If you're a DFW homeschool family trying to decide between Dallas Zoo and Fort Worth Zoo Homeschool Day, we've done both. Actually, we've done Dallas Zoo's Homeschool Day three times.
We're also regular zoo people in general. We're current Dallas Zoo members and have had a Fort Worth Zoo membership on and off for about seven years, so I have opinions about both the Homeschool Days and the zoos themselves.
And they're two very different experiences.
2026 Homeschool Day Details
Dallas Zoo Homeschool Day
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
9 AM–4 PM
$12 per person, free for Dallas Zoo members
Ages 2 and under are free
Parking: $14, free for members
Advance registration is required.
This year's event includes a Zoo Passport, hands-on STEM activities with community partners, Keeper Chats and Career Chats for middle and high school students.
Fort Worth Zoo Homeschool Day
Thursday, October 8, 2026
$11 for adults and $9 for children ages 3–12 when purchased online in advance
Ages 2 and under are free
Parking: $5; free for members
Tickets purchased at the gate are $12 for adults and $10 for children.
What Fort Worth Zoo Homeschool Day Is Really Like
I genuinely love the Fort Worth Zoo. The exhibits are well done; they’ve made some great improvements over the years, and if we’re comparing the zoos themselves, my kids actually prefer Fort Worth over Dallas. But I do want homeschool parents to know what they’re getting when they go specifically for Homeschool Day because, in our experience, the discount was pretty much the Homeschool Day experience.
There weren’t any special homeschool activities, stations, worksheets, or even signage when we went. If someone hadn’t told us it was Homeschool Day, we wouldn’t have known. Last year there was actually a traditional school field trip happening at the same time. Their group had welcome signage and even had an animal show reserved for them that we couldn’t attend. My daughter also randomly ran into one of her friends from summer camp who was there on a field trip with her school. So while it’s called Homeschool Day, don’t go expecting the zoo to be taken over by homeschoolers or for there to be a bunch of special programming just for us.
With that being said, I would still go because the Fort Worth Zoo is fantastic on its own, and getting in for a discounted price is always a win. My kids love Texas Wild, touching the horseshoe crabs, and especially Texas Nature Traders, where they can bring in natural items, learn about them, earn points, and make trades. There’s also an indoor play area that’s great for younger kids, although my 9-year-old has aged out of that part. There really is something for a wide range of ages, which is one of the reasons we’ve continued going back over the years.
The crowds during Homeschool Day have also been pretty manageable for us. Getting through the entrance can be busy, especially with other field trips happening, but once we were inside and everyone spread out, it was a pleasant zoo day and didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded.
One Thing Worth Knowing
Fort Worth Zoo offers half-price admission every Wednesday. Regular admission is currently $22 for adults and $18 for children, which makes Wednesday admission $11 and $9, the same as the advance Homeschool Day price.
So if you're rearranging your entire homeschool week just for the discount, you don't necessarily have to. You can get that same admission price on a Wednesday.
What Dallas Zoo Homeschool Day Is Really Like
Dallas is completely different.
Every time we've gone, it has felt like an actual event for homeschoolers. There are activities, community vendors, hands-on learning, take-home materials and information about other educational resources around DFW. My kids have done activities covering topics like the water cycle while we've been there.
It feels intentional. There's an excitement to the day that you don't get from a regular zoo visit.
The activities we've experienced worked for all of my kids, although overall I'd say most of the hands-on activities lean elementary through maybe junior high. This year Dallas is also offering Career Chats specifically for middle and high school students interested in learning about zoo careers.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Here's the easiest way I can explain it:
If you want the Homeschool Day experience, choose Dallas. Especially if your family hasn't been to many homeschool-specific events yet. It's fun, it's exciting and it actually feels like something was put together specifically for homeschool families.
If you want a more low-key zoo day and mainly want to take advantage of discounted admission, choose Fort Worth. It's an excellent zoo and, if I'm choosing between the two zoos on a regular day, Fort Worth is actually my family's favorite.
Dallas does have better food though. There, I said it.
If you pack lunch, problem solved.
And would I do both since they're only two days apart? No. Even for me, that's a lot of zoo in one week. My kids would be completely zoo'd out. I'd pick the experience that sounds like the better fit for your family and enjoy it.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Parking could potentially be a little bit of a situation at either zoo (especially if you get there late morning/early afternoon). At Fort Worth, depending on crowds, you may end up parking across the street. At Dallas, some parking spots can also mean a decent walk, especially if you end up in the garage.
I'd plan to make a day of whichever one you choose. Pack lunch, bring your homeschool crew, and bring the stroller or wagon to haul everybody's stuff because...you already knew that.
And remember that October in Texas can still very much feel like summer. I'd get there as early as possible so you can enjoy more of the zoo before the afternoon heat kicks in.
Whichever one you choose, both can make for a great DFW homeschool field trip. The biggest difference is simply knowing what kind of day you're signing up for.
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