The Dallas World Aquarium, one of the best privately-owned aquariums in the United States, is one of our family’s favorite ways to see fun & unique animals in the Dallas area.  Built in a 1929 warehouse in downtown Dallas, the Dallas World Aquarium is a 3-storied rainforest.

Starting at the top and working your way down, you have the feeling of the damp and humid rainforest.  The rainforest, otherwise known as the “Secrets of the Borneo River” contains plants indigenous to that area.  The top floor has all sorts of unique birds and the tree tops are peppered with color. Here you can feed the baby toucans.

The middle section takes you closer to the lower level of the rainforest and contains  monkeys, river otters, and an adorable sloth.  The Sloth is out in the open, moving oh-so-slowly from branch to branch.  He is fascinating to watch – almost as if you have slowed down the movie camera and are watching him in slow-motion.  You can stand right under him and watch him all day.

Children are lined up to watch the playful river otters, squealing in delight as they jump in and out of the water. Several times through out the day, the aquarium offers otter feedings.

The lower level of the aquarium features the underwater tanks with a large manatee.  There is also an incredible 40 foot shark tunnel.  My sons especially loved seeing the sharks up close like this.

Though the Dallas World Aquarium is privately funded, it still gives large donations towards the conservation of rainforests throughout the world.  I have been to this aquarium several times since it has been open and I really enjoy how it feels as if you are taking a nature hike through a rainforest.  Animals are all around you in their natural habitat, which makes learning about them more fun for the children. This is a unique place to see all kids of animals in the north Texas area.