They try to claim their are both, Here is the definition of 'amusement park'txglock21 wrote:Interesting....I went to the link Keith provided and under the FAQs section of Planning a trip to the Dallas Zoo and under the question, can I bring weapons to the zoo?, it states: "No. Under state law, the Zoo is considered both an amusement park and an educational institution, so concealed wepons aren't allowed, even for licensed holders of concealed handgun permits." I'm not questioning any posters from above, just find this interesting and puzzling. I haven't been there since I was a kid and really have no interest in going back, but thought I would share.
So, I guess they could argue they have 'amusement rides', but it would be a stretch. As for educational institution, I don't believe they fit the intent.(1) "Amusement park" means a permanent indoor or outdoor facility or park where amusement rides are available for use by the public that is located in a county with a population of more than one million, encompasses at least 75 acres in surface area, is enclosed with access only through controlled entries, is open for operation more than 120 days in each calendar year, and has security guards on the premises at all times. The term does not include any public or private driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area.
Again, there is no case law here, so if caught carrying you may have to be the test case.