The Houston Zoo has and always will be a special place in my heart in Houston. We may be one of the largest cities in the country, but as far as being a tourist destination, we are not that. The zoo though is a must see in the city. I grew up coming here. From field trips to bringing out of town guests here, it was always at least a yearly visit. Throughout the years, this place has had many changes and it only gets better and better. Parking can be rough at peak times. The direct lot in front can be used for people attending the zoo or visiting Hermann Park. Definitely plan ahead to avoid parking lot nightmares. Tickets have gradually went up over the years, but with those ticket hikes come new and cool additions and experiences in the park. I suggest buying your tickets ahead of time online to avoid the long lines at the gate. The zoo is 55 acres and had a lot to see. I read the zoo now hosts upwards of 575 species with upwards of 4000 animals. You can spend a whole day here seeing all the well maintained animal enclosures. They have everything from the African Forest to the Galapagos Islands and everything in between. There's a wonderful children's zoo where your kids can have a blast playing and see fun animals. You can hand feed giraffes. They also have neat animal encounters on certain days and times. There's a carousel people of all ages can enjoy. There are plenty of snack and dining options all around if you want to grab a bite or a drink. At my age these days, I mainly come for the after hour special events they have throughout the year. I never miss Brew at the Zoo, where adults 21 and over get to come in after hours and explore the zoo while trying vendors upon vendors of local and national brands of adult beverages. During the holidays, I like coming for Zoo Boo or Zoo lights. My all time favorite event which is a splurge is Feast with the Beasts where attendees get to come in after hours and eat tastes of some of the best restaurants in towns while walking around the zoo. So many fun activities that you have to keep an eye out for throughout the year. You don't have to be a little kid to enjoy this place. If you like the outdoors (when the weather is right) or love animals, the Houston Zoo is a must see. I will most definitely be a regular here. read more

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Happy 713 Day! Getting out of the house was easy when a ticket to the zoo is $7.13. 10 o'clock was not early enough to arrive because all of the lots were already full, and latecomers were circling like vultures. Parking at the Centennial Gardens is a lifesaver, just a brisk walk, 15 or so minutes. The zoo itself is so engaging and currently expanding: there's going to be a rhino viewing area that's set to be finished by 2027. The only real villain of the day was the weather. When it wasn't intensely humid, it was raining like God was trying to power wash away our sins. read more

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This zoo I quite enjoy with its shady trees when the weather can change from humid to rain storm. The exhibits look well taken care of with happy animals. The new sealion exhibit is very nice as you can get a great view of them glide over you. The giant river otters with their crazy antics sliding on the small creek inside their river display. The food is ok, but I rather eat before or after since there many fantastic options around this part of Houston. I recommend at least checking it out for a quick journey into the wild in the middle of Houston. read more

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During my visit to the Houston Zoo last year, there wasn't that many animals around. Even some visitors were asking each other the lack of animals they have in this zoo. This could be budget cuts and what not. Not sure if things have changed since last year. Very thankful for all that work here to take good care of these animals though. read more

Who is beautiful with a lot of vegetation you're out the park. Of course, seeing animals makes my heart melt. I also do get a little sad seeing the animals etc. . Even though I know these animals were rescued. I also get very frustrated with humans that beat and tap on the cages and glass, etc. I could read some of the guests. It would be a zero. Lol however I am reading the zoo in the zoo staff. read more

