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Zoo News Blog

Family Programs

The fun never stops at the Houston Zoo! As part of our mission to connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife, the Zoo offers several family-geared experiences to get you outside exploring nature. Play, explore, learn and grow both at the Zoo and at natural spaces in Houston and beyond.

Looking for ways to connect your adventure-seeking family with our native Houston environment? Look no further than our Family Adventure Programs! Experience truly one of a kind, immersive adventures all over Houston and the surrounding gulf coast area.

Family Nature Club is an opportunity for families to explore the natural world together at various parks and nature centers around the Houston area. Join other parents and caregivers in knowing that you are providing your little one with meaningful opportunities for exploration and play, instilling confidence in them and increasing their sense of wonder and awe for nature close to home. Come explore with us as we take a nature walk through Sheldon Lake State Park, May 12 starting at 9 a.m. Spot native wildlife like herons and alligators, and climb the John Jacob Observation Tower for a panoramic view of the Bayou City.

Calling all night owls! Family Overnights are back with brand new adventures. Join us for Zoo Overnight: Nocturnal Nights, a special after-hours event, May 12 starting at 7 p.m. We’ll see what the animals are up to at dusk on a guided hike around the Zoo and meet endangered animals up close as we camp out indoors in our Brown Education Center.

Summer’s right around the corner, and what better way to have fun than to join your child for Camp Zoofari Family Camp? You and your camper are invited to two action-packed days of animal-themed adventure. Learn all about the care and enrichment Zoo residents receive as you partake in camp games, parents versus children challenges and more! Family camps will be offered July 2 – 3 and July 5 -6. Camps start at 8:45 a.m. and end at 3:45 p.m.

And last, but most certainly not least, is the grand adventure for those that are seriously committed to getting out in nature. As part of our Family Travel Program, join the Houston Zoo for Yellowstone: A Family Adventure, June 25 – 30. This truly one-of-a-kind experience will take you to two of the world’s most beautiful and wild-life abundant hotspots—Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park! Participate in a Scenic Float Trip on Snake River, view wildlife in Oxbow Bend, hike Trout Lake in Lamar Valley, explore the Old Faithful area and more! Can you believe there’s more? This exclusive program is limited to six families, so sign up today for the adventure of a lifetime.

Family connections and experiences are critically important, and what better opportunity to create memories than to get outside and explore our natural world together. We can’t wait to see you and your family at our next event. For event dates and more information, visit www.houstonzoo.org/experiences/families/. Register today!