Searching for a destination that combines adventures with conservation? Visit to the Houston zoo is on your bucket list, which offers an fasinating blend of wildlife conservation & adventure. The Houston Zoo is a destination that is family-friendly & appeals to everyone. This is the second well-known Texas destination with 6,000 animals which is known for its various exhibits like African Forest, McNair Asian Elephant Habitat, friendly atmosphere, animal conservation and offers you a wonderful experience. Visitors can expect to see the breathtaking views of the zoo, wildlifes & interactive exhibits or many more things. In this travel guide, we’re going to provide you with detailed information regarding the Houston Zoo
The Heart of Houston’s Wild: History, Location, and Why Millions Visit
The history of the Houston Zoo
- The zoo was developed in 1922 & spans over 55 acres.
- It was founded with a goal of concern for nature and animal lovers, animal conservation & educating tourists about them.
Location & Accessibility
- The zoo is conveniently located within Houston’s Hermann Park.
- Use the MetroRail red line, buy a ticket at a low cost and reach here within a short time.
- Visitors can also come by vehicle and then, as there are free parking slots available in Lots E, F, G, and H, visit Hermann Park for it, but suggest coming early, 9:00 am.
Why is the Houston Zoo popular?
If visitors are curious about learning and observing nature and animals, the Houston Zoo is the best choice for them. The Houston Zoo is the 2 nd largest and most visited zoo in Texas where millions of visitors come to explore. The Houston Zoo is the location for discovering new things, especially when you are with your kids. Here, they get to know that its various animal species, along with its Interactive exhibits & great attractions for families & tourists, make it a perfect choice for tourism. Moreover, things to do at the Houston Zoo, education by the guides, and conservation make it an attractive place to explore.
Top Things to See at Houston Zoo
Above, you know about the Houston Zoo. Now, see what things are there to see in the Houston zoo, which add charm to this destination.
African Forest Exhibit
Visiting the Houston Zoo to see the different African forest exhibits gives you an amazing experience. African Forest exhibit is around 6.5 acres & offer you the opportunity to see the wildlife like Red river hog, Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Western Lowland Gorillas, kudu, antelope, Ostrich, Giraffes, Cheetahs, rhinos, and more. This place allows visitors to feed the giraffes. Also, you can relish the boardwalks here.
Giraffe Feeding Platform
Want your children and yourself to engage with the activity related to animals? Then go for the Giraffe Feeding Platform at the Houston Zoo. You all will get a face to face feeding experience that you will remember for a lifetime. While feeding, observe the behaviour of the giraffe first. You need to pay $9 for feeding. For the feeding coming during morning time from 10: 00 am is a good time for you
Galapagos Islands Exhibit
Coming to the Galápagos Islands Exhibit will provide you see the best exhibits at the Houston Zoo. This island is filled with several plants & animals, which gives a captivating experience. Here you will see the famous habitats within the underwater like sea lions, sea turtles, Humboldt penguins, etc. Zoo Educators let them know how plastic directly harms people as well as animals.
Reptile & Amphibian House
For first-time visitors & locals, they can go to the Reptile & Amphibian House at the Houston Zoo. There, they can have a great opportunity to see the reptiles, snakes, turtles, alligators, frogs, lizards, etc., in display. Advisor will let you know about these wildlife & how they take care of them. The zoo provides amenities like restrooms, gift shop so that they don’t feel bored while exploring.
Birds & Aviaries
Love to do photography of different animals and species? Visit the Houston Zoo’s famous Birds & three Aviaries that are the African Savanna Aviary, where you can capture grey crowned cranes, hamerkops, etc. Another one is the North American Woodlands, where you have a chance to capture blue grosbeaks and indigo buntings. Last but not least is the South American Wetlands where you capture the Chilean flamingo, the Roseate spoonbill and Southern lapwings.
Best Things to Do at Houston Zoo During Your Visit
Visitors don’t need to feel bored as there are several things to do at this world-class park that they must enjoy while doing them.
Animal Encounters
The first and most experienced thing that you do is an animal encounter at the Houston Zoo, where you get the opportunity to come and meet with your favourite animals & see how the zookeepers take care of them. Kids and their families can learn about their behaviour, feed some of them, observe them, and take photos of them. Animals they are going to watch here are penguins, elephants, anteaters & tortoise, etc. For such an experience, visitors need to book a session in advance and need to arrive at 9:00 am to see these animals at different times. The encounter gets started for those aged 13+. Observe them and take the safety measures.
