Houston Zoo
Explore diverse habitats and see 6,000+ animals at the expansive Houston Zoo, a beautifully maintained urban oasis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Houston Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse habitats and see 6,000+ animals at the expansive Houston Zoo, a beautifully maintained urban oasis.
"A true Houston treasure and a must-visit destination for creating lasting memories with family and friends."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially for free days. Tickets aren't sold at the gate!
💧 Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
Houston heat is no joke! Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Galapagos Islands Exhibit
Galapagos Islands Exhibit
Explore a new world with unique marine life and land animals in this immersive exhibit. A must-see!
Giraffe Feeding
African Savanna
Get up close and personal with these gentle giants. An unforgettable experience for all ages.
Zoo Boo After Hours
Various locations
Experience the zoo transformed with spooky decor and family-friendly fun during this special Halloween event.
+1
Bald Eagles
Bird Aviary
Witness the majestic symbol of America in a unique open-sky enclosure. Truly impressive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Wagon or Stroller Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially for free days. Tickets aren't sold at the gate!
💧 Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
Houston heat is no joke! Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. +1
🧺 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Save money and keep energy levels high by bringing your own refreshments.
🚶♀️ Consider a Wagon/Stroller
The zoo is large; a wagon or stroller makes navigating much easier for little ones. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially for free days. Tickets aren't sold at the gate!
💧 Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected
Houston heat is no joke! Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. +1
🧺 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Save money and keep energy levels high by bringing your own refreshments.
🚶♀️ Consider a Wagon/Stroller
The zoo is large; a wagon or stroller makes navigating much easier for little ones. +1
🗺️ Grab a Zoo Map
Plan your route to see your must-see animals and exhibits efficiently.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Houston Zoo for its beautifully maintained grounds, spacious and enriching animal enclosures, and the clear dedication to animal welfare. The Galapagos Islands exhibit and the majestic bald eagles are frequently highlighted as must-see attractions. Families especially appreciate the kid-friendly activities and educational opportunities, though some note that during extreme heat, many animals may retreat indoors.
"I visited the Houston Zoo and was very impressed 🌟. The territory is huge and beautifully maintained 🌳, with lots of greenery and nice walking paths 🚶♂️. There are truly many animals here 🐘🦒🦓, the enclosures are spacious, and it’s clear they are well cared for. I especially enjoyed watching the giraffes 🦒 and elephants 🐘. A special highlight was seeing the bald eagles 🦅 — the symbol of America 🇺🇸. There are two of them here, and they sit under the open sky, which makes the encounter even more impressive. There’s also an aquarium with marine life 🐠, an area with birds 🦜, and sections with rare species. For children, this place is a real paradise 👧🧒 — full of educational areas, games, and activities. The staff is friendly and always ready to help 🙌. The cafés and rest areas are convenient 🍔🥤, so you can grab a snack and enjoy the view. Parking is available nearby 🚗, and the location right in Hermann Park makes the zoo even more attractive. Overall, it’s one of the best zoos in the USA 🇺🇸, and I highly recommend visiting with the whole family 💯."
Roman Petrovskii
"An unforgettable family experience!
The Houston Zoo is a fantastic place, perfect for families of all ages. We had a wonderful time exploring the wide variety of animals — from majestic elephants to playful monkeys. One of the highlights was definitely the carousel — such a beautiful and magical experience, especially for the kids. We absolutely loved it!
If you’re visiting during summer, I highly recommend wearing sunscreen and choosing your visiting hours wisely to avoid the peak heat. Despite the weather, the zoo is well-maintained, clean, and filled with educational and entertaining exhibits.
Five stars, no doubt. Highly recommended for families looking to enjoy a fun, educational, and memorable day together."
Jorge Baca
"Huge, beautiful zoo!! The grounds are gorgeous, the enclosures are large and full of enrichment, the animals are clearly well cared for. Today was extremely hot, and a lot of animals opted to stay indoors-- I can't blame them in the least! I'll have to come back when it's a little cooler and see them. Well worth the trip."
Jennifer S. Walker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Houston Zoo is located in Hermann Park. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options like buses also serve the area.
Parking is available near the zoo, though it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Arriving early is recommended for better parking spots.
