The Houston Zoo is my home away from home. Their e...

The Houston Zoo is my home away from home. Their exhibits are phenomenal, animals well cared for and their staff is exceptional. I purchase a membership every year, and have for at least 10 years. It's well worth the savings and pays for itself within two visits. I'm a 4th generation Houstonian, so I've seen the zoo change A LOT, and all for the better. Their conservancy program is amazing and does monumental work for the good of animals. The Houston Zoo offers backstage access, including getting up close and personal with rhinoceros, cheetah, tigers and more. Get there early, parking is usually incredibly competitive, and patrons get ugly sometimes while warring over a spot. I always park furthest from the entrance - you're about to hike through the facility, what's another 5 minutes to your vehicle at the end of your visit?