Heads up, Dallas. The Dallas Zoo's first Dollar Day of the summer is today, it is completely sold out, and the streets around the zoo are expected to be packed. If you scored a $1 ticket, build in extra travel time or seriously consider taking transit to dodge the worst of the lines. If you missed out this round, another Dollar Day is on the calendar for Aug. 4.
Dates, tickets and parking
According to Dallas Zoo, this year's Dollar Days are July 16 (sold out) and Aug. 4, and $1 admission tickets must be bought online ahead of time. Parking is limited and runs $14 per vehicle on Dollar Days, with parking sold only at the ticket booths; members still park free. The deal day also features $1 to $4 specials on select snacks, and guests are urged to have their QR codes pulled up and ready to scan so the lines move a little faster.
Transit and traffic
The DART Red Line drops riders at Dallas Zoo Station, a short walk from the entrance, which makes the train the simplest way to skip the parking crunch, according to DART. Traffic near the zoo along the I-35 frontage road between Ewing Avenue and Marsalis Avenue is expected to be heavy on Dollar Day, so drivers in the area should think about alternate routes, as reported by D Magazine. If you do choose to drive, plan on staff-directed parking and possible delays both getting into and getting out of the lot.
What to bring and extras
The zoo is selling a one-day Wild Pass for about $25 that bundles several paid attractions, and visitors will find water refill stations and shaded areas throughout the park. Per the Dallas Zoo, guests should come prepared with sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and a healthy dose of patience, since Dollar Days are among the busiest days of the year. To cut down on wait times, map out your must-see exhibits in advance and have tickets ready on your phone before you hit the gate.
If you missed out on today's sellout, keep your eye on the Aug. 4 date and consider a membership for year-round free general admission and parking perks. As noted by NBC 5, Dollar Day tickets disappear quickly, so buy early for the next event and lean on transit or park-and-ride options to avoid the snarliest congestion.