Yes, several METRO bus routes stop near the Houston Zoo, making it accessible via public transportation. Check the METRO website for specific routes and schedules.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to and from the Houston Zoo. There are designated drop-off and pick-up points.
The Houston Zoo is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with paved paths throughout most of the park. Accessible restrooms are also available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Houston Zoo admission prices vary. It's best to check their official website for the most current Houston Zoo prices and Houston Zoo cost information. Booking Houston Zoo tickets online is often recommended.
No, tickets are not available at the gate. You must secure your Houston Zoo admission tickets online in advance.
Yes, the Houston Zoo offers free days on select dates each month until June. You still need to make online reservations.
Houston Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Houston Zoo website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, even with a ticket, you may need to reserve a specific entry time slot, especially during peak seasons or free days. Check the booking process for Houston Zoo online tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the giraffes, elephants, and the unique bald eagles. The new Galapagos Islands exhibit is also a major highlight.
Absolutely! The Houston Zoo is a paradise for children with educational areas, games, and activities. The carousel is a magical experience for kids.
Certain animal feeding experiences may be available for an additional fee, such as feeding the giraffes. Check the zoo's schedule for availability.
While not a traditional petting zoo, the Houston Zoo offers various interactive experiences that allow for close encounters with some animals.
Zoo Boo is a special Halloween event at the Houston Zoo featuring spooky decor, costumes, and family-friendly activities. It's often held after regular hours on select dates.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Houston Zoo has convenient cafes and rest areas offering snacks and meals.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is permitted and recommended by many visitors to save money and ensure you have what you need.
Food options typically include typical theme park fare like burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream, along with healthier choices.
While specific options can vary, most zoo eateries offer some vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check menus on-site or inquire with staff for vegan options.
While there are rest areas, designated picnic spots might be limited. It's generally best to consume your own food in designated areas or at your own pace.
📸 📸 Photography
The Galapagos Islands exhibit offers unique backdrops. The open-sky eagle enclosure and the giraffe feeding area also provide great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, tripods and professional photography equipment may require special permits. Always check the zoo's policy.
A camera with good zoom capabilities is helpful for capturing animals in their enclosures. A smartphone with a decent camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
Avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Also, be mindful of other visitors and do not block pathways while taking photos.
Yes, photography is encouraged during special events like Zoo Boo, but always be respectful of other guests and the zoo's guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds and the intense midday heat.
+1 Remember to check the zoo's website for any specific family-friendly activities or programs they might be offering during your visit.💰 Budget Travelers
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a significant money-saver, as purchasing food and beverages inside the zoo can add up quickly. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the majesty of the bald eagles in their open-sky enclosure, or get close-ups during giraffe feeding sessions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Houston Zoo with Little Ones
When planning your visit, consider the Houston Zoo hours to avoid the peak heat of the day. Early mornings or late afternoons are generally more comfortable.
For families looking for a truly memorable experience, the Galapagos Islands exhibit is a must-see, offering a unique glimpse into a different ecosystem.
And don't forget to check for special events like Zoo Boo, which transforms the zoo into a festive Halloween wonderland, perfect for a family outing. +1Maximizing Your Visit: Tickets, Hours, and Best Times
Keep an eye out for their free days, which occur monthly until June, but remember that online reservations are still required. Understanding the Houston Zoo hours is also vital, as they can change seasonally. Planning your visit for weekday mornings is often the best strategy to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. If a weekday visit isn't possible, aiming for late afternoons can help you avoid the midday heat and potentially thinner crowds as the day winds down.
+1When planning your route, a Houston Zoo map can be incredibly helpful to efficiently navigate the expansive grounds and ensure you don't miss any of the incredible Houston Zoo animals.
The Houston Zoo Experience: Animals and Exhibits
The African Savanna is another popular area, offering opportunities to see majestic giraffes and elephants up close. Beyond the larger mammals, the zoo boasts a variety of other fascinating creatures. The bald eagles, a symbol of America, are a particular point of interest, housed in an impressive open-sky enclosure.
For those interested in specific Houston Zoo animals, the zoo's website often provides information on daily care and feeding schedules, offering a chance to witness these routines firsthand.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit