Houston Zoo Tickets, Hours, Map, Free Days, Price, Lights, Parking Details

Houston Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Texas, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. It is home to more than 6,000 animals from over 900 species, representing a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems. Whether you are looking for a fun family outing, an educational experience, or a way to support wildlife conservation, Houston Zoo has something for everyone.

In this blog post, we will explore the history, highlights, and tips for visiting Houston Zoo, and answer some frequently asked questions about this amazing place.

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Houston Zoo Hours and Ticker Prices

Houston Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Christmas Day. The last entry is at 3 p.m., and the zoo closes at 5 p.m. The admission prices are as follows:

• Adults (12-64): $24.95
• Children (2-11): $19.95
• Seniors (65+): $19.95
• Children (under 2): Free
• Members: Free

You can also purchase tickets online in advance, and save $1 per ticket. Online reservations are required for non-member guests at this time. You can also use the CityPASS to visit the zoo and other attractions in Houston and save up to 47%.

Animals at the Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo has several themed areas, each featuring different animals and habitats. Some of the most popular areas are:

• The African Forest: This area showcases the wildlife and culture of Africa, with animals such as gorillas, chimpanzees, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and ostriches. You can also feed a giraffe, watch a gorilla training session, or explore a replica of a Masai village.
• The Galápagos Islands: This area is the newest exhibit at the zoo, opened in 2023, and features animals and plants from the unique archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. You can see giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, flamingos, and more. You can also learn about the conservation efforts of the zoo and its partners in the Galápagos.
• The McNair Asian Elephant Habitat: This area is home to the largest land mammals in the world, the Asian elephants. You can watch them play, bathe, and interact with their keepers, and learn about their natural history and threats. You can also see other Asian animals, such as Malayan tapirs, orangutans, and Komodo dragons.
• The Kipp Aquarium: This area features over 200 species of aquatic animals, from colorful fish and coral reefs, to sharks and stingrays. You can also touch a sea star, a sea urchin, or a sea anemone at the touch tank.
• The John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo: This area is designed for kids and families, with interactive exhibits, playgrounds, and animal encounters. You can meet farm animals, such as goats, pigs, and chickens, or exotic animals, such as otters, meerkats, and bats. You can also watch a live show at the Wildlife Carousel Theater, or ride the Wildlife Carousel.

These are just some of the many areas and animals that you can see at Houston Zoo. You can also visit the Reptile and Amphibian House, the Birds of the World, the Carnivores, the Hoofed Run, and more.

Education Programs at the Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is also a place to learn and have fun, with a variety of education programs and activities for all ages and interests. Some of the education programs at the zoo are:

• Zoo School: This program offers classes, camps, and workshops for preschoolers, kids, teens, and adults, covering topics such as animal behavior, ecology, art, and more. You can also enroll in online courses, or join the Zoo Crew, a volunteer program for teens.
• Field Trips: This program offers guided and self-guided tours, scavenger hunts, and curriculum-based activities for school groups, homeschoolers, and other groups. You can also request a virtual field trip, or a Zoomobile, a mobile zoo that visits your location.
• Overnights: This program offers a unique opportunity to spend the night at the zoo, and experience the nocturnal activities of the animals. You can choose from different themes, such as Bug Out, Wild Winks, or Beastly Breakfast.
• Events: This program offers special events and festivals throughout the year, such as Zoo Boo, Zoo Lights, Earth Day, and more. You can also celebrate your birthday, wedding, or other occasion at the zoo.

Things to Do at the Houston Zoo

There is so much to do and see at Houston Zoo, that you may need more than one day to explore it all. Here are some of the things that you can do at the zoo:

• Feed a Giraffe: You can feed a giraffe at the Giraffe Feeding Platform, located in the African Forest, for $7 per person. You can also watch the giraffes being fed by their keepers at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• Meet a Keeper: You can meet a keeper and learn more about the animals and their care at various locations and times throughout the zoo. You can also watch animal training sessions, enrichment activities, and feeding demonstrations.
• Ride the Wildlife Carousel: You can ride the Wildlife Carousel, featuring hand-carved and painted animals, for $3 per person. The carousel is located near the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo.
• Shop and Dine: You can shop for souvenirs, gifts, and animal-themed items at the Gift Shop, located near the main entrance. You can also dine at the Brown Education Center Cafe, the Twiga Terrace, or the Herzstein Trading Post.
• Choose your favorites: The zoo is very large and has a lot of exhibits and attractions, so you may not be able to see everything in one day. You can use the zoo’s app or website to plan your itinerary and prioritize the animals and activities that interest you the most. You can also check the daily schedule for animal feedings, keeper talks, and shows.

