Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo is the zoo North Texas families argue is better than Dallas's, and they have a case: it is compact, shady, well designed and consistently ranked among the best zoos in the country, with a big modernization program that has rebuilt much of the park over the past decade. It traces its history to 1909, making it the oldest continuously operating zoo site in Texas, and it sits in Forest Park on the Trinity River southwest of downtown. The headline habitats: Elephant Springs, a large Asian elephant habitat with pools and a waterfall where the herd can be seen swimming, alongside rhinos and hippos; the African Savanna, with giraffes, zebras and antelope; Predators of Asia and Africa, the newest major area, home to African lions, Sumatran tigers and clouded leopards among others; the Museum of Living Art, a large herpetarium with reptiles and amphibians from around the world; and Texas Wild!, a recreated frontier-town section devoted to the wildlife of the state's regions, which is the zoo's most original area and a natural fit for out-of-state visitors. The primate house area, World of Primates, is currently being revitalized behind construction fences, though the gorilla troop remains visible through the habitat windows. Other parts of the zoo are also under construction as the long-range plan continues, so expect some detours. Admission is moderate, Wednesdays are half price all year, and there is a small parking fee. A full visit fills four hours comfortably; the paths are mostly level and stroller friendly, with plenty of shade and places to eat.

The zoo's turnaround is a well-known local story. Once a struggling city-run zoo, it was privatized under the Fort Worth Zoological Association in the early 1990s and rebuilt with a series of capital campaigns; the latest phase, branded as The New Zoo, has added Elephant Springs, the predator complex and other habitats and continues to rework the older parts of the park. That steady investment is why the zoo feels newer than its 1909 roots — and why some areas will be fenced off at any given time.

Practicalities: the zoo is open every day of the year. In fall and winter it opens at mid-morning and closes in the late afternoon, with shortened hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Adult tickets cost around twenty dollars, with lower prices for children and seniors, free entry for toddlers and half-price admission every Wednesday; parking is a modest flat fee per vehicle. At the time of writing the zoo's online ticket sales are having technical problems and tickets must be bought in person at the gate, so allow a little extra time on arrival. Tickets are valid for one visit within thirty days of purchase. Dates, hours and prices can change, and the zoo recommends calling ahead for the latest information.

How to do it well: arrive at opening on a weekday and go straight to Elephant Springs, when the herd is most active, then loop through the African Savanna and the predators before the midday lull. Save Texas Wild! for after lunch, when the indoor sections offer a break from the sun. Combine the zoo with the Fort Worth Cultural District — the Kimbell, the Modern and the Amon Carter are ten minutes away — or with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and end the day in the Stockyards for the evening cattle drive.