The Dallas World Aquarium

If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day in Dallas, you should check out the Dallas World Aquarium. This amazing place is not only a home for thousands of aquatic animals but also a showcase of the rich and diverse cultures of the world. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this incredible attraction, from its history and exhibits to its events and tips for visitors. Read on and get ready to dive into a world of wonder and discovery!

History

The Dallas World Aquarium was founded in 1992 by Daryl Richardson, a passionate animal lover and conservationist. He wanted to create a place where people could learn about the importance of protecting the natural habitats of aquatic species, as well as the cultures and traditions of the people who live near them. He started with a small collection of fish and reptiles in an old warehouse in downtown Dallas and gradually expanded it to include more animals, plants, and exhibits.

Today, the Dallas World Aquarium occupies an 87,000-square-foot building that was once a historic industrial complex. It features 10 main exhibits representing different regions of the world, such as South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. It also houses a research and conservation center, a theater, a gift shop, and a restaurant.

What can you find there?

The Dallas World Aquarium is home to over 5,000 animals, including fish, sharks, rays, turtles, crocodiles, penguins, flamingos, monkeys, sloths, otters, and many more. You can see them in their naturalistic habitats that recreate the ecosystems they live in. You can also interact with some through feeding sessions, touch tanks, and educational programs.

Some of the highlights of the aquarium are:

The Orinoco Rainforest

A three-story exhibit that simulates the tropical rainforest of South America. You can walk through a canopy of trees and vines, see colorful birds and butterflies flying around, and encounter exotic animals like toucans, macaws, poison dart frogs, electric eels, and piranhas.

The Mundo Maya

A tribute to the ancient Maya civilization that inhabited Mexico and Central America. You can admire the impressive architecture and art of this culture, as well as the animals that were sacred to them, such as jaguars, ocelots, eagles, snakes, and bats.

The Borneo River

A representation of the diverse wildlife of Southeast Asia. You can see animals like orangutans, gibbons, Asian small-clawed otters, clouded leopards, flying foxes, and giant freshwater stingrays.

The South Africa Exhibit

A showcase of the unique flora and fauna of South Africa. You can see black-footed penguins, cape fur seals, rockhopper penguins, African black-footed cats, and blue cranes.

The Australian Outback

A glimpse into the arid and rugged landscape of Australia. You can see animals like kangaroos, wallabies, emus, kookaburras, cockatoos, and lorikeets.

What can you learn?

The Dallas World Aquarium is not only a place to see amazing animals but also a place to learn about their natural history, behavior, adaptations, and conservation status. You can read informative signs and displays throughout the aquarium, watch educational videos and presentations in the theater, and listen to expert guides and staff who can answer your questions and share their knowledge.

The aquarium offers various programs for ages and interests, such as field trips, camps, workshops, and lectures. You can learn more about these programs on their website or by calling their phone number.

Highlighted species

The Dallas World Aquarium is proud to host some rare and endangered species that are part of their conservation efforts. Some of these species are:

The Antillean manatee

A subspecies of manatee that lives in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Habitat loss, boat collisions, and hunting threaten it. The aquarium has two manatees named Mochila and Chico, who were rescued from Colombia and Mexico, respectively.

The three-toed sloth

A slow-moving mammal that lives in the rainforests of Central and South America. It is vulnerable to deforestation, poaching, and climate change. The aquarium has several sloths you can see hanging from the trees or sleeping in their nests.

The leafy seadragon

A relative of the seahorse that resembles a floating piece of seaweed. It lives in the coastal waters of southern Australia. It is threatened by pollution, habitat degradation, and illegal collection for the aquarium trade. The aquarium has a breeding program for these delicate creatures, and you can see them in their specially designed tank.

Events

The Dallas World Aquarium hosts various events throughout the year that add more fun and excitement to your visit. Some of these events are:

The Diving Santa

A festive event that takes place every December. You can see Santa Claus diving into the tanks and feeding the fish, sharks, and rays. You can also take pictures with him and his elves and enjoy holiday treats and music.

The World of Chocolate

It is a delicious event that takes place every February. You can sample different types of chocolate worldwide, learn about their origins and production, and support the conservation of the cacao plant and its pollinators.

The Earth Day Celebration

A green event that takes place every April. You can participate in various activities and games that teach you about the importance of protecting the environment and the animals that live in it. You can also make your eco-friendly crafts and souvenirs.

Tips for visitors

To make the most of your visit to the Dallas World Aquarium, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:

Plan ahead

The aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The admission fee is $20.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors, $14.95 for children, and free for children under 2. You can buy your tickets online or at the entrance. You can also buy a membership that gives you unlimited access to the aquarium for a year, as well as discounts and invitations to special events.

Dress comfortably

The aquarium is mostly indoors, but some areas are exposed to the weather. You should dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. You can also bring a jacket or sweater if you get cold inside.

Follow the rules

The aquarium has some rules that you should respect for your safety and the well-being of the animals. You should not touch, feed, or harass the animals unless it is part of a supervised program. Not use flash photography or loud noises that might disturb them. You should also dispose of your trash properly and recycle it when possible.

Have fun

The aquarium is a place where you can have fun and learn simultaneously. You should explore the exhibits at your own pace and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. You can also ask questions, share opinions, and express your curiosity.

Ready for the trip?