Houston Zoo has a variety of themed areas and exhibits, featuring animals from different regions and habitats, such as Africa, Galápagos, Asia, and more. You can also enjoy various activities and attractions, such as feeding a giraffe, meeting a keeper, riding the carousel, shopping and dining, and choosing your favorites.

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Tips for Visiting the Houston Zoo

Visiting the Houston Zoo can be a fun and memorable experience for you and your family, but it can also be overwhelming and exhausting if you are not prepared. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• Plan ahead: Check the zoo’s website for the latest information on opening hours, ticket prices, parking options, and special events. You can also download the zoo’s app for interactive maps, animal facts, and daily schedules.
• Arrive early or late: The zoo is usually less crowded in the first and last hours of the day, and the animals are more active in the morning and evening. If you arrive early, you can park for free in Hermann Park, but if you arrive late, you may have to pay for parking in nearby garages.
• Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as you will be walking a lot and exposed to the sun. You can also bring a water bottle and refill it at the water fountains throughout the zoo. If you visit in the summer, you may want to bring a swimsuit and a towel for the water play park.
• Bring your own food: You can save money and time by bringing your own food and drinks to the zoo, as long as they are not in glass containers or have alcohol. You can also use the picnic areas and grills in Hermann Park, or buy food from the zoo’s cafes and kiosks.
• Choose your favorites: The zoo is very large and has a lot of exhibits and attractions, so you may not be able to see everything in one day. You can use the zoo’s app or website to plan your itinerary and prioritize the animals and activities that interest you the most. You can also check the daily schedule for animal feedings, keeper talks, and shows.

Visiting the Houston Zoo can be a lot of fun if you plan ahead, arrive early or late, dress comfortably, bring your own food, and choose your favorites.

Houston Zoo Free Days

Explore the wonders of the animal kingdom at no cost during the Houston Zoo Free Days! This exceptional offer allows visitors to experience the Houston zoo without an admission fee. Available monthly, on the first Tuesday from September through May, except for January when it occurs on the second Tuesday. Note that Free Days are not available in June, July, and August.

To ensure a smooth visit during these Free Days, remember to reserve your tickets online in advance, as gate purchases are unavailable. While members enjoy the privilege of visiting without reservations, non-member guests must book online. Mark your calendar for January 3 at 7:00 p.m., when tickets for January and February become available.

While Free Days grant access to the zoo, they exclude additional attractions like the carousel, giraffe feeding, or the enchanting Zoo Lights. These can be enjoyed at their regular prices. Feel free to bring your own food and beverages (excluding alcohol and glass containers) and make use of the picnic areas and grills in Hermann Park, or indulge in the zoo’s array of cafes and kiosks.

Given their popularity, Free Days can attract large crowds, particularly on weekends and holidays. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting early or late in the day, on weekdays, or check the zoo’s website or app for real-time updates on animal exhibits, weather, and parking.

These Free Days offer a delightful opportunity to support the zoo’s wildlife conservation mission. For frequent visitors seeking additional perks, consider a zoo membership for year-long free daytime admission and other benefits, or opt for a CityPASS to enjoy up to 47% off on Houston’s top 5 attractions, including the zoo.

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Houston Zoo Parking

Parking at the Houston Zoo can be challenging, especially on weekends and holidays, when the zoo is very busy and the free parking lots in Hermann Park fill up quickly. However, there are some alternatives and tips to help you find a parking spot near the zoo:

• Houston Museum of Natural Science Parking Garage: This garage is located on the north side of Hermann Park, about a 10-minute walk from the zoo’s main entrance. It offers public parking for $20 and members parking for $10. You can also use the CityPASS to get a discount on parking.
• Medical Center + Museum District Parking: These are several parking garages and lots located south and east of Hermann Park, about a 15-minute walk from the zoo. They offer parking for $5 to $15, depending on the location and the day of the week. You can also use the METRORail to get to the zoo from these parking areas.
• Centennial Gardens Lot: This lot is located on the west side of Hermann Park, near the McGovern Centennial Gardens. It offers free parking for up to three hours, but it has limited spaces and may be closed for special events.
• Ride-hailing or carpooling: You can avoid the hassle of parking by using a ride-hailing service, such as Uber or Lyft, or by carpooling with your friends or family. You can also use the METRO bus system to get to the zoo from various locations in Houston.

