Hello, traveler! Welcome to a world teeming with marine and terrestrial wonders. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting the Houston Zoo. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, this popular park welcomes over 2.5 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited zoos in the United States.
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, the Houston Zoo is home to over 700 species, including some that are endangered. Visitors can also attend educational talks that raise awareness about animal trafficking.
What to see at the Houston Zoo?
At the Houston Zoo in Texas, you can see over 6,000 animals, including jaguars, African lions, giraffes, American black bears, elephants, reptiles, and birds. Here are some of the expertly designed exhibits that allow for close-up observation of these incredible creatures. Take a closer look at the diverse array of life!
Explore the African Forest
This area of the Houston Zoo recreates authentic African habitats, including savannas, shrublands, and tropical rainforests. Here, you can encounter a variety of iconic animals such as the once-believed-extinct Southern White Rhinos, swift and feathered ostriches, friendly chimpanzees, and powerful gorillas.
Insect House
Step into the Insect House at the Houston Zoo for a unique exploration of the insect world. This fascinating attraction is home to colorful beetles, praying mantises, butterflies, and arachnids. Discover the diversity and beauty of these small yet captivating inhabitants of our planet!
Natural encounters at Carruth
At Carruth, you’ll have the chance to see some extraordinary creatures, including East African naked mole-rats, mesmerizing Moon Jellyfish, and adorable White-faced Saki Monkeys. Dare to walk along the path where tree branches extend overhead and playful animals emerge to greet you!
Bird Habitats
Enjoy the stunning beauty and diversity of birds from around the world. This space will dazzle you with majestic macaws and flamingos. The zoo’s team works diligently to create environments that mimic natural habitats such as temperate forests and coastal areas, offering direct interaction with some of the birds!
Galápagos Islands
Visiting this newly inaugurated area is an immersive experience in nature and the legacy of Charles Darwin. You’ll encounter famous Humboldt penguins, giant tortoises, sea lions, and more! Dive into the rich history and significance of these animals for science and conservation.
Feed the Giraffes
Get up close and personal with the friendly Masai giraffes at the Houston Zoo. On the giraffe feeding platform, you can hand-feed them lettuce leaves and observe their long tongues and gentle eating habits. This interactive experience is a fantastic opportunity to learn and connect with these magnificent animals.
McNair Elephant Habitat
Meet the young elephants, Winnie and Teddy, who are thriving thanks to the dedicated care and conservation efforts of the Houston Zoo team. Explore the spacious habitat designed for the herd, and enjoy watching the elephants during their daily baths!
Reptile and Amphibian House
Ready for an adventure? The Reptile and Amphibian House showcases some of the world’s most vibrantly colored and venomous snakes and frogs. Don’t miss the formidable Komodo dragon, whose impressive presence and reputation as a top predator command respect. Dare to enter and be amazed!
Visit the South America’s Pantanal
Discover this captivating trail that allows visitors to explore the lush tropical wetlands of Brazil. On land, you can spot majestic cranes, eagles, jaguars, lions, anteaters, and the striking Golden Lion Tamarin. In the water, you’ll encounter playful otters, caimans, and a variety of fish.
World of Primates
Interact with the most engaging area of the zoo, featuring the intelligent and behaviorally fascinating Howler Monkeys, the agile and curious Patas Monkeys, and the noisy orangutans with their expressive faces. These primates are sure to be a highlight of your visit.
Children’s Zoo
Here, fun and adventure come together in a magical setting. Bring your little ones to interact with animals up close. Otters, bouncing goats, the fox, and the Houston toad will be eagerly awaiting their visit. Afterward, head over to the play area where your children’s creativity can shine through engaging activities like playing in mud pits, building with branches, and crafting sand figures. Let their imaginations run wild! Later, unwind with a soothing ride on the wildlife carousel, complete with ambient music.
Water Park at the Houston Zoo
After a day of exploring the Houston Zoo under the sun, cool off with the whole family at the Water Play Park. Enjoy a refreshing and fun-filled break with your loved ones in this splash-tastic oasis. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuits!
Interactive Animal encounter schedule
The Houston Zoo offers specific times for unique encounters with animals in their habitats. In this post, we’ll guide you through these exciting opportunities. Discover the wonderful trails! Ready to explore?
- Giraffe Feeding Platform: Daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Galápagos Tortoises: Sundays and Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. (Leave those red shoes for another occasion; we wouldn’t want them mistaken for treats.) Price: $150 per person.
