Children's Aquarium Dallas
Discover over 1,000 aquatic animals at this affordable, interactive aquarium in Dallas's Fair Park. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Children's Aquarium Dallas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover over 1,000 aquatic animals at this affordable, interactive aquarium in Dallas's Fair Park. Fun for all ages!
"We had the best time at the Children's Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park! My toddler was completely obsessed."
🎯 Free Parking & Entry
Enjoy free parking and kids 2 and under get in free! Great value for families.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are noted for being sweet, helpful, and making visits warm and loving.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stingray Touch Tank
Touch Pond Area
Gently pet graceful stingrays and experience their unique texture. A hands-on thrill for all ages!
Dr. Fish Manicure
Interactive Zone
Dip your hands into a tank and let tiny Garra rufa fish nibble away dead skin for a unique spa experience.
Texas Wildlife Exhibits
Various Tanks
Discover fascinating local aquatic creatures, from colorful fish to intriguing reptiles and amphibians.
Digital Fish Coloring
Interactive Exhibit
Color your own fish design and watch it come to life on a large screen display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Family Fun
+1Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Parking & Entry
Enjoy free parking and kids 2 and under get in free! Great value for families.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are noted for being sweet, helpful, and making visits warm and loving.
✨ Interactive Fun
Don't miss the touch tank, Dr. Fish, and digital fish coloring for engaging experiences.
♿ Stroller Friendly
The aquarium is well-equipped for strollers, making it easy to navigate with little ones.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Parking & Entry
Enjoy free parking and kids 2 and under get in free! Great value for families.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Staff are noted for being sweet, helpful, and making visits warm and loving.
✨ Interactive Fun
Don't miss the touch tank, Dr. Fish, and digital fish coloring for engaging experiences.
♿ Stroller Friendly
The aquarium is well-equipped for strollers, making it easy to navigate with little ones.
🐍 Snake Encounter
Get up close with a snake; it's a unique and memorable part of the visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Children's Aquarium Dallas for its affordability, engaging interactive exhibits, and friendly staff, making it a hit for families. While some note the aquarium's size and restroom maintenance could be improved, the overall experience is highly recommended for its hands-on fun and value.
"Had my sons 1st birthday party here and it was such an amazing experience! Thank you to all the staff members for making it happen. The room was so adorable and set up beautifully. Will always remember this!"
Kayla
"Wow, what an awesome experience. We got to play with the Dr fish and stingray. We also got to see the sharks eat, Brenda was so sweet and helpful she made our experience feel so warm and loving!! Will definitely be returning soon!"
Yvonne Ayala
"We had the best time at the Children’s Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park! My toddler was completely obsessed—from the moment he laid eyes on the iguana 🦎 to coloring his own fish and watching it swim across the screen 🎨🖥️. The interactive exhibits were such a hit, and everything was super kid-friendly. He wasn’t too sure about touching the stingrays (that was mom’s adventure 😂), but he loved every other minute! Highly recommend for a fun family outing—plus, kids 2 and under get in free! 🙌🐠"
Jamie Simpson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Children's Aquarium is located at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point in Dallas.
Yes, parking is free at the Children's Aquarium Dallas, which is a significant plus for families looking to save money on their outing.
The aquarium is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or special holiday hours.
Absolutely! The aquarium is noted for being stroller accessible, making it convenient for families with young children to explore the exhibits comfortably.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally recommended to check the aquarium's official guidelines regarding outside food and beverages. Many attractions prefer visitors to purchase concessions on-site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Children's Aquarium is considered affordable. Kids two and under get in for free, making it a budget-friendly option for families with very young children.
While specific discount programs aren't always advertised, the general admission is already quite affordable. Kids two and under are free, and the free parking adds to the value.
It's often a good idea to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak times, to save time at the entrance. Check the official Children's Aquarium Dallas website for online ticketing options.
