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Welcome to the Zoo!

Plan your next Houston Zoo visit and reconnect with the animals you know and love.

Reserve tickets

Daytime Admission Tickets

There is something for everyone at Houston Zoo. Check out the elephant herd, including our newest elephant, Kirby, feed a giraffe, spot our California sea lions swim overhead in Galápagos Islands, and more!

Tickets are available through April 30. Online reservations are required for ALL non-member guests at this time. Tickets will NOT be sold on-site at the Zoo.

Entry is only allowed on the selected date of your ticket purchase. Ticket holders can enter any time after your ticket’s listed arrival time. You are welcome to enjoy the Zoo until we close at 5:00 p.m. Last entry is at 4:00 p.m.

RESERVE DAYTIME TICKETS

The Zoo is open for extended hours until 9:00 p.m. on April 11 and April 18.

Please note, tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. The only valid tickets accepted are purchased through houstonzoo.org or CityPass.

Note: The Zoo’s carousel is currently closed for repairs. Stay tuned for a reopening date on our website.

Flex Pricing gives you more options to plan a Zoo visit that best fits your budget and schedule. Read more in our FAQ below! 

 

Houston Zoo Members

Members can visit the Zoo anytime without needing a reservation. You can access your membership card by logging in to the Member Portal.

Pro-tip: Bookmark the Member Portal page on your mobile device so you can quickly access your digital membership card before arriving to the Zoo. Thank you for being a valued Zoo member and helping save animals in the wild!

Member Portal

If you have questions about your membership, please contact our member services team: membership@houstonzoo.org.

kids looking at giant river otter swimming

Know Before You Go

Online reservations are required for all non-member guests. 

Pick the day and time to visit, and you will receive an electronic ticket that can be scanned by one of our team members when you arrive.

Ticket holders can enter any time after your ticket’s listed arrival time. You are welcome to enjoy the Zoo until we close at 5:00 p.m. Last entry is at 4:00 p.m.

Once inside, you will be able to see many of your favorite animals in outdoor wildlife habitats, including Asian elephants, southern white rhinos, Malayan tiger, western lowland gorillas, African lions, and more!

VIEW MAP

Free hand sanitizer stations are positioned along the path, at restrooms, and food locations.

Food and beverages are available for purchase at multiple locations along the path. All food and beverage locations are credit card only. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own outside food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy while at the Zoo.

Hungry and don’t want to wait in line? You can order your food online for quick and easy pick-up at Cypress Circle Café.

Start Your Order

The Zoo is located in Hermann Park, near the Texas Medical Center and the Museum District. Our Main Entrance is at 6200 Hermann Park Drive. View parking options and alternatives below!

  • Medical Center + Museum District Parking
    • Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza Parking Garage
      6400 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030
      Note: Guests can park here on weekends and stroll through The Commons in Hermann Park on their way to the Zoo.
  • Hermann Park Parking
  • Houston Museum of Natural Science Parking Garage
  • Rideshare
  • Ride the METRORail

More Info

Become a Member and Save!

Visit the Zoo anytime and skip the reservations! As a member, you’ll enjoy FREE admission for 12 months while helping support animals here at the Zoo and in the wild. Your membership pays for itself in as few as two visits per year!

Become a Member

Frequently asked questions

What is Flex Pricing?

  • The Houston Zoo implemented Flex Pricing on ticket purchases for visits starting September 1, 2021.
  • Flex Pricing provides guests with more price options. This new model for general admission tickets features prices that will vary by date and time of visit.
  • Flex Pricing gives guests the opportunity to plan a visit on the day and time that best accommodates their budget and schedule.
  • Flex Pricing also allows the Zoo to spread attendance throughout the year to improve guest experience.
  • This new model does not mean an across-the-board price increase for Zoo guests. During certain periods, ticket prices will remain the same or even below current admission prices.
  • Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and save with Flex Pricing! Ticket prices will go up during peak times and for same-day ticket purchases.

How does the Zoo decide when to increase prices?