- Elephant Bath Experience: Thursdays at 9:45 a.m. Price: $250 per person.
- Gorillas: Thursdays at 10:45 a.m. Price: $90 per person.
- Anteater: Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. (If you’re allergic to peanut butter or avocado, please note these will be present.) Price: $150 per person.
- Elephants: Fridays and Saturdays at 12:45 p.m. Price: $220 per person.
- Children’s Zoo Farm: Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Price: $90 per person.
To capture the moment, please use no flash to ensure the comfort of our animal residents. However, you can enjoy a specially planned photo opportunity by the Zoo.
Plan your visit
Get ready to explore the Houston Zoo and embark on an exciting journey through the diverse habitats of our planet.
- Location: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Hours: The Houston Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last entry: 4:00 p.m.) Tickets for the Houston Zoo are available for purchase until October 31st.
- Tickets: Purchase your tickets online, as they are NOT available at the gate.
- Prices: Adult (13 to 64 years): Starting at $24.95
- Senior (65+): Starting at $20.95
- Child (3 to 12 years): Starting at $19.95
- Toddler (2 years and under): Free
- Additional attractions may have extra costs.
We recommend buying your tickets at least 2 days in advance, as they often sell out!
Best time to visit the Houston Zoo
While any time is a great time to visit, the months from February to April offer the best experience due to the pleasant weather. Enjoy exploring the zoo’s outdoor trails under the Texas sun!
Practical tips for visiting the Houston Zoo
Here are some important recommendations to help you prepare for your visit to the Houston Zoo.
Check the website: Visit the Houston Zoo’s official website to stay updated on upcoming events, special offers, and coupons.
Prepare to Walk: The Houston Zoo features approximately 72 exhibits. Wear comfortable footwear to explore each one without limitations. It’s advisable to allocate at least 2 hours to fully experience the zoo.
Utilize On-Site Amenities: Along your visit, you’ll find snack stations, water refill stations, and public restrooms to ensure a comfortable experience.
Accessible Trails: Explore the Houston Zoo with ease on wheelchair-accessible paths. Enjoy close-up experiences at the “Elephant Encounter,” “Elephant Bath Experience,” and “Gorilla Encounter.” These 3 habitats are designed to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone.
Travelers, visiting the Houston Zoo supports global animal conservation efforts!
Map
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is admission to the Houston Zoo?
General admission to the Houston Zoo starts at $20.95 for visitors aged 13 and up. Prices may vary based on the date and time of your visit.
How do I get to the Houston Zoo?
Getting to the Houston Zoo is a breeze! In this guide, we’ll show you your best options for getting there. For the most convenient and cost-effective travel, consider renting a car.
Driving from Houston Airport (IAH): Take Hardy Toll Rd, then John F Kennedy Blvd. Use the left lane to exit toward Downtown/Texas, continue on Fannin St, and follow the signs to Hermann Park Dr.
- Duration: About 30 minutes
- Fuel Cost: Starting at $7.00
By Bus: Take Bus 102 from Metropolitan Transit Harris County to Hermann Park/Rice U, then walk about 11 minutes to the zoo.
- Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Fare: Starting at $3.00 per person.
Driving from Downtown Houston: Head to Capitol St, then La Branch St, and take I-69. Turn left onto Hermann Park Dr..
- Duration: About 15 minutes.
- Fuel Cost: Starting at $4.00
By Light Rail: Take the METRORail from Downtown Houston and get off at the “Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo” station.
- Duration: About 40 minutes.
- METRORail Fare: Starting at $3.00 per person.
Should I visit the Houston Zoo or the Downtown Aquarium?
Choosing between the zoo and the aquarium depends on what interests you most. Visit the Houston Zoo if you love seeing land animals, exploring outdoor spaces, and observing a variety of species like mammals, birds, and reptiles. It’s a great opportunity to learn about biodiversity and snap photos of incredible animals.
Visit the Downtown Aquarium if you’re fascinated by marine life and prefer indoor attractions. Here, you can see colorful tropical fish, sharks, rays, and thousands of aquatic creatures. Plus, you’ll enjoy educational workshops about ocean conservation!
How much is admission to the Downtown Aquarium?
Admission to the Downtown Aquarium is $15.99. Additional activities within the aquarium may have extra costs.
When is admission free to the Houston Zoo?
The Houston Zoo offers free admission on the first Tuesday of each month from September to May.
Traveler, we look forward to sharing more about iconic destinations around the world with you in the future!
