Guest Services and Rules, The Houston Zoo

Tips to Make Your Trip More Enjoyable

The zoo has become a popular place to visit, and free parking in Hermann Park is limited. Our Directions and Parking page has the latest information on your parking options.

Water Play Park

Water Play Park – Is open daily from April 1 – September 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Subject to close for a portion of the day when the air temperature is below 70 degrees or if severe weather threatens the area, for the health and safety of our guests.

Be Safe

To ensure the security of our animals and our guests, please observe the following safety precautions.

Zoo animals are wild. Please stay on the visitor paths, observe posted signs and do not reach into or climb on exhibits.
Please do not throw things at the animals.
Please do not feed or touch the animals.
Making loud noises may startle the animals.
Please do not pick flowers or plants, climb trees or walk through the flower beds.

Stroller and Scooter Rentals

We offer six items for rent to help you get around:

Single strollers – $12

Double strollers – $16

Wagons – $16

Manual Push Wheelchairs – $12

Motorized Scooters – $32

Motorized Scooters with Sunshade – $40

For wheelchair and motorized scooter rentals, your photo ID will be held at the rental location until the items are returned. Rentals may be paid for with cash or major credit card.

Zoo Rules and FAQ

Can I bring food and beverages to the Zoo?

Absolutely! Outside food, drink, and coolers are allowed. For the safety of the animals, you may NOT bring:

Glass bottles
Alcoholic beverages
Plastic straws

Does the Zoo close due to the weather?

The zoo is open rain or shine, unless the severity of the weather poses a threat to the safety of our guests and staff (like a hurricane). If we do close for a major weather event, we will post the news on our website and the Zoo’s social media accounts. We do not offer rain checks or refunds due to inclement weather.

Can I bring my dog or other pet to the Zoo?

As much as we love animals, pets are not allowed at the Zoo.

Can I bring my service animal?

Service animals are welcome on Zoo grounds under the care of their owner. The Houston Zoo asks that all guests with service animals check in with our Guest Services office (at the main entrance to the right of the ticket booths) to register their animal. We also ask that service animals remain on a leash under their owner’s control, and to display a service animal indicator vest at all times.

View Service Animal Map

Please note that emotional support animals, assistance animals, or companion animals are not allowed in the Zoo.

What items are not allowed on zoo grounds?

For the safety of other zoo guests and our animals, glass containers, weapons, alcohol, bikes, skates and skateboards, rollerblades, radios/CD players, whistles, and inflatable objects are not allowed on Zoo grounds.

Can I smoke while I’m at the Zoo?

The Houston Zoo is a smoke and vape free facility. Smoking is not allowed on Zoo grounds.

Does the Zoo have strollers and wheelchairs available?

Yes. See our rental information above.
Note on scooters: The motorized scooter is a single person chair only. No children are allowed to ride on the operator’s lap. Operators must be 16 years of age or older. All operators between the ages of 16 and 21 must have a valid driver’s license and signature of a legal parent/guardian over the age of 21. Young children are not allowed to operate the chair.

Where do I catch the Hermann Park Train?

The Hermann Park Railroad is not officially associated with the Houston Zoo, and the train does not run within zoo grounds. The train station is not far from the zoo entrance in Hermann Park. For information and prices, visit the Hermann Park Conservancy’s Railroad and Pedal Boat webpage.

Can I store personal items at the Zoo while I visit?

Due to space limitations, we cannot store the personal property of guests during their Zoo visit. That includes:

Bikes
Strollers
Scooters
Coolers
Personal wheelchairs
Toy weapons
Roller blades
Skateboards
Balloons
Balls
Motorcycle helmets
Luggage
Food items
Motorized toys

Lost an Item?

Visit Guest Relations just outside our main entrance for our Lost and Found. We can save your information and contact you if your lost item is found. If you or your child has accidentally dropped an item in an animal exhibit, notify a Zoo Ranger (red uniform polo) or call 713-533-6501 to report the loss immediately.

Name*
First Last
Description of Lost Item*
Date the Item Was Lost*
Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
Email*
Phone*
Alternate Phone
CAPTCHA

Free Wi-Fi in Select Areas

At the Zoo, you can find free wi-fi in the front entrance plaza, Medical Center Gate entrance plaza, Cypress Circle concessions area and in the Brown Education Center.