Next time you find yourself in Houston, a great place to spend the day is the Houston Zoo. This 55-acre Zoological Park is home to more than 6,000 animals and is the second most visited zoo in the United States! The zoo’s layout makes it easy to navigate and there are special activities like giraffe feedings and a water play park.
Must See Zoo Areas:
- African Forest
- Bear Habitat- newly expanded this year
- Bug House
- Carruth Natural Encounters
- Texas Wetlands
- Wortham World of Primates
Tip: Arrive early. Get to the zoo right when it opens— the crowds will be smaller, and the animals are more active in the morning.
Special Events
From November 23- January 12, 2020, the Houston Zoo hosts Zoo Lights every night from 5:30-10:30 pm. This event is one of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions. Walk the zoo paths and take in the sight of thousands of LED lights illuminating the way. Enjoy holiday treats, an Infinity Tunnel of Light, and a 4-D Enchanted Forest. Note: this event is purely for holiday entertainment, the zoo animals will not be visible.
Exclusive Experiences
To upgrade your Houston Zoo visit, book an exclusive experience that is not available with the standard visit. These tours and experiences are great for animal lovers, photographers, and anyone that wants to learn more about the animals and how the Houston Zoo cares for wildlife both at the zoo and around the world. Keep in mind, the cost is in addition to the admission price.
Animal Encounters – These encounters focus on interacting with amazing animals, including sloths, sea lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Behind the Scenes Experiences – Journey to staff-only areas of the zoo along with the keepers who care for the animals. The animals and locations you can visit vary by day, so it’s best to check their Experiences Calendar for availability.
Food & Beverage
There are plenty of places to get a quick bite to eat while touring the zoo. Seeing the animals might be your priority, but the Houston Zoo does have a few unique options. Cypress Circle Café is a great place for a sit-down meal of locally sourced, sustainable fare. If you head to Twiga Café for kid-friendly options like pizza and hamburgers, you can sit outside and watch the giraffes and rhinos while you eat!
Tip: The Zoo does allow outside food and drink, so feel free to bring your own water and snacks.
Bonus: Explore the adjacent Hermann Park. This 455-acre recreational park includes the Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the McGovern Centennial Gardens, and Hermann Park Golf Course.
Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
