Get up close and personal with over 900 different species at Houston Zoo. Located within the expansive boundaries of Hermann Park in the Central Business District, the zoo is home to animals from all over the world. You will find old favourites including lions, giraffes and hippos as well as creatures you may have never heard of before.
As you enter, pick up a map and events timetable from the information desk just inside the main gate. The zoo is spread over 22 hectares of land so it can be quite a walk to get around, but there are benches scattered across the grounds. Wherever you sit down, there’s bound to be something interesting and entertaining to watch while you catch your breath. The aim is to keep the inhabitants in surroundings as close to their natural habitats as possible, so as well as coming face to face with a diverse range of animals you can also enjoy the beauty that surrounds them.
‘Meet the Keeper’ talks will give you a fascinating insight into the animals’ habits and routines. There is a full timetable throughout the day, so it might be worth thinking about what you want to see as you plan your visit. Don’t miss watching the elephants take their bath or getting up close and personal with the snakes.
The zoo can get warm during the summer months so take some time to chill out with the kids in the water play park. If you’re feeling hot and bothered, why not stop by the Herzstein Trading Post at the African Forest for a cold drink or a scoop of Bluebell ice-cream. The Macaw café is great for hamburgers or hotdogs and there are two smart restaurants offering air-conditioned dining rooms where you can enjoy a sit down dinner with a view.
For something a little different, why not catch a movie at the Experience cinema. If you’ve never experienced movies in 4-D, this really is a treat. Three dimensional pictures jump out from the screen accompanied by sights, sounds and smells to keep you completely immersed in the story.
The Zoo’s central location within Hermann Park makes it easy to combine with other attractions, such as the Museum of Natural Science. It is easy to reach by metro or car and parking is free of charge.
