Houston Zoo Review

Could not have imagined how big this zoo is AND its in the middle of the city!!!

Cute zoo...it was a little small but probably great for kids!

Need to clean elephant cage and extend alligator habitat

Always a blast at the Houston Zoo. Even though it is hot, there is plenty of shade. Definitely a must visit for families!

Loved the zoo not too crowded on a Sunday. Only thing i hated was the parking be prepared for a nice walk from your vehicle to the zoo entrance

#1 recommendation: Bring your own cooler with wheels, filled with plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and snacks. Family of 5 and was the best recommendation I picked up from another guest that recommended the same.

cool zoo that is very spacious and has nice little aquarium

Christmas lights show is awesome. I love to come back every year.

So much fun. Didn t get to see all the animals but great time

Plenty of animals to see. The free parking was full and so took a good 15 minutes before we found a space. We didn't know that the museum district, which is walking distance, had pay parking at an affordable price.

We had a great time, the zoo is laid out pretty well but is currently under renovation in some areas so be prepared to do a little extra walking to see everything.

Crowed on wkends but awesome staff very friendly and eagered to help

We loved visiting the Houston Zoo! They had animals that our home zoo does not. We got to watch the black bears search their area for the food the zoo crew kids hid. The keepers were extremely knowledgeable and genial.

Lovely gardens and fountains. Rode the train. Had a nice time with a friend. Zoo was not crowded in mid-September on a Wednesday. Enjoyed seeing the new children's learning exhibit about butterflies. Also enjoyed seeing the baby elephant.

Love the Houston Zoo! It is so big
Spend the whole day here. Maps and signage needs to be improved
We got lost often but still had a great time. the children's petting zoo is my favorite, even though I am an adult. Enjoy.

I'm only giving 3 stars because we didn't even make it in the zoo. I'm writing to tell you be more prepared for the chaos of traffic, parking and waiting in line for tickets. We had initially wanted to stop here and planned to buy tickets online. We didn't know if our first stop would allow us time the next day for this. We were ahead of schedule and decided to stop, traffic is insane! People are rude just trying to get in the parking lot and spaces. The line was all the way to the parking lot. We didn't expect any of this. So we decided to leave. We will be back, but more prepared so I will update my rating about the zoo once I've come back

We had a really good time at the Houston Zoo! The animals were very active and in nice habitats. We even saw some animals we've never seen before. The zoo streets were nicely laid out too - pleasant to stroll down, lots of really cool trees all around. Spacious but not insanely spread out like San Diego zoo. There was an opportunity to feed a giraffe lettuce leaves that I regret not doing! Toward the end of the visit we even found a St Arnold beer cart for refreshments while we walked! Highly recommended.

Because of the pandemic is going on right now before you go to the zoo you must have a reservation online.

We absolutely love the Houston Zoo!!!! Every season and holidays there are different activities and things to see and do. They are constantly bringing more stuff, improving the zoo and animal areas. The staff is super friendly and nice.

It's such a nice place to go with your family and make memories , also the ducks seem pretty privileged here they are everywhere

Lots of awesome things to see here. It's best to get there early because it's when the animals are most active.

This place is too expensive for what they offer. No excitement. Boring. Thank God they sell beer.

First things first, it's very Expensive! At the ticket stand there were these women taking photos, they were trying to charge us nearly $18 for just two photos!!
We went into the aquarium first and saw some neat jellyfish so I guess that was a thing.
But as we walked to pther exibits in the park kt became very clear that the animals were very unhappy. Almost all of them had thier backs turned to us and were in the farthest area away from us in thier exhibit. Some we couldn't even see.
Eventually we came across a little area to buy drinks and icecream, the ICEEs there cost around $7 and are very watery with a sour aftertaste that makes it seem cheap and a waste of money.
It was very crowded as well and I believe that it was not worth the money!!

It has been years since I last visited the Houston Zoo. My husband and I spent a Friday afternoon at the zoo. The azaleas had started blooming yet there was a slight chill in the air. While the parking lot appeared to be full we found a parking spot about a block away from the entrance. There was no wait to purchase our tickets.

Several of the areas are being renovated but there are so many other areas to explore. A number of the animals were hiding because it was pretty chilly outside. We really enjoyed watching the elephants and giraffes.

Parents of little one, please note this is a large zoo and little ones may get tired of walking.

As amazing as it was when I was a kid! My little girls and my wife and I had a BLAST!

