Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

 An hour southwest of Dallas at the top of the Texas Hill Country is a special getaway for children and the child at heart in all of us – Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.  My girls and I discovered this drive through zoo – the humans are the ones in the motorized cages – as the animals frolic in the open.
 
When you arrive at the center, stop by the Admissions Center, pay your fee and pick up your bag of animal feed.  Then you’ll begin the nearly 10-mile drive at a slow pace – the traffic here is mainly animals.  The landscape is reminiscent of the South African high plains.  The best time to visit is during the week – weekends here are crowded.  The Center has more than 1,000 animals from 50 species.  Watch out for the zebras – they’re mean and have been known to bite.  Ostriches are also quite aggressive.  The highlights here are the giraffes – including the two babies that were born recently.  The giraffes and many of the other animals will eat right out of your hand – which even the adults enjoy.  Don’t forget your camera for your visit.  If you forget – disposable ones are available in the admission center gift shop. 
 
You can extend your visit overnight – in a room at the Center’s lodge, a camphouse or in a safari camp tent.  Overnight visits are an aural experience – you can hear the animals talk to each other all night long.  It’s not loud enough to keep you awake, however.  An early morning guided tour can be added to your overnight stay.  You’ll find out more about many of the animals, meet them and call them by name. 
 
Allow at least 2 hours for your drive though visit. 
 
Admission prices vary by season – up to $23 for adults on weekends March – October and $16 per adult November – February.
 
Hello Dallas tip:
Bring an old cell phone and receive free admission to the center.  Discounts are available on Wednesdays - $14 for adults and $7.25 for children 3-11. 

- by Constance Hannon, Dallas Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Constance Hannon

Connie Hannon is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. She is a native Texan and has lived in Dallas and Washington, D.C. for the majority of her life. Connie graduated from Pitzer College in Claremont, California, and received her masters in Journalism and Public Affairs from American University. She was a staffer on Capitol Hill and worked in CNN’s Washington Bureau, and with most of the television stations in the Dallas market.