Ride the Wildlife Carousel
Visitors with their kids don’t miss this interesting activity such as the Wildlife Carousel in the Houston Zoo. These carousels are made with handworked art, handpainted with different animals or wooden creatures. These animals get the unique armadillo figure design, that are of camel, giraffe, penguin, lion, etc. They can enjoy music while it round globe. Those children under 42 inches or less can explore this for free to come with an adult. $9 amount is to be paid to purchase the ticket for enjoying these carousel.
Attend Seasonal Events
There are some popular seasonal events hosted for people who come from the outside to experience. Some of the popular events, like zoo lights, Camp Zoofari, free zoo days, etc., can be enjoyed. But for these events, you need to check the season & timings for your perfect visit. Also, the zoo lights at TXU Energy during the evening, camping safari that starts from morning, and educational events
Explore Hermann Park Nearby
Have you visited the Houston zoo for dicovering about immersive things, animals and attractions, and leaving this place without exploring Hermann Park, then you are missing a great opportunity. As this park is a famous family-friendly attraction, you get several picnic areas with jogging tracks and a stunning rose garden. Here you spend a little time with loved ones enjoying the adventures like train rides, watching fountains, visiting the Mueller outdoor theatre, hiking, biking, etc. Come during the weekly morning in the spring and fall to avoid crowds
Houston Zoo Ticket Information
Wondering about the Houston Zoo ticket prices and hours? Then the points below will help you out with this.
Ticket Prices
- General admission :
| Age groups | Prices |
| Below 1 | Free for them |
| 2 to 11 | $15+ |
| 12 to 64 | $20+ |
| Above then 65 | $15+ |
- Discounts and memberships
To get heavy discounts need to reserve a ticket online with a valid ID/card
NOTE: In this zoo, the prices are dynamic, so check it from the official site
Opening Hours
The opening hours of this adventurous park are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm & the admission gets closed after 4:00 pm.
Online Booking Tips
If you want to avoid long lines especially during summer visits, then best option is to have online bookings. The big advantage is to save your place during crowded weekends.
Note: After booking, the ticket amount is not refundable at all.
Visitor Tips for a Wonderful Experience
Those visitors who are planning their trip to this amazing zoo must read these tips for visiting the Houston Zoo
Ideal Time to Visit the Houston Zoo
- Always try to leave their stay place to reach this park on time, so as not to face any rush.
- To see the active animals, they may come early in the morning
- Make your plan during weekdays, so not face to face too many crowds and enjoy more of the things here.
- Also, buying tickets early is the best option for them.
What to Bring
- The most preferable item that everyone loves is to take sunscreen and apply in face.
- Hats and glasses to protect from sunlight, especially during summer.
- Wearing comfortable shoes helps save you from slippery rocks and paths.
- Water bottles to stay hydrated, especialliy at summers.
- DSLR Cameras for capturing the perfect views of scenery, animals and yourself with a beloved member.
Dining & Food Options
It’s a bit difficult to control your hunger specially when you explore for long hours. To satisfy your hunger, visit Jack’s Cafe where you can choose from multiple food items like sandwiches, ice creams, beverages, etc. The other is Cypress Circle Cafe which you found centre of the zoo, where food items like pizza, salads, burgers, etc are available. Or Twiga Cafe, where items like pizza, grilled cheese, salads, etc., are available for outsiders and locals.
Photography Tips
- Locations like South America Pantanal, the Galapagos Islands & Texas wetlands are ideal for spotting most of the animals here.
- Arriving early to spot multiple animals for photography is perfectly suited for visitors.
- From 9:00 am to 2:00 pm is considered the best time for photography most of the animals are here.
(FAQs)
How long does it take to explore the Houston Zoo?
Exploration of the Houston Zoo. requires 3 to 5 hours for visitors
Is the Houston Zoo worth visiting?
Of course, it’s totally worth visiting
Can you bring food into Houston Zoo?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring home made packed food and snacks to satisfy hunger.
What are the best exhibits to explore at Houston Zoo?
Some of the best exhibits that you don’t miss to explore is galapagos islands exhibit, the gorilla habitat, and the Texas Wetlands
Is Houston Zoo good for kids?
Yes, for kids this place is better where they have a chance to develop their skills by watching certain exhibits and meet with the animals that they imagine.
Final Thought
Ending this Houston travel guide with a final thought and hope that you will get to know about the Houston Zoo that you want to know. Its zoo is a location that is friendly for kids and their family members or loved ones. This zoo will offer a chance to enjoy wildlife attractions in Houston, events, things to do, dining, and more. Or here are activities like feeding giraffes, photography of wildlife, and enjoying a picnic, which give amazing vibes to you. Such a type of place should be in their travel itinerary. Make our next trip plan to this location and have a memorable time with loved ones.