Are you an animal lover looking to explore the best animal museums in Texas? Here are your best options:
1San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium
San Antonio, TXThe San Antonio Zoo, situated in the city of San Antonio, Texas, is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This membership signifies that the zoo meets the highest standards of animal care and is committed to wildlife conservation, education, science, and recreational excellence.- Online discount!
2Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Dallas, TXThe Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located in Dallas, Texas, is a museum dedicated to natural history and science. It was named in honor of Margot and Ross Perot, who made significant contributions to the museum. The museum offers a variety of exhibits and educational programs, making it a great destination for tourists interested in science and nature. 3Austin Aquarium
Austin, TXThe Austin Aquarium, a for-profit institution, is situated in Austin, Texas, United States. It was officially opened to the public on December 12, 2013. The aquarium offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a diverse range of aquatic life. 4Houston Zoo
Houston, TXThe Houston Zoo, a 55-acre zoological park, is situated within Hermann Park in Houston, Texas. This expansive zoo is home to a diverse range of animals and offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.- Online discount!
5Downtown Aquarium
Houston, TXThe Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas, is a unique combination of a public aquarium and restaurant, developed from two historic landmarks of the city: Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building. This establishment offers a unique blend of history, dining, and aquatic exploration, making it a fascinating destination for tourists. 6Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
San Antonio, TXNatural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a unique destination in Texas, serving as both a ranch and a wildlife refuge. This combination offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Texas while also getting up close and personal with a variety of animal species. 7Dallas World Aquarium
Dallas, TXThe Dallas World Aquarium is a unique combination of an aquarium and a zoo, situated in the West End Historic District of Dallas, Texas. This for-profit institution is not just a place to observe a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals, but also plays a significant role in animal conservation and education.- Online discount!8
San Antonio Aquarium
San Antonio, TXThe San Antonio Aquarium, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a for-profit establishment. It is owned and operated by Crysty Covino. The aquarium offers a variety of interactive exhibits where visitors are allowed to touch the animals, providing a unique and engaging experience. 9Cameron Park Zoo
Waco, TXCameron Park Zoo, situated in Waco, Texas, is a 52-acre natural habitat zoo nestled within the scenic Cameron Park and adjacent to the Brazos River. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse collection of wildlife in a natural setting, enhancing their overall zoo experience. 10Waco Mammoth National Monument
Waco, TXThe Waco Mammoth National Monument is a significant site located in the city of Waco, Texas. It is nestled within a park that spans over 100 hectares along the Bosque River. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area while learning about the historical significance of the monument. 11Fort Worth Zoo
Fort Worth, TXAs of the beginning of 2021, the Fort Worth Zoo is home to a diverse range of approximately 7,000 animals. These animals represent over 540 different species, including 72 mammal species, 148 bird species, and 172 ectotherm species. This diversity offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the world's wildlife. 12Dallas Zoo
Dallas, TXThe Dallas Zoo, situated in the city of Dallas, Texas, is a recognized member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This affiliation ensures that the zoo adheres to international standards of animal care and conservation, providing visitors with an ethical and educational experience. 13Moody Gardens
Galveston, TXMoody Gardens is a unique tourist complex located in Galveston, Texas. It is home to a botanical garden and an aquarium, both of which are major attractions for visitors. The botanical garden is a haven for plant lovers, featuring a wide variety of flora from around the world. The aquarium, on the other hand, is one of the largest in the world and houses numerous species of fish and other marine life. 14Texas State Aquarium
Corpus Christi, TXThe Texas State Aquarium, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote environmental conservation and the rehabilitation of the Gulf of Mexico's wildlife. As a visitor, you can expect to learn about the diverse marine life of the Gulf and the efforts being made to conserve and rehabilitate it. 15Ellen Trout Zoo
Lufkin, TXThe Ellen Trout Zoo, located in Lufkin, Texas, was established in 1967 by Walter Trout. This small zoo has since become a popular destination for animal lovers and families alike, attracting approximately 150,000 visitors annually. The zoo is currently owned and operated by the City of Lufkin, with the Friends of Ellen Trout Zoo (F.O.E.T.Z.) providing support through funding for major expansion and renovation projects. 16Texas Memorial Museum
