Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids

The Houston Zoo is one of the Top Attractions in Houston: Home to more than 6,000 animals and 600 species, the 55-acre complex is fun for all ages. If you have kids in tow, read this Houston Zoo guide before you go — we'll delve into all the must-see exhibits, spots for a tasty meal, and insider-tips for visiting the Houston Zoo with kids.

You can save on admission to the Houston Zoo and other top attractions in Houston with a Houston CityPASS card. By purchasing this ticket, you receive admission to five of seven Houston attractions at half the regular price. Destinations include: Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, and Children’s Museum Houston.

After many (many) visits, we've found our favorite route at the Houston Zoo: we start on the right side, take a brief detour through the center for the big cats, and then veer back to the right and continue on through the zoo working counterclockwise before wrapping up near a family-favorite, the elephants! This provides ideal timing for play stops, animal encounters, and food and bathroom breaks, so grab or download a map and then follow along on our journey through the Houston Zoo.

Must-See Exhibits at the Houston Zoo

All-New Galapagos Island Exhibit

Opened in 2023, this exhibit lets you journey through the Galapagos Islands (in the AC!), where you'll spot the sea lions, Humboldt penguins, giant Galapagos tortoises, bonnethead sharks, and more. This space showcases the archipelago's unique ecosystem both on land and in water with a large viewing tank that lets you get up-close to the glass to spot the creatures as they swim and navigate the shores.

Wortham World of Primates

In this section of the Houston Zoo, you can traipse across a boardwalk as you observe everything from darling tamarins, ring-tailed lemurs, and other small monkey species to huge orangutans and super-fast patas monkeys. During most of our visits, we see plenty of action from the primates, who are usually swinging, climbing, chattering, or eating, so you won't want to miss this one - especially if you have little ones in tow. 

Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands

At this exhibit featuring animals native to Texas, you can see two majestic bald eagles, measure up to endangered whooping cranes, and spot American alligators. My kids never miss an opportunity to walk along the back of the large alligator sculpture or spot the babies tucked into a cool display. Pro tip: Don't freak out when you spot the snakes! They're just clever sculptures (that have made me jump more than once). 

South America's Pantanal

Crawl through a tunnel that passes by a giant anaconda habitat, watch the river otters splash and slide, walk under a pacing jaguar (or, more likely, watch him as he naps by the glass), spot the shaggy anteaters, and more as you make your way through South America's Pantanal. This section incldues great photo ops, like a canoe prop and a little foot bridge over a pretty pond with an alligator statue.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears (and more!)

From the Pantanal exhibit, work your way back, past the Cypress Circle Cafe (great time for a potty break) to see if you can spot the tigers, who can often be found swimming and roaring. To the right of the tigers, you'll find the lions, who are usually napping in the sun. To the left, see small cats and bears put on a show before crossing the bridge or going under the tunnel by the lions to see the speedy cheetahs.

 
 The hand-carved and painted Wildlife Carousel. Photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz.

John P. McGovern Children's Zoo

Up next, you'll make it to the Children's Zoo, where, for an additional fee, you can ride the hand-carved and painted Wildlife Carousel. We usually opt for the unlimited carousel tickets for just a little more and enjoy some time going 'round and 'round. After that, you can head back to let the kids run free at the playground, brush and feed goats at the petting zoo, and dart in and out of the cave exhibits and mongoose tunnels. There are snack stands and bathrooms in the Children's Zoo as well.

Giraffe Feeding Platform

Between the carousel and the entrance to the African Forest, zoo guests can get up-close and personal with Houston's Masai giraffe family. The kids can offer crisp lettuce leaves to these long-necked beauties, and it's a great way to get them to interact with the animals. Feedings are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily and cost $9. Feel free to snap your own photos or smile for the zoo photographer and find your photos for purchase.

African Forest

The African Forest marks the halfway point. We love to grab lunch at the Twiga Cafe and watch the giraffes while we dine. Note their black tongues as they reach for tasty treats! After lunch, you can wend past the rhinos and towards the air conditioned chimpanzee enclosure, which are easy to view through the glass. Past the chimps, you'll find yourself staring in awe at the gorillas and looking for the adorable red river hogs. 

Hoofed Animal Sightings

Pygmy hippos, striped zebras, incredible okapis, long-horned ankole cattle, and more await as you make the stretch from the African Forest to the elephant habitats. It makes for some leisurely viewing that we've found to be quick with our kiddos after the excitement from the chimpanzees. Around this point, you get the feeling that your zoo trip is winding down. 

McNair Asian Elephant Habitat

The zoo is home to eight elephants that love to splash, bathe, and eat their yummy hay right up against the fence. Watch as they use their trunks to spray water or toss dirt to cool off. There are almost always cute babies when we visit, and they make my two little ones squeal with delight! Our toddler is often a little cranky once we hit this section, and the elephants never fail to bring him back to his happy self. 

Explore the Wild! Nature Play Area

You've done it! Hit all the main events and seen the big animals. And then you get to one of my favorite spots at the zoo to take the kids. Almost like a secret garden, this natural play area features a rock wall, stepping stones under a waterfall, loose branches for building, and pits of mud and sand. You may want to bring a change of clothes in case they get dirty making mud pies or slip off a stepping stone and into the falls, but you won't regret it.

Carruth Natural Encounters

After some old-fashioned paying in the dirt at the nature play area, step into the AC for a little cool down with views of jellyfish, playful meerkats, naked mole rats, fierce piranhas, otters, and a white-faced saki monkey. And then pat yourself on the back, because you've successfully seen all the animals and played at all the play spaces! I wish you good luck as you brave your final stop (or run past it), the gift shop, before making your way home.

