Frank Buck Zoo
Frank Buck Zoo
4.5
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Discover Frank Buck Zoo for a one of a kind family experience. Located in 85-acre tree filled Leonard Park which offers picnic tables, two covered pavilions, a sprawling community playground, Leonard Park Aquatic Center (seasonal), and miniature train ride (seasonal). An ideal value priced day trip destination for families and youth organizations. Discounted admission available for school groups. Located right in the heart of Gainesville, Texas, the Frank Buck Zoo has been serving the children, schools and citizens of North Central Texas and Southern Oklahoma for over 50 years. Over 75,000 guests visit the Frank Buck Zoo annually. In March of 2008 the Frank Buck Zoo became home to the World's Only Frank Buck Exhibit when Frank's daughter Barbara Buck befriended the zoo staff and donated items that belonged to her father. Resulting in a fascinating collection of camp tools used to capture animals and media memorabilia from the 1930, 1940, & 1950's. Be sure to plan your zoo arrival in time to experience the 10:30am daily public giraffe feeding. Experience a "giraffe's eye-view" of the African Savannah exhibit from an elevated walkway, the exhibit is home to eight different species of animals. Pause to take in the view at the African Outpost overlooking the water hole. Be sure to have quarters on hand so little ones can feed the friendly goats.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
178 reviews
Excellent
100
Very good
58
Average
13
Poor
5
Terrible
2
VanEsq12
Dallas, TX4,118 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
This is a very smsll family owned zoo, so there isn't a huge variety of animals to see. But the grounds are beautiful and well maintained, and the animals appeared healthy and happy. Bring a picnic. There is a huge park on property with playground equipment. It is heavily shaded and spacious- perfect for a birthday party before the zoo visit!
Written February 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ILoveTexas
Argyle, Texas925 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We really enjoyed our visit to this small zoo. There were some interesting animals, and the grounds were pretty, peaceful, and well maintained. Seems like a great place for families, and it’s adjacent to a lovely park with a playground and picnic tables. Travelers, it’s right off the interstate.
Written September 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
txusmc94
Pilot Point, TX137 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
The zoo is small but well laid out. However if you get there with less than two hours before closing you will not get to see most the animals. The lady at the door was rude, this was my granddaughter's first trip to the zoo and I won't take her back there. I have visited many a zoo around the world and never felt so rushed. She even wouldnt let me get a soveneir from the gift shop. Don't waste your money if it is within two hours of closing.
Written March 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suecarr1111
Valley View, TX183 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
This is a great little zoo that is easily accessible. Parking is free and right on site. They have a lot of different animal exhibits and all are very clean and cared for. If you go early you can feed the giraffes. My grandchildren always enjoy that! Also a ride on the little train thru the park is fun while you are at the zoo. After enjoying the animals, you can take the kids on the train ride and let them play on the playground equipment. All located in a nice peaceful park. Have been there many times and always enjoy it!
Written August 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! We work hard to make The Frank Buck Zoo a great place for families to enjoy. Giraffe feeding is at 10:30am daily, weather permitting. To find out train hours in advance of your visit please call the Parks Dept. M-F at 940-668-4530. We look forward to your return visit.
Written August 26, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren D
Oklahoma City, OK4 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
Boyfriend and I drove here from Thatcherville. It was only about 30 minutes away, $6.50 to get in plus the money we spent to feed the giraffe. Once you pay, you can get in all day. They have quite a few animals: bears, zebras, goats, wild cats, and surprise for me - A TWO TOED SLOTH!
Written September 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juli B
1 contribution
Jun 2014 • Family
My family has always loved this zoo..even members for awhile. We had a small problem in June with a zoo employee when my two daughters, nine and seven, were on a field trip. The gentleman took my nine-year -old's $5, for ice cream, off of the counter while she turned around and asked her sister what she wanted. He then put the money in the donation jar. When she asked for her money back, his reply was, "Once it is in the jar, there is nothing we can do." We have reached out to the zoo to right this wrong. They have promised to look into it and take care of the situation. That was the first week of June, now we ar eat the end of July. They will not return calls or fix the problem. It is only $5, but it is the principle and trying to explanin the zoo worker's action to my children is hard.
