Houston Zoo Tours

Houston Zoo

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Feed a giraffe, catch a 4-D movie or cool off in the water park at this extraordinary zoo.

The Houston Zoo is 55 acres (22 hectares) that houses more than 6,000 animals. There are snakes, Komodo dragons and white alligators in the Reptiles & Amphibians center grizzly bears, jaguars and wolves in the Carnivores exhibit and rhinoceros and Masai giraffes in the African Forest. It’s easy to see why more than 1.5 million people visit this diverse and entertaining zoo each year.

Pick up a map of all the exhibits at the Plan Your Day kiosk inside the main gate. Also get the schedule of “Meet the Keeper” talks, which take place throughout the day. These demonstrations by professional zoo keepers run the gambit from training a red panda to feeding a fruit bat. There are more than 20 demonstrations a day to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. Move from an elephant bath at the Elephant Barn to a Rhinoceros Viper feeding at the Reptile House, to chatting with the brave soul in charge of tending to the lions and tigers.

Don’t miss the opportunity to feed a giraffe, one of the zoo’s biggest attractions. The elegant Masai giraffes aren’t shy, so it’s possible to get within inches of these charming creatures as they pluck lettuce straight from your hands.

Summer days at the zoo are hot. Mist fans operate in the outdoor areas, or seek out indoor exhibits such as the reptile house and the aquarium. There’s a water play park for kids with paddle pools and slides. Grab an ice cream or a cold drink from one of a number of kiosks. Or, find a table in the air-conditioned restaurant. 

From the end of November through early January, the zoo is decorated with thousands of lights to celebrate the holiday season. It’s a special treat to see the zoo lights at night.

There’s a 4-D Experience cinema, with special effects such as bubbles, mist and smells. Expect family-friendly movies, like “Dora & Diego’s 4-D Adventure,” based on the popular TV show “Dora the Explorer.” There’s also a gift shop and a carousel ride. 

Conveniently located in Hermann Park and the Museum District, Houston Zoo is a quick metro ride or car ride from downtown hotels. Parking is free.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Houston Zoo

Reviews of Houston Zoo

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
585
" "5 - Excellent 58.61723446893787%
4 - Good
260
" "4 - Good 26.052104208416832%
3 - Okay
106
" "3 - Okay 10.62124248496994%
2 - Disappointing
16
" "2 - Disappointing 1.6032064128256514%
1 - Terrible
31
" "1 - Terrible 3.1062124248496996%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 30, 2019

You can take your cooler and snacks in!! They take pictures as you enter.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 7, 2019

Bring plenty of water, good shoes, and stroller for the kids.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 6, 2019

NO BEARS!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 28, 2019

Be careful when parking, I accidentally parked in a 2 hour zone and earned myself a $30 parking ticket!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 22, 2019

Not at all what we expected.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 15, 2019

Compared to the Bronx Zoo in NY, Houston Zoo is the best by far!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Houston Zoo

Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
3.5 out of 5
6633 Travis St, Houston, TX
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
4.5 out of 5
5701 Main Street, Houston, TX
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
InterContinental Houston, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Houston, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
6750 Main St, Houston, TX
InterContinental Houston, an IHG Hotel
The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District
The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District
4 out of 5
1709 DRYDEN ROAD, Houston, TX
The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District
Locale Medical Center - Houston
Locale Medical Center - Houston
4 out of 5
1911 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX
Locale Medical Center - Houston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.