Ask us a Question
Membership Q & A
Q: When will I get my membership card?
A: Your membership card should arrive within two weeks from time of purchase. If you mail your payment, please allow additional time for processing.
Q: May I visit before I get my card?
A: Sure! Just bring your photo ID and your membership receipt, or a printed copy of the email confirmation if you purchased online, and stop by the Membership window to verify your purchase. You will receive a Day Pass for your visit that day.
Q: Can I bring guests with my membership?
A: That depends on your current membership level.
If you have an Individual level membership, you can bring any one guest of any age each time you visit.
If you have a Supporting level membership or higher level, the three people named on the card and all the dependent children, or any guests. *Not to exceed 10 individuals per visit.
Guests must be accompanied by a named card holder.
Q: Can I use my additional guest passes before I receive my membership card?
A: If you purchased the membership online or by mail the guest passes will arrive in the mail with your membership cards. You will not be able to redeem the additional guest passes until you receive them in the mail.
If you purchased onsite you received your additional guest passes at the time of purchase.
Q: May I still visit if I have misplaced or forgotten my membership card?
A: Yes, just stop by the Membership window or any admissions window and present your photo ID. If you have misplaced your card permanently, you can order a new card for a $3.00* processing fee. Your cards will be mailed to you. Our Membership Services office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with extended summer hours. *Price subject to change.
Q: Why do I have to show photo ID when I use my card to enter the Houston Zoo?
A: As a non-profit organization that relies heavily on membership and attendance for support, we need to prevent misuse of our membership cards. We try very hard to keep our membership prices affordable for as many people in our community as possible. Protecting your membership privileges helps us maintain revenue for the Zoo and keep prices low for our members.
Q: May I lend my membership card to a friend or family member?
A: No, memberships are non-transferable and are valid only for the person(s) whose name(s) appears on the card. Photo ID is required for entrance.
Q: May I purchase or renew my membership online?
A: Yes, you are now able to do this. Click here to purchase or renew online.
Q: What if I don't want to order online?
A: You may purchase your membership:
In person at the membership cart or any admissions window. Windows are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with extended summer hours.
On the phone by calling 713-533-6529 or
Q: May I purchase a membership for more than one year?
A: No, we do not sell memberships for multiple years.
Q: When does my membership expire?
A: Your membership will expire one year from the date of purchase.
Q: Do I lose any time on my membership if I renew early?
A: No, you do not lose any time on your membership. If you renew early, a year will be added to your existing expiration date.
Q: What happens if I upgrade my membership before the expiration date?
A: Your membership will be upgraded to the level that you choose for the remainder of your current membership. Upgrading your membership will not change your expiration date. Therefore, if you are within two months of expiration, you should renew your membership at the higher level. This will extend your membership at the higher level for one year from the current expiration date.
Q: What happens if I receive a discount offer after purchasing a membership at full price?
A: To receive the discount, the offer must be presented at the time of purchase. No refunds of the discount amount can be issued.
Q: How do I make a correction to my online order?
A: Online orders are processed immediately. If you need to make an adjustment, please contact the Membership Office right away at
Q: How may I change my mailing address or email address?
A: You may change the mailing or email address for your membership:
In person at the Membership windows at the Houston Zoo. The Membership Services office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with extended summer hours.
Over the phone by calling
By sending an email to membership@houstonzoo.org with your member number, full name, old address, and new address.
Q: Do you offer a discount for Active Military?
A: Yes, we offer $5 discount off of any membership for Active Military.
Q: Do you offer a discount for students?
A: No, we do not offer membership discount for students.
Q: Do you offer a discount for seniors?
A: No, we do not offer membership discounts for seniors.
Q: Do you offer membership donations to organizations?
Q: Is my membership payment tax deductible?
A: Yes, your payment, less the fair market value of the benefits you receive, is tax deductible for income tax purposes. The fair market value of benefits received is not substantial for the Supporting level membership and below and therefore the total amount paid is fully deductible. The fair market value of benefits received at the Sustaining level is $30. The fair market value of benefits received at the Conservator level is $210. If you choose to have your entire membership payment fully tax deductible, you can opt not to receive the benefits. To do this, please call the membership office at
Q: May I transfer my membership to someone else?
A: No, memberships are non-transferable and are valid only for the person whose name appears on the card.
Q: May I put my membership on hold?
A: No, memberships become active immediately upon purchase and cannot be suspended.
Q: When may I use my membership? Are there blackout dates?
A: Membership is valid for general admission entrance to the Houston Zoo during regular operating hours all year long. There are no blackout dates or restrictions. Membership does not cover entrance to all special events or tours. The Zoo is closed on Christmas Day.
Q: May I use my Houston Zoo membership when I come with a group such as my child's field trip?
A: No, Zoo memberships are not allowed to be used for group admissions. If you and or your child are part of a pre-paid organized school/group field trip then you cannot use your membership to enter the Zoo.
If you are not an assigned chaperone with your child's group, but want to accompany your child, you may use your membership and enter the Zoo apart from the group. Your child must enter with the school group or field trip.
Q: Can my children gain admission to the Zoo if I send them with an adult other than the ones named on my card?
A: The Houston Zoo Family, Family Plus, and Grandparent memberships allow dependent children living in the same household to visit the Zoo anytime if they are with at least one named member on the membership card. One named card member must accompany the children during each visit to the Zoo. Children will not be allowed entry with the membership card without a named adult present.
Q: What is a Kid Keeper?
Q: Do Members receive discounts on food, merchandise, or strollers?
A: Members receive a discount on purchases in the Houston Zoo Gift Shop. There are no food or stroller/wagon discounts.
Q: Is my membership good at other zoos? Is my membership from another zoo good at the Houston Zoo?
A: Yes, there are over 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide that reciprocate with the Houston Zoo. Click here for the complete list.
Q: What are the levels of membership?
A: Click here for membership levels, benefits, and prices.
Q: May I bring guests with me when you open early for members on the first Saturday of each month?
Q: What are your hours/prices?
A: For Houston Zoo hours and prices, click here.
Q: Is there a fee for parking?
A: There is no charge for parking in the lot located outside the main Zoo entrance. Please note that the parking lot is owned by the City of Houston (not the Houston Zoo) and is subject to its jurisdiction regarding parking and traffic laws.
Q: When are the best times to visit?
A: The animals are most active first thing in the morning, especially in the hot summer months, and the Zoo is least crowded late in the afternoon. Field trips are prominent in the spring months. To experience less congestion, we encourage afternoon visits.
