Houston Zoo Tours and Activities

Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo


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.

Plan a trip to see Houston Zoo

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Best Lodging Options Near Houston Zoo

Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center

Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center

4.5 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
Blossom Hotel Houston

Blossom Hotel Houston

4 out of 5
7118 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX
Blossom Hotel Houston
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
Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District

Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District

4 out of 5
6580 Fannin Street, Houston, TX
Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District
Hyatt Place Houston Medical Center

Hyatt Place Houston Medical Center

3 out of 5
7329 FANNIN STREET Building 2, Houston, TX
Hyatt Place Houston Medical Center
InterContinental Houston by IHG

InterContinental Houston by IHG

4 out of 5
6750 Main St, Houston, TX
InterContinental Houston by IHG
Hilton Garden Inn Houston Medical Center, TX

Hilton Garden Inn Houston Medical Center, TX

3 out of 5
6840 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX
Hilton Garden Inn Houston Medical Center, TX
DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Medical Center Hotel & Suites

DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Medical Center Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
6800 Main Street, Houston, TX
DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Medical Center Hotel & Suites
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.

Things to do near Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including engaging animal encounters and the chance to explore the vibrant wildlife exhibits. You can purchase zoo tickets for a memorable day filled with sightseeing and learning. Additionally, consider joining a Houston historical tour to enrich your experience. The surrounding area also features sports, theatre, and live music, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your visit.

Shopping

Visit The Galleria, a vibrant shopping mall just 8.0km from Houston Zoo, offering a mix of luxury and high-street brands. River Oaks District and Highland Village, both 6.4km away, provide a delightful shopping experience with a family-friendly atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, explore more options further afield.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy of NRG Stadium, a mere 3.2km from Houston Zoo, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy live music at the House of Blues Houston, located 4.8km away, or unwind at the Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course, 8.0km distant, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of iFLY Indoor Skydiving, located 16.1km from Houston Zoo, where you can float on air. For speed enthusiasts, the Houston Grand Prix, 18.0km away, offers an adrenaline-pumping motor racing adventure. Don't miss K1 Speed Houston, a karting venue 16.4km away, perfect for racing fans.

Nightlife

In Houston, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts offers a vibrant cultural experience just 6.4km away from the zoo, while the Main Street Theater - Rice Village, located 3.2km away, provides charming performances. Additionally, Jesse H. Jones Hall, also 6.4km away, showcases captivating shows in a romantic setting.

Find the best attractions near Houston Zoo

When visiting the Houston Zoo, you can explore a variety of attractions that cater to culture, family, and urban experiences. Notable points of interest nearby include historic colleges, art museums, and charming churches. For further insights, consider checking out Houston Zoo reviews and information, as well as other local attractions for a well-rounded visit to this vibrant city.

  • Rice University: Nestled only 805m from the Houston Zoo, Rice University offers a blend of modern architecture and vibrant city life. Stroll through its picturesque campus, enjoy its beautiful gardens, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this prestigious institution.
  • University of Houston: Located 4.8km from the zoo, the University of Houston boasts a rich history and cultural significance. Explore its diverse art galleries and enjoy the vibrant student life that showcases the city's dynamic culture.
  • NRG Park: Just 3.2km away, NRG Park hosts various events and sports, providing a unique experience of Houston's sporting culture. The historic stadium is an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts and concert-goers alike.

Best time to go to Houston Zoo

Visitor numbers around Houston Zoo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Houston Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Houston Zoo falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Houston Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April69.6°F (20.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May76.6°F (24.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July84.2°F (29.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August84.9°F (29.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Houston Zoo

When planning your visit to Houston Zoo, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the University of Houston, Hermann Park, and Lakewood Church. The best time to save on accommodations is from November to January, with Mondays being the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels and sort by price to uncover the best deals. Don’t forget to check for package options that combine your hotel, flights, and zoo activities for extra savings. With these tips, you can enjoy a budget-friendly trip to the Houston Zoo and its surroundings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Houston Zoo are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Houston Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Houston Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will highlight sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations currently available. To discover the most affordable rates and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Houston Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.