The last entry to the Children's Aquarium Dallas is typically at 4:30 PM, allowing visitors about 30 minutes to explore before closing at 5 PM.
Yes, yearly memberships are available and can be an affordable option for frequent visitors or families who want to enjoy the aquarium multiple times throughout the year.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the interactive stingray touch tank, the unique Dr. Fish manicure, and the digital fish coloring station. The exhibits featuring local Texas wildlife are also highly recommended.
Yes, the aquarium offers ray feeding opportunities, allowing visitors a closer interaction with these fascinating creatures. Check the schedule upon arrival for feeding times.
The aquarium is very toddler-friendly, with interactive exhibits like coloring fish and a touch tank that captivate young children. The enclosed space also provides peace of mind for parents.
You can see over 1,000 aquatic animals, including various colorful fish, stingrays, sharks, reptiles, and amphibians. They feature both local Texas wildlife and exotic species.
Yes, the aquarium boasts several interactive exhibits, including a stingray touch pool, Dr. Fish manicures, and a digital station where kids can color and see their creations on screen.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on on-site dining options can vary. It's best to check the aquarium's official website or inquire upon arrival about available concessions or snack bars.
Policies on outside food can differ. While some venues allow small snacks, it's advisable to confirm with the aquarium directly to avoid any issues.
Being located at Fair Park, there may be concessions within the park. For a wider selection of restaurants, you'll likely need to venture to nearby Dallas neighborhoods.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Children's Aquarium Dallas for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The vibrant tanks with colorful fish, the stingray touch pool, and the interactive digital coloring exhibit offer great photo opportunities. The baby stingrays are also a popular subject.
While personal photography is usually permitted, it's wise to avoid using flash, especially near sensitive exhibits or during animal feeding times, to ensure the well-being of the aquatic life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Parents often rave about how their children were completely captivated from start to finish. Tips for families: Arrive early on a weekday to avoid crowds and give your little ones ample time to explore without feeling rushed.
While the aquarium is smaller, the focused, hands-on activities ensure that young children remain entertained and engaged throughout the visit. 💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Plus, children aged two and under get in for free, making it an even more economical option for families. Consider purchasing a yearly membership if you plan on visiting multiple times, as this can offer substantial savings over individual ticket purchases.
The interactive exhibits provide a lot of value for the price, offering engaging experiences that feel more substantial than the admission fee might suggest. 👫 Couples Looking for a Unique Date
Petting the stingrays together or marveling at the colorful marine life can spark conversation and create lighthearted moments. Combine your visit with a stroll through Fair Park or plan for a nice dinner afterward at one of Dallas's many restaurants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Gem for Young Families
This focus on diverse marine life ensures there's something to capture the imagination of every child. The interactive nature of the exhibits is a major draw. From the thrill of petting stingrays and experiencing a 'Dr. Fish' manicure to the creative fun of coloring a fish and watching it swim across a screen, the aquarium provides hands-on activities that keep children entertained and learning.
Parents appreciate the practical aspects, such as free parking and the fact that children two and under are admitted free.
+1 The stroller accessibility further enhances the family-friendly atmosphere, making it easy to navigate the space with little ones. While some reviews mention that the aquarium is on the smaller side, the engaging exhibits and the overall positive experience for children often outweigh this, making it a recommended spot for a fun family outing. Navigating the Experience: Tips from Visitors
+1 The staff also receive positive feedback, often described as sweet, helpful, and contributing to a warm and loving experience for visitors. When planning your visit, consider going on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and maximize interaction time with the exhibits.
Be sure to check the schedule for animal feeding times, particularly for the sharks and rays, as this is a highlight for many visitors. The interactive elements, such as the stingray touch tank and the Dr. Fish manicures, are popular and can get busy, so arriving earlier in the day can be advantageous. While the aquarium is generally well-maintained, one reviewer noted that restrooms could use more attention and that soap and sanitizer dispensers were sometimes empty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit