All animal museums to visit in Texas

Delve into the diverse world of animals at 47 animal museums in Texas. These museums showcase a variety of species, habitats, and the role of animals in our ecosystem.

Are you an animal lover looking to explore the best animal museums in Texas? Here are your best options:

  1. San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium1

    San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium

     San Antonio, TX
    The 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.
  2. Online discount!Perot Museum of Nature and Science2

    Perot Museum of Nature and Science

     Dallas, TX
    The 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.
  3. Austin Aquarium3

    Austin Aquarium

     Austin, TX
    The 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.
  4. Houston Zoo4

    Houston Zoo

     Houston, TX
    The 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.
  5. Online discount!Downtown Aquarium5

    Downtown Aquarium

     Houston, TX
    The 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.
  6. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch6

    Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

     San Antonio, TX
    Natural 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.
  7. Dallas World Aquarium7

    Dallas World Aquarium

     Dallas, TX
    The 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.
  8. Online discount!
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    San Antonio Aquarium

     San Antonio, TX
    The 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.
  9. Cameron Park Zoo9

    Cameron Park Zoo

     Waco, TX
    Cameron 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.
  10. Waco Mammoth National Monument10

    Waco Mammoth National Monument

     Waco, TX
    The 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.
  11. Fort Worth Zoo11

    Fort Worth Zoo

     Fort Worth, TX
    As 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.
  12. Dallas Zoo12

    Dallas Zoo

     Dallas, TX
    The 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.
  13. Moody Gardens13

    Moody Gardens

     Galveston, TX
    Moody 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.
  14. Texas State Aquarium14

    Texas State Aquarium

     Corpus Christi, TX
    The 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.
  15. Ellen Trout Zoo15

    Ellen Trout Zoo

     Lufkin, TX
    The 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.
  16. Texas Memorial Museum16

    Texas Memorial Museum

     Austin, TX
    The 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.
  17. Witte Museum17

    Witte Museum

     San Antonio, TX
    The 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.
  18. El Paso Zoo18

    El Paso Zoo

     El Paso, TX
    The 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.
  19. Texas Museum of Science and Technology19

    Texas Museum of Science and Technology

     Cedar Park, TX
    The 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.
  20. Gladys Porter Zoo20

    Gladys Porter Zoo

     Brownsville, TX
    Gladys 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.
  21. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center21

    Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

     Orange, TX
    The 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.
  22. River Bend Nature Center22

    River Bend Nature Center

     Wichita Falls, TX
    River 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
  23. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center23

    Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

     Glen Rose, TX
    Fossil 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.
  24. Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum24

    Panhandle–Plains Historical Museum

     Canyon, TX
    The 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.
  25. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum25

    American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

     Amarillo, TX
    The 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.
  26. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center26

    South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

     Corpus Christi, TX
    The 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.
  27. Bath House Cultural Center27

    Bath House Cultural Center

     Dallas, TX
    The 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.
  28. Austin Zoo28

    Austin Zoo

     Austin, TX
    Austin 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.
  29. Austin Nature & Science Center29

    Austin Nature & Science Center

     Austin, TX
    Amazing venue that lets the kids to get literally hands on the exhibits to learn about the nature and its history. Free entrance.
  30. Riverside Nature Center30

    Riverside Nature Center

     Kerrville, TX
    The 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.
  31. Amarillo Zoo31

    Amarillo Zoo

     Amarillo, TX
    Enjoy a lovely family afternoon in the zoo admiring and learning about its lovely, fluffy, hairy, smelly and slimy inhabitants.
  32. Caldwell Zoo32

    Caldwell Zoo

     Tyler, TX
    The 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. 33

    Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens

     Fort Davis, TX
    The 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.
  34. The Abilene Zoo34

    The Abilene Zoo

     Abilene, TX
    The 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.
  35. Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History35

    Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History

     Bryan, TX
    The 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.
  36. Frank Buck Zoo36

    Frank Buck Zoo

     Gainesville, TX
    Frank 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.
  37. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site37

    Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site

     Stonewall, TX
    Lyndon 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.
  38. Mt. Blanco Fossil Museum38

    Mt. Blanco Fossil Museum

     Crosbyton, TX
    The 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.
  39. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum39

    Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

     Plains, TX
    The 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. 40

    Insight Gallery

     Fredericksburg, TX
    The gallery is specialized in presenting works of American artists who depict natural scenes, wildlife and landscapes.
  41. 41

    John E Conner Museum

     Kingsville, TX
    The 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. 42

    Marine Science Institute

     Port Aransas, TX
    Become an expert in marine science! The visitor's centre displays hundreds of species of sea animals and plants in their seven aquariums.
  43. 43

    Naranjo Museum of Natural History

     Lufkin, TX
    The 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. 44

    Bay Education Center

     Rockport, TX
    Learn about the delicate ecosystem of the estuary and its role in the local ecology. The exhibits and presentations are intriguing.
  45. 45

    Old Hidalgo Pumphouse - World Birding Center

     Hidalgo, TX
    Hidalgo is a desert town and the pump used to carry water to the fields to make them fertile. Great for engineering maniacs!
  46. 46

    Barton Warnock Education Center

     Terlingua, TX
    The 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. 47

    Red River Valley Museum

     Vernon, TX
    The 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.