Eats, Drinks, and Sweet Treats at the Houston Zoo

Cypress Circle Cafe

The central hub of the Houston Zoo, the Cypress Circle Cafe is true to its name, as it's nestled among the knobby knees of towering cypress trees. Sit inside in the AC, or enjoy zoo views of the Texas Wetlands section. This green restaurant doesn't use single-use plastics and focuses on sustainability and locally sourced foods to provide wholesome meals that will fuel your family for a busy day at the zoo. Classics like pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and salads are the main fare here, and kids meals featuring PB&Js, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. 

Flamingo Terrace

For some refreshing beverages and light snacks, stop in at the Flamingo Terrace, where grownups can enjoy a cold beer from the local Saint Arnold Brewery while little ones gulp down frozen treats and salty pretzels. The adjacent flamboyance of pink flamingos make this one of my favorite watering holes. 

Twiga Cafe

Our go-to zoo eatery, the Twiga Cafe features tasty bites and giraffe or rhino views. My kiddos are partial to the mac n' cheese, and I appreciate the tangy, spicy boneless wings. 

Albert & Ethel Herzstein Trading Post

If you're looking for a refreshing, sweet treat, this trading post just past the gorillas is the place to visit. Dole Whips, ice-cold soft drinks, craft beer, and other tasty snacks await to sustain you on the walk past the hoofed animals and up to the elephants. This is also a great place to stop for a potty break, as it has ample space to park a stroller and rarely has lines.

Various Food Trucks 

Sprinkled throughout the grounds of the Houston Zoo, you'll find food trucks (and even a coffee truck!) offering easy-to-eat snacks, frozen treats, and delicious beverages. 

Pack Your Own Picnic

One of our favorite things about visiting the zoo is that you can pack your own coolers and bring in your own food and drinks (just no glass bottles or alcohol). This gives us the freedom to pack our kids' favorite snacks and have them on-hand in a pinch. We make sure to bring the wagon when we pack our own food, so we can haul it around easily and open it up whenever we need to.

RELATED: Zoos, Animals, and Gardens Guide for Houston Kids

Special Events and Programs at the Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo Lights

Each year from late November through early January, TXU Energy hosts Houston Zoo Lights. This enchanting holiday lights display leaves the zoo twinkling and bright each evening. Hot cocoa is served and merriment is made at this Houston-favorite holiday event.

Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo

Each fall, Zoo Boo returns with festive pumpkin displays and more. Guests are invited to dress up in Halloween costumes and, on some days, they've been known to pass out candies or small pumpkins to the children. 

Camp Zoofari

Aspiring zoologists can spend summer days at the Houston Zoo during the Camp Zoofari summer camp program. This 5-day immersive experience for children between the ages of 6 to 12 includes animal encounters, zoo exploration, and more.

Houston Zoo - Know Before You Go:

• The best times of year to visit the Houston Zoo are spring and fall. Not only does the mild weather make visits more comfortable, it also means that the animals are more likely to be out and about, as they prefer their dens when it's too hot or cold. And the blooming native Texas plants that are prevalent in zoo landscaping really wow during the springtime. 
• Note that non-members must reserve tickets in advance. Tickets cannot be purchased on-site, so you'll want to plan ahead. But don't stress out if you miss your time slot - you're free to enter the zoo any time after your designated slot, just not before it. I recommend signing up for the earliest available slot so you can go whenever you'd like the day of your zoo visit. The last entrance is technically at 4 p.m., but you'll want to give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to make it all the way around.
• If you're going on a weekday, you'll find that any time of day is a good time to visit. On weekends and on holidays or times when the kids are out of school, you'll want to get there when the zoo opens to get a good parking spot and beat the crowds. 
• As a proud Houston Zoo member, I highly recommend a membership for locals. It's said that they pay for themselves in as little as two visits, and you'll also get access to special Member Mornings, members-only events, and discounts on camps and birthday parties, 10% off at the gift shop, and lowered admission to reciprocating zoos, aquariums, and museums across the country. Members also don't need reservations and can enter at any time, which is a big bonus for my spontaneous family.
• The zoo itself doesn't have a dedicated parking lot; however, there are four large parking lots right outside of the zoo and around Hermann Park that are FREE. Usually I'm able to find a spot pretty easily, but prepare to spend some time on the hunt if you go during a busy weekend.
• Visitors can also take the METRORail from Fannin South Park and Ride, 1604 West Bellfort. 
• If you're toting toddlers or preschool age children, I highly recommend bringing a stroller or wagon. Double strollers and wagons are available for rent for $17. The only downside is that strollers can't get down the stairs for the lion tunnel or enter the Galapagos exhibit.
• The gift shop is jam-packed with T-shirts, stuffed animals, toys, books, and a variety of cool home decor, mugs, hats, and more. Sometimes we fly by, avoiding the potential "I wants," and other times we stop in to pick a special treat to commemorate our visit. But once we're in, it can sure be hard to get them back out!
• Make sure you're dressed for the weather and wearing comfy walking shoes. The Houston Zoo is expansive, and I hit my step count easily when we visit. 
• Don't forget the hats and sunscreen in the hot months!
• Limited tickets are available for Free Tuesdays on the first Tuesday of every month, so keep an eye on the calendar and book your slot in advance if you're shooting for free admission.

Visiting the Houston Zoo and Houston Zoo Tickets

The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive in the Museum District. The zoo is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entrance at 4 p.m. The tickets feature flex pricing, which changes with days and times, so you can plan a visit around your budget and schedule. Children (3-12) and senior (65+) tickets are 20% off the general admission price for adults, and children 2 and under are always free. Again, tickets for non-members must be reserved in advance and are not available at the gate. Enjoy your visit to the Houston Zoo!

All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are courtesy the Houston Zoo.

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