A zoo in Fort Worth designated as a Certified Autism Center, with sensory bags to borrow (a weighted animal, noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools), quiet zones marked on its accessibility map, a social story, and a sensory guide that scores habitats and attractions from 1 to 10.
Sensory supports. Certified Autism Center, sensory bags and quiet zones.
Hours
Daily, 10 am to 4 pm. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, noon to 4 pm (dining, retail and attractions closed). New Year's Day, 10 am to 4 pm. Dates, hours and prices can change; call 817-759-7555 for the latest.
“Sensory bags contain a weighted animal the guest can hold, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and other resources”
“The bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis so they cannot be reserved.”
“If I need a break from the action at the Zoo, I can ask my adult to take me to a quiet place. Quiet places are indicated on our Zoo map.” fortworthzoo.org (social story)
There is no rental fee for the sensory bags; the zoo asks that you put everything back in the bag and return it at the end of your visit. Each bag also holds a communication board, which you can download ahead of time.
The zoo is designated a Certified Autism Center by IBCCES, and its staff have received specialized training. Zoo employees wear shirts with the Fort Worth Zoo logo and a name badge.
The accessibility map marks quiet zones around the park without naming them; you can also ask for a map at the Guest Services office. For quieter meals, the zoo suggests visiting its restaurants outside mealtimes.
Weather Theater (Texas Wild!) (sound 7 of 10: high volume and surprising sounds; sight 7 of 10: flashing lights, animatronics and strobe lights)not stated
Toyota Children's Ranch and Petting Corral (sound 5 of 10: startling animal sounds and crowd noise at peak hours)not stated
Bluebonnet Express / Yellow Rose Express Train (sound 5 of 10: train whistles and loud engine noise)not stated
Country Carousel (sound 4 of 10: music from the ride can be loud)not stated
Safari Splash (sound 4 of 10: can be loud during peak hours)not stated
Lions and flamingos (these animals make loud noises sometimes)not stated
Restaurants, when crowdednot stated
Quieter, in the zoo's words
Penguinsquiet zone
Swinging Swamp Bridge (Texas Wild!)quiet zone
Admission: adults (13 and up) $22, children 3 to 12 $18, seniors (65 and up) $18, toddlers 2 and under free. On Wednesdays admission is half price: $11 for adults, $9 for children and seniors. Tickets are good for one visit within 30 days of purchase.
You can buy tickets online and print them or show the barcode on your phone; you scan your own tickets at the gate.
Parking is $5 per vehicle, card accepted at the parking booths. ADA parking spaces are available for qualified guests. On busy days you may need to park in an overflow lot and walk a short distance.
If you picnic, you can take your cooler back to your car and come back in, as long as you get your hand stamped before you leave.
Rentals at Safari Supplies just inside the front gate, limited and can't be reserved; a valid ID is required and credit cards are accepted: double stroller $15 plus tax per day, motorized scooter $40 for the day. A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available. Children can't ride ECVs with adults.
The train, the carousel, giraffe feeding and Safari Splash ($5, $4 for members) cost extra.
First aid and security: officers patrol the park 24 hours a day; ask any employee for help.
Pets aren't allowed. Service animals are welcome except at Toyota Children's Ranch and Petting Corral, Hudson Foundation Kiddie Corral, Brush Country Aviary, Flamingos of the Americas and Flamingos of Africa (coming soon); check in at the Guest Relations office when you arrive.
