Had an absolutely amazing time at the zoo! Got to see some really cool animals (lions and tigers and elephants oh my). This is great for families as well as for date night (or day). I think it's great that you can bring a cooler and have a picnic inside!!!
I love this place. Its absolutely huge and they do a yearly light show that is out of this world amazing
Amazing place to bring your kids, so many animals to look at, I kinda got lost but thats ok, its a really big place, I recommend bringing a cooler with drinks and ice when the weather is hot.
Had such an amazing time!! So many fun things for the kids to do and loved the Children's zoo. Has a playground and petting zoo as well as some fun other things for little kids. Can't wait to go back and see the new wetlands exhibit they are building. It was clean and staff is everywhere to help with anything. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because the bathrooms in and closest to the children's area were out of order, and having a toddler who needs to go is not a fun thing when you have to run all over trying to find an open bathroom. Over all we will definitely be going back!! Worth the $$ for sure!!
I expected to see a zoo like Asheville zoo in NC that way but was a bit disappointed I guess big city people don't know animals as good as highly educated mountain country peoples, the animals were mostly asleep or sick in the morning and daytime when I went there with some veteran buddies. Defiantly not like a jungle.
Great time wit my daughter n her school for a field trip
We went to the zoo after re-opening. We bought tickets online for the 9-11 am admission. The line was insane. All the indoor exhibits and most of the glass viewing were closed. We paid full admission fee to see less than half of the zoo. However, the dragon exhibit was included this time with the general fee. Staff were very friendly, greetings everyone with a smile.
Zoo is awesome... every employee is nice and courteous. The zoo membership is the way to go if you live in Houston... well worth the money... for 79 it covers one adult, a guest and kids under 2 are free... there is other plans as well but that is the one that suited me the best. They have an awesome aquarium as soon as you enter the main entrance to your right...
This zoo is great but parking is the worst. If you come on a slightly busy day you will drive around forever trying to find parking and then the overflow parking will all be fined off. I don t know why the zoo hasn t addressed this problem.
It was so clean and landscape was beautiful. The animals were very active and all look happy and healthy. My first trip in 20 years. Awesome
Very fun , staff were wonderful and all the animals were beautiful
They're are adding on and improving so much..We love it
I used to love this place but it is no longer for everyone, only the financially well-off. Sure, they have discount and free days so they can pack all the "peasants" in like sardines. Way to go with the class system, Houston Zoo! <Eye Roll>
I love being at the zoo. Even though the parking lot was full and I had to be a culture to find a spot... It doesn't feel crowded inside. Love the staff, they're always so friendly and helpful.
We are really quite lucky to have such a great zoo in our town. Everyone should visit!
Everything is closed at the zoo. Not worth the trip.
The animals and exhibits were great, my only complaint is the toilets. Prepare for an unpleasant fountain surprise when you flush, because the vacuum created by the force of the flushing actually propels the water out in every direction.
They have alot of construction going on & some exhibits are closed but it was good very crowded on Saturdays.
Such an amazing experience! Loved it! Definitely coming back!
Great place to bring the family. Good zoo experience. Parking can be an issue, so come early.
Please note this review is for the Zoo Lights. The Houston Zoo during normal hours is 5 stars.
We went to the zoo this evening (Friday night) and the lights were incredible. However, it was crowded and very unorganized. The signage was limited and the few staff members in the zoo seemed to all be at the entrance. One of the main reasons we came was to get photos with Santa. Beware, this was so chaotic! Santa was actually in the cafe next to the Rhino display but upon entering the building their was no direction whatsoever. It was confusing where to go and the only employee directing traffic couldn t be seen near the entrance. After our photos, we walked up to the counter to view them on the screen and the young lady that helped us did a horrible job explaining the options. Although their is a list of options printed out, you will still get confused. We ended up purchasing a set of pics but prior to this, I tried to take a pic of the screen and the cashier rudely asked me not to take any photos. I don t know why she did this considering the fact that the lady taking the pics of my kids with Santa didn t mind if I took my own pics with my phone.
In the end, I am glad the family got to experience the lights but we won t be back next year. This turned out to be a stressful experience. I d rather drive around my neighborhood in little to no traffic to see lights and take my kids to the mall to see Santa.
Also, for a family of 4 expect to spend $150 without dinner. We actually ate before we arrived however did get a 4 pack s mores kit and a couple of drinks. It would have been cheaper to bring our own kit and drinks for sure.
It s too small and expensive arian. Animals hired all the time. Recommend to see this not at summer time
Large, very nice zoo. Love the Q&A sessions with zookeepers. Beautiful exhibits with a variety of animals. Swap shop for kids to trade in found treasures.
It was amazing. I went with my family and we loved everything.
