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Houston Zoo

6200 Hermann Park Dr · Houston, TX

Why you should go…

Home to more than 6,000 animals, the Houston Zoo is known for its African Forest gorilla habitat and its work breeding endangered Houston toads. Kids can hand-feed giraffes and lorikeets in dedicated interactive exhibits.

  • #zoo
  • #animals
  • #kids
  • #outdoor

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Houston Zoo, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Hermann Park

    Free

    A 445-acre green space anchoring Houston's museum district, with a Japanese garden and a mini train.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Free

    Miller Outdoor Theatre

    Free

    Free outdoor performance venue in Houston's Hermann Park offering an eight-month season of music, dance and theater.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Houston Museum of Natural Science

    Under $25

    Dinosaur skeletons, a butterfly rainforest, and a world-class gem hall anchor Houston's biggest science museum.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Children's Museum Houston

    Under $25

    Hands-on children's museum in Houston's Museum District with interactive exhibits for kids and families.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Buffalo Bayou Park

    Free

    160 acres of hike-and-bike trails, art, and kayak launches winding along the bayou just west of downtown.

    3.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark

    $50+

    Winding lazy rivers, a wave pool, and towering water slides make this Galveston's biggest waterpark.

    45 mi awayMore like this