Dallas World Aquarium Tours

Dallas World Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life as well as a large group of people
Dallas World Aquarium
Dallas World Aquarium
Dallas World Aquarium
Penguins enjoying their habitat at Dallas World Aquarium in Texas near the vibrant blue water


There is more to this aquarium than fish; explore a South American rain forest, learn about Mayan culture and watch birds and animals under a leafy canopy.

The Dallas World Aquarium explores multiple natural environments under one roof. The name of this attraction is somewhat misleading, as it has a huge range of wildlife, not just marine and aquatic. There are a number of impressive exhibits arranged according to geographical themes over three levels.

Visit the Mundo Maya exhibit which features creatures commonly found in Maya folklore and culture, including tarantulas, flamingos and the mighty jaguar. Dozens of bird species are in this area, many of which are free-flying, creating the atmosphere of being deep in the jungle.

The aquarium allows you to see everything from giant pacific octopuses to the seahorses of southern Australia in realistic recreations of their natural habitat. One of the highlights is a tunnel that gives you an unusual perspective on the fish and marine creatures of the Indo-Pacific.
Head outdoors to the South African exhibit and enjoy an encounter with the ever-popular black-footed penguins in addition to dozens of species of birds and animals from Madagascar.

Check out the weird and wonderful species of animals and fish of the Orinoco Rainforest in South America. This seven-story exhibit includes golden lion tamarind monkeys, huge spiders, crocodiles, bats, electric eels and piranhas. The Borneo section is equally fascinating with animals unique to the wilds of Australasia.

A schedule of feeding times and performances is available on the aquarium website. If you are visiting on a weekend, don't miss the Grupo Pakal's festive dance performance. This ancient ritual features performers dressed in elaborate feathered headdresses and is a treat for young and old alike. These events are included in the ticket price.

The Dallas World Aquarium is in downtown and parking is available in nearby lots for a fee. Take public transport and receive a discount on admission price.

The aquarium is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Reviews of Dallas World Aquarium

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
682
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
365
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
169
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
15
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
57
1 - Terrible 4%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

My first time and I loved it.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Skip the birds and go down through the gift shop to the actual aquarium.

1/5 - Terrible

Chris

Too crowded! Could not see anything except the people surrounding you.

5/5 - Excellent

MariJ

It is perfect for children and adults. Can be crowded to arrive early. We went Sunday afternoon after church and it was very nice. Great layout. So much fun for all.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

nice place, pretty clesn, love the staff.

4/5 - Good

Mitch

We took our time going through the aquarium, even stopping to eat at their in-aquarium cafeteria. We were there right around 3 hours. Like all tourist attractions, they're out for sharp profit, both in the cafeteria and the gift shop. I think our tickets were around $20 per person, we spent $25-30 on the food, and another $60 at the gift shop. FYI. Parking was $15 because we chose the day option. It was $9 for two hours, but I knew we would not be out of there in two hours, and did not want to feel rushed.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Dallas World Aquarium

Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown

Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown

4 out of 5
1401 Commerce St, Dallas, TX
Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
Omni Dallas Hotel

Omni Dallas Hotel

4 out of 5
555 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX
Omni Dallas Hotel
Hyatt Regency Dallas

Hyatt Regency Dallas

4.5 out of 5
300 Reunion Blvd, Dallas, TX
Hyatt Regency Dallas
Fairmont Dallas

Fairmont Dallas

4.5 out of 5
1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX
Fairmont Dallas
Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1015 Elm St, Dallas, TX
Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown by IHG
The Westin Dallas Downtown

The Westin Dallas Downtown

4 out of 5
1201 Main St, Valet Entrance: 1220 Elm St, Dallas, TX
The Westin Dallas Downtown
Mint House Dallas - Downtown

Mint House Dallas - Downtown

4.5 out of 5
1601 Elm St, Dallas, TX
Mint House Dallas - Downtown
SpringHill Suites Dallas Downtown / West End

SpringHill Suites Dallas Downtown / West End

3 out of 5
1907 N Lamar Street, Dallas, TX
SpringHill Suites Dallas Downtown / West End
Thompson Dallas, by Hyatt

Thompson Dallas, by Hyatt

5 out of 5
205 North Akard Street, Dallas, TX
Thompson Dallas, by Hyatt
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dallas World Aquarium

At the Dallas World Aquarium, immerse yourself in captivating exhibits featuring diverse marine life, including a thrilling shark tunnel. Nearby, you can explore the Dallas Zoo and enjoy a variety of entertainment options such as live music, theater, and art. Additionally, theme parks in the area offer fun for the whole family, making your visit to the aquarium a perfect starting point for an exciting day in Dallas.

Shopping

Dallas Farmer's Market, located 1.6km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for finding unique gifts. The Old Deep Ellum Historic District, just 1.6km away as well, features charming shops with local flair. If you're up for a drive, Galleria Dallas, 16.1km away, boasts a wide range of retail options.

Recreation

The Cotton Bowl, located 4.8km from the aquarium, offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere perfect for active enthusiasts. Just 966m away, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center provides a captivating musical experience, while the ATT Performing Arts Center, 1.1km away, immerses you in romance and culture through dance.

Adventure

Katy Trail offers a scenic hiking experience with outdoor vibes, located 1.1km from the aquarium. Turtle Creek Greenbelt, 3.2km away, invites adventure seekers to explore its picturesque trails. For family fun, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, 22.5km away, provides thrilling water attractions and entertainment.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Dallas World Aquarium. Catch a captivating show at the Majestic Theater, only 966m away, or enjoy a family-friendly film at the Texas Theatre, 4.8km away. For some excitement, visit Adventure Kids Playcare, an arcade adventure zone located 14.5km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dallas World Aquarium

Visitors to the Dallas World Aquarium can enjoy a variety of attractions nearby, including urban parks, entertainment arenas, and art museums, making it perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Don't miss the Dallas Arboretum for stunning gardens or the Dallas Museum for a taste of local art. For an unforgettable experience, explore the diverse marine life at the aquarium and discover the best attractions Dallas has to offer.

  • American Airlines Center: Located just 966m from the Dallas World Aquarium, this vibrant arena hosts a variety of events, from thrilling sports games to electrifying concerts. The family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot for visitors of all ages to enjoy lively entertainment.
  • Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center: Also 966m away, this impressive convention center is a hub for business events and conferences. Its modern facilities and spacious meeting rooms create a professional environment ideal for networking and learning.
  • Reunion Tower: Standing tall at 966m from the aquarium, this iconic tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Experience the city vibes as you take in the stunning sights from the observation deck.

Best time to go to Dallas World Aquarium

The best time to visit Dallas World Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dallas World Aquarium falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dallas World Aquarium falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
April65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.9°F (28.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July86.7°F (30.4°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
August87.4°F (30.8°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dallas World Aquarium

To save money on your visit to the Dallas World Aquarium, consider traveling during the off-peak months of August and December to January when prices are generally lower. Aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, as Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotel options and consider bundling your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional savings. For free activities, explore the surrounding area on foot, as Dallas offers many parks and attractions that won’t cost you a dime.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dallas World Aquarium are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dallas World Aquarium is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Dallas World Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Dallas World Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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