  • Price adjustments will be made in real-time based on changing factors such as time of day, day of week, holidays, weather forecast, and ticket demand.
  • Ticket prices will go up for same-day ticket purchases made online. Tickets are not sold at the gate.
  • This new model does not mean an across-the-board price increase for Zoo guests. During certain periods, ticket prices will remain the same or even below current admission prices.

Can I use discounts with Flex Pricing?

  • There is a 20% discount for child (ages 3-12) and senior (65+) tickets. It is automatically reflected at checkout.
  • Military, student, and Lone Star discounts are available, but online reservations are still required. You MUST show your military, student, or Lone Star identification when presenting your ticket for admission.
    • Military will receive 50% off the adult ticket price at time of purchase, with a limit of 5.
    • Lone Star tickets are $9 per ticket.

Can I buy group tickets with Flex Pricing?

Tickets are available for purchases of 20 or more General Admission tickets. Discount will be reflected at checkout.

    • Adults 13-64 – $2 off
    • Children 3-12 – $1 off
    • Senior 65+ – $1 off

RESERVE GROUP TICKETS

For questions or concerns, please contact group.reservations@houstonzoo.org.

Can I use CityPASS® tickets to visit Houston Zoo?

Yes! With CityPASS® tickets, you’ll save up to 51% off admission to Houston’s top 5 attractions, including Houston Zoo. First, buy CityPASS® tickets online for immediate, paperless mobile ticket delivery. Next, simply bring your CityPASS® tickets to any ticket-taker at the Zoo entrance – no advanced reservations required.

Does Flex Pricing affect memberships?

  • Flex Pricing only applies to general admission tickets. Since members get free general admission, Flex Pricing makes a Houston Zoo membership an even better deal!
  • A Houston Zoo membership still pays for itself on your second visit.
  • Members receive discounted admission for extra guests not covered by their membership. Prices for these discounted tickets will adjust along with Flex Pricing.

Will the Zoo continue to limit capacity and require people to buy tickets and reserve a slot online in advance?

Yes. Reserving/buying tickets online in advance allows us to spread attendance improve guest experience. Tickets will not be sold at the front entry.

  • Reservations are required for all non-member guests.
  • General admission reservations are limited each day. First come, first served.
  • Purchases are limited to 10 tickets.
  • Guests with general admission will need their reservation confirmation (printed or on phone) to check in.
  • Ticket holders can enter any time after your ticket’s listed arrival time. Last entry is at 4:00 p.m. 

I’m a member, do I still need a reservation?

Members do not need a reservation to visit the Zoo. Upon arrival at the Zoo, you will enter through our Member Entrance and present your digital membership card. If you have questions about your membership, please contact our member services team: membership@houstonzoo.org.

MEMBER Portal

Do you still have Free Zoo Days?

ExxonMobil is the generous sponsor of Free Zoo Days.

Free Zoo Days presented by ExxonMobil at Houston Zoo is provided once a month, on the first Tuesday of each month, from open until closing. Online reservations are required for all non-member guests at this time. Members are not required to make online reservations to visit the Zoo. Tickets will not be available at the gate.

MORE INFO

What can I see along the Zoo path?

 

Guests will be able to see many of your favorite animals in outdoor wildlife habitats, including Asian elephants, southern white rhinos, Malayan tiger, western lowland gorillas, African lions, and more!

EXPLORE ZOO MAP

 

Can I bring food and beverages in the Zoo?

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

  • Glass bottles
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Plastic straws

Is food available for purchase?

Multiple food and beverage locations will be available along the path with limited food options. All food and beverage locations are credit card only.

Hungry and don’t want to wait in line? You can now order your food online for quick and easy pick-up at Cypress Circle Café.

Start Your Order

Does the Zoo have strollers and wheelchairs available?

Yes. Click here for rental information.

Does the Zoo have a stroller policy?

For the comfort and safety of all guests, strollers, wagons, and coolers are not permitted in the Galápagos Islands exhibit. More info>

tiger swimming

Support Your Zoo

Support your Houston Zoo with a gift that also saves wildlife.

Donate Now

Bringing the Zoo to You

Join us for updates of what our furred, flippered, and feathered friends are up to and how our zookeepers are caring for them. View all of our livestreams at the link below.

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