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
Admission
Free admission first Tuesday of the month
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 100-year-old Houston Zoo stretches across 55 acres in Hermann Park and is home to nearly 600 species and more than 6,000 animals.
Free parking
Available in Hermann Park (on busy days, these lots can fill quickly).
Paid parking
There are several parking garages around Houston Zoo, including HMNS, Medical Center, and Museum District. Reserve parking 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
Cypress Circle Cafe (located in the Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands area)
Additional options include Craft Fine Foods Trucks in the Front Plaza, Flamingo Terrace near Reflection Pool, and other kiosks that serve refreshments and snacks across the Zoo.
Retail
Zoo Store (located in the McGovern Front Plaza and Shani Market in 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.