If you haven't been to the zoo in the past few years you have to check it out. they have revamped and added a lot of new areas. it makes you feel like you are at Disney world in the Africa section and the natural encounters building is packed with so much. I could spend days here, especially with how happy and healthy the animals seem.

Found all the animals except for my Hyenas...other then that nice place ....been awhile i havent been there since the 90s lol

My favorite spot. I hate all the 3xobits wasn't open because of covid19 but it was still fun

Had a very good time. Get there early so you can park close.

Great Place to visit In HOUSTON JUST the parking Sucks but other than that its great , && Did You Know If you Get Benefits Such as Snap Or Wic You Get A MAJOR discount ?!!! , Don't believe me JUST CALL THEM

Love the Houston zoo! Cool exhibits (Big Bugs!)- not the biggest zoo in the world but you can definitely spend a long day here. Zoo seems to make real effort to have animals available in the exhibits during the day. Kids love the merry go round, splash area and petting zoo to get interactive (and give parents a short break). I love that the zoo has activities during the summer for the evenings (since it gets pretty hot in Houston!) so kids can still enjoy the zoo without having a heat stroke. The activities we loved were the snow day/party and pajama jam (meet the keeper talks centered on how zoo animals sleep). Great location to visit with kids/visitors especially if you can get a Groupon/ deal!

My Family Loves the Houston Zoo! Even during these difficult times my children and grandchildren enjoyed every minute.

Love going to the zoo. Great place to take your kids.

The Houston Zoo is always a fun day. In year's past, we would purchase the membership as we are a family of 5, and with 2 visits it pays for itself truly. Now we just purchase tickets due to older kids.

-1 STAR

#1 PARKING:
We always aim to get there 45min before opening to ensure parking in the first main lot. This time they had the lot gates closed so you could not park early. Vehicles had to get in a car line to wait for the lot gates to open, and it became a big cluster of confusion + unneeded stress all before unloading just to stand in more lines.
#2. RESTROOMS
Bathrooms were more of an issue this visit as well. As they had full long lines. Maintenance actually pulled everyone out of line to close for cleaning. When you are patiently waiting for 10-15min & then they tell you to go walk to the other ones to get in line it's an issue. I understand cutting off a line at the last person and redirecting everyone from that point.

Anyone who has ever been to the zoo knows how much of a nightmare parking can be which is understandable, but for families that plan ahead and get there early to park should not be made to wait in car lines with lots closed & blocked by security/staff. Or told to get out of line for the restrooms.
The issues were only for the last visit and have never occurred in previous years. You do need patience, prepare for crowds, & wear comfy shoes.

5 stars for a great family atmosphere.

Nice walk. Places to cool off while looking. Had to pay online.

Very well maintained and clean even with all the construction. Finding parking close to the zoo was impossible, so we parked off sight, took metro rail to the Med Center and then rode the Zoo Train the rest of the way.

Awesome place for the kids an adults to enjoy a good time outside.

Difficult to find the entrance after parking because there are separate paths to take that will eventually lead you in the right direction but I didn't realize that. Also, research about busy days and anticipate a swarm of parking traffic and children. The zoo itself is mostly a large loop but, again, I got lost inside so take a map. The animals are out frequently enough that it was not boring and theres a lot of educational/ interactive things for kids like the bug house, petting zoo, play areas, etc. Definitely an all day trip! Wear comfy shoes!

This is the kind of zoo you don't leave feeling sorry for the animals. The habitats are large and clean. The primate habitats are wonderful and eductonal. The zoo grounds are beautiful with old oak tress and fountains and flowers. I live the aquarium. This is wonderful humane place to visit creatures great and small.

I highly reccomend going early. Very small crowds and the animals are moving a lot more due to lower temperatures. Also, go to the entrance at the far end of the parking lot. Away from the zoo entrance and work your way in to find d a better parking spot sooner. The sidewalks cut through the trees so it is much closer than it looks. You can also bring your own wagon for the little ones. They only lose a star because the under ground lounge viewing tunnel is not ramp accessible. You don't see much more but it should be ramped.

Loved it ! Plan to return multiple times WITH FAMILY

I had so much fun at the zoo, the employee's were also so kind to help any questions I had or my friend had. There are alot of animals to see, I spent about 4 hours here.

Very nice zoo. We went while on vacation and enjoyed it.