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Our visit to the Houston Zoo was truly a 10 out of 10 experience. Hats off to everyone involved in maintaining and running such an incredible zoo. The area around the zoo is full of gardens, multiple museums and beautiful landscape. Admission for two adults came out to just under $100. At first that felt a little pricey, but after spending time there, I can confidently say it was worth every penny. Even with a light drizzle during part of our visit, we still had an amazing time. One thing worth noting is that a portion of the zoo is currently under construction through 2027. Even with that, there was still so much to see and experience that it never felt like we were missing out. What impressed us right away was how clean the zoo seemed. Many of the exhibits felt immersive and were interactive. Designed in a way that makes you feel like you're almost inside the animals' environment rather than just looking at them from a distance. The glass at aquarium was so spotless that it almost didn't look like glass at all. It made viewing the animals feel much more personal and unobstructed. The zoo as a whole was very well maintained. The grounds themselves are beautiful; lush, green, and thoughtfully landscaped. There also seemed to be plenty of shade, cafés, and drink stations throughout the zoo, which makes walking around manageable in the Texas heat. Some of our favorite moments were feeding time with the giraffes, which was such a fun and interactive experience. At another point we were able to see a silverback gorilla extremely close up (has glass was not as clean as other exhibits, so bad it felt obstructed. We got to hear and follow the roar of the tiger leading us to its enclosure. The roar really echoed and I could hear people comment on the sound. We especially enjoyed the seal and aquarium area, where we could watch the seals swim, sunbathe, and playing. Even with the drizzly weather, the animals were active and engaging. We didn't even get to see the entire zoo during this visit, which just shows how much there is to do. You could easily spend an entire day here. Next time we plan to arrive earlier and stay the whole day to explore everything. We will absolutely be back. If you're in Houston, the Houston Zoo is definitely worth the visit. read more

Great place to visit in Houston on a nice weather day. Their Zoo Boo & Zoo Lights events are spectacular. So much fun to be had for the daytime & the evening as well. Yes, the tickets can be pricey but there's ways around that. Groupon, City Pass, Student discount, senior discount, free pass days. I love that people can bring their own food but there's also great snacks & meals to buy there as well. Some advice: Buy their refillable drink container ($2 for refills) & the membership if you plan on going at least 3 times in a year especially if you have kids. You'll get your moneys worth. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a portable charger & bring a backpack instead of a purse! read more

Houston Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Houston, Texas

We had such a great day at the Houston Zoo. We are here from Denver visiting our son, and thought we'd spend a nice day at the zoo. We purchased our time entry tickets (my son's student ticket was free, but he did need to show his student ID) for Friday at 12:00. It was a rainy day, so we entered with our rain jackets and umbrellas. Parking in Hermann Park was easy, and we got a spot right close to the zoo entry. The rain was light, and came and went. The day cooler than average at 76 degrees F or so. We wandered from sight to sight, and saw just about everything. We were not able to find the Snow Leopard, nor the Howler Monkeys (including the new baby). We didn't see a bear. The elephants were just going in for feeding time. Still there was so much to see! Monkeys, otters, snakes, bugs, frogs and lily pads, zebras, antelopes, elephants, tigers, lions, leopards, ocelot, the Ant Eater was amazing! There was a sea lion exhibit where you stand in a tunnel, and the sea lions swim over you! And, there was a "cat walk" upon which the leopard would stalk--creepy! The animal attendants were very friendly and interactive, offering information about each animal, including the names and ages of the animals. They were able to answer any question I threw at them--what do they eat? Who gets a long with whom? The signage was interesting, too, with information about each species, and then a white board that is apparently updated frequently with daily news. We were there the Friday prior to Mother's Day, and there were heart signs around, identifying each of the mothers by name, wishing them Happy Mother's Day. Very sweet! Sweetest of all was the just born Gibbon (just 10 days old). It was in its mama's arms, and dad and her other son were playing nearby. The family was incredibly sweet! Dad and 3-year-old son Marv were taking care of each other while Mom was taking care of baby. And watching them swing along their trees was so fun! Favorite exhibits included the Gorilla and the Gibbons. Next time we visit Houston, we will be back on a sunny day, perhaps in the morning, to see if we can find even more! read more

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This is my new favorite zoo - and I have been to a lot if them. It feels intimate. Somehow the animals seem relaxed and happy but are so often engaged. Keepers were very accessible and informative. Everything was clean and well maintained. The layout and signage was logical and informative. Just an all around outstanding experience! read more