Austin, TXThe Texas Memorial Museum, a significant part of the University of Texas at Austin, was established in the lead-up to the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936. This historical context adds a layer of cultural significance to the museum, making it a noteworthy destination for those interested in the history of Texas and its educational institutions. 17Witte Museum
San Antonio, TXThe Witte Museum, established in 1926, is situated in the scenic Brackenridge Park in San Antonio, Texas. This location offers visitors not only a rich cultural experience within the museum but also the opportunity to explore the surrounding park, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their visit. 18El Paso Zoo
El Paso, TXThe El Paso Zoo, situated in the city of El Paso, Texas, is a recognized member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This membership signifies the zoo's commitment to the highest standards of animal care, conservation, and education. Visitors can expect a well-maintained facility with a diverse range of animals. 19Texas Museum of Science and Technology
Cedar Park, TXThe Texas Museum of Science & Technology, located in Cedar Park, Texas, opened its doors in March 2015. It is home to the first planetarium in the Austin area, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the cosmos. The museum also hosts a variety of traveling exhibitions, providing a constantly changing array of scientific and technological displays. One of the permanent exhibits at the museum is the Timewalk exhibit, which showcases a collection of fossils and dinosaur bones that have toured the world. 20Gladys Porter Zoo
Brownsville, TXGladys Porter Zoo, a zoological and botanical park, is situated in Brownsville, Texas, United States. The zoo was officially inaugurated on September 3, 1971. It offers a unique blend of botanical beauty and zoological diversity, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. 21Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
Orange, TXThe Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a privately managed botanical garden and preserved natural area spanning 252 acres. It is located in Orange, Texas, United States. This expansive area offers a unique blend of botanical gardens and preserved natural landscapes, providing visitors with a diverse range of flora and fauna to explore. 22River Bend Nature Center
Wichita Falls, TXRiver Bend’s mission is to connect people to the natural environment of Texas. Through educational activities and events, River Bend Nature Center promotes the value of environmental awareness and conservation to students, families, and their communities. River Bend Nature Center (RBNC) in Wic 23Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Glen Rose, TXFossil Rim Wildlife Center, located near Glen Rose, Texas, is a non-profit conservation center. The center is dedicated to the breeding of endangered species, public education, scientific research, and natural land management. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about and interact with a variety of species, while also contributing to important conservation efforts. 24Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum
Canyon, TXThe Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum is a history museum situated on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, United States. This location is in a small city south of Amarillo. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the region in a convenient and accessible location. 25American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
Amarillo, TXThe American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum showcases a variety of exhibits. Visitors can view photographs of honorees and paintings of renowned American Quarter Horses, many of which were created by the western artist Orren Mixer. The museum also offers interactive exhibits about horse anatomy, horse riding, and the various disciplines of the American Quarter Horse. 26South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
Corpus Christi, TXThe South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, also known as Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, is a sprawling 180-acre nature center and botanical garden. It specializes in native Texas plants, making it a unique destination for those interested in botany and the natural flora of Texas. The center is privately managed by the non-profit organization, The Botanical Nature Institute of South Texas, Inc. 27Bath House Cultural Center
Dallas, TXThe Bath House Cultural Center, located on the east shore of White Rock Lake in east Dallas, Texas, is the first of six neighborhood cultural centers built and operated by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs. This center serves all of Dallas, especially the eastern region of the city, and is a significant landmark with a rich history dating back to 1930. Designed by Dallas architect Jon Carsey, the Bath House is one of the first Art Deco buildings in the southwest. 28Austin Zoo
Austin, TXAustin Zoo is a non-profit rescue zoo situated in the southwestern unincorporated Travis County, Texas, to the west of Austin. As a rescue zoo, it provides a safe haven for a variety of animals, making it a unique destination for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts. 29Austin Nature & Science Center
