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Frequently asked questions about Lone Star Card admissions.
The Houston Zoo’s Lone Star Card admission program allows free Houston Zoo admission for card holders receiving SNAP and WIC benefits only. Admission to the Houston Zoo is free (limit 5 persons - 2 adults/3 children of the same address household - per visit), for residents presenting their valid current original award letter for SNAP or valid current award letter WIC shopping list (documents must show current benefit start date and benefit end expiration date, no photocopies or faxes will be accepted) and a valid photo ID (Texas Drivers License or Texas Department of Public Safety photo ID card ONLY) to confirm card holder status and same address household. The Lone Star Card holder of record must accompany their party. Tickets issued day of visit only; no advance tickets will be issued. Offer not valid for ticketed special events.
Frequently asked questions about Lone Star Card admissions.
Q: How do I take advantage of this opportunity?
A: The Houston Zoo’s Lone Star Card admission program allows free Houston Zoo admission for card holders receiving SNAP and/or WIC benefits only.
The Houston Zoo requests that Lone Star Card holders present their valid current original award letter for SNAP showing the benefit start date and expiration date, or valid current original award letter WIC shopping list showing the benefit start date and expiration date, along with a valid photo ID (Texas Drivers License or Texas Department of Public Safety photo ID card ONLY) each time they appear at the ticket booths to receive their tickets to confirm card holder status and same address household status. Original documents only, no photocopies or fax copies will be accepted.
Q: What is an award letter?
A: The award letter is the letter card holders receive from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services that confirms their application for current benefits has been approved. The award letter must show the benefit start date and benefit expiration date. Account statements printed from the Internet or renewal notices are not acceptable. It must be the original document, no photocopies or fax copies will be accepted.The date of your visit must fall within the benefit start and end dates on your award letter. An award letter with a benefit start date after the date of your visit is not acceptable. If you did not save your letter or if it has been misplaced, please contact a Texas Department of Health and Human Services office near you or call 2-1-1 to request a replacement copy.
A valid current original award letter showing the benefit start and end expiration dates and your valid photo ID (Texas Drivers License or Texas Department of Public Safety photo ID card ONLY) must be presented each time you visit the Zoo to receive your free admission tickets to confirm card holder status and same address household status. No photocopies or fax copies will be accepted.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of people who may visit using the Lone Star Card award letter for Zoo admission?
A: Yes. The person whose name appears on the award letter may be accompanied by 1 adult and 3 children in the same household for a total of 5 people per visit. Both adults must present valid photo ID (Texas Drivers License or Texas Department of Public Safety photo ID card ONLY) to verify same address household status.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of times each year I may visit the Zoo using the Lone Star Card award letter.
A: No. There is no limit on the number of times per year you may visit. You may receive tickets only once per day, and all party members must be present at time of issuance.
Q: Are there any restrictions for guests using the Lone Star Card award letter for Zoo admission?
A: Yes. Tickets will be issued the day of the visit only. No advance tickets will be issued. The offer is not valid for ticketed special events.
Admission under the Houston Zoo’s Lone Star Card program is valid for Zoo admission only and is not valid for Wildlife Carousel tickets, 4-D Experience, DINOSAURS!, Hermann Park miniature train tickets, stroller, wheelchair or motorized scooter rental, gift shop or concession purchases, or ticketed special events such as the Zoo lecture series, Feast With the Beasts, and education classes.