The Dallas World Aquarium is a beautiful attraction that offers something for everyone. Whether interested in animals, plants, cultures, or history, you will find something to fascinate you and enrich your knowledge. It’s also a place where you can support the conservation of our planet and its biodiversity. So, don’t miss this opportunity and visit the Dallas World Aquarium today!

If you’re ready to book your tickets to the Dallas World Aquarium, click here and get started!

A Trip Through Dallas’s Many Treasures: From the Dallas Arboretum to Estates of Hidden Creek

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, United States

1. Get on I-30 W from Garland Rd, Highland Rd, and Ferguson Rd (7 min, 3.0 mi)
   1. Head northeast on Garland Rd (13 ft)
   2. Make a U-turn (1.0 mi)
   3. Turn left onto San Rafael Dr (0.2 mi)
   4. Turn right onto Highland Rd (1.0 mi)
   5. Use any lane to turn right onto Ferguson Rd (0.7 mi)
   6. Turn directly to merge onto I-30 W (0.2 mi)
2. Continue on I-30 W to Stemmons Service Rd. Take exit 46A from I-30 W (7 min, 5.3 mi)
   1. Merge onto I-30 W (4.5 mi)
   2. Use the right two lanes to take exit 46A for I-35E N (0.7 mi)
   3. Use the right lane to keep right at the fork and continue toward Stemmons Service Rd (427 ft)
   4. Keep right, follow signs for Reunion Blvd/Commerce St, and merge onto Stemmons Service Rd (499 ft)
3. Continue on Stemmons Service Rd. Drive to S Houston St (2 min, 0.9 mi)
   1. Merge onto Stemmons Service Rd (0.5 mi)
   2. Use the left two lanes to take the ramp onto Commerce St (0.4 mi)
   3. Turn left onto S Houston St (157 ft)

Dealey Plaza

Dallas, TX 75202, United States

1. Head north on S Houston St toward Main St (0.1 mi)
2. Make a U-turn (171 ft)
3. Turn right (Destination will be on the right, 89 ft)

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States

1. Head west toward N Houston St (144 ft)
2. Turn right toward N Houston St (269 ft)
3. Turn right toward N Houston St (269 ft)
4. Turn left onto N Houston St (0.2 mi)
5. Turn right onto McKinney Ave (0.1 mi)
6. Turn right onto Laws St. (Destination will be on the left, 0.1 mi.)

The Dallas World Aquarium

1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States

1. Head southeast on Laws St toward Hord St (210 ft)
2. Turn left onto Hord St (236 ft)
3. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto N Griffin St (0.1 mi)
4. Turn right onto McKinney Ave/Woodall Rodgers Fwy. (Continue to follow McKinney Ave, 0.1 mi)
5. Continue onto Woodall Rodgers Fwy (0.1 mi)
6. Continue straight to stay on Woodall Rodgers Fwy (0.1 mi)
7. Turn right onto N Harwood St (Destination will be on the right, 0.1 mi.)

Dallas Museum of Art

1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

1. Head southeast on N Harwood St toward Flora St (7 ft)
2. Turn left onto Flora St. (Destination will be on the left, 0.2 mi.)

Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Center

2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

1. Head southwest on Flora St toward Crockett St (279 ft)
2. Turn right onto N Pearl St (0.2 mi)
3. Turn left onto Woodall Rodgers Fwy (Destination will be on the left, 0.1 mi)

Klyde Warren Park

2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

1. Head southwest on Woodall Rodgers Fwy toward North St. Paul Street (0.3 mi)
2. Continue onto Broom St (0.1 mi)

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

1. Head southwest on Broom St toward N Griffin St (0.1 mi)
   1. Use any lane to turn right onto N Lamar St (0.3 mi)
   2. Continue onto Continental Ave (374 ft)
   3. Turn left onto N Stemmons Fwy/N Stemmons Service Rd W (0.3 mi)
   4. Keep left, follow signs for I-35E S, and merge onto I-35E (5.3 mi)
   5. Keep left at the fork to continue on I-35E S, follow signs for Waco (14.4 mi)
   6. Take exit 408 toward S Industrial Blvd/S Interstate 35 E S (0.2 mi)
2. Continue onto S Industrial Blvd/S Interstate 35 E S (0.2 mi)
   1. Turn left onto US-77 (453 ft)
   2. Use any lane to turn right to stay on US-77 (2.7 mi).
   3. Turn left onto Butcher Rd (1.6 mi)
   4. Turn left onto Stonebriar Dr. Destination will be on the left (446 ft)

Waxahachie Stop

Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA

1. Head southwest on Stonebriar Dr toward Butcher Rd (446 ft)
   • Turn right onto Butcher Rd (1.6 mi)
   • Turn right onto US-77 N (2.9 mi)
   • Use the left lane to take the ramp onto I-35E N (0.2 mi)
2. Merge onto I-35E N (13.9 mi)
   • Keep at the fork to stay on I-35E N (4.3 mi)
   • Use the right lane to keep right at the fork, stay on I-35E N, and follow signs for I-30 E/Texarkana (0.4 mi)
   • Use the right two roads to take exit 427D to merge onto I-30 E (4.4 mi)
3. Take exit 49B for Dolphin Rd (0.3 mi)
   • Turn right onto Dolphin Rd (0.9 mi)
   • Continue onto Elsie Faye Heggins St (0.6 mi)
   • Turn right onto Junction St (305 ft)
   • Turn right (144 ft)

Estates of Hidden Creek

Hidden Creek 3 Estates, 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States