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We went to the Houston Zoo first thing yesterday morning and had the wonderful opportunity to see some of the exhibits alone. The animals were awake and moving around and the staff was friendly. The weather was cloudy and humid but everyone was in a good mood. I love the photos I took of the animals here. I was sad the red panda was being seen by the vet for skin allergies and missed it. The rhino exhibit is being repaired right now so be aware of that right now. The giraffe line was so long. Other than that it was a fun experience. read more

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We love the zoo! Parking can be a pain, once you find parking, the zoo is clean and well organized. Many places to sit and relax in the shade. Bring a picnic lunch. Options for food at the zoo as well. Many animals and the new Galapagos area. There is some construction taking place near the Giraffe area. It's a great chance to get out if the weather is right. I am not a fan of going whenever it's super hot because there are limited areas to sit in air conditioning. However a good portion of the walks are covered with trees so you do get shade. read more

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It had been years since my last trip to the Houston Zoo, and this one still holds its own compared to some of the bigger zoos I've visited around the country. Definitely one of the better ones out there. (We gotta be top 5 right?) I came out for one of their Young Professionals Group events (the Flock) It was a beautiful day and such a cool way to experience the zoo. Staff was welcoming, had a couple cocktails and some breakfast in us before we started wandering... My favorites on this day were the Sea lions, the pygmy hippos, and the penguins. Grounds were clean, lots of families out, and it can get pretty busy. No avoiding that. But the place is massive enough that you can still find your own pace. You'll definitely get your steps in.. parking is free, but be ready to walk from the lot to the entrance. Zoo's got alot more got events running throughout the year (Zoo Lights during the holidays is a classic) there's always something new going on. I think they're building new exhibits/experience for 2026. Bottom line: if you haven't been in a while, go. Whether you're bringing kids, going with friends, or just need an excuse to be outside looking at animals, it's worth the trip. read more

Houston Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The zoo did an amazing job with the zoo lights. It's worth the visit for sure. Both adults and children will love this. No the animals are not out except the giraffes. The parking isn't the best only because it's crowded so arrive at least 30 minutes before your ticket time read more

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I've lived in Houston my whole life and love our zoo. It's been cool to see how the zoo has developed throughout the years with their new exhibits and events. We recently went this past weekend and really enjoyed our time. We went in right when they opened and the line moved very fast. we bought our tickets ahead of time and it helped with the speed of checking in. The zoo is currently under some construction but it doesn't seem to be effecting any main attractions or the animals. On this particular day the zoo was crowded but had a good flow! We got to see all of the animals and they were active this day. Let's get into the pros and cons: Pros: clean, friendly employees, lots of animals, and lots of opportunities to be in the shade/ AC. Cons: zoo events like zoo lights of zoo boo gets way too crowded. Unenjoyable... even read more

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We came here for the Houston zoo lights, and it's a really cool experience and is super festive, especially if you've never been before. My only qualm is that the tickets are $36-$41, which is pretty expensive, especially since that doesn't include getting hot chocolate or s'mores, which we bought separately. It was $17 to get one hot chocolate and one s'more, but you get to keep the cup the hot chocolate comes in (it's kind of like a Starbucks cup with the lid). They're playing music everywhere, and there's a lot of different things to look at and explore like a little neon playground and an area with foamy fake snow, etc. read more

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Love the zoo that we are in our 5ish year with membership. The butter popcorn is always tasty! The lemonade and margaritas are always a must! Don't get the pretzels they taste.....don't get them. read more

The Houston zoo is always a great time with the kiddos. The exhibits are beautifully crafted. There's a lot of walking paths , shaded trees, snack , food, drink options and an assortment of animals to experience. We loved the red panda, giraffe , clouded leopard and elephant exhibit. We have the yearly membership and have visited sporadically throughout the year. With each visit , it has been a wonderful experience. read more

Weather was nice so we ventured to the Zoo for an outing . The whole Zoo is decorated beautifully with lights and festival decorations. read more

