Traveler Overview

4.5 149 reviews

Excellent59%
Very good30%
Average8%
Poor2%
Terrible1%

Travelers talk about

“train ride”(13 reviews)

“great playground”(4 reviews)

“small train”(4 reviews)

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...more

Closed Now

Hours Today: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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Suggested duration: 1-2 hours

Contact

1000 W California St, Gainesville, TX 76240-4675

Website

+1 940-668-4539

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Reviews (149)

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1 - 10 of 148 reviews

shepchat2017

Little Elm, Texas

697

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Tuck your thumb in

You should know that, even though you receive food in large cups to feed the animals, they are not inclined to eat out of the cup. Instead, they grab the cups with their mouths and keep walking. I had my thumb near the top of...More

Thank shepchat2017

Hello, I believe you have mistaken our Zoo for another attraction? We do not provide cups of feed. Our Animal family are on closely monitored feed plans for their welfare and the safety of the visitors. At 10:15 am daily we do offer VIP flamingo...More

zzixor1

Calabasas, California

16456

Reviewed July 22, 2018

Great Local Zoo

Great small local zoo. Most animal enclosures are either new or recently redone. Fantastic huge open plain area for Giraffes and Zebras. Animals seemed well cared for. Nice local. Go during the weekday and be prepared as it will only take a few hours.More

Thank zzixor1

Thank you for taking the time to review the Frank Buck Zoo. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit and all the work that we have done to update the zoo. Thank you for noticing the special care we provide for our animal family....More

Jacqueline B

Wichita Falls

5

Reviewed July 20, 2018 via mobile

Sad

Animals pacing in cages. Only decent part is the giraffes. In open area. Big cats suffering in horrible small spaces. Bears pacing in also small cages and they have the nerve to put upca sign denying that this is confined behavior. Skip it.More

Thank Jacqueline B

Jacqueline, Perhaps you did not realize that cheetah’s habitat that spans the hillside is over half an acre? Or that the bear habitat, that also spans another hillside, houses two younger bears and a significantly older bear that were all rescues. Each has their own...More

4rranc

168

Reviewed July 9, 2018 via mobile

The most wonderful little Zoo you'll ever see

This is zoo is about 1 mile around in a circle. . there is a train for little children to ride outside around the playground park and swimming park. My granddaughter absolutely loves the train. the zoo is small but surprising with packs quite a...More

Thank 4rranc

Thank you! We think so too! Thank you for taking the time to review the Frank Buck Zoo and Leonard Park. We are glad that you and the grandkids enjoy visiting. Sincerely, Zoo Staff

Lonnell D

34861

Reviewed June 23, 2018 via mobile

Small, but well maintained.

The Frank Buck Zoo is a smaller zoo than most I have visited, but it was well maintained and the animals looked healthy.

Thank Lonnell D

Thank you for taking the time to review the Frank Buck Zoo. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit and recognized the care we provide for our animal family. Sincerely, Zoo Staff

Rob6890

Johnson City, Tennessee

3518

Reviewed June 10, 2018 via mobile

Favorite Zoo

We visited today and this is my favorite Zoo in Texas. I've been to zoos all over the country and this ranks among my favorites. It's small and to the point, but it is very clean and there are still several animals and lots to...More

2 Thank Rob6890

Thank you for taking the time to review the Frank Buck Zoo. We are so glad to have the honor of being your favorite zoo in Texas. We are glad you enjoyed your visit. I am sorry your interaction with staff was not more engaging,...More

JEP0712

Fort Worth, Texas

422

Reviewed June 10, 2018

A favorite!

Small town atmosphere adds to the charm of this quality zoo! Not too big, not too small - just right! And the train ride adds to the charm.

Thank JEP0712

Thank you for taking the time to review the Frank Buck Zoo. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit. Sincerely, Zoo Staff

Kirstin B

81

Reviewed May 30, 2018 via mobile

Loved it

I loved this place it's small but the animals are fun and there's lots of cool things too see. I can't wait to go again.

Thank Kirstin B

Kirstin, Thank you for taking the time to review the Frank Buck Zoo. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit and look forward to your return. Sincerely, Zoo Staff

Branchman66

261

Reviewed May 27, 2018 via mobile

Mike

Ok but not over the top fun. Kind of dated and the route through the place has less shade and rest spots than anticipated. Gift Shop needs to be revamped as well notbhorrible but still lacking. The train ride was about the best attraction for...More

Thank Branchman66

cbpetrusek

Texas

14745

Reviewed April 20, 2018

Great day with a two year old

We took our two year old grandson to this Zoo. It was perfect for him to run around. Enough animals to keep him interested. Loved feeding the goats. I loved that there was a sink & soap to wash our hands afterwards. The Zoo is...More

2 Thank cbpetrusek

Thank you for taking the time to review the Frank Buck Zoo. We are glad that you and your grandson enjoyed your visit. Thank you for recognizing the staff's work caring for our animal family and the grounds :) Sincerely, Zoo Staff

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Questions & Answers

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kimnickless08

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?

June 18, 2018|

AnswerShow all 3 answers

Current Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Last ticket sold at 4:30 pm Address: 1000 W. California Street Gainesville, Texas 76240 Contact Info: 940-668-4539 There’s a small gift shop with some snacks m. The property has a... More

Taylor S

When is the best time to go?

January 20, 2018|

AnswerShow all 5 answers

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... More

Jammett

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?

October 22, 2016|

AnswerShow all 5 answers

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... More