Two popular outdoor cultural destinations will begin opening early and closing early in July and August due to rising temperatures.
Beginning July 10, the Fort Worth Zoo resumes its summer hours, opening an hour earlier (9 a.m.) and closing earlier (4 p.m.). The Fort Worth Botanic Garden opens daily at 8 a.m. with a 7 a.m. members-only hour.
“We know that many people enjoy visiting the Botanic Garden and Zoo during the summer, but we also want to offer an opportunity for our visitors to beat the heat,” said Zoo Executive Director Mike Fouraker. “By adjusting our hours, we hope guests will take advantage of the extra morning hour. Shaded pathways, ample seating, extra fans and misters exist throughout the Zoo to ensure that everyone has a positive experience. You can get a break from the heat by visiting one of our indoor, airconditioned spaces, like the Museum of Living Art.”
The early openings and closings will apply to all areas of the Botanic Garden and Zoo, including the gardens, animal habitats, and guest areas. The last admission will be sold at 3 p.m., and all guests must exit the properties by 4 p.m. Both organizations will close at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
“The summer heat continues to impact the outdoor guest experience,” said Botanic Garden CEO Patrick Newman. “We recently placed new drinking fountain and bottle filling stations throughout the Garden and have begun running an air-conditioned shuttle bus to get guests comfortably from one end of the garden to the other.”
