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NEW August Hours: The Houston Zoo will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m in August. Read More

Host Your Event at Houston Zoo

Experience events on the wild side! Whether you’re planning for two weeks from now or next year and beyond, Houston Zoo offers a variety of unique event options to set your celebration apart from the herd.

Explore our event options below or reach out to our team with any questions by submitting an inquiry form.

Contact Us – Inquiry Form

Now Open for Booking

Reflections Event Hall and Terrace

The John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Reflections Event Hall and Terrace is now open! With expansive views of the Galápagos Islands exhibit on the north end and overlooking the historic Reflection Pool on the south end, this one-of-a-kind venue will bring wonder and sophistication to your next corporate or social event.

Event rentals for our newest space are now available- submit an inquiry form today.

Explore Your Options

Corporate Events and Meetings

Take your team out of the office and into the wild. The Houston Zoo offers in-person event options where groups, large and small, can safely have interactive and memorable moments with colleagues.

Book Corporate Events

Picnics

The Houston Zoo is the ultimate company picnic destination in Houston. Picnic packages are completely turnkey, guaranteeing a hassle-free experience for you and your guests.

Host a Picnic at the Zoo

Social Events

Celebrate life’s biggest moments at one of Houston’s most extraordinary venues. The Houston Zoo has unique event venues to host your gala, birthday, or other milestone celebrations.

Celebrate at Houston Zoo

Holiday Parties

Make your events more memorable during the festive season by hosting your holiday parties at Houston Zoo.

Book Your Holiday Parties

Wedding Receptions

Looking to celebrate somewhere truly unforgettable after saying ‘I do”? With multiple venues to choose from, Houston Zoo is the perfect spot for an unforgettable wedding celebration.

Plan a Zoo Wedding Reception
outside view of main Zoo entrance

Reserve the Entire Zoo

Go bigger than any Houston event venue — rent the entire Houston Zoo after hours. Invite the entire herd to Houston Zoo for the most memorable event, exclusively for your group.

Reserve the entire Houston Zoo

By hosting your event at Houston Zoo, you are helping save animals in the wild.

Kids' Birthday Parties

Looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate your child’s birthday? Book your next birthday at Houston Zoo. Birthday parties are for children up to 12 years old.

Reserve Your Party
male jaguar Tesoro looking up towards the sky in habitat

How You Help Save Animals in the Wild

Did you know you can support the Zoo and have fun while doing it? The Houston Zoo is a non-profit organization that connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. By choosing Houston Zoo for your next event, you are helping save animals in the wild.

Learn More

Houston Zoo Private Event Venue FAQs

Can you rent Houston Zoo for a private event?

Yes! Houston Zoo has 15 unique venues you can rent, as well as after-hours entire Zoo rentals. Our private event venues in Houston provide a one-of-a-kind setting surrounded by nature and wildlife. 

What types of events can be hosted at Houston Zoo?

All types of events can be hosted at Houston Zoo! Event options include: 

  • Corporate picnics 
  • Wedding receptions 
  • Holiday parties 
  • Birthday dinners 
  • Cocktail hours 
  • Galas 
  • Fundraising walks 
  • Entire Zoo rentals 
  • And more 

Whether you are planning a corporate event, social gathering, or private celebration, Houston Zoo offers unique event venues in Houston for memorable experiences. 

How much does it cost to book an event at Houston Zoo?

Pricing varies based on guest count, venue needs, timing of the event, type of event, and other event details. 

Fill out an inquiry form with information about the type of event you are looking to host, and one of our event specialists will contact you with more information. 

How many guests can Houston Zoo accommodate?

Houston Zoo offers private event venues in Houston for gatherings of many sizes. 

Individual venues can accommodate: 

  • As few as 20 guests 
  • Up to 2,500 guests cocktail-style 
  • Up to 700 seated guests 

Our entire Zoo rentals can accommodate up to 6,000 guests. 

Does Houston Zoo provide catering for private events?

Yes! Houston Zoo has a dedicated on-site catering team for private events. 

Can I bring my own food or outside catering?

No. We do not allow outside catering for events at Houston Zoo. 

What is included in a Houston Zoo event rental?

Each venue rental includes: 

  • The venue for a set number of hours 
  • Security 
  • Seating 
  • An event specialist to help plan your event and be onsite the day of your event 

The amount of seating, hours included, and number of tickets included vary based on the venue and whether the event is daytime or evening, weekday or weekend. 

Fill out an inquiry form to learn more. 

How far in advance should I book a Houston Zoo event?

You can book events as far in advance as one year. All events must be booked at least two weeks prior to the event date, pending availability. 

We recommend booking a minimum of three months in advance for the most seamless experience. Please note that Zoo Lights dates, as well as spring and fall Saturdays, often book up months in advance. 

What is required to reserve a Houston Zoo event venue?

To reserve a venue at Houston Zoo, we require: 

  • A signed initial contract 
  • Signed terms and conditions 
  • A 50% deposit of either the venue rental cost or picnic package total (where applicable)

Can I combine multiple venues for a larger event?

Yes. Some venues can be combined to accommodate a larger event. Reach out to us with your event needs, and we would be happy to suggest options. 

Are animal encounters available during private events?

Yes! Animal encounters are available to add to an event on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The welfare of our animals is a top priority, and animal encounter options will vary based on venues. 

Are Houston Zoo event venues available year-round?

Yes! Houston Zoo event venues are available year-round. 

Please note that we do not host events on federal holidays or during spring break and winter break due to general admission crowds. 

What makes Houston Zoo different from other event venues in Houston?

Houston Zoo is a unique and historic event venue in Houston surrounded by nature, with animals just footsteps away. 

Daytime events, entire Zoo rentals, Zoo Lights, and extended hours events provide built-in entertainment with the ability for guests to walk around and explore all the Zoo has to offer. 

When you book an event at Houston Zoo, you are helping to save animals in the wild. We are a nonprofit organization that connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. 

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