I ve been to the Houston Zoo multiple times. I wo...

I ve been to the Houston Zoo multiple times. I would probably go more if the zoo stepped up its game regarding benches/seats. While there are benches/seats in multiple locations, more benches/seats are needed in SHADED areas. I found more than one place on my walk today where there were NO benches/seats, and frequent resting places (not just cool zones ) are needed outdoors near exhibit areas in the summer heat. Misting stations or mist sprayers in the cool zones would have been helpful and a much welcome respite from the summer Houston heat. Also, there are not enough kiosks/stands. Kiosks/stands exist, but they were unmanned/unstaffed possibly because there was NO COVER for staff/employees (who would have been subjected to open sunlight and NO shade if they had been manned/staffed). I suggest kiosks/stands with cool treats like snow cones, etc. (found at least one snow cone truck with a mist sprayer at a convenient location on a recent trip to the Dallas Zoo). Had I come upon a snow cone kiosk at just the right juncture of my walk today, you would have had my money. The last item I would call attention to would be the lack of bags for merchandise in the gift shop areas. While I understand the reason behind a no merchandise bag policy, carrying around merchandise purchased (even near the entrance on the way out and heading to a vehicle) can be darned inconvenient. I realize that the merchandise bag policy is not likely to change, but the other items I have mentioned can/should be addressed. Should you wish for me to change my rating, I wouldn t turn down a free (value) pass to return!