The Ultimate Summer Guide at Houston Zoo ☀️
Summertime is in full effect! With the kiddos being on summer break, the Zoo is the perfect place to visit the Zoo and see how our animals cool off. Keep reading to learn how to plan the ultimate Zoo trip. 🦭
1. Summer Saver 🎟️
Make this summer unforgettable with a full day of outdoor adventure at Houston Zoo. With the kids out of school, gather your family and friends for an engaging experience that combines wildlife around the world, educational opportunities, and meaningful connections to nature. Enjoy a full day of value with world-class animal habitats, interactive keeper chats, and shaded pathways perfect for summer exploration.
2. Catch an A/C break ❄️
Need an A/C break? Then check out one of our many indoor exhibits like our Galápagos Islands exhibit! You’ll enjoy seeing our sea lions swim all around you, penguins zooming through the waters, our One Ocean aquarium, and more!
3. Make a parking plan 🚘
Summertime is a busy time with heavy traffic, so make sure to plan ahead with your parking options! Check out our recommended parking options, including carpooling, rideshare, and the METRORail. To get to Houston Zoo from the METRORail, you’ll need to ride the Red Line, exit Hermann Park/Rice U, and walk through the Japanese Gardens to reach the Zoo’s main entrance.
4. Enjoy Legendary fun at TXU Energy Mythical Realms
Step into a world where legends come alive! Wander through an enchanted trail and come face-to-face with dragons, mythical creatures, and legendary beings drawn from ancient folklore at TXU Energy presents Mythical Realms.
Members, you can purchase your Mythical Realms Member Pass separately when you log in to the Member Portal.
5. Get in on the family fun 🤩
There’s something for the whole family at Houston Zoo! Take a ride on our Wildlife Carousel, feed our Masai giraffes romaine lettuce daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., book a unique Animal Encounter experience, or check out our daily schedule to catch a Meet the Keeper Chat sponsored by CenterPoint Energy Foundation.
6. The perfect shaded picnic 🧺
Enjoy the beautiful view of our Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands when you eat outside our covered patio at Cypress Circle Café! Outside food, drink, and coolers are allowed, except alcohol and glass. Make sure to bring your reusable water bottle to help save animals in the wild! There are also several food and beverage locations available throughout the Zoo.
Want to order ahead? Skip the line and order your food online! You can order your food online for quick and easy pick-up at Cypress Circle Café.
7. Use our Interactive Zoo Map 🗺️
The whole Zoo is now at the palm of your hands with our interactive mobile map! View our real-time Meet the Keeper Chats sponsored by CenterPoint Energy Foundation, navigate the Zoo, and see a directory list of all Zoo areas with our new interactive map. You can also take a screenshot of our Zoo map online or at one of our Plan Your Day kiosks. By going digital, you’re helping save black bears in the wild.
8. Hit the Zoo Store 🐯
This is your one-stop-shop to pick up your favorite Houston Zoo swag, reusable bags, toys for toddlers, and more! Make sure to stop by our Zoo Store during your next Zoo visit!
9. Stay updated and follow us on social media 📲
Be part our our herd and follow along to stay updated on the latest news from Houston Zoo! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to keep up with your Zoo favorites.
