• The Houston Zoo will close early on June 20 at 5pm for a private event.
• Check out our four new blogs!
• Our keepers present more than two dozen Meet the Keeper Talks every day! View today's list.
• To always get the most up-to-date information, visit the General Info page or subscribe to our RSS.

• see how

Zoo is closed only on Christmas day!

Our Medical Center Gate, located directly across from Ben Taub Hospital, is open on weekends, holidays, free days and during Spring Break.

Buy your tickets before you arrive at the Houston Zoo

Purchase discount Zoo tickets at any of the 33 Fiesta Mart stores across the Houston area. Visit the courtesy booth of any Fiesta Mart in the Houston area to purchase an adult Zoo admission for $8 and a child Zoo admission for $5.

School Field Trips and Student Activities

Zoo admission is free for organized school groups Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for students up to age nineteen from schools within the corporate limits of the City of Houston. View our program offerings and plan your day by visiting our Planning Your Field Trip page. Please complete the on-line Field Trip Reservation Request and submit it at least three weeks prior to your visit date. Day cares, pre-schools, head starts, home schools, and colleges are not eligible for the free school program. For more information, call 713-533-6550 or email groupsales@houstonzoo.org.

Group Trips

Bring your herd out to the Zoo and save 20% on each ticket. Discount offer is available for groups of twenty or more if registered three weeks in advance. Please complete the on-line Group Tickets Order Form and submit it at least three weeks prior to your visit date. We will process the number of tickets you have requested and return them to you at the address indicated on the order form. A $5 shipping and handling fee will be charged per order. For more information, call 713-533-6754 or email GroupTickets@HoustonZoo.org.

In order to receive the group discount, payment is due in full three weeks prior to program date. All groups that do not register three weeks in advance will have to pay the full admission rates. This includes free Houston schools. Tickets will be mailed upon receipt of payment. A $5 shipping and handling fee will be charged per order. Forms of payment include check and major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover). Houston Zoo membership cards are not permitted for group admission. Late arriving group members must pay the general admission rate.

Wildlife Carousel

• Children over 42" tall may ride alone.
• Each child under 42" tall must be accompanied by an adult.
• No food drinks or strollers are allowed on the Wildlife Carousel.
• Member discounts not available at the carousel; discounted carousel tickets must be purchased at Zoo Admissions.
• There are no refunds.

The Houston Zoo offers a wide variety of eating establishments. Closest to the main entrance is our Macaw Café where you can sit down in air conditioned comfort and enjoy a hot chicken tender basket, a delicious fresh salad or a cool drink.

The Houston Zoo’s mid-century landmark, the Central Concessions building at Duck Lake has gotten a make over!
Crews power washed the structure, painted inside and out, installed new graphics, and now offers new menu items. The mid-century “bones” of the original design has remained.

Carts and Kiosks

Looking for a quick, cold treat? If the Houston heat affects you, make a pit stop at one of our many carts to grab a frozen lemon chill or a frosty-cold bottled water. And if you happen to be nearby the Okapis exhibit, you can also cool off with a snow cone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring food and beverages to the Zoo?
Absolutely! It's long been a Zoo tradition for guests to bring their own coolers.
All we ask is that you follow a few simple rules and be mindful of our animals and their home. Be sure to pick up all trash and pack out what you bring into the Zoo. You may NOT bring:

• Glass Bottles
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Plastic Straws