Houston Zoo: Top Things to See & Do During Your Visit

Searching for a destination that perfectly combines wildlife, adventure, and conservation? Then, a visit to the Houston Zoo should definitely be on your bucket list. Located in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is one of the most visited zoos in the US, welcoming more than a million visitors annually. This zoo spreads across 55 acres and is home to more than 6,000 animals representing more than 900 species, with popular exhibits like African Forest, McNair Asian Elephant Habitat, a friendly atmosphere, animal conservation, and a wonderful experience. 

Whether you are visiting with family, friends, or children, this zoo offers breathtaking views, wildlife & interactive exhibits, educational experiences, and walking trails. In this travel guide, you will discover detailed information regarding the Houston Zoo.

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 Houston Zoo at a Glance (Quick Facts) 

This table is about the quick facts of the Houston Zoo, mentioned below:

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.

 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 2nd most visited zoo in the United States 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.

How to Get to the Houston Zoo 

Several modes of transport for group transportation to get to the Houston Zoo easily, like the MetroRail, by bus, by driving, by van, or by rideshare. 

• Travel by Metrorail: The easiest and stress-free choice is the Metrorail Red Line. Get down to the Memorial Hermann Hospital or Herman park which takes 10 minutes, and then take a short walk from there to the Houston Zoo.  

• Travel by Bus: A good option for visitors looking for an economical way to reach the Houston Zoo. Take metro bus lines 4, 28, 56, 292, and 298 that take you within walking distance of the Houston Zoo. 

• Travel via Rideshare: You can book a rideshare like Uber, Lyft, or a local taxi that can pick you up and drop you off at the assigned location.

Parking Information at Houston Zoo 

Visitors can also reach the zoo by car and then, as there are free parking slots available in Lots E, F, G, and H, visit Hermann Park.

 Top Things to See at Houston Zoo

Here is a closer look at the things to do in houston zoo that make worth to visit here. 

African Forest Exhibit

Visiting the Houston Zoo to see the different African forest exhibits gives you an amazing experience. The African Forest exhibit is around 6.5  acres & offers you the opportunity to see wildlife like Red river hogs, chimpanzees, western lowland gorillas, Masai giraffes, ostriches, zebras, and white rhinoceroses. Visitors can enjoy popular experiences like feeding 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.  The feeding coming during morning time from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm is a good time for you.

Galapagos Islands Exhibit

Coming to the Galápagos Islands Exhibit will provide you with the best exhibits at the Houston Zoo. This island is filled with several plants & animals, which gives a captivating experience. Here you will see California sea lions, Galápagos tortoises, Humboldt penguins, bonnethead sharks, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. In the recreated archipelago habitat. Zoo Educators let them know how plastic directly harms people as well as animals. 

Reptile & Amphibian House

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, newts, and lizards on display. The advisor will let you know about these wildlife & how they take care of them. The zoo provides amenities like restrooms and a 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

One of the most memorable things that you can do is book an animal encounter at the Houston Zoo, where you get the opportunity to meet your favourite animals & see how the zookeepers care for them. Kids and their families can learn about their behaviour, feed some of them, observe them, and take photos of them. The animals they are going to watch here are penguins, elephants, anteaters, and tortoises. 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. Animal encounters are open to all ages. Guests under 13 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Observe them and take 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 hand-worked art, hand-painted with different animals or wooden creatures. These animals get the unique armadillo figure design, which is of a camel, giraffe, a lion, etc. They can enjoy live music as the carousel makes its rounds. $9 is to be paid to purchase the ticket to enjoy this carousel.

Note: The wildlife carousel is currently closed for repairs. Check the Houston Zoo’s official website for the latest reopening date.

Attend Seasonal Events

There are some popular seasonal events hosted for people who come from outside to experience. Some of the popular events, like zoo lights, 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 from November through January make it a perfect experience for families and a unique chance to spend the night in the zoo. 

Explore Hermann Park Nearby

Have you visited the Houston zoo to discover immersive things, animals and attractions, and left 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 : 

• 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 closes after 4:00 pm. 

Online Booking Tips

If you want to avoid long lines, especially during summer visits, then the 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 

Best Time To Visit the Houston Zoo 

October through February is the best time to visit the zoo in Houston. During this time, the zoo weather was pleasant, the crowd was smaller & people could enjoy the outdoor exhibits completely. Here is a complete seasonal guide to visiting the Houston Zoo to find what you are looking for.

Disclaimer 

•  Arriving early in the morning is recommended for visitors.

 What to Bring

• The most preferable item that everyone loves is to take sunscreen and apply it on your face.
•  Hats and glasses to protect from the sunlight, especially during summer. 
• Wearing comfortable shoes helps save you from slippery rocks and paths.
• Water bottles to stay hydrated, especially in summer.
• 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, especially 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 will find in the 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’s 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 the Houston Zoo?

Yes, visitors are allowed to bring homemade packed food and snacks to satisfy hunger. 

What are the best exhibits to explore at the Houston Zoo?

Some of the best exhibits that you don’t want to miss is galapagos islands exhibit, the gorilla habitat, and the Texas Wetlands

Is the Houston Zoo good for kids?

Yes, for kids, this place is better because they have a chance to develop their skills by watching certain exhibits and meeting the animals that they imagine.

Final Thought 

Houston Zoo is a location that is friendly for kids and their family members or loved ones. This zoo offers far more than a day out and also offers an opportunity to enjoy wildlife attractions in Houston, events, things to do, and dining.  Whether you are looking out for gorillas in African forests, hand-feeding a giraffe, or spotting flamingo in aviaries. Every visit leaves you with something memorable. Such a type of place should be in their travel itinerary. Plan, book tickets online through official websites, arrive early at this location, and have a memorable time with loved ones.