We're open daily. Our hours are Monday - Sunday, 8:30 am - last entry 4:00 pm. Lounging around are Two-toed and Three-toed sloths.
We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve last entry is at 2:00 PM, and Christmas Day. The adventure at The Dallas World Aquarium begins at the top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds, such as Cocks-of-the-rock and many species of toucans, can be seen. Endangered animals, such as Orinoco crocodiles, Giant river otters, Antillean manatees and several species of monkeys are part of the
many conservation projects. The aquarium portion displays interesting marine life, including Japanese crabs, jellyfish, Leafy, Weedy and Ribbon seadragons. Black-footed and Blue penguins can be seen swimming as guests enjoy the outdoor South Africa exhibit. Sharks, rays and sawfish are only a few of the fish living in the Mundo Maya cenote. Safe from Neotropical eagles, are euphonias, tanagers and hummingbirds. Reptiles and amphibians, both of significance to the Maya culture, can be seen throughout the exhibit.
06/24/2025
Velcro and Freckle, our charming Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth duo, just got moved to a new habitat, on the third level of the Orinoco Rainforest. Come see them getting some sunshine and relaxing in their hammock. Hope everyone gets to enjoy the summer as much as they do!🦥☀️
06/20/2025
First day of summer = officially aquarium season 🐠☀️
06/18/2025
Summer's in full swing and the aquarium is the place to cool off and wander. ☀️🌿 From rainforest mist to underwater views—June never looked so good.
06/16/2025
Step into the treetops. 🌿
The Orinoco canopy walkway is designed to show you what life looks like from the top—just like the animals that live high above the forest floor.
06/12/2025
Sharks beneath the surface, stories in the stone.
The Mundo Maya exhibit explores the deep connection between the ancient Maya civilization and the natural world—where reverence for nature meets one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
06/10/2025
From penguins to parrots, DWA is home to more than just fish. 🐧🦜
06/03/2025
A window into the wild 🌿
This film wall in our Cloud Forest Trek features breathtaking footage from the Mesenia-Paramillo nature reserve in Colombia’s Andes—an area rich in biodiversity and vital to global conservation.
05/30/2025
🦉🔥 DOUBLE VISION IN THE RAINFOREST! 🔥🦉
A rare and remarkable event is unfolding behind the scenes: twin Spectacled Owl chicks, hatched and naturally parent-reared — an uncommon achievement for this impressive species.
Spectacled Owls may lay two eggs, but it’s rare for both chicks to survive under natural parental care. This thriving sibling duo is a testament to the power of instinct and the expert oversight of our dedicated Avian Team.
🩶 And for those eager to see this species up close, three juveniles from last year’s clutch are currently on display in Mundo Maya — offering guests a chance to witness one of the rainforest’s most captivating raptors.
From their silent flight to their commanding gaze, Spectacled Owls are among the most impressive birds of prey in the Americas — and we’re proud to support their success. 🌿💛
📸: Staff Photography
05/26/2025
☀️ Summer is here—and so are the crowds!
As the season heats up, please be prepared for longer lines at the Dallas World Aquarium. We recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance—discounts are available for children, seniors, and military visitors.
Plan to spend around two hours exploring, but feel free to linger—there’s a lot to take in. From monkeys and sloths to birds, fish, and even an ocelot, there’s something for everyone.
🔝 Pro tip: Start at the top (you’ll find stairs at the entrance) and work your way down—or roam as you like. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Dallas World Aquarium posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
An old warehouse at 1801 North Griffin Street, near the Historic West End District in downtown Dallas, became the original site of The Dallas World Aquarium, opening to the public in October 1992. Built in 1924, the empty warehouse had been occupied until 1982. During those years it was used for various industries, including the Mohawk Rubber Company and Pioneer Steel Rule and Die.
The adjacent building at 1815 North Griffin was purchased in 1996. Built in 1929 as a warehouse for the storage of rubber goods, it was later used by a Venetian blind company in the early 50s and lastly prior to the aquarium’s expansion, as a restaurant/bar known as “Tejano Rodeo.” As with the first building, the interior was completely demolished, leaving only the brick walls and support structure. The alley between the two buildings became the “channel” between the freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. The ORINOCO – Secrets of the River opened to the public in October 1997.
The vacant lot at 1814 Laws Street (behind 1801 North Griffin) was purchased in May 2000 for the first newly constructed portion of the facility. Construction on the Mundo Maya exhibit started in April 2002 and opened to the public in August 2004.
The Dallas World Aquarium has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1997 and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) since 2000.