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I finally made it to the Houston Zoo after being here 5 years. The weather was overcast, and slightly humid. We made a point of trying to see everything before the sun came out. Although, it's Memorial Day, it's not too packed. I guess we are on a Zoo tour, the last one was in Dallas. I think my favorite part of this zoo is the closeness of the Elephants and Gorillas. Literally you feel like you could reach out and touch them. We did not feed the Giraffe's at this location, but they were very much active. We had a great time and will continue our tour to other locations. Next time we will try the park train! read more

Houston Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We came for zoo lights and it was super fun! A lot of the animals were sleeping but there was still a lot to see. The different lights exhibits/areas were very pretty and very fun to walk through. There are different lights for everyone and they are really unique with different kinds of animals, flora, fauna, and lotssssss of photo ops and backdrops. I wish I got more pictures but I was so entranced by the setup. The different activities are fun for people of all ages from children to adults. There is lots of free parking in the zoo's lot. read more

Houston Zoo - Smores - Zoos Near Me - Houston, Texas

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So let me start off by saying we love going to a great Zoo. Houston is by far one of the nicest and cleanest we have been to. We like it so much we signed up for memberships today. So why the low rating? Prior to heading out to the zoo we inquired about the memberships and different options. I am a retired law enforcement officer with almost two decades of service to my community. On occasion companies will offer a discount to Law enforcement and military veterans, active or retired. I confirmed with the person we contacted at the zoo about such a discount. We fully intended to purchase memberships regardless but were told Law enforcement was eligible. When we arrived I was told I did not qualify because I was retired. Apparently when a Law enforcement officer retires the zoo no longer appreciates my service. Fortunately we also have military personnel in our family and were able to use that status for the discount. The Zoo itself and the people working here are great. I have an issue with their policy regarding retired first responders. I just took it personally I guess. read more

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The Houston Zoo is always a good time and have various events for everyone not just kids. On this occasion I came to the zoo for the Sip and Sparkle Event. It's an adults only nighttime event that showcases all the lights and decorations for the holiday season. There are also tables scattered around giving away wine samples. You get 6 drink tickets with entrance but you can buy more tickets or wine by the glass if you want. And for those that don't drink you can purchase an alcohol free entrance ticket and still enjoy the beautiful lights. Most of the animals were tucked away, but we did get a chance to see some giraffes and a rhino . This was a great way to kick off the holiday season and I would definitely recommend. read more

Houston Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Visited the zoo today for Memorial Day. The weather was nice, and we were excited for a fun family outing, but the experience in terms of the zoo ended up being just alright. A lot of the animals were either asleep or not out at all, which made several exhibits feel empty or uneventful. I expected more energy, there was no fun zoo music and interactive entertainment. Navigating the zoo wasn't the easiest either. The signs were kinda small, hard to read, and not always in obvious places. It took extra effort to figure out where we were or what direction to go, especially while pushing a wagon. Some parts of the zoo felt outdated and could use a refresh. The slushy was on point--icy, flavorful, and a much-needed cool-down treat on a warm day. My son enjoyed looking at a few of the animals that were active, and it was nice to get out and walk around. Overall, it wasn't a bad visit, but it felt like the zoo could've done more to make the holiday special--especially for families with young kids. read more

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First, the bad... We spent almost $100 in the gift shop, but they wouldn't give us a bag in the name of conservation, but they didn't offer to sell us a tote bag for five dollars! Feel like that must've been on the lame side... Second, the good. Great zoo! The exhibits are really well done and the place is very walkable with many break areas along the way. We particularly enjoyed the Galapagos Island section with the swim over seal tank that we got to walk through and the penguins that were extremely active and curious. Great time! read more

