Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Houston Zoo provides a fun, unique, and inspirational experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world. Essentially a small city encompassing a world of ecosystems and experiences, the Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts. We have over 6000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! In addition, we have over 1.84 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well being of our residents and guests.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Medical Center
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,120 within 3 miles
Attractions
426 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Mary DGrand Rapids, Michigan22 contributionsHouston zooVery nice zoo. Lots of animals. Very clean and seems well run. Good map and signage throughout. Maybe they had it but we didn’t see a schedule of events like what time they fed different animals or did special talks.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 April 2023
- holidayqueen2013137 contributionsAmazing ZooWe visited the zoo on a weekday it was not as busy as it would be on a weekend which made it very pleasant to walk around. The zoo is kept very clean and tidy. It would be a great day out for all the family! Lots of animals to see. I would highly recommend a visit to the zoo. The Zoo is also on the edge of Hermann park which is great to visit after.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 May 2023
- BrendaH40Alvin, Texas567 contributionsI love the zooWe went in the heat of June. Had shaded places and some air conditioned buildings. You must like children since they are everywhere. But there excitement is contagious. To see everything you will walk a ton and parking can be a challenge. Great place to see animals.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 3 June 2023
- VGrietLeuven, Belgium187 contributionsBeautiful zoo, accommodating for people and animalsWe enjoyed visiting the Houston zoo. Lots of parking nearby, beautiful cultural settings and attention for detail. Very clea n zoo and animals were well taken care for. As Houston can get quite hot , cooling fans are provided for animals and humans at certain locations. Of course for animal health, animals have the option to head inside as they prefer. (In our experience, only missed a few animals) Earlier posts about not having any shade, I disagree, the zoo has put many efforts to provide shaded areas near exhibits as much as possible. We also LOVED that you could refill you water bottles at several water points.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 September 2023
- Anne BRamona, California2 contributionsA great place to take the grandkids!We love taking our grandkids to the Zoo. We live in San Diego, so we live near one of the best zoos. We took our 3 yr old granddaughter to the Houston zoo today. A great outing! A nice variety of exhibits, fairly level which is great with a little one, and the seasonal displays added throughout add a lot of fun. Last time, the Galapagos Islands area was under construction, so today was our first time to see that exhibit. Well done!! Don’t miss the Galapagos exhibit.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 October 2023
- Kevin BMount Juliet, Tennessee2,325 contributionsNice zoo!This was a nice zoo! We came here last year while visiting for a wedding and it was a nice way to spend a spring morning. Parking was a challenge, but it was a weekend, so we expected that. The zoo has lots of nice exhibits and the animals appeared well-cared for throughout. We particularly enjoyed seeing the red pandas and elephants as they are two of our favorite animals. There was lots of shaded areas around the exhibits, which was a nice touch since it can get so hot in south Texas. If you're a member of your local zoo (Nashville for us), you may be able to get discounted tickets for the Houston Zoo. Ours were half off!Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 December 2023
- marie bWinnipeg, Canada255 contributionsGreat day!Used the city pass. Free parking. Beautiful park that the zoo is situated in. Other reviews said it was hard to find parking, I did not find this at all. There is plenty of parking. Great grounds of the zoo, beautiful animals. It was a little bit confusing as to the layout, but managed to see everything. Must go of visiting Houston.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 December 2023
- Jemima BWellington, New Zealand5 contributionsBest time ever. We loved the Reptile houseWe were visiting from NZ, and my 11 year old was so excited to see the reptiles. She was at the Reptile house at 9:30am on the dot, for the doors to open. Fantastic range of reptiles and snakes, and we were lucky to see them more active so early. We caught Eddie the zoo keeper on his shift, and we were so pleased. He took so much time to answer all my kids curious questions, and shared so many facts and stories about working there. Was a highlight for us. The rest of the zoo was fantastic, such a great range of animals and spaces. The Galapagos area especially with the tanks and aquarium set ups. Beautiful places to just sit and stare! Highly recommend, plan for the full day.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 February 2024
- Scottishgirl52Whistler, Canada52 contributionsHouston zoo the bestWe haven't been to a zoo for years. We were in Houston for a couple of days and spent over 4 hours at the zoo. Buying tickets on line was easy. Paper maps at the gate was helpful. Impressed with the size of the zoo. A large herd of elephants. Giraffes that you could buy food to feed. Such h a wide variety of animals. The zoo was very clean. Lots of picnic spots to enjoy your own food or purchase.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
4,244 reviews
Excellent
2,577
Very good
1,216
Average
339
Poor
62
Terrible
50
Scottishgirl52
Whistler, Canada52 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We haven't been to a zoo for years. We were in Houston for a couple of days and spent over 4 hours at the zoo. Buying tickets on line was easy. Paper maps at the gate was helpful. Impressed with the size of the zoo. A large herd of elephants. Giraffes that you could buy food to feed. Such h a wide variety of animals. The zoo was very clean. Lots of picnic spots to enjoy your own food or purchase.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,858 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
My nieces love to come here as it is a pretty park and the animals are fun. Well-maintained and the animals are well taken care of. Prices have gone up.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fearless Rabbit
Killeen, TX491 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
To start you have to do everything online now: purchase your tickets, reserve activities and rent accessories. I have seen many other zoos, and this one is good, but there is nothing special about it. The Elephants and Gerraffs were the best, and are worth to see. The zoo has a confusing set up and many exhibits were empty. While it is a nice zoo there is nothing spectacular about it. It was extremely busy.
