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Everything You Should Know About Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights

April 19, 2024 By CityPASS

Ready for an unforgettable adventure this summer? Mark your calendars because the Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights returns to dazzle visitors with a series of events that transform the zoo into an evening escapade for families, music lovers, and animal enthusiasts alike. From the stirring beats of tribute bands to exclusive animal encounters, these nights promise an enriching experience under the stars. What makes the Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights a must-visit event? Let's take a look at the myriad of activities, concerts, and dining options set to make your visit truly memorable.


When Can You Experience This Dallas Zoo Event?

The Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights light up every Saturday from May 4 to July 6, 2024. This annual celebration, now in its 10th season, offers an extended zoo experience beyond the typical day visit. Visitors can enjoy the unique blend of music, animal encounters, and more under the stars. With these dates in mind, you can plan your visit to ensure you don't miss out on this unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of live concerts with the awe of the animal kingdom.

6 Things You Should Know About Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights

Here's an overview of what to expect to make your evening smooth and enjoyable. Uncover details on admission benefits, entertainment, encounters, dining options, attractions, and visitor tips tailored to enhance your Dallas Zoo Safari Nights adventure.

1. Your Zoo Admissions Account for Day and Night Events

One ticket, two uniquely delightful experiences. With your day admission to the Dallas Zoo, not only do you get to enjoy the daytime spectacles of the animal kingdom, but you're also invited to bask in the enchantments of Safari Nights. This means you can spend your day greeting your favorite animals and still have the entire evening planned out for you at no additional cost. The Dallas Zoo is one of our favorite zoos in North America, so you'll want to spend a whole day and night there!

2. There's a Great Concert Lineup With the Best Tribute Bands

As the sun sets, the Dallas Zoo transforms into a vibrant concert venue featuring some of the best tribute bands in the scene. Each Saturday boasts a new musical act. Dance or sing along to the familiar tunes of legendary artists, reimagined by talented musicians dedicated to bringing those iconic sounds to life. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy live music in the unique setting of the zoo.

3. You Will Be Able To Enjoy Fun Animal Encounters

Safari Nights go beyond music to spotlight the zoo's wildlife, offering enriching Keeper Chats and animal encounters even as the evening unfolds. While the concerts signal bedtime for some residents, others stay awake, providing unique opportunities for visitors to learn about animal behaviors and habitats straight from the caretakers who know them best. In past editions, these interactive experiences have allowed for memorable moments, such as children feeding an anteater by hand. These carefully planned encounters aim to deepen your appreciation of the natural world, blending education with the thrill of up-close animal interactions.


4. There Will Be Food Trucks Along With Beverage Options

No evening event would be complete without a selection of delicious eats and drinks, and the Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights deliver just that. A variety of food trucks will be stationed throughout the zoo, serving up a delectable range of culinary delights to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, you'll find it here. And to complement your meal, a range of beverage options will be available, keeping you refreshed throughout the night.

5. The Destination: Dinosaur Attraction Will Remain Open

The Destination: Dinosaur exhibit remains a highlight during Safari Nights, inviting you to step back in time to a world dominated by these fascinating creatures. As one of the largest immersive dinosaur exhibits nationwide, it boasts over 100 dinosaur replicas, including nearly 40 animatronics that bring the prehistoric era to life. What's more, you can meet living descendants of dinosaurs throughout the Dallas Zoo!

Navigate through a dinosaur cave, engage in hands-on learning at the kid zone with fossil dig boxes, and create dino-themed crafts. Don't forget to capture the moment at one of the "selfie-saurus" stations, which provide perfect photo opportunities with these ancient giants. This exhibit presents an educational yet thrilling experience for all ages.

6. There's a List of Recommended and Prohibited Items

Understanding the Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights guidelines can help smooth your visit. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, but please note that glass containers, alcoholic drinks, and single-use disposable straws are prohibited to maintain a safe and clean environment for all visitors and animals. While pets must stay home, the Zoo welcomes ADA-compliant service animals to accompany their owners. To ensure safety and comfort for everyone, drones, stand-up scooters, smoking, vaping, and the carrying of concealed weapons are strictly forbidden, in line with state laws categorizing the Zoo as both an amusement park and an educational institution. Adhering to these rules enhances the experience for everyone, allowing for an enjoyable and hassle-free Dallas Zoo Safari Nights adventure.


Enjoy Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights With CityPASS® Tickets

Make your Safari Nights adventure even more remarkable with Dallas CityPASS® tickets. You'll gain access to the best attractions in town, including the Dallas Zoo, at a fraction of the price. It's a smart way to explore more for less, ensuring you get the most out of your visit to Dallas. With CityPASS® tickets, embarking on this nocturnal zoo journey becomes an even more enticing prospect, packed with value and unforgettable experiences.

Dallas Zoo's Safari Nights offer a unique blend of entertainment, education, and gastronomy, all set within the enchanting environment of one of the city's most beloved attractions. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, these nights promise magical memories that will last a lifetime.

Dallas Lodging

To get the most out of your stay in Dallas, we recommend finding lodging near Dallas's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:

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Header Image Courtesy of Dallas Zoo

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