Plan a Zoo trip as part of your summer vacation! Our Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.m daily, with the last entryat 4 p.mm. We have a growing family of animals, such as capybaras and white-cheeked Gibbons. Plan your next trip by checking out the tips we’ve provided below.
1. Discover our new exhibit
Galapagos Islands. With more than 90% of the exhibit indoors, you can cool down this summer by travelling to the Galapagos Islands right here in Houston. Visit our California sea-lions, Humboldt Penguins, Galapagos Tortoises, One Ocean Aquarium and more.
2. Cool down in multiple indoor locations
You can cool down in our air-conditioned areas, such as the Galapagos Islands. Here are some of our favourites.
- Carruth’s Natural Encounters – See Asian small-clawed-otters and sloths. Also see red-bellied-piranhas.
- Bughouse: See some of the Zoo’s most fascinating and smallest residents.
- Reptile & Amphibian house – Spot lizards and snakes as well as amphibians.
- Great Ape Gallery – See our gorillas and chimpanzees inside the Gorilla Day Room.
- Gorilla Arrival Building. View panoramic views of the habitats of gorillas and red river hogs in the African Forest.
- Cypress Circle Cafe- Enjoy a cool drink or food in our Green Restaurant Certified Cafe located at the Zoo.
3. Tickets on sale early
Flex Pricing allows you to plan! The earlier you purchase your tickets, the cheaper they are. You can plan your Zoo visit to fit in with your budget and schedule.
Please note that ticket holders may enter the Zoo at any time after their listed arrival time. The Zoo is open until 5:00 p.m., and the last entry time is 4:00 p.m.
4. Plan and arrive early to secure parking.
In the summer months, parking and traffic around Hermann Park and the Zoo can be more crowded than usual. Allow extra time to avoid traffic and consider our parking recommendations, such as carpooling, ridesharing, and the METRORail. You can reach the Houston Zoo by METRORail. Take the Red Line to Hermann Park/Rice U and exit. Then, walk through the Japanese Gardens.
5. Visit the best places in your city
Enjoy a wide range of activities during your summer vacation with your crew. Book a special Animal Encounter, such as our giant anteater experience.