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I've been to the Houston Zoo a few times over the past few years for Brew at the Zoo and Sip & Sparkle. These events are adults only and occur after hours. The events are a lot of fun and for the most part, you can see many of the animals. Brew at the Zoo is a craft beer event that is usually held at the end of the summer which means it's pretty hot, even in the evening. Sip & Sparkle is a wine event and is basically a preview of Zoo Lights before it opens to the general public. It was a lot of fun and the weather was more enjoyable. They typically have live music, arcade games, ice sculptures, and other activities for attendees. My friend and I love riding the Merry Go Round. I've eaten at The Cypress Circle Cafe each time I've gone and the food is decent. I haven't purchased any snacks or beverages from any of the food carts. There's plenty of free parking in the surrounding parking lots. Kudos to whoever decided to have adults only events at the zoo. If it weren't for these events, I would probably never visit. read more

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Great zoo! Great exhibits! You can tell a lot of thought went into the layouts and a lot of effort went into the cleanliness. If I had a single criticism, I felt like the signage could be a little more accurate, less confusing, and not so spread out (more frequent). It was family friendly and was set up for a long day or a short day! read more

It's been about 4 or 5 years since I went to the Houston zoo for Zoo lights during the Christmas holidays. One of my best friends and I decided to check it out after the pandemic. I believe masks were optional by then. I loved seeing the lights, unique decor and large signs. You can get your photo professionally taken at the oversized JOY signage. There are many events that are held here throughout the year aside from zoo lights. I remember a while back going with church friends in the summer for their scavenger hunt with snow cones hosted by TXU Energy. I recently got to attend another event hosted by them. Feasts with the Beasts is adult only tasting menu event and held in the early evening. Many vendors participate such as Tumble 22, Sweetgreen, Nothing Bundt Cakes, several chocolatiers such as Cacao & and Cardamom chocolate, Gus' Fried Chicken, North Italia, Blood Bros. BBQ, Michael's Cookie Jar, etc. What's great is that they give wooden utensils in a canvas pouch and a very secure, recycled tray to carry your drink and mini food plates. I accidentally threw away my fork, and I asked for another utensil pouch for a full set. They were kind enough to give me another one. The tray held up very well and didn't fall apart considering it was made of paper and got soaked in the rain. This activity is rain or shine, and unfortunately it rained when my friend and I went. What was nice was that they moved the vendors inside the covered areas/exhibits and under covered walkway/seating areas. Since it progressively rained harder, some of the vendors did not show up or left early. Towards the end around 9:30 - 10 pm, they were giving away boxes of pizza and all the desserts. It was nice to see some of the animals at night, but the price point was higher at $149/ticket than the Tastemaker awards (even though I went free as a +1 from a chef friend). Tastemaker was more Michelin-ranked restaurants for $99 or so. Then there's the gorilla treehouse. My work place rented the treehouse conference room for a team building event. The table was beautiful and grand. There were several TVs to view the presentation around the room. There was a framed window for the gorillas to come and watch us while we chatted. It was fun to see them. They would bring their snacks to eat at the window. There was also a covered balcony to view the gorilla habitat from above. There were private restrooms upstairs. We added catering for our event, and they served us fajitas, rice, all the fixings, cookies, lemonade and tea. The food was delicious. We walked around during our lunch break and got to visit the birds, cats, reptiles, elephants and giraffes. Before I left, I looked at the water/aquarium area with the seals. Love that cool underground water tunnel. There are plenty of groups and schools that come here during the day or at night during Zoo lights. It's a great place to bring your kids. If you're not a fan of crowds and children then I recommend Feasts with the Beasts or another time where there aren't as many children. I've been to the San Diego zoo where it is grand, and for Houston to have a zoo in the middle of the city near the world renowned Texas Medical Center, I'd say it's a decent size. If you go often, you can save by getting a membership. read more

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The Houston zoo is a great place to spend the day or half day. I have taken my kids (4&6) many times since they have been born. While there is a lot or walking, there isn't much of an elevation change through the zoo so it's pretty easy. Parts of the zoo are under construction, namely the entrance right now, so it can be a bit congested at times. The zoo itself is what you'd typically expect. The children's section in the back of the zoo is fun for the kids and they have a playground, carousel, and many other things. Parking at the zoo is just chaos. If you don't get there early enough you just have to be luckily to find parking so plan accordingly! read more