Parking sucks!!! There is no parking designated for just the zoo itself. It s public parking for all of the attractions located within Hermann Park. Driving around and around looking for a parking spot hoping to catch someone coming to their car to leave as you are driving around and around. There is no method to the madness here. People creating their own parking spots at the end of rows creating even more of a hazard. Personally I found reserved parking spaces across the street from the zoo and tried my luck not getting a ticket and it work. Try it too if you dare. The park itself is beautiful! Well landscaped. Lots of trees to provide shade from the Texas heat. Exhibits were decent although in the afternoons the animals seemed to be hiding in the shade themselves getting out of the heat. Making some exhibits boring to just look at an animal laying down way in the back of an exhibit. If you have a Lone Star card make sure to take it with you. Tickets are a great price with it. Around $20 for a family of 4. Overall a decent time but Houston Zoo...please do something about the parking! Until that issue is fixed I won t be back.
When looking at the lions exhibit, the big male lion woke up and looked right at me for several moments. I stared back stunned, both amazed and slightly terrified at this magnificent creature. Legit had a moment with the lions. Anyway, this Zoo is amazing. Parking lot was absolutely nuts, but I suppose a zoo this great is bound to be super crowded.
It's a great place to get away from the house once in a while. It's over crowded at times but still awesome. The lions watched me while I was around them idk why...just wanted to say.
Well... due to covid most stuff is closed, monkeys, indoor exhibits refreshment stands... blah.. but the dragon exhibit is free!
The zoo was a lot of fun, but the construction right now kinda limited what you could do. It will likely be much better after that's all done, but it was still very enjoyable.
The best time with my family! The employees are so helpful about the animals.
Don't recommend morning, even though it cooler, not all the big animals are out but still, a good experience. Lord knows we needed to get out..bring a cooler, with drinks and food if you plan on coming though. Just saying.
Interesting place to visit with the family, beautiful creatures everywhere!
Zoo lights were a disappointment for through price. Should have been only $15 a persons and they don't honor military throughout the week.
Kinda pricey but over all very fun and lots to see!!
Awesome zoo!! There is so much to look at and you can easily spend a few hours there. There is a lot for the kids to do and it's a great learning environment. I gave it 3 stars because the parking is TERRIBLE!!!
Really an uplifting space, with teens and volunteers everywhere to help you understand and enjoy your experience. We got to see the tiger swim as he paced, ready to eat as the sun set.
Had fun ...but not having maps available. We kept getting turned around .
This is kept up well. Easy to see most of the animals. It was cold when we were there, so we didn't get to see all the animals we would have liked. Seemed to be a lot of empty cages. ALL OF THE PRIMATES WERE GONE OUT OF THERE AREA.
We went to the zoo right when it opened and bought the tickets on their website first as we heard there could be long lines, but this time there was not. Nice open plan in the middle of the city. A 4 only because many of the old school style cages. It made for a relaxing morning walking through the zoo. We were actually able to see all of the large animals due to the slightly cooler morning which made the animals more likely to move around. Very large areas for kids to play in throughout the zoo and plenty of picnic tables
I went for Zoo Lights on a weekday after Christmas, it was great, not crowed at all!
Have a membership and use it all the time. I really like this zoo and have seen major improvements in the past 5 years.
Too hot in the summer with small kids and Covid restrictions
Awesome place recommend bring a cooler with drinks and yes you are alowed to bring food from outside. ( Just don't feed the animals!)
It was fun an education an had alot of chill zones for the hot days
I came last year and it I was expecting something different but everything seemed the same.
Always a great place to go and now every month on the first Tuesday is free.
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?
It was a cool zoo and all a little bit of everything. But it was annoying cause over ran by pigeons/doves, and it was hard to actually walk around. Had to keep zig zagging and going back to catch something. Theres no flow with this zoo, everything is just throw in, so you cant just walk and move on to the next animal you got to always look at the map to make sure you didnt miss something cause every side walk breaks in like 8 more side walks
Favorite Houston spot. Great fun, super clean and always something new.
If you go on the summertime all the animals will hideaway in the shade because it is so hot LOL so you won t get much action
Awesome zoo, very toddler friendly and lots of the more popular type of animals to see eg lions, tigers, giraffe (bears we're missing the day I went). Highly advise not to drive, instead take public transportation or just Uber. Parking sucks.
We came on a rather busy Saturday but the facilities were still able to accommodate everyone. Be ready to walk from afar as parking is a nightmare.
The animal enclosures were well maintained and the animals themselves were rather easy to spot, even for my kiddos. There are many playgrounds scattered throughout that are themed for each section to let your kids get out that pent up energy but use them sparingly. There's much to do and see and lots of ground to cover. Save your energy for the walk
The food is pricey and overall not worth it. Best to eat before you show up! Be sure to visit Alvin the Goat at the petting zoo, he's super affectionate! He's prone to giving kisses and loves having his ears scratched.
LoneStar recipients get in at a heavily discounted rate so if you're in that category, come on down and take the kids for an inexpensive day out.
Well worth it. 10/10 would go again. My kids had a blast and here it is nearly 6pm and they're racked out in the back seat.
