Dallas World Aquarium - An octopus on the move at The Dallas World Aquarium in downtown Dallas (May, 2009).
1 / 10

Dallas World Aquarium

4.4
·28k reviews·Dallas, United States

A unique indoor rainforest and diverse marine life await at this immersive Dallas attraction. Explore exotic animals and captivating underwater worlds...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Dallas World Aquarium - An octopus on the move at The Dallas World Aquarium in downtown Dallas (May, 2009).

Dallas World Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique indoor rainforest and diverse marine life await at this immersive Dallas attraction. Explore exotic animals and captivating underwater worlds.

4.4
(28k reviews)

"This place has just entered my top 5 favorite places. Super big props to the designer!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance on their website.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the exhibits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Rainforest Exhibit

The Rainforest Exhibit

Main Hall

Immerse yourself in a lush, indoor jungle teeming with exotic birds, mammals, and reptiles. A true oasis in the city.

Instagram
Shark Tunnel

Shark Tunnel

Oceanic Gallery

Walk beneath mesmerizing sharks and a giant swordfish as they glide overhead. An unforgettable perspective.

Reddit
Jellyfish Tanks

Jellyfish Tanks

Various Exhibits

Marvel at the ethereal beauty of glowing jellyfish, a captivating and tranquil display.

TikTok
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit on a weekday morning to avoid peak crowds and the Texas heat. Weekends and holidays can get very busy, so booking tickets online in advance is recommended to save time. Instagram

Allergies & Comfort

The aquarium's lush, indoor rainforest environment can be a trigger for allergies. Consider taking allergy medication beforehand. Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍The Dallas world aquarium 🐟🦈🪸🪼🐚 #dallasaquarium #thedallasworldaquarium #aquarium #sea #worldpeace #acuarios #naturelover
@soyjessusscarmona
222.8K likes • 1.6M views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance on their website. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the exhibits. Reddit

Our oldest found Athena😜💙#fyp #fypシ #epic #fypシ゚viral #texas #epicsaga #epicthemusical #momsover30 #momsover30 #momlife #athena #dallas #dallasworldaquarium
@ahitt6
140.1K likes • 551.2K views
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to the Dallas World Aquarium! 👇🏼 📍 **Location:** Conveniently located in downtown Dallas at 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, Tx ⏰ **Hours:** Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore! 🎟 **Tickets:** Adults - $29.95 | Children (3-12) - $19.95 | Kids under 2 - Free! You can purchase tickets online to avoid long lines. 🌴 **What to Exp...
breshell
305 likes • 45.9K views

🤧 Allergy Prep

The humid rainforest environment can affect allergies; consider taking medication. Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

Plenty of photo opportunities, especially in the vibrant rainforest and with the marine life. TikTok

This aquarium is one of the coolest ones we have ever been to. You absolutely have to check out the Dallas world aquarium located in Dallas, Texas. This is one of the most fun things that there is to do in downtown we recommended all of our friends, family and followers. - - - - - - - - - - Things to do Dallas. Dallas, Texas fun. Fun things to do in Dallas. Dallas vacation. Texas vacation. Fun th...
texastrending_
99 likes • 4.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your tickets in advance on their website. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the exhibits. Reddit

🤧 Allergy Prep

The humid rainforest environment can affect allergies; consider taking medication. Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

Plenty of photo opportunities, especially in the vibrant rainforest and with the marine life. TikTok

🍽️ Affordable Eats

Food and snacks are reasonably priced, and the on-site restaurant offers tasty options. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(28k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Dallas World Aquarium for its unique, immersive rainforest exhibit and captivating marine life, especially the shark tunnel. While many find it a worthwhile experience, some reviews mention that certain areas could benefit from updates and better maintenance, with occasional issues regarding cleanliness and odors in specific spots. Despite these minor drawbacks, it's often considered a must-see in Dallas. Reddit

"The aquarium is wonderful. Interesting varieties of amazing fish, corals, birds. The shark tank is a fun place for kids and adults seeing shark swim over your head and all around you is mesmerizing and there’s a huge sword fish too. The only thing is the aquarium needs some tender loving care the bathrooms are old and not clean. The whole place needs a face lift, it’s a little dirty and stinky around the edges. The walkway outside between the front entrance and exit is pretty but when you walk through it there’s an overwhelming smell of urine. The whole outside can use a good power wash. I went several years ago when it looked newer and smelled better. The management needs to do a better job with the place. But it’s still worth visiting there are also gorgeous tropical plants."

Lidia Magley

"We've been traveling the US for 7 years now. But this place has just entered my top 5 favorite places. When we pulled up, I was skeptical about the place. But upon entering we found the most beautiful place of plants, fish, birds, and monkeys. It seemed to go on forever. Super big props to the designer because they went above and beyond of filling every inch of the building and making the habitats perfect for each animal."

Kourtney Taylor

"The exhibits were eye catching a d easy to see. Requires a lot of walking but plenty of aces to sit if need be. Restrooms are available as well. The exhibits are explained in detail, and plenty of info is available. There are a variety of birds and see animals in particular. The refreshments and snacks are affordable instead of asked up. The restaurant food is affordable and actually tastes. Especially the pasta. The servers were both pretty and friendly. This is a place good for families, solo visitors, couples, etc... the location is right on the tourist line and easily accessible. It is worth visiting multiple times. For locals, get a membership or purchase it with a city tour if possible. For visitors to Dallas, this is a MUST SEE."