Great family time for the boo at the zoo. This was our 1st time going and we truly enjoyed the event. Will be back next year

Fever shade had a great time ur family will love it

Didn't see the tigers. I wanted to see the tigers! A lot of the animals were inside so there wasn't much to see. The chimpanzees were entertaining however

I've been to several zoos both in the United States and internationally. This zoo was okay. Lots to see, lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes. Cool thing though...the animals were all out and about so that is always a plus. (Nothing more disappointing than wanting to see the animals and they are "hiding"). Also...finding a parking space can be difficult. Lots of "car stalking" going on. Overall fun day for the family

We had my son's birthday at the zoo in the yellow pavilion! He had an amazing day and it really was one of the easiest parties I've ever throw! The Houston zoo is always a good time for our family even when we are not celebrating a birthday!

Lots to see here. Many unusual animals, all well taken care of. Great time visiting this place
Do bring cooler full of drinks as coke was $7

I love taking my babies here. They always have so much fun. So do I. I just wish that they would have all of the exhibits that their supposed to. Today the red pandas had a sign in their area saying they were at the bugs exhibit. However, the bug exhibit was practically empty.
The only restaurant they have which is by the giraffe feeding area was closed with no sign explaining why.
Other than that, it was awesome.

Very disappointed, there were way less lights than the past years we've been there. There's other places that are better for looking at lights. I really felt like they ripped me off this year

Festival of lights was awesome and we were able to get discounted tickets by buying online and avoided the lines for admission. Definitely going back again next year. My 2 year old loves it!

On my first visit there with the family, I really enjoyed the quietness of the place. The setup of the walkthroughs is nice. Place is clean. Employees are friendly. Sort of reminded me of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Loved our visit but sad that all exhibit weren't open

Loved it. Had so much to look at. Plus great prices.

Possibly the best zoo I have been to! And that is without the dolphins and orangutans!

Dragon exhibit still still open!! Some sections are closed but staff did a great job keeping things safe and fun for families during this pandemic

Too expensive and the kids splash pad wasn't open and in Texas it's too hot out they used to have fans all round and I didn't see one. Not worth the price

Loved it .there are new attractions.most of all love the splash pad for the kiddos in the kids zoo area

Great place to take the family during this time of year. Enjoyed the exhibits even though I spent about $200 with three kids and two adults on tickets and food.

Love this place! A great time to go is early mornings in the fall or spring the exhibits are more active.

Very nice zoo but also very pricey. I would definitely go back

Great place to visit while you re in Houston and deservedly placed as one of the major attractions of Houston. Thanks to the free entrance for all the UH students because of which I go there frequently. Pls check if your university/college qualifies for a free entry. Don t forget to visit all the sections while you re there so it s better to go there early in the day and prepare to spend at least 3-4 hours!

The Houston Zoo is one of my family's favorite place spots. It is a big zoo so if you are visiting with small children a stroller is recommended. However, if by any chance you forget a stroller you can rent one there. Keep in mind that currently the zoo is undergoing renovation so some pathways might be tight. However, new attractions are coming to the Houston Zoo.

My kids love this place,Awesome place. The new penguin exhibit is really nice. We love the giraffes too. Feeding them is a must.

Just as I remember from going as a school field trip since I was a kid. The zoo is very fun, great place for kids to see a variety of animals from around the world. Reasonably priced. So much to see, going to have to come back just finish it all. We got to see many different types of animals, reptiles, gorillas, bats and more!

Loved the place...BRING A STROLER IF YOU HAVE A SMALL ONE....I made that mistake for you....you welcome

Loved seeing all the animals. Several of their staff need training in hospitality. We ordered food at one of the stands and had to wait quite awhile for our food because it was being made out of order. The young lady at the stand was very rude. Overall we had a great time. Feeding the giraffes was a plus.

Always have fun at the zoo. Feeding the giraffes is the best part.

When you spending 22.00 to get in the zoo you expect to see a lot of animals...not the case

Clean, good customer service, great variety of animals. I liked the information they provide about the animals and the daily schedule of feedings they post online so you can maximize your visit. I do wish they had more and better food options. However, there were many areas for picnicing and I think you can bring your own food.

They have all kind of animals a very nice place to go with all your family to see amazing animals

Hope to have a longer visit next time I go would like to see more of the other animals, but I did enjoy the goose.

Had a great time with my family. Lots of different animals. Lots of shade and places to take breaks.

So cool! Been to about 13 different zoos and this one is definitely leading the pack. Was able to get thru it in 3 hours without rushing, no eating, and no shows. Truly has a lot to offer. Also, TONS of shade!

Ive been super disappointed the past two years with the cost of admission/membership fee and the amount of zoo you actually get to view. It seem they are under non stop construction its feeling like a huge waste of money and time honesty. Im saying this as a person who has been going to this zoo since i was a child .