Houston Zoo
Spanning 55 acres in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is home to nearly 600 species and more than 6,000 animals, providing the highest standard in animal care. The Zoo invites visitors to journey around the world from the Galápagos Islands to South America’s Pantanal to the African Forest and beyond. Fun, informative experiences at the Zoo connect communities with animals, supporting the Zoo’s mission to save animals in the wild.
Location
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone
Hours
Mon–Sun 9a–5p, last entry at 4p
Admission
Free Zoo Days presented by ExxonMobil at Houston Zoo are provided once a month, on the first Tuesday of each month, from open until closing. Online reservations are required for all non-member guests at this time. Tickets will not be available at the gate.
The Houston Zoo offers Flex Pricing, which provides more options to plan a Zoo visit that best fits your budget and schedule. Ticket prices vary by date and time of visit. Tickets are only available online and are not sold at the gate. Child and senior tickets are 20% off the price shown on a specific day/time. Military, student, and Lone Star discounts are also available, but online reservations are still required.
Campus size
The Houston Zoo has been part of Houston for more than 100 years. It stretches across 55 acres in Hermann Park and is home to nearly 600 species and more than 6,000 animals.
Free parking
The Houston Zoo does not have its own parking lot; however free parking is available in Hermann Park. Remember, on holidays and beautiful days, parking can fill up fast, so make a plan before heading to the Zoo.
Paid parking
There are several parking garages around Houston Zoo, including HMNS, Medical Center, and Museum District. You can even reserve your spot before heading to the Zoo by using the ParkWhiz App. Rates vary for each garage.
Additional parking details
To get to Houston Zoo using the METRORail, ride the Red Line, exit Hermann Park/Rice U, and walk through the Japanese Gardens to reach the Zoo entrance. Parking for the METRORail Red line is available at the Fannin South Transit Center Park and Ride lot.
Accessibility
The Zoo has several ramps located throughout for wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters to access.
Dining
Visit Cypress Circle Cafe at the heart of Zoo in the Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands. This Green Certified conscientious cafe focuses on providing locally sourced, sustainable fares that are delicious and wholesome for the entire family. Additional options include our Fine Craft Street Food Truck at Flamingo Terrace, Twiga Cafe, and other kiosks that serve refreshments and snacks across the Zoo.
Retail
Visit the Zoo Store in the McGovern Front Plaza and Shani Market in the African Forest
Private event/tours
The Zoo offers a variety of event options for groups large and small. Explore the Zoo’s unique private event venues online at houstonzoo.org/host-an-event/.
The Zoo also offers Animal Encounters that are unique opportunities to meet zookeepers and get up close to animals in a small group setting. Each encounter is an interactive experience designed with the animals’ welfare in mind.