I remember going here as a kid and it looked like ...

I remember going here as a kid and it looked like the animals were in prison (concrete floors, metal bars). The animals are now in much larger cages with more natural barriers - for me, the Houston Zoo's animal enclosures and signage rivals the San Diego and Smithsonian's National Zoo. Nice kids area with 3 playground areas, petting zoo, carousel, and my kids favorite - the Swap Shop. You can bring in natural items (bones, shells, rocks, large pine cones, etc) for points and trade for items other kids have brought in. My kids always want to go in (even when they haven't got anything) to see what's there, and I always have to drag them out. The staff is always friendly and informative (inside the Swap Shop and out). BTW, if you're a local the Zoo Membership pays for itself in 1.5 visits. You can bring your own food in.