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jemima B
Wellington, New Zealand5 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
We were visiting from NZ, and my 11 year old was so excited to see the reptiles. She was at the Reptile house at 9:30am on the dot, for the doors to open. Fantastic range of reptiles and snakes, and we were lucky to see them more active so early. We caught Eddie the zoo keeper on his shift, and we were so pleased. He took so much time to answer all my kids curious questions, and shared so many facts and stories about working there. Was a highlight for us. The rest of the zoo was fantastic, such a great range of animals and spaces. The Galapagos area especially with the tanks and aquarium set ups. Beautiful places to just sit and stare! Highly recommend, plan for the full day.
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terilee A
Charleston, WV34 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
The zoo was awesome! The animals were out where you could see them and it was really affordable. We spent the whole day there and had a great time and got done really cool photos!
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marie b
Winnipeg, Canada255 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Used the city pass. Free parking. Beautiful park that the zoo is situated in. Other reviews said it was hard to find parking, I did not find this at all. There is plenty of parking.
Great grounds of the zoo, beautiful animals. It was a little bit confusing as to the layout, but managed to see everything.
Must go of visiting Houston.
Great grounds of the zoo, beautiful animals. It was a little bit confusing as to the layout, but managed to see everything.
Must go of visiting Houston.
Written 25 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin B
Mount Juliet, TN2,325 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This was a nice zoo! We came here last year while visiting for a wedding and it was a nice way to spend a spring morning. Parking was a challenge, but it was a weekend, so we expected that. The zoo has lots of nice exhibits and the animals appeared well-cared for throughout. We particularly enjoyed seeing the red pandas and elephants as they are two of our favorite animals. There was lots of shaded areas around the exhibits, which was a nice touch since it can get so hot in south Texas.
If you're a member of your local zoo (Nashville for us), you may be able to get discounted tickets for the Houston Zoo. Ours were half off!
If you're a member of your local zoo (Nashville for us), you may be able to get discounted tickets for the Houston Zoo. Ours were half off!
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debutant95
France206 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
I have seen other zoos in the world, this one is good, but nothing fantastic. Quite expensive. Several places are empty. Information about the animals are limited. Could do much better.
Note that only online tickets can be bought!
Note that only online tickets can be bought!
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline K
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
So I had been wanting to see the new Zoo exhibit the Ganopolis Islands, as well as some of our usual favorite exhibits. To start you have to do everything by phone now. Purchase your tickets rent a wheelchair etc. The admission to the zoo was terribly expensive over $100 for two adults and one child. We wanted to rent an electric scooter for a family member that has trouble walking yet they wanted $45 to rent it. Ended up renting a wheelchair instead for $18. Bought the kids an icy drink, at over $12 a drink. Too many of the exhibits are outdated and are not at all appropriate for the animals. Very outdated not nearly enough space for areas for the animals to get enough movement or stimulation. I don't mind paying the higher fees if the animals had a better environment.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kgtx
Texas38 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
For such a large city and zoo there wasn't much to see in animals. The elephants were the most exciting part. Even the lady squirting them with water wasn't interactive. She acted as though it was just a job. Uggh. The gardens and grounds are pretty. The zoo near us in Waco is by far much better. Trying to park is an adventure on it's own. Plan to do circles once you finally reach the parking lot.
Written 13 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Si compré boletos en línea y no me llega el correo que puedo hacer
Sergio G
Lima, Peru16 contributions
En que aplicativo compraste de alli se descargan
Alexandra B
Dallas, TX
is not rely what i was lukin but i just want to now how it cost to enter the zoo
Kimberly N
Baytown, TX
What time can i go to the zoo if i buy a lone star benefit discount ticket?
TracyM
Cincinnati, OH958 contributions
Is the Houston zoo hilly? Wanting to bring someone with us that struggles with hills. Any tips for places to sit and watch animals or let her grandkids play while she watches?
Schieleclan
Houston, TX87 contributions
Not at all. The paths are wide and very easy to get around. Lots of benching to stop and rest or just take in the sights. You shouldn’t have any issues.
Permiten hieleras
Schieleclan
Houston, TX87 contributions
Yes, you can bring coolers. But no alcohol, glass bottles or plastic straws.
BridalSpirit007
Houston, TX7 contributions
Do you bring selfie stick with you?
Albert777
Sugar Land, TX36 contributions
Yes , there is no current restrictions on selfie sticks at the Houston Zoo
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Frequently Asked Questions about Houston Zoo
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Houston Zoo:
- Houston CityPASS® (From £60.08)
- Houston City Sightseeing Tour (From £49.81)
- Private Houston Sightseeing Tour, 3hr Mural Tour (From £312.28)
- Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Houston (From £219.56)
- Houston Scavenger Hunt: Houston's Museum District (From £9.73)
- Hotels near Houston Zoo:
- (0.70 mi) Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
- (0.66 mi) Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District
- (0.71 mi) The Westin Houston Medical Center
- (0.94 mi) InterContinental Houston, an IHG Hotel
- (1.14 mi) Blossom Hotel Houston
- Restaurants near Houston Zoo:
- (0.70 mi) Terrace 54 Bar + Table
- (0.28 mi) Subway
- (0.29 mi) Ginger Kale
- (0.74 mi) Lucille's
- (0.72 mi) Monarch
- Attractions near Houston Zoo:
- (0.26 mi) Hermann Park
- (0.41 mi) Miller Outdoor Theatre
- (0.20 mi) Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum
- (0.52 mi) Houston Museum District
- (0.48 mi) Rice University Campus