Houston Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We were really looking forward to visiting the Houston Zoo, but unfortunately, our experience ended before we even made it through the gate. After arriving in person, we were told that tickets could only be purchased online via QR code. There was no option to purchase tickets at the entrance, and no clear support for guests who are unable to complete a mobile transaction on the spot. What made the situation worse was our interaction with staff. We encountered two different employees. One responded with, "Oh, well everybody has a phone," and another told us to "just go find a manager," offering no assistance or direction. At no point did anyone attempt to help us complete the purchase. I tried to explain that I did not have a smartphone with active service available to complete the transaction, but I was effectively dismissed and moved along before I was able to fully explain the situation or that this was related to a visual impairment. For a major public attraction, this is unacceptable. Not everyone can easily scan QR codes or navigate mobile payment systems in real time. When there is no backup option--and no willingness from staff to assist--it effectively excludes people. We ended up leaving and taking our day elsewhere. The Zoo should take a serious look at both this policy and how it is being enforced. Basic accessibility and customer service should not be optional. A simple accommodation or a willingness to help would have completely changed this experience. read more

This review is strictly for the Zoo Lights (the whole other part of the zoo is its own awesomeness). So don't go to Zoo lights looking for animals, this was a complaint I heard. Zoo lights are strictly vibrant light & holiday displays throughout the zoo. I cannot imagine the poor animals already dealing with medical area noise now being beamed by lights. The zoo staff does a stellar job caring and blocking out the light noise for the animals. There are even more sensory and calm areas for humans needing less stimulation. My family has been attending zoo lights for about 10 years now and as an annual tradition it's very much adored. The whole experience from start to finish no carousel ride, 2 stops for hot cocoa, and playing in "snow" and lingering at some favored light displays will take a little over an hour. I feel like zoo lights is a well oiled machine. It is an extra cost even with a membership. They haven't changed up the hot cocoa cups or we just have bought all the styles at this point. So we bring them back for $2 refills. Initially this year buying hot chocolate with souvenir mug is $9. The mugs hold up really well in the dishwasher so they were worth the price. We popped in at 5, & surprisingly parking was the least painful I've ever experienced at the zoo. Zoo lights is definitely a must do for the holiday! read more

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I'm from STL where the zoo is always free so I was taken back to learn that the zoo here in Houston cost! lol I guess I'm just kind of spoiled! lol The parking honestly sucked but I drove around for about 15 mins and found a great spot! I advise leaving early to find parking. Once I parked the walk was really close. The entry was fast and my overall first impression was good! It was clean, the staff were friendly and the signs were clear. We experienced a lot of animal habitats and exhibits and I absorbed LOVED seeing the jelly fish. The display was very up close. As a matter of fact.... All of the attractions allowed us to be safely up close with the animals. We stayed for about 2 hours and had a great time. read more

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I will say this is a very costly Zoo. We looked online and it did say free so it was disappointing when we arrived to find out it was not. Apparently it's only certain days. I will say I have been to freeze Zoo's, and the zoo was top-notch. I never had the urge to barf over a foul smell. It was very well kept, and taken care of. There was so much it was a large zoo. We spent two hours here and didn't even finish going around the entire zoo. I highly recommend this zoo for anyone in the area read more

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Great spot to see some incredible animals, support conservation efforts, and get some walking in. It's located within Hermann Park. There's plenty of free parking. The zoo keepers walking around are very knowledgeable and kind. The exhibits are compact and close together, there's a lot of shade, and several areas (like the new galapagos area) are indoors with blasting AC, making it a viable option even in the heat of the summer. We spent about 3 hours here and saw most things, but it probably would've taken us 4 hours to see everything. There's some handy pamphlets at the front with a schedule of events throughout the day like elephant baths. The zoo lights in the winter are beautiful and definitely worth a visit! The parking lot is huge and free, and the location beside Hermann Park gives you the opportunity to enjoy the park as well - plenty of playgrounds and a pond where you can rent paddle boats. read more