It is a great spot for family trips! It would take a whole day to see everything, but it s worth it.
This zoo is absolutely beautiful! Everything seems so green and lush!! Plenty of shade trees to keep cool under during the Texas heat.
Don't let Covid keep you away! Hand sanitizer machines around every turn and the zoo is SPOTLESS! I have been visiting for the last 20 years, since my kids were little. I have enjoyed seeing all the growth and changes the zoo has gone through during the years. Honestly, I feel it just keeps getting better and better! I'm so looking forward to the new additions they have planned!! The Gorilla Habitat, Elephant Enclosures and Bug House are my favorites!
Disappointing. I waited 30 minutes in line to see the Christmas lights. When i made it to the window i was told I needed id for my credit card. Waste of time. But i didn't want to pay $88.00 for 2 adults and a 4 year old. I'm never going back.
We had so much fun! My little boy enjoyed feeding the giraffes! Awesome place to bring the family! We did an overnight stay and our guides were awesome. I would highly recommend this to anyone!
My 4 year old was not ready to leave...so much to do for kids awesome staff and great cafeteria.
We definitely did not expect how great the Houston Zoo would be. Despite being busy, it didnt feel crowded. The surroundings were sculpted with the sam degree of artistry and care that you'd see at Disney or Universal. Tons of animals and helpful staff everywhere. Definitely recommended!
Tons of people best to go during the week in the morning.
I like this Zoo. It's big, u can take ur ice chest. And they have alot of trees and that help in these hot days.
OMG! I never knew how Houston Zoo is such an amazing place I m here right now and it s so cool! and I was highly impressed. Beautiful place and very friendly helpful safe. They have so much to do there the zoo is huge they have almost every type of animal, it s located right next to a huge park also that is beautiful. There around all around the zoo and park , I would highly recommend go here if around the Houston area I can t believe I ve lived here and this was my first time here so great!
Always fun to be here. The animals don't have much space to roam. It's kind of sad really. My daughter enjoys the splash pad and petting zoo.
Nice place to spend your whole day with kids. Large variety of animals with their unique habitat design provides valuable information to kids. The zoo lights during winter break are really fabulous.
Zoo lights was AMAZING!! We went there last week it was open so tickets were very inexpensive and it wasn't crowded. They had a smores set up, the lights were beautiful and lots of fun extras. Definitrly recommend checking it out.
I want to keep this gem a quiet secret so it doesn't get too crowded. I do get lost finding my way around (even with a map) but the docent are very helpful and very knowledgeable.
Quite an investment so I'd recommend paying for a family membership if you plan to go more than once a year. Well worth it. Lots of places to sit and relax. Opportunities for food and drink. Awesome enclosures for the animals.
Houston zoo has improved a lot since last time I went. Is cleaner, nice distribution of habitats and animals, employees are much nicer and its has grown more. I really recommend going for a great family time.
Loved the place... Lots of animals and children splash area is the best
An awesome place for both taking the family and catching Pokemon... lol.
Zoo lights were excellent! Wonderful place to enjoy with the family!
I love the zoo. Great to see all the animals. Also you can get icee and buy refills throughout the park.
Great place for the family. Took our daughters for their birthday & had a great time. BTW there are many complimentary items for birthday girls & boys, you just have to let them know there's a birthday.
I wasnt gonna go due to the hot weather, but this zoo is prepared for hot days, lots of trees that give shadow. Nice area for kids to play and to enjoy having contact with animals.
Their upgrading and it was drizzling, cold and most animals were inside. My granddaughter enjoyed the few animals we saw. Because the employees acted as if it was a regular day you barely noticed. We can't wait for the "New Zoo ".
Went to Free Tuesday. Was smaller than I expected, but I still got tired from walking even after taking a break, which is a good thing. Not as lively as I expected, but that's also a good thing. Listened to some zookeepers talk, saw a black bear... it's a zoo,;what's not to love
The zoo looked great today. Clean and well maintained. Staff were helpful and friendly. Most of the animals were out and they looked healthy.
Very nice zoo. It's not huge, so don't expect to stay all day here. Staff is very friendly and helpful. There is plenty of shade which is great in Houston weather. Pity so much was under construction and therefore closed, but let's hope new exhibitions will be worth it. Labels about animals could be more detailed, because now they are most about trivia.
The Zoo Lights were great. They are set up more for kids but I had a good time. A parking suggestion, go to Houston Zoo Lights website where you will find parking lots for $7 and free shuttle to and from event.
LOVE the zoo! It's a fantastic place to spend your day.
It's is very beautiful and very clean and convenient to walk and do cycling.
We had a lovely day at the Houston Zoo. Most areas were very clean, and all the animals seemed happy and in good health. There are plenty of exhibits, and the paths between them are straight-forward to follow. The surrounding area is also gorgeous, and it was relatively easy (and free when we visited) to park!
houstonzoo.org