Add a zoo visit to your summer vacation plans. Open daily from 9am to 5pm with last admission at 4pm. There’s always something new to see, including the zoo’s ever-growing family of capybaras, white-handed gibbons, and herds of meerkats. more. Check out the tips below as you plan your next visit.
1. Explore the newest exhibit, the Galapagos Islands
Travel from here in Houston to the Galapagos Islands in the cool of this summer, with over 90% of our newest exhibits indoors. See California sea lions, Humboldt penguins, Galapagos giant tortoises, One Ocean Aquarium, and more.
2. Stay cool in multiple spots indoors
There are several air-conditioned spots where you can cool off while exploring the zoo, including the Galapagos Islands. Check out some of our favorites:
- Carruth Natural Encounters – See small-clawed otters, sloths, red-bellied piranhas, and more.
- bag house – Meet the zoo’s smallest and most charming residents.
- Reptile and Amphibian Museum – Find lizards, snakes, amphibians and more.
- Great monkey gallery – Explore chimpanzee habitats and observe gorillas indoors in the Gorilla Day Room.
- Gorilla Arrival Building – See a panoramic view of the Gorilla and Red River Hog habitat in the African forest.
- Cypress Circle Café – Cool off at a certified Green Restaurant café in the heart of the zoo. We offer a variety of food and beverages.
3. Buy tickets early
Plan ahead with flex pricing! The earlier you buy your ticket, the cheaper the price. It gives you more options to plan a zoo visit that best fits your budget and schedule.
Note: Ticket holders may enter at any time after the arrival time indicated on the ticket. Feel free to enjoy the park until it closes at 5pm. Last entry is at 4pm.
4. Arrive early and plan your parking options in advance
In the summer, transportation and parking around the zoo and Hermann Park can be busier than usual. To avoid heavy traffic, allow yourself extra time to check for recommended parking options such as carpooling, rideshare, and Metrorail. To get to the Houston Zoo from the Metrorail, you’ll need to take the Red Line, exit Herman Park/Rice U, and walk through the Japanese Gardens to reach the Zoo’s main gate.
Five. enhance your visit
Let’s enjoy various activities with the staff during the summer vacation! Ride the wildlife carousel, feed Maasai giraffe leaf treats daily at 11am and 2pm, and book unique animal encounter experiences like meeting new giant anteaters.