How to Visit the Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo, located in Hermann Park in Houston, Texas, is one of the most popular Houston tourist attractions. The zoo has over 4,500 animals and draws visitors from Texas and all over the world every year. Before coming to the Houston Zoo, it is important to plan your day. Here's how to make the most of your trip to the Houston Zoo.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the day you want to visit the Houston Zoo. Be sure to consult the operating hours and schedule found on the Houston Zoo's website. The zoo is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day.

2. Study a map of the Houston Zoo on the zoo's website. This map is available in both English and Spanish and can be printed out and brought with you to the zoo when you visit. You can also find an interactive, clickable map of the zoo. You can also pick up a zoo map when you enter the zoo on the day of your visit.

3. Check out the sample zoo itineraries on the Houston Zoo's website. If you are wondering how to plan your day at the zoo, these itineraries are a great place to start. The website has a sample itinerary for an hour visit to a 3-hour visit.

4. Plan your travels to the Houston Zoo with driving directions on the Houston Zoo's website. You can also use a paper map or an Internet mapping service to map your travels to the zoo. You might want to take the METRORail to the Houston Zoo and will find information on the zoo's website; parking is limited, so the METRORail is a good choice.

5. Read the "Today at the Zoo" page on the website for the Houston Zoo. This page gives information each day, so be sure to check this page on the day you're visiting the zoo. There's information on exhibits, traffic near the zoo and keeper chat times.

6. Stop by the "Plan Your Day" kiosk at the Houston Zoo. This kiosk is located right inside the park near the entrance gates. Stop by and pick up information on special events, exhibit information and keeper chat times.

7. Contact the Houston Zoo at 713-533-6500 with any questions about visiting the zoo, ticket information or to purchase tickets in advance.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your camera and binoculars to the zoo when you visit.
• The animals at the zoo are the most active in the early morning or the late afternoon. This is especially true during the summer months.
• The zoo is the least crowded during the fall and winter months.
• Field trips with school children are common at the zoo during April and May. The zoo is especially crowded at these times.
• The summer months in Houston can be extremely hot. Be prepared if you choose to visit the zoo during these months.

Resources

• Visit the official website for the Houston Zoo.