The Houston Zoo offers a variety of admission options to cater to the diverse needs and budgets of visitors. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist exploring the city, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information to plan your visit to the Houston Zoo.
Admission Hours and Requirements
The Houston Zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 4:00 p.m. The zoo is open seven days a week, making it an accessible destination for visitors throughout the year.
To ensure a smooth and efficient entry, online reservations for timed tickets are required for all non-member guests. Members of the Houston Zoo, however, do not need to make online reservations.
Ticket Prices and Discounts
The Houston Zoo offers a range of ticket prices to accommodate different age groups and budgets. The general admission prices are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (Ages 13-64) | Varies by date and time of visit |
| Child (Ages 3-12) | Varies by date and time of visit |
| Senior (65+) | Varies by date and time of visit |
| Infant (2 & Under) | Free |
In addition to the general admission prices, the Houston Zoo also offers several discounts to make the experience more accessible:
U.S. Military Discount
Active-duty U.S. military personnel and their dependents can enjoy a 50% discount on general admission tickets for up to five guests (2 adults and 3 children) all year long. An online reservation is required to take advantage of this discount.
Student Discounts
Registered students attending the University of Houston, Rice University, St. Thomas University, and Texas Southern University can receive free admission to the Houston Zoo. Online reservations are required, and a valid current student ID must be presented.
CityPASS Discount
Visitors can save 50% on admission to Houston’s top 5 attractions, including the Houston Zoo, by purchasing a CityPASS ticket. No advanced reservations are required for CityPASS ticket holders.
Group Discounts
Discounts are available for purchases of 20 or more General Admission tickets.
Corporate Discounts
Employees of Corporate Partners of the Houston Zoo can enjoy ticket and membership discounts.
Free Zoo Days
The Houston Zoo offers free daytime admission once a month, on the first Tuesday of each month, from open until closing. This event, known as “Free Zoo Days presented by ExxonMobil,” requires online reservations, as tickets will not be available at the gate.
Additional Information
- Ticket Policies: Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Entry is only allowed on the selected date of your ticket purchase.
- Food and Beverages: Food and beverages are available for purchase at multiple locations along the path. All food and beverage locations are credit card only. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own outside food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Parking: Visitors have several parking options, including Hermann Park Parking, Houston Museum of Natural Science Parking Garage, Medical Center + Museum District Parking, Rideshare, and Ride the METRORail.
By understanding the Houston Zoo’s admission hours, ticket prices, discounts, and additional amenities, you can plan your visit to the zoo with ease and make the most of your experience.