanna, where elephants gave themselves dust baths and giraffes put on a high-fashion runway show. The Giraffe enclosure is absolutely AWESOME! The lions, though lounging like royalty, were still drop-dead impressive.
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Onward to Asian Falls, where the Sumatran tigers put on a show with their sheer magnetism. We also ogled at rhinos (my absolute favorite!), Komodo dragons (my son's favorite after the gorillas), and the rainbow of tropical birds in the aviary. SO many beautiful birds.
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Interactive Fun for Kiddos
One of the day's highlights was Texas Wild!, a hit with the little explorers. The kids went wild spotting foxes, grey wolves, and even a sneaky bobcat. The petting zoo was a hands-on hoot, with goats and sheep eager for cuddles and snacks. Complete with hand washing station, it's a must-do.
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We also stopped to pan for gold (and other precious stones and artifacts). The kids absolutely loved this activity and for $10 for a bag (We shared one bag between two kids) with tons of fun items inside, it was well worth it!
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You can give your tired feet a rest on the Yellow Rose Express Train, a relaxing way to tour the zoo. The carousel is a must for little thrill-seekers. We chose to take the suspension bridge at Pinewoods & Swamps. Just on the other side, a group of otters put on a full-blown comedy show with flips, splashes, and synchronized swimming (total crowd favorites!). Then came the alligators, who had us squinting and whispering, “Are they real… or just really committed to the bit?”
BBQ Lunch in Wild Texas!
When hunger struck, we headed over to the Wild Texas Food Hall for a delicious barbecue lunch. With picnic tables set up under shady trees (there is ample indoor dining as well) and the smell of smoked brisket in the air, it was the perfect place to refuel. We enjoyed classic Texas-style BBQ with sides like mac and cheese and baked beans, all while soaking in the rustic, Western-themed ambiance of the area. After finishing lunch, we grabbed some photos on the stage coach and tractor nearby. We wrapped up Wild Texas! with gift shop spree, where the kids nabbed souvenirs to remember their adventures.
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Wrapping Up the Day
After lunch we hit the MOLA (Museum of Living Art) which was an absolutely stunning way to present the reptiles, amphibians and insects. Thousands of them!
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As we made our way back to the entrance—wagon in tow with two officially zoo-d out kiddos—we took a detour to wave at the penguins, who were mid-snack and clearly loving the attention and saw some very fuzzy kangaroos.
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Final Thoughts
Fort Worth Zoo is more than just a menagerie—it's a whirlwind of education, interaction, and unforgettable escapades. Whether you're with family, friends, or flying solo as a wildlife fan, the zoo promises a day packed with fun and discovery. We left with tired feet and full hearts, already plotting our next visit.
If you haven’t visited lately, spring is the perfect time to channel your inner explorer! Grab your sunscreen, your camera, way more snacks and water than you think you’ll need, and a big ol’ scoop of curiosity—then get ready for a wild adventure!
*The title image of this article was made using AI*
