Updated May 2026
In the heart of Hermann Park, you’ll find one of my favorite family-friendly attractions in Houston: The Houston Zoo! Whether it’s a weekend gathering with friends, a school field trip, or a corporate event, we find ourselves here multiple times a year!
Although the Houston Zoo hosts incredible seasonal events like Zoo Boo and Zoo Lights, any time of year is a great time to visit. To help you make the most of your trip, here are my top tips to ensure your visit goes seamlessly:
- Consider a membership: The Houston Zoo utilizes Flex Pricing, which means ticket costs fluctuate based on demand. If you plan on visiting more than once, a day at the zoo can really add up!
- Memberships start at $169 and often pay for themselves in as little as two visits.
- Members don’t need advance reservations and can enter through a dedicated entrance.
- On the first Saturday of every month, the zoo opens an hour early just for members! Members also get a 10% gift shop discount (restrictions apply).
- Your membership provides discounted or free admission to other zoos through the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program. We always check this list when traveling to new cities.
- Pack Smart (Bring a Bag!): A backpack full of drinks and snacks is a lifesaver. You are welcome to bring a cooler (just no glass or alcohol). Don’t forget the “Houston Essentials” — Sunscreen, hats, bug spray, and refillable water bottles!
- Pack Extra Wheels: If you have littles, you’ll want to bring along a stroller or a wagon. You’ll be grateful later on in the day when they get tired of walking!
- Arrive Early: The Houston Zoo welcomes over 2 million visitors a year — that’s potentially 5,000 to 7,000 guests a day! Parking in Hermann Park can be a challenge, so I recommend arriving as early as possible to beat the crowds. The peak “busy” window is usually between 10 AM and noon.
While You’re There
- Navigate like a pro: Grab a physical map at the gate or use the Interactive Zoo Map on your phone. My kids love being navigators and directing us to the next exhibit. The Interactive Zoo Map shows the daily schedule, including a full list of Meet the Keeper Chats. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Children’s Zoo, which has a fenced-in playground and is surrounded by smaller exhibits and a petting zoo!
- Explore indoor exhibits: When the Houston humidity kicks in, duck into the indoor exhibits to cool off. Our favorites include: the Reptile and Amphibian House, the Bug House, the Galápagos Islands, and the Wortham World of Primates!
- Extras: There are a few experiences that cost a bit extra but are well worth it. You can feed the giraffes, ride the Wildlife Carousel, or book an Animal Encounter. Head’s up — giraffe feedings happen only a few times per day, so if that’s something your group wants to do, you may want to look into it first! And once you leave the zoo, don’t forget to check out the train ride, paddle boat rides, and carousel rides operated by the Hermann Park Conservancy.
What are your favorite things to see and do at the Houston Zoo? Leave us a comment!
