CareCompass
At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Fort Worth Zoo
Fort Worth Zoo Education Center
The Fort Worth Zoo Education Center offers a one-of-a-kind learning environment located directly on zoo grounds. Led by Texas-certified teachers, the program features a certified curriculum that emphasizes natural science and animal conservation. Children benefit from hands-on tactile learning, moving beyond the classroom to engage with the zoo's extensive resources and diverse species through guided zoo hikes and live animal encounters. The facility includes six dedicated classrooms, a multi-purpose space, and a 2,500-square-foot outdoor deck designed for exploration. Programs range from part-time preschool care to seasonal zoo camps and specialized homeschool classes. The atmosphere is discovery-based and informative, encouraging children to become stewards of the environment while developing kindergarten-readiness skills in a vibrant, nature-rich setting.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
It made our day. Kids loved the zoo. Must visit. It’s big zoo, so you need whole day to cover. It’s quite clean and many animals to view and you can feed like giraffe. It’s safe and close to animals. Free parking. Inside has food and cafeteria.
The best zoo we've visited in Texas. The animals look well cared for and the staff have multiple shows and exhibits throughout the day that are entertaing and informative. Everything is lush and green and there is shade everywhere from all the well cared for trees providing shade at every part of the zoo. There are a wide variety of animals to see and several critically endagered specimens like gharials, orangutans, clouded leapard, and red wolves. Expect typical food and drink pricing, but this doesn't mar the zoo's overall beauty and educational value.
This zoo is worth visiting. It has a lot to offer. The theming throughout the zoo makes it really nice. It is clean with lots of paths and lots of plants. We live in Dallas, but it is really worth the drive all the way across time. We really enjoyed the barn play area as well. It has a nice slide and lots of entertaining activities. One thing to keep in mind is that if you go on the weekend parking is absolutely crazy. We actually parked outside the zoo and walked to the zoo. We will definitely be back soon
I have been to zoos across America and this by far is the best I’ve been to. Clean, thoughtfully laid out with misting and covered areas that blend in with the environment for you to view the animals. The food was really good and not expensive. So many options also. Now let’s talk animals. Other zoos I’ve been to have their animals in small spaces and you can tell they’re under distress. The animals here are vibrant and healthy! They are so fun to watch. The babies are adorable 🥰 My son and I had the best time here yesterday. I live 2 hours away but am going to get a membership because it’s just that great of a place. Well done to the owners!
The Fort Worth Zoo is honestly one of the best zoos I’ve been to in Texas. The layout is super easy to follow, there’s a ton of animals, and the elephant exhibit really stood out, it’s probably the most well-designed one I’ve seen. You can get really close, and they have so much room to roam. There is a lot of walking though, so definitely wear comfy shoes. The good news is, most of the paths are shaded, and there are plenty of spots to sit, grab drinks, or get snacks. They even have misters set up in a few spots, which felt amazing in the heat. I went on a Friday around 10am, and it wasn’t crowded at all. Parking was super easy, just $5, and the lot is huge. Getting in was quick, and everyone working there was really nice. I liked that they mixed indoor and outdoor exhibits, so it felt comfortable the whole time. We didn’t ride the little zoo train, but you could hear it going by, which added a fun touch. Food-wise, there were a few chains and a café, nothing fancy, but decent for grabbing a bite. The only bummer was the ice cream shop was closed when we went. The splash pad was a nice surprise too. It’s small, but perfect for kids to cool off, and there are tables and chairs around it so parents can sit back and relax. Overall, the Fort Worth Zoo is definitely worth a visit. It’s fun, affordable, and there’s something for everyone.
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
No safety concerns or license violations were found for the Fort Worth Zoo Education Center. A 2023 fire was reported at a zoo gift shop, but it did not affect the education facility or its programs. State records as of 2021 indicated a near-perfect inspection history for the zoo's animal welfare, and earlier child care licensing reports showed zero violations across evaluated categories.
Parent Reputation
The center has a highly positive reputation among parents, who praise its unique nature-based curriculum and convenient drop-off procedures. Common themes include the value of 'zoo hikes' and live animal interactions for kindergarten readiness. However, the program faced local media attention in 2025 regarding a policy that denies personal outside aides for children with special needs, which the zoo attributes to security protocols.
Staff Insights
Employee reviews for the Fort Worth Zoo overall are moderately positive, with staff rating the organization between 3.5 and 3.9 out of 5 stars. Teaching assistants specifically report a rewarding environment with a clear sense of purpose. Conversely, some employees across the zoo cite low pay, strict management policies, and micromanagement from the board of directors as drawbacks.
Quick Information