Written July 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mom_in_dfw
Arlington, TX296 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
We did a day trip from DFW to Gainesville/Muenster that included visiting the Frank Buck Zoo. This zoo is well maintained and well worth the visit. The zoo is one one big circle that takes about 1-2 hours if you take your time and take part in the giraffe feeding. Half of the zoo is well shaded, the african side is full sun so take your sunscreen (the line to feed the giraffe is not shaded). Feeding the giraffe cost $1 per family member and you only get to feed one leaf of lettuce to keep the line moving...it's an experience well worth it...have your camera ready as you only have a few seconds to capture the moment.
Written July 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
X3blueyes
Dallas, TX66 contributions
May 2014 • Family
After reading the reviews for this zoo (and passing it countless times on I-35) we decided to take the family. The day we went, it drizzled for most of the time but that did not stop us from having a great time! If you're looking for a zoo similar to one in a large city, don't stop here. But if you have small kiddos and want to see some different type of animals/exhibits, come here. The zebras, giraffes and several other animails are in a very large, open area by themselves. Really neat to sit under the covered area and watch these animals roam. Get coupons on-line to save a few bucks. Admission is very cheap and parking is FREE. As mentioned by other reviewers, there is a park outside of the zoo so the kids can run off some energy. There is also a swimming pool with slides connected to the park. Well worth the trip!
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen L
Gainesville, TX2,054 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We love visiting here several times a year, it's a very comfortable environment that you can walk around and totally relax admiring all of the beautiful animals. It's not excessively busy and very comfortable.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tootsie12
Frisco, TX350 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Went on Tuesday and crowds were light which was great. Plenty of shaded parking and playground and park in front of zoo wonderful for kids. Admission price reasonable and atmosphere enjoyable. This is a small zoo so don’t expect a “San Diego Zoo” experience. We saw several animals out roaming because the weather was nice but there were nappers too. Make sure you have water and snacks we didn’t see any concessions open but it’s October summer might be different. We loved our drive to Gainesville nice to get out of rat race of Dallas. Highly recommend as date or with family.
Written October 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kimnickless08
Virginia Beach, Virginia
What are the hours Sunday to Saturday? And are there any price differences on certain days?
& are there food vendors or do we need to bring our own food?
Written June 18, 2018
The gift shop sells Ice Cream, drinks and things. There are nice places for a picnic (that you pack ) and a train to ride outside the zoo for a small fee. no price differences-
Written June 19, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Gainesville, Texas
The best time to visit the zoo varies depending upon the time of year and temperature. During cold months the best time to visit is the warmest part of the day. Currently we are open 10am-4pm, last tickets are sold at 3:30pm. During warm weather months, right at opening is when you will see the animals most active as it is the coolest time of day. Beginning in April the hours will change to 9am-5pm last tickets at 4:30pm.
Written January 22, 2018
How does Boo at the Zoo work? Hours, do we need to get tickets ahead of time, is there just a certain number that gets in, how late can you get in?
Written October 22, 2016
ZOO BOO is held the last Sat. in October, unless that Sat. is Halloween, then it is backed up a weekend.
Tickets may be purchased at the zoo giftshop, in advance, the day of the event.
The event is held from 6pm-8pm, last tickets sold at 7:30pm.
Special event admission applies for this event.
$8 for Treaters
Written April 26, 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Gainesville, Texas
Admission is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for Seniors and Military, $4.50 for children ages 1-12yrs.
Written July 14, 2016
There is really no specific feeding times for the Giraffes. Everything is really laid back at the Frank Buck Zoo so you can just do what and see what you want. Brian
Written February 15, 2016
Scanlon14
Plano, Texas
Will be there on September 21 what are the hours the zoo will be open
Written August 20, 2015
A Tripadvisor member
Gainesville, Texas
Thank you for the inquiry. Our hours that day will be 10am to 4pm, the last tickets will be sold at 3:30pm. We highly recommend you plan your visit around the 10:30 am daily public giraffe feeding :) We look forward to your visit!
Written August 20, 2015
A Tripadvisor member
Gainesville, Texas
Zoo hours are the same as the rest of the weekdays. This Sunday 8/23/15 we will be open from 9am-5pm the last tickets will be sold at 4:40pm. Monday 8/24 begins our Fall/Winter hours when we will be open from 10am-4pm daily, last tickets will be sold at 3:30pm. Public Giraffe Feeding remains the same 10:30am daily throughout the year :)
Written August 20, 2015
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