Located in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas, the Dallas World Aquarium is home to a diverse miscellany of marine life and is an absolute must on any family itinerary. Rabbits, jaguars and flamingos are not creatures you would expect to see in an aquarium but this is no ordinary aquarium. While ocean life features heavily, there is a lot more to Dallas World Aquarium than first meets the eye. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the aquarium is also home to a wide variety of other species including exotic birds and endangered animals.
The first port of call is the upper level, which is given over to the Orinoco Secrets of the River exhibit. An aviary forms part of this exhibit and features free-flying exotic birds such as cocks-of-the-rock and toucans. Other animals in this section include the rare golden lion tamarin monkey, an endangered Orinoco crocodile as well as a goliath bird-eating tarantula. This is a wonderful exhibit where the cacophony of colour and smells exudes the feel of an actual rainforest. As you wander around, see if you can spot the three-toed sloths, which are unique to this aquarium. Also, keep a special eye out for poison dart frogs and vampire bats.
The eight-story Munda Maya Exhibit places an emphasis on Mayan culture and features plants and animals native to Central America. The highlight of the exhibit is the 3-metre tunnel featuring sharks, rays and sea turtles.
The South Africa Exhibit is home to the black-footed penguin, the Madagascan big-headed turtle and Madagascar giant millipede. If even the thought of getting close to a giant millipede is making you queasy, then make your way over to the Wilds of Borneo. Here you will find a varied selection of Australasian fish, mammals and birds such as the Pangasius catfish, Matschie's tree kangaroo and the diminutive Fairy penguin.
Finally, with a stunning coral reef and a 76,000-litre walk-through tunnel exhibit, the Aquarium Gallery houses an eclectic menagerie of sea life including electric eels, piranha, a giant pacific octopus and Japanese spider fish.
With such a wide variety of sea creatures and excellent interactive exhibits, it’s easy to spend a full day here. So make the most of it and get in early!
Dallas World Aquarium
Visit Dallas World Aquarium
History & culture
See all 56 activitiesOpens in new tabDallas CityPASS®: Admission to Top 4 Dallas Attractions
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 9 activitiesOpens in new tabDallas Secret Food Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 27 activitiesOpens in new tabWaco & Magnolia Market at the Silos Day Tour
Shopping & fashion
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Shopping Tour from Dallas to Allen Premium Outlets
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabDallas: Reunion Tower GeO-Deck General Admission Ticket
Popular places to visit
I.M. Pei's Fountain Place
You can learn about the history of Dallas with a visit to I.M. Pei's Fountain Place. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Bank of America Plaza
Learn about the local history of Dallas when you take a trip to Bank of America Plaza. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and great live music in this vibrant area.
Dallas Holocaust Museum
An innovative Dallas Museum examines just one day during World War II to explore the events of the Holocaust and some of the heroes who fought against it.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Visit three of the city’s most popular museums all at once in this combined facility for family entertainment and learning.
Sixth Floor Museum
Get to grips with the grisly events surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
John F. Kennedy Memorial
Remember the life and service of President Kennedy at a striking memorial that dominates a plaza in Dallas, located just moments from where he was shot.
Top Dallas World Aquarium Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Dallas World Aquarium
- Holidays and getaways similar to Dallas World Aquarium
- Hotels Near Dallas World Aquarium
- Hotels near other Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Dallas World Aquarium
- Hotels near Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
- Hotels near Galleria Dallas
- Hotels near Reunion Tower
- Hotels near Southern Methodist University
- Hotels near Cotton Bowl
- Hotels near Irving Convention Center
- Hotels near NorthPark Center
- Hotels near Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Hotels near Majestic Theater
- Hotels near Medical City Hospital
- Hotels near Texas Trust CU Theatre
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.