Fort Worth Zoo Promo Codes & Coupons May 2026

Yes, you absolutely can. This is one of the most generous policies at the Fort Worth Zoo and a major way for families to save money. Unlike many other entertainment venues that force you to buy expensive concessions, the zoo allows guests to bring coolers, ice chests, picnic baskets, food, and drinks from home. There are plenty of shaded picnic tables scattered throughout the park where you can enjoy your meal. However, there are strict safety rules you must follow to protect the animals. Glass containers of any kind are prohibited. Alcohol is also strictly forbidden. Most importantly, disposable plastic straws and lids (like those found on fast-food cups) are not allowed inside the zoo. These items can easily fall into animal enclosures and pose a severe choking hazard. If you bring juice boxes for children, please ensure the plastic wrappers are disposed of immediately and securely.

Every Wednesday, the Fort Worth Zoo offers half-price admission for all visitors. This is a standing offer and you do not need a promo code, a coupon, or a special voucher to access it. The discount is automatically applied when you purchase your tickets at the ticket booth on a Wednesday. While the savings are fantastic, visitors should be aware that Wednesdays are invariably the busiest days at the zoo. Traffic on Colonial Parkway can be very heavy, sometimes backing up to the highway. The main parking lots fill up quickly, often forcing guests to park in remote overflow lots and take a tram to the entrance. If you plan to visit on a Wednesday, we strongly recommend arriving 30-40 minutes before the zoo opens to secure a parking spot and avoid long lines at the entrance.

The Fort Worth Zoo operates rain or shine. Tickets are generally non-refundable and cannot be exchanged due to inclement weather. The zoo does not offer "rain checks." If you have purchased tickets in advance and the forecast looks bad, you are committed to that purchase. However, a rainy day doesn't have to ruin your visit. If it starts raining, we suggest moving to the indoor exhibits. The MOLA (Museum of Living Art) is a massive, world-class indoor facility housing reptiles, amphibians, and art, which is perfect for waiting out a storm. The World of Primates and various learning centers also offer covered viewing areas. Additionally, many animals are actually more active during cooler, rainy weather than they are during the heat of a sunny Texas afternoon.

No, Safari Splash is a separate attraction located inside the zoo boundaries. It is not included in the standard general admission ticket and requires an additional fee (typically around $5 per person). The splash park operates seasonally, usually opening in May and closing in October, depending on the weather. If you plan to visit Safari Splash, be aware of the strict dress code. Proper swimwear is required for all guests entering the water. Cotton shorts, denim cut-offs, or regular t-shirts are not allowed in the water as the fibers can clog the filtration systems. Additionally, for health and safety reasons, children who are not yet potty-trained must wear swim diapers. Regular diapers are not permitted in the water play area.

Parking is not free for general admission guests. The cost typically ranges from $10 to $12 per vehicle, payable at the toll booths upon entry. The booths generally accept both credit cards and cash, though cards are preferred for speed. The only way to get free parking is to become a Zoo Member. A valid membership pass usually includes a parking decal or barcode for free entry. If you are not a member and are meeting friends at the zoo, consider meeting at a nearby location and carpooling to the gate to save on the parking fee. Note that on extremely busy days, you may be directed to grass overflow parking lots which require a shuttle ride to the main entrance.

Yes, the Fort Worth Zoo participates in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program. This program allows members of other Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institutions to receive a discount. If you are a current member of a participating zoo or aquarium (such as the Dallas Zoo, Houston Zoo, or San Antonio Zoo), you can receive a 50% discount on admission. It is important to note that this is not free admission; it is a half-price discount. Furthermore, you cannot redeem this discount online. You must purchase these tickets in person at the ticket window. You will be required to present your valid membership card from your home zoo and a valid photo ID. If you do not have your card, the ticket agents may not be able to honor the discount.

Yes, same-day re-entry is allowed. This is useful if you need to retrieve something from your car or if you want to leave for lunch and return later. However, the process is strict. Before you exit the turnstiles at the main gate, you must ask a gate attendant to stamp your hand. To re-enter the zoo, you will need to show both the hand stamp and your original ticket stub. Without both, re-entry may be denied. Crucially, this policy generally applies to pedestrian re-entry only. It does not guarantee parking re-entry. If you leave the parking lot with your car (for example, to drive to a restaurant), you will likely have to pay the parking fee again upon your return.

Yes, rentals are available for guests who need them. The rental station is located just inside the main entrance. You can rent single or double strollers for children, manual wheelchairs, and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs/scooters). It is vital to understand that rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. On weekends, holidays, and Half-Price Wednesdays, electric scooters and double strollers often sell out within the first hour of opening. If you absolutely need a mobility device to enjoy your visit, we strongly recommend arriving right when the zoo opens at 10:00 AM to secure one.

For the safety of the animals, guests, and staff, the Fort Worth Zoo maintains a strict list of prohibited items. Balloons are absolutely forbidden as they pose a choking hazard to animals if they pop and fall into an enclosure. Other prohibited items include disposable lids and straws, glass containers, and alcohol. In terms of transport, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, and hoverboards are not allowed inside the park. Regarding safety, while Texas has open carry laws, the zoo is a private institution and strictly prohibits the open or concealed carry of firearms on the premises. Security personnel conduct bag checks at the entrance, so leave these items in your vehicle to avoid delays.

Military discounts are available for active duty personnel, retirees, and their immediate family members. To receive the discount (typically $2-$4 off the regular price), you must present a valid Military ID at the ticket window. This discount cannot be processed online. Student discounts are a bit more complex. They are not always available directly at the zoo's ticket gate. However, students at local universities like TCU, UT Arlington, or TWU can often purchase discounted tickets directly through their university's student union or ticket office. We recommend checking with your university before driving to the zoo. If you are buying a Zoo Membership, there is often a student rate available with a valid student ID.