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Tips to Make Your Trip More Enjoyable
On your next visit to the Houston Zoo, here's how to "do" the zoo - a few tips to make your trip more enjoyable.
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Be prepared
Browse our website and blogs before you visit, or take time to review the Daily Activities. You’ll find out about times and locations of animal feedings and special shows and presentations.
Timing is everything
The animals are most active and the crowds are usually smaller first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially during the heat of the summer. Fall and winter at the Zoo tend to be a bit less crowded than spring and summer – and since it’s cooler in the fall and winter, the animals are usually more active.
Field trip warning
Many schools schedule field trips in April and May, so the Zoo may be more crowded at these times, especially between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day.
Be weather smart
It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you embark on your Naturally Wild safari! But don’t let a little rain keep you away. Bring your umbrella, wear your raincoat and enjoy a less crowded day at the Zoo!
Dress for success
No, we don’t suggest you wear your Sunday best. Instead, wear comfortable clothing, especially loose fitting light fabrics during the summer and shoes that are suitable for walking.
Be optically prepared
Bring binoculars the next time you visit the Zoo, so you can get a REALLY close look at our beautiful animals. And don’t forget your camera!
Easy does it
Take your time and enjoy your stay. By spending a little extra time at each exhibit you’ll give the animals an opportunity to demonstrate natural behaviors such as grooming, courting and scent-marking.
Kids rule
Children love the Zoo! Parents can add to the experience with simple but engaging games and exercises. For example, pick a letter of the alphabet and see how many animals you can find whose names start with that letter. And don’t forget to bring a change of clothes for the little ones. Kids love splashing around the water park in our Children’s Zoo on a hot day!
Be safe
To ensure the security of our animals and our guests, please observe the following safety precautions:
- Zoo animals are wild. Please stay on the visitor paths, observe posted signs and do not reach into or climb on exhibits.
- Please do not throw things at the animals.
- Please do not feed and touch the animals.
- Making loud noises may startle the animals.
- Pets, glass containers, alcohol, bikes, skates and skateboards, rollerblades, radios/CD players, and inflatable objects are not allowed on Zoo grounds.
- Please do not pick flowers or plants, climb trees or walk through the flower beds.
- Also, smoking is not allowed on Zoo grounds.
Houston Zoo Map
Pick up a Zoo map when you visit, or view one online on the webpage Getting Around the Zoo.
