Adventure Programs

Teens will explore natural areas in Texas and participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, etc. They will also participate in conservation projects such as beach clean-ups and habitat restoration.

Open to all accepted Zoo Crew members throughout the year. Open to all teens, ages 13-17, in non-summer months (January-May, September-December). This includes teens not accepted into the Zoo Crew program.

Birding and Beach Clean Up at Galveston Island State ParkSaturday, April 23rd 8:00am-4:00pm
WAITLIST ONLY: Big Thicket National Preserve Kayak and Stewardship ExperienceSunday, May 15th 8:00am-5:00pm

Texas is an important stopping point for many migratory birds. In the spring, many birds make Galveston Island their first landfall as they are migrating north. Join us as we explore Galveston Island State Park and look for as many migratory birds as we can. We will spend the morning birding throughout the park’s bayside and the afternoon participating in a beach clean up to help protect shorebirds and sea turtles.

We will meet at the Houston Zoo at Gate 8 which is approximately 200 yards to the left of the main entrance at 8:00am and will return to the Zoo by 4:00pm. Transportation to Galveston Island State Park will be provided by the Houston Zoo.

Be sure to bring a lunch and reusable water bottle. Wear clothing appropriate for a day outdoors. You will want to wear sturdy shoes to hike around the island, but may want to bring a change of shoes appropriate for the beach. Also be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen.

Registration fees are $50 per teen.

Come explore one of eastern Texas’s most diverse regions-Big Thicket National Preserve. We will be led by National Park Rangers on a kayak experience through the rivers of the Big Thicket. Along the way we help protect wildlife by cleaning up trash throughout the river.

We will meet at the Houston Zoo at Gate 8 which is approximately 200 yards to the left of the main entrance at 8:00am and will return to the Zoo by 5:00pm. Transportation to Big Thicket National Preserve will be provided by the Houston Zoo.

Be sure to bring a lunch and reusable water bottle. Wear clothing appropriate for a day outdoors on the water that you are ok getting wet as well as a hat and sunscreen. Shoes must have a heal strap, flip flops are not allowed.

Registration fees are $50 per teen.