Houston Zoo

The Basics

General admission tickets give you access to the zoo’s extensive animal exhibits, while the next step up includes single or multiple rides on the Wildlife Carousel. Animal encounter passes allow you to spend time with some of your favorite animals, from Asian elephants to Galapagos tortoises.

If you’re planning to visit more than one major Houston attraction, save money with a multi-attraction pass, which typically covers entry to the zoo, the Downtown Aquarium, Space Center Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and more.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat as there’s limited shade in the outdoor areas.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to spend significant time on your feet.

• The zoo grounds are accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers.

• You are welcome to bring outside food, drink, and coolers into the zoo.

How to Get There

Parking at Hermann Park can be a challenge so it’s a better idea to take a taxi or rideshare to the zoo entrance. The Houston METRORail also stops within walking distance of the zoo; get off at the Hermann Park/Rice U Station.

When to Get There

The zoo is open daily throughout the year, though hours vary by season. Plan to visit first thing in the morning on a weekday as lines can get long later in the day. If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to check out the Zoo Lights holiday event.

Conservation at the Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo has long been a leader in animal conservation, and admission prices help support 49 wildlife conservation projects in 27 countries around the world. During your visit to the zoo, you can adopt an endangered animal in order to help further support these efforts.

What days is the Houston Zoo closed?

The Houston Zoo does have regularly closed days. The zoo is open seven days a week, all year round. It does close on Christmas Day (December 25) plus January 10 and January 11, but is open on all other major holidays. Some exhibits may close early for special events.

What is the best time to go to the Houston Zoo?

As with other family-friendly attractions, the Houston Zoo can get very busy on the weekends, particularly during school vacations. Visiting at 9am (right when it opens) offers the best chance of beating the crowds. Some animals are also livelier early in the day, and animal encounters generally happen in the morning.

Can I bring a backpack to the Houston Zoo?

Yes, you can bring a small backpack to the Houston Zoo. Many people bring smaller packs with food, drink, spare clothing, sun protection, and baby items, but larger bags can be a burden. Note that there is no luggage storage a the zoo.

Can I bring food and beverages to the Houston Zoo?

Yes. Although the Houston Zoo has on-site dining venues, you can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to the zoo, in a cooler if you’d like. Note that glass bottles, plastic straws, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on zoo grounds. The zoo’s food and beverage outlets only accept credit cards, not cash.

Does the Houston Zoo close due to the weather?

Yes. The Houston Zoo occasionally closes early or cancels the Houston Zoo Lights due to extreme weather, be that freezing conditions, heavy rain, or thunderstorms. When this happens, you can transfer your unused ticket to another date.

What do Houston Zoo tickets include?

A Houston Zoo ticket includes admission to the 55-acre (22-hectare) zoo and a look at its more than 4,500 animals, as well as access to keeper talks and many shows and displays. The wildlife carousel, animal encounters, and giraffe feedings cost extra, as do stroller and wheelchair rentals.

Ways to explore

The Houston Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions, and in efforts to manage crowds, it requires non-members to book tickets in advance. Reserve your timed-entry ticket online, and purchase add-ons—such as a giraffe-feeding experience—upon arrival.

If you plan to visit more of Houston's top sights, save money with CityPASS®, which covers entry to the zoo, the Downtown Aquarium, Space Center Houston, and more. You can see even more of the city, from downtown landmarks to sports venues, on a private van tour, requesting drop-off at the zoo to explore at your own pace.

Accessibility

The zoo is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available to rent for a fee.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, picnic lunch (outside food and drink are permitted)

What to wear

The zoo is mostly outdoors, so wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire.

Not allowed

Smoking, alcohol, non-service animals

Amenities

Restrooms, dining options, nursing area

Address 

The Houston Zoo is about 4 miles (2 kilometers) from downtown. Free parking can fill up fast, so you may prefer to take a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation. Alternatively, book a private Houston sightseeing tour and request to end at Hermann Park.

Driving

The zoo is within a 15-minute drive of downtown and other major attractions, and free parking is available in several lots along Hermann Park Drive. If those are full, find a spot in one of the many paid garages nearby.

Public transportation

By METRORail, take the Red Line and get off at the Hermann Park/Rice U station. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to the zoo through the Commons.

Best times to visit

Plan to arrive at the zoo early in the morning to avoid the midday crowds and sun.

Best days to visit

Visit between Monday and Friday if you can—the Houston Zoo is at its most crowded on weekends.

Best months to visit

Houston summers are hot and humid, so aim to experience the outdoor zoo between March–April or October–November for more pleasant temperatures.

Special events

From late November through early January, get an after-hours look at the zoo—plus animal-themed holiday displays—at Zoo Lights.