A rainforest and aquarium in Dallas with a two-page Sensory Guide in English and Spanish, a rest area off to the side for breaks, and communication boards you can borrow at Admissions or download.
“If you start to feel this way, consider visiting our rest area. It is off to the side and a great place to take a break and relax.”
“There are areas that can get a little congested and loud, so it may be helpful to have noise-cancelling headphones and/or fidget devices available”
The guide suggests bringing whatever helps your kid feel comfortable in public places, like noise-cancelling headphones or fidget devices.
Laminated communication boards and smaller communication cards are at the Admissions desk (return them to a staff member before you leave), and you can download them in English or Spanish from the accessibility page.
Staff members wear uniforms and are happy to answer questions. The Field Guide map shows the rest area and phone charging station at The River on Level 1, and a nursing station on Level 2.
Howler Heights (Orinoco rainforest, level three) (the howler monkey can be heard throughout the rainforest)not stated
Quieter, in the aquarium's words
Rest area / phone charging station (The River, Level 1)quiet zone
Admission: adults $34.95, children 3 to 12 $24.95, seniors (65 and up) $28.95, plus tax; children 2 and under free. Active duty and retired military, plus one guest, pay $28.95 plus tax each (photo ID required). Tickets can be bought online or when you arrive. The aquarium doesn't take part in reciprocal membership programs.
Guests with severe disabilities may bring a paid personal care attendant at no extra cost. If you're buying tickets ahead, email info@dwazoo.com to ask for the complimentary attendant ticket; you both pick up your tickets at the admissions entrance.
The aquarium's own DWA Priority Public Parking lot is right next door; the pre-paid lot has handicapped parking spots (give your spot number at admissions when you check in). If the lot is full, there are nearby lots and city parking meters. Parking runs $8 to $15.
Complimentary manual wheelchairs, first come, first served: leave an ID at the admissions entrance and get it back when you return the chair. Staff can't push guests in wheelchairs.
Three restaurants inside: Jungle Café and eighteen-O-one, plus Café Maya (check its days on the restaurants page). Most restrooms have water bottle refill stations and diaper changing stations.
Service animals must stay leashed or tethered, and emotional support animals don't qualify as service animals. Check in at the admission entrance first.
The Main Exit is on the lower level, down the stairs or elevator at the Gift Shop.