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The Houston zoo is always a great spot to go, whether it is for a family outing or a date. The workers and zookeepers are friendly and knowledgeable, and there's a good mix of indoor and outdoor areas, especially in the Houston heat. There are plenty of refillable water stations scattered throughout the zoo for the hot Houston days. read more

Amazing Zoo!!! One of the best in the country! Beautiful selection of animals that all look very well cared for. The best part is them being the biggest conservation organization on the planet sending more money around the world to save animals in the wild than anybody else. They are also the first zoo in the country to go plastic free. The staff are nice. You will want to get there early to find parking since it is shared with Hermann Park and fills up fast. The tickets are all sold digitally online. I love that they offer so many discounts on tickets and have a free day every month. I have nothing bad to say about the zoo! I love it there! read more

The Houston Zoo is one of our favorite places to visit in Houston. The Galapagos exhibit, one of the newer ones is unbelievable! The penguins, sea lions and turtles are great additions and the shows are fun to watch! They've just finished a remodel of the area just as you enter the zoo. Great place to grab a bite. It's easy to see that the animals are well taken care of and it's nice to see the conservation efforts. It's easy to get tickets on line and it's nice having a "selected time" to enter. LOVE THIS PLACE! read more

We throughly enjoyed our visit to the Houston Zoo. The day that we visited was not too crowded, and we were able to find parking fairly close. Upon entering there was a lot of construction happening, I would be interested to return when the construction is finished. We stopped for a quick lunch and found a taco stand. Our favorite animals that we saw were all of the different primates and the giraffes. read more

Been going to the Houston Zoo for years and can say that my experience is different every time in a good way.most recently just when to for zoo boo and I have experienced it for 5 years now and the decor changes which is nice! I do recommend getting there right when it open to get a good parking spot and to beat the crowd in. Also it helps to buy a ticket online before coming. Kids 3 and under are free! When you purchase tickets you purchase to enter at a time frame. If it isn't crowded then they are not strict on entry time. If it's crowded then they have you wait behind a roped off section until it's time then you are allowed to the ticket scanning area. Wagons and strollers are welcomed and a must have if you are toting around little ones. Food is pretty prices. Chicken tender kids meal was $15 which only came with 2 strips, apple sauce, graham crackers, fruit, and kids drink. I did pack snacks for my kiddos because no one wants a hangry child. Keep in mind you cannot bring wagons or strollers in the gallapagos area. They do have a section close by the wait line for you to park them. Yes there is a line to get into the gallapagos area. There is a coffee stand for those like me that didn't have time to make coffee because you were busy getting your kids ready and out the door. One of the workers did tell us to go online before coming to purchase different experiences such as feeding the gallapagos turtles. You most likely won't be able to walk up and purchase on the spot. However the giraffe feeding is always available and cost $9 for 3 pieces of lettuce to feed them. Kids get a petting zoo and carousel to enjoy. The fun thing about the Houston zoo is of course the animals but the fun events that they also host through out the year. It's forever expanding and always a great experience. Now that they weather is getting cool might be hitting up the zoo more often. read more

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Line to get in goes pretty fast even if there are a whole bunch of school group kids. My absolute favorite was the exhibit right at the entrance with the penguins and sea otters. The area where the sea otters swim right above your head is like other places shock exhibits. That was amazing and by far my most favorite part of the zoo. The rest of the zoo is what you would expect. Some animals were more active than others. The red panda was not hiding or sleeping, which is a rare rare thing for me. Had a good time. read more

This has been one of the better zoo experiences that we've had. The layout was really great! There was also a water station that you could fill your own water bottle up. The weather was perfect and the animals were active, which was really great! We did stop by at a gift shop by the entrance to get some things in the staff. There was friendly. Getting to the zoo was a bit difficult as once you got close to it they did have some lanes closed and we couldn't figure out why as there was no construction going on. We did have to park far. read more

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