Austin, TXAmazing venue that lets the kids to get literally hands on the exhibits to learn about the nature and its history. Free entrance. 30Riverside Nature Center
Kerrville, TXThe Riverside Nature Center, located on the Guadalupe River at 150 Francisco Lemos Street in Kerrville, Texas, is a non-profit arboretum. It serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and native plants, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the local flora and fauna. 31Amarillo Zoo
Amarillo, TXEnjoy a lovely family afternoon in the zoo admiring and learning about its lovely, fluffy, hairy, smelly and slimy inhabitants. 32Caldwell Zoo
Tyler, TXThe Caldwell Zoo, located in the city of Tyler, Texas, spans across an impressive 85 acres. It is home to a diverse range of animals from all corners of the globe. This vast expanse allows for a variety of habitats and exhibits, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore and learn about different species in a setting that closely mimics their natural environments.- 33
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens
Fort Davis, TXThe Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit organization that is part of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert. The center is home to botanical gardens that showcase the region's native plants, providing a fascinating insight into the desert's ecosystem. 34The Abilene Zoo
Abilene, TXThe Abilene Zoo, located in Abilene, Texas, spans 16 acres and is home to over 800 animals from more than 175 species. This diverse collection of wildlife offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about a wide range of animals from around the world, all in one location. 35Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
Bryan, TXThe Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, located in Bryan, Texas, is a museum dedicated to the fields of science, nature, and cultural history. It offers a diverse range of exhibits and collections that cater to a wide variety of interests. 36Frank Buck Zoo
Gainesville, TXFrank Buck Zoo is a quaint establishment located in the expansive Leonard Park in Gainesville, Texas. Founded in 1930, the zoo is nestled within 30 acres of land, providing a spacious environment for its inhabitants and a serene setting for visitors. 37Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Stonewall, TXLyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site is a state park situated along the Pedernales River in Gillespie County, Texas. It is located to the west of Johnson City and to the east of Fredericksburg. The park was established to honor Lyndon B. Johnson, a national and world leader, and it opened to the public in 1970. 38Mt. Blanco Fossil Museum
Crosbyton, TXThe Mt. Blanco Fossil Museum, located in Crosbyton, Texas, is a creationist museum that opened its doors to the public in 1998. The museum is known for its collection of fossilized skeletons and cast replicas, providing a unique insight into the world of ancient creatures. 39Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Plains, TXThe Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum is a history museum situated on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, United States. This location is a small city located south of Amarillo. The museum offers a unique blend of history and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.- 40
Insight Gallery
Fredericksburg, TXThe gallery is specialized in presenting works of American artists who depict natural scenes, wildlife and landscapes. - 41
John E Conner Museum
Kingsville, TXThe museum's namesake, John E. Conner was the first History professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. See exhibits on ranching, farming, culture, and natural history of South Texas. The Museum's Hall of Horns features over 200 animal mounts collected by rancher & hunter Graves Peeler. - 42
Marine Science Institute
Port Aransas, TXBecome an expert in marine science! The visitor's centre displays hundreds of species of sea animals and plants in their seven aquariums. - 43
Naranjo Museum of Natural History
Lufkin, TXThe Naranjo Museum of Natural History, situated in Lufkin, Texas, was established by Neal Naranjo, a doctor of neuropsychology. This museum is a testament to Naranjo's lifelong passion for collecting fossils, which he began at a young age. - 44
Bay Education Center
Rockport, TXLearn about the delicate ecosystem of the estuary and its role in the local ecology. The exhibits and presentations are intriguing. - 45
Old Hidalgo Pumphouse - World Birding Center
Hidalgo, TXHidalgo is a desert town and the pump used to carry water to the fields to make them fertile. Great for engineering maniacs! - 46
Barton Warnock Education Center
Terlingua, TXThe centre is well worth a visit as you will be given information on the Big Bend State Park's fauna, flora, history and some useful tips. - 47
Red River Valley Museum
Vernon, TXThe Red River Valley Museum is situated at 4600 College Drive, in the city of Vernon, within the county of Wilbarger, in the U.S. state of Texas. This location is easily accessible and provides a great opportunity for tourists to explore the rich history and culture of the region.