Without a map, it can be a jungle in here!
When you first arrive, pick up your Houston Zoo map at the gate! Or “open” one now in
English or in
Spanish.
The Zoo is a big exciting place. There’s so much to see and do that’s it’s often hard to decide on what to do first. Knowing where you’re going before you start can lead to a far more enjoyable—and organized—zoo experience.
Click now on the Zoo’s interactive on line map.
For a virtual tour of the Zoo—including animal sounds and highlights—our interactive map is a great way to help plan your next Zoo visit.
Check out the Plan Your Day kiosk located just inside the gates!
This kiosk lists every keeper chat for the day, as well as other special events and animal related news to help you plan your day accordingly.
Plan your itinerary ahead of time.
For short to medium visits, here are a few quick itinerary ideas.
1 Hour Visit
If you only have an hour, consider going left at the main entrance through Koala and Carruth Natural Encounters. Then check out Meerkats, Maned Wolves, Giraffes and Elephants, make a right at Vultures, see Indo-Chinese Tigers, Lions and the Wortham World of Primates, stroll back towards the Main Entrance via the Reflection Pool and, of course, leave a little time for the Gift Shop!
1.5 Hour Visit
If you have an hour and a half—and children—start at Macaws, take in Sea Lions and Fisher Bird Gardens, go past Pheasant Run, then Hoofed Animals, the Butterfly Garden and down to the entrance of the Children’s Zoo.
2-3 Hour Visit
For a two hour visit, consider a route that takes you to the Tropical Bird House, Wortham World of Primates, Lions and Tigers, Bears, Asian Elephants, Giraffes, the Reptile & Amphibian Building and Natural Encounters. To easily expand your visit to three hours, head on over to the Children’s Zoo via Hoofed Animals.
And remember: if you have kids, don’t miss the Wildlife Carousel near the Children’s Zoo. Plan on spending 15 minutes for the Carousel!
Stroller and Scooter Rentals
The Houston Zoo offers three types of strollers for rent:
- Single strollers: $7.00
- Double strollers : $11.00
- Wagons: $11.00
- Manual Push Wheelchairs: $6.00
- Motorized Scooters: $21.00
All prices above include a $1.00 deposit which is refundable when you return your stroller or wheelchair with your rental receipt to the stroller office.
All stroller rentals can be paid by cash, traveler’s check or major credit card.