Parking at the Houston Zoo can be difficult, but you can use the Houston Museum of Natural Science Parking Garage, the Medical Center + Museum District Parking, the Centennial Gardens Lot, or a ride-hailing or carpooling service to find a parking spot near the zoo.

Houston Zoo Lights

Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at the Houston Zoo Lights event, an annual extravaganza that transforms the Houston Zoo into a breathtaking winter paradise. Illuminated by over 15 miles of LED lights, the Houston Zoo Lights event runs from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024, every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with entry closing at 9:30 p.m.

Discover a world where zoo animals, such as elephants, giraffes, and sea lions, are adorned in a spectacular array of lights, creating a unique nocturnal adventure. Immerse yourself in the magic with these standout features:

• Candy the Zoo Lights Zebra: A delightful inflatable zebra, sponsored by H-E-B, welcomes you. Capture memorable selfies with Candy and share your moments using #houstonzoo.
• Holiday Tree: Marvel at a 33-foot glittering tree, a centerpiece sponsored by TransCanada, offering a dazzling light and music show every half hour.
• Enchanted Forest: Wander through a luminous tunnel, discover a fairy garden, and encounter a mythical unicorn. Make a wish at the wishing well amidst nature’s melodies.
• Texas Wetlands: Explore this new section highlighting Texas’s native flora and fauna, including alligators and bald eagles, while learning about conservation efforts.

Enhance your visit with additional activities:

• S’mores and Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these winter treats at the S’mores Village, with options to purchase kits and hot chocolate vouchers online.
• Wildlife Carousel: A $3 ride on a beautifully crafted carousel near the Children’s Zoo.
• Educational Experiences: Engaging keeper talks, animal encounters, and demonstrations provide insights into the zoo’s inhabitants.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by local artists and interactive fun near the Holiday Tree.

Tickets for Houston Zoo Lights vary by date and time, with online advance purchases offering savings. Utilize CityPASS for combined savings on Houston’s attractions.

Celebrate this festive season at Houston Zoo Lights, a charming event that not only offers a joyful experience but also supports the zoo’s wildlife conservation mission. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable holiday adventure!

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Final Thoughts on Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers in Texas. It offers a variety of exhibits, attractions, and activities for all ages and interests. You can see over 6,000 animals from over 900 species, representing different regions and habitats.

If you are planning to visit Houston Zoo, you should check their website for the latest information on opening hours, ticket prices, parking options, and special events. You can also buy your tickets online in advance and save money, or use the CityPASS to visit the zoo and other attractions in Houston.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to experience the wonders of nature and the beauty of animals at Houston Zoo. Book your tickets today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

FAQs on Houston Zoo

Which Zoo is better Dallas or Houston?

Deciding between the Dallas Zoo and Houston Zoo depends on what you’re looking for. Individually, the Houston Zoo boasts a more diverse collection than Dallas Zoo. However, when evaluating the combined exhibits of the Dallas Zoo and the nearby Fort Worth Zoo, they offer a greater variety than Houston’s. Choose based on the variety of species or the combined experience of two zoos in Dallas-Fort Worth.

What day is the Zoo free in Houston?

The Houston Zoo offers free admission on the first Tuesday of each month, during its daytime hours. To ensure entry, non-member guests must reserve their tickets online beforehand, while members can visit without an online reservation.

How long does it take to see the whole Houston Zoo?

Visitors can generally see the entire Houston Zoo in one day. Efficient planning and early arrival help maximize your visit. Utilize the available zoo maps and take advantage of the shaded walks for a comfortable experience. Plan your day well to cover all the exhibits.

What is the biggest Zoo in Texas?

The Dallas Zoo, encompassing 106 acres, is the largest zoo in Texas. As a prominent attraction near downtown Dallas, it provides an expansive wildlife experience and is renowned for being a top educational and conservation institution in the state.