🐠 A Family Day at the Dallas World Aquarium

🐠 A Family Day at the Dallas World Aquarium

We took a day trip to the Dallas World Aquarium to celebrate Westin’s 8th birthday — and it turned out to be one of our favorite family experiences in Dallas!

Located in the heart of downtown, this aquarium offers so much more than fish. From rainforest birds to manatees and even a shark tunnel, every exhibit felt like an adventure waiting to be discovered.

🥳 Birthday Weekend in Dallas

For Westin’s birthday weekend, we made the drive from Houston to Dallas and planned two fun stops:

• The Dallas World Aquarium

• Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (read our full recap here)

We didn’t research much ahead of time, so we went in with open minds — and were blown away by how immersive the aquarium experience was!

🌴 Step Into the Rainforest

When you first walk in, you’re surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation and the sounds of birds echoing through the canopy. The layout flows naturally, guiding visitors along winding paths through different habitats and levels.

We were surprised by how many birds and mammals we saw! The Dallas World Aquarium is part zoo, part aviary, and part aquarium — making it an amazing place for kids who love animals of all kinds.

Some of the creatures that caught our attention included:

• 🐸 Axolotls — fascinating and adorable!

• 🦈 Shark Tunnel — a highlight for everyone, especially the sawfish!

• 🐋 Manatee Exhibit — calm, peaceful, and mesmerizing to watch.

  
  

⏰ How Long to Plan For

We spent about three hours exploring the aquarium, which felt like the perfect amount of time to see everything without rushing. If you’re visiting with kids, plan for:

• 2–3 hours minimum

• Comfortable walking shoes (lots of levels and ramps)

• Early arrival if you want to avoid crowds, especially on weekends

🎥 Watch Our Visit

Want to see what it’s like inside? Check out our Dallas World Aquarium video on YouTube for a full family tour and our honest thoughts!

🐧 Family Tip

While you’re downtown, grab a bite or a snack nearby — there are several great spots within walking distance. Parking is available in nearby paid lots or garages.