Drew Andrews

What People Like

Immersive rainforest exhibit
Shark tunnel experience
Diverse animal collection

What People Dislike

Maintenance needs
Occasional odors
Aging facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Dallas World Aquarium is located in downtown Dallas at 1801 N Griffin St. It's easily accessible by car, with paid parking available on-site. Public transportation options, including DART buses, also serve the area. Instagram

Yes, paid parking is available at the aquarium. You can prepay for parking and stay until 5 PM. Reddit

Yes, it's located in the West End Historic District, close to other downtown Dallas attractions, making it a great starting point for exploring the city. Instagram

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the aquarium, with designated drop-off and pick-up points. TikTok

For exploring downtown Dallas and reaching the aquarium, consider using the DART light rail system or walking if your accommodation is nearby. Ride-sharing is also popular. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are approximately $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for children aged 3-12. Children under 2 are free. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing. Instagram

Yes, you can purchase tickets at the door, but buying them online in advance is often recommended to avoid queues, especially during peak times. Instagram

While specific discounts vary, keep an eye out for potential deals through AAA or city tour packages. It's always worth checking their website or searching for 'Dallas World Aquarium discount' before your visit. Reddit

The aquarium is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's best to verify the exact hours on their official website before your visit. Instagram

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the exhibits. However, there's no time limit, so you can stay as long as you like. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a diverse range of animals, including exotic birds, mammals like monkeys and sloths, reptiles, and a vast array of fish and marine life in various tanks and exhibits. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's a fantastic place for families! Kids will be captivated by the colorful fish, playful otters, and the immersive rainforest environment. TikTok

Yes, there's a café and a rainforest-themed restaurant inside, offering affordable food and snacks. InstagramReddit

The aquarium features both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The main attraction is the large indoor rainforest, but there are also outdoor areas. Reddit

The exhibits are generally well-laid out, guiding you through different ecosystems. Follow the flow, and don't miss the walk-through tunnels for unique viewing angles. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in some areas to protect the animals. TikTok

The vibrant rainforest, the shark tunnel, and the colorful jellyfish tanks offer incredible photo opportunities. TikTok

Try to capture the movement of the animals. For tanks, shoot at an angle to minimize reflections. The ambient lighting in the rainforest can be moody, so adjust your settings accordingly. TikTok

For professional shoots, it's best to contact the aquarium directly to inquire about their policies and any necessary permits. Instagram

A camera with good low-light performance and a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) would be ideal. A smartphone with a good camera also works well. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Dallas World Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families. The immersive rainforest exhibit with its free-roaming birds and monkeys is a huge hit with children, offering a sense of adventure. The shark tunnel provides an exciting, up-close view of marine life that kids find mesmerizing. TikTokReddit

With plenty of restrooms and designated resting areas, it's well-equipped to handle the needs of families. The on-site café and restaurant offer convenient and reasonably priced food options, making it easy to spend a full afternoon here without needing to leave for meals. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of ground to cover! Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While not the cheapest attraction, the Dallas World Aquarium offers good value for the experience. Purchasing tickets online in advance can sometimes yield slight savings, and checking for any available coupons or discounts is always a good strategy. Reddit The on-site food options are noted as being more affordable than at many other attractions, and the sheer variety of animals and immersive environments means you can easily spend several hours here, maximizing your investment. TikTokReddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Dallas World Aquarium is a photographer's dream, offering a wealth of unique subjects. The vibrant colors of the rainforest and the ethereal glow of the jellyfish tanks provide stunning opportunities for creative shots. TikTok The shark tunnel offers a dramatic perspective, allowing you to capture marine life from an unusual angle. Reddit

Be prepared for varying light conditions; the rainforest can be dimly lit, while the aquarium tanks are well-illuminated. Experiment with your camera settings to capture the movement of animals effectively. While flash is generally discouraged to protect the wildlife, natural light and a good eye can produce breathtaking images. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Diverse Ecosystems

The Dallas World Aquarium is renowned for its immersive exhibits that recreate diverse ecosystems from around the globe. Beyond just fish, it features a stunning indoor rainforest that transports you to another world. Here, you'll encounter free-flying birds, playful monkeys, and other exotic creatures roaming in a lush, humid environment. This unique approach sets it apart from traditional aquariums, offering a more holistic view of biodiversity. TikTokInstagram

The aquarium also boasts impressive marine exhibits, including the captivating Oceanic Gallery. This section is home to a vast array of colorful fish, vibrant corals, and fascinating invertebrates. A highlight for many is the walk-through shark tunnel, where you can witness sharks, stingrays, and even a giant swordfish swimming directly above and around you. The sheer scale and proximity to these magnificent creatures create a truly memorable experience. Reddit

Visitors often praise the attention to detail in habitat design, with every inch of the space utilized to create realistic and engaging environments for the animals. This dedication to authenticity makes the Dallas World Aquarium a must-visit for nature lovers and anyone seeking an educational and awe-inspiring outing. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Hours, and Amenities

To make the most of your visit to the Dallas World Aquarium, it's wise to plan ahead. Tickets can be purchased online through their official website, which is highly recommended to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Adult tickets are typically around $29.95, with reduced prices for children. Instagram The aquarium is generally open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's always a good idea to confirm the operating hours on their website before you go, as they can vary. Instagram

Inside the aquarium, you'll find several amenities to enhance your experience. There are restrooms conveniently located throughout the facility, ensuring you're never too far from one. For those needing a break, especially families with young children, there are designated resting areas. Reddit When hunger strikes, you have options: a café offers quick snacks and refreshments, while a rainforest-themed restaurant provides a more substantial dining experience with surprisingly affordable and tasty food, including pasta dishes. InstagramReddit

For visitors driving, on-site paid parking is available, and you can often prepay for it. If you're a local, consider purchasing a membership for unlimited visits throughout the year, which can be a cost-effective option. For tourists, bundling your visit with a city tour might offer additional value. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2