Frank Buck Zoo

1000 W California St, Gainesville, TX 76240, USA

Address:	1000 W California St, Gainesville, TX 76240, USA
Phone:	+1 940-668-4539
Site:	frankbuckzoo.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 25

Sherry Powell

If you have been to big zoos like us, keep in mind that Frank Buck Zoo is very small! They even mention it being small, in the description. There is not a lot of animals, but great zoo for small children! I enjoyed the gift shop and reading the history of Frank Buck. The park is absolutely beautiful! The playground is amazing. Your kids and grandkids will love it! Heard great reviews on the train ride. We are taking our grandson back to enjoy it all again soon!

Francisco Arcos

Me fusta que el espacio que tienen los animales es mucho mas que em otros zoologico, ademas que en este zoologico los animales estan despiertos, activos, se les ve sanos. Me encanto visitar este zoologico, regresare pronto.

A Private User

great experience for my 5 year old grandson for his birthday to hand feed the giraffe! Lots of seating along the way for the grandparents. Hands on animal feeding although the goats were a little aggressive for a 5 year olds taste. Bear habitat expansion underway, was happy to see that. He LOVED the train ride afterwards and the HUGE park in front of the zoo. Great experience overall.

Chris H

Awesome place for a day trip with the kids. 5 year old loves this place, fun train ride around the zoo. They also have a nice little water park and gift shop. You can feed some animals, goats, giraffe. The animals looked good and healthy and the whole place was well maintained. We go every summer and would recommend to friends and family looking a place to take the kids for a fun day.

Leah Stites

There were several empty cages and no giraffes. The cat exhibit stunk horribly, which I imagine is normal because....cats. However, the rest of the animals that were there seemed happy and well cared for. The walkways were well maintained as were all the bushes/plants... Except for the spot in the first picture.... Which gave me a giggle (look at the sign).

Nathan Frazier

This place is great!! Its smaller than most zoos but none of that matters when you get there. Scause it is gorgeous!! Very well thought out design and amazing deck with gazebo. Wish I would of had a picnic with me. The zoo next to part is also a must see. If you are in Gainesville or thackerville with the kids make sure you go here. You wont be disappointed.

A Private User

This is a true North Texas treasure. Named after native son Frank "Bring Em Back Alive" Buck, this is a perfect zoo for little ones with its loop design. The whole family will love how beatiful the zoo is, and it features animals from around the world. My favorite is the daily giraffe feeding which I think should be on everyones bucket list!

A Private User

Very well-maintained zoo! It was just the right size for my 4 & 5 year olds...small enough to keep them occupied and entertained. The staff was very friendly. There were lots of shady spots with benches to sit on, although we were there first thing in the morning. Make sure to leave enough time for the awesome playground!!

Darleta Parrish

Wonderful zoo. Very clean zoo with friendly staff. We took our twin grand babies and they loved it. They are 1.5 years and we took our wagon to pull them in. They had such a good time. The train is fun and the park is big with lots of big trees and tables everywhere. It is worth the drive to go there. Never too crowded.

Tammy Smith

I loved this place because they show so much gratitude in taking care of the Animals it is a fun place to spend time with the grandkids and the people there show a lot of what their Country means to them. Getting to ride the train was so much fun.Then afterwards go have a picnic at the park

Miranda Victory

This place keeps most of their animals in very large habitats, and even lets you feed a giraffe. Unfortunately they also keep some of their animals in very small enclosures, and that ruined it for me. It is cheaper and less crowded than the Dallas or Fort Worth zoo’s.

David D

This is a great zoo. It is very well maintained and the staff is very friendly and helpful. In front of the zoo there is a new splash park, a large playground, and a train ride. It is perfect for little ones and it is not overcrowded like a lot of other zoos.

Chris Turner

Drove from an hour out for their Easter egg hunt was 3 minutes late they wouldnt let my family in we went to the front gate and they refused to let us in without pre baught tickets and told us we had to wait an additional hour while people were already inside!

zoë chapman

It was a great place very open. Its one big circle you go around best option is to go left instead of right. And get at least 5$ in quarters to feed the goats. You may also wanna bring an umbrella there isnt too much shade on the left side.

Daniel Ruiz

This Zoo is a Hidden Gem. If you are ever in this Area you have to visit this zoo. Its not always that you go to a Zoo and think... Hmmm why dont they have weddings here. Once you are in a Certain location in this Zoo, you will know what i mean.

Colby Mayo

Huge improvement from 20 years ago!!!I lion or a Tiger or some monkeys would be awesome but the atmosphere and the area is very chill,nice job bringing good and positive entertainment for the children...Lord knows how Gainesville needs it!!!

Kenny Three Arrows Cantrell

Our grandchildren are all under 8 yrs old and they love this zoo. Small zoo with a lot of history. It is named after Frank Buck, legendary hunter and adventurer. He even made an appearance in the Abbott and Costello film, "Africa Screams!"

Damion Brown

Kids and wife loved it, only 1 negative. It could have more shaded areas, but the zoo is clean and mantained. The playground is amazing and kids LOVED the train ride. Over all very inexpensive compaired to Dallas or Ft.worth

Rebcca Wright

Wonderful! The intimate setting is like having your own personal zoo! Beautiful setting offering tranquility and a much needed break from I-35! For our family, this is always a planned stop half way to Austin!

Ally Yates

My mom, 2 sisters and I had a blast!! The youngest one was mesmerized when we feed the goats. My other sister liked the train ride while we were counting squirrels. Overall it was a great experience. :)

Kelia Perry

This has been my their trip from Roby, Tx to see this zoo. My husband and I love it! The landscape is wonderful and the staff are informative and friendly! Animals are well kept and healthy!

Jennifer Rodriguez

Kids and I had a great time. We walked around looking at beautiful animals. When we reached the Ibex, there was a great seating/ observation area. We had a snack as we enjoyed the view.

Anshul Mathur

Awesome place for day long outing. Train ride was great for kids and us! All animals are in good shape and conditions and the price you pay for all the fun does not hurt your placket.

Sharlotte King

Small zoo wonderful for family fun. Interactives with animals and zoo staff, large Leonard Park close by, mini train ride, and an aquatic park. Great place to make a day of it.

Joey Stephens

Love this small zoo. Our family has been coming here for 17 years, and we always get the annual family pass, becauuse its a great place to come visit and walk around anytime.