Houston Zoo

Houston
Zoo

CityPASS saves you 45% on admission to Houston’s top 5 attractions.

Houston Zoo CityPASS ticket includes general admission to all exhibits including African Forest, a new 6-acre exhibit featuring chimps, rhinos, giraffes and more.

$70.96
Combined attraction price
CityPASS Adult
$ 39
Child 3-11
$ 29
Choose at checkout: Print vouchers or ship booklets.?
Kipp Aquarium

Kipp Aquarium

The Kipp Aquarium’s 23 exhibits take the visitor on a world tour from the coral reefs of the Pacific to the Amazon Basin and the Rift Valley Lakes of Africa.

McNair Asian Elephant Habitat

McNair Asian Elephant Habitat

The Houston Zoo's Asian elephant herd includes an adult male, three females, a calf. Plus two baby elephants are on the way.

These highly intelligent creatures are an endangered species. Scientists estimate that there are fewer than 50,000 wild Asian elephants; they live in India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. (By comparison, there are 600,000 wild African elephants.)

Natural Encounters

Natural Encounters

Tree branches stretch out over the pathways, waterfalls cascade into pools, and animals meet you at every turn. Visitors are nose to nose with some of the world's most endangered animals. You can even crawl right into the piranha exhibit via an acrylic see-through tunnel.

Keeper chats, regularly scheduled throughout the day, demonstrate and explain everything from otter enrichment to piranha feedings. Keepers frequently mingle with the visitors, intimately sharing some of the zoo's most unusual creatures and intriguing stories about the animal's habitats.

Wortham World of Primates

Wortham World of Primates

Located in the heart of the zoo, Wortham World of Primates offers up close viewing of some of the world’s most fascinating and intelligent creatures.

Boardwalks and tree houses allow visitors to observe the behavior of a wide variety of threatened and endangered primates. You'll see mandrills, lemurs, an agile gibbon, red capped mangabeys, siamangs, patas monkeys, cotton top and golden lion tamarins, howler monkeys, and Sumatran and Bornean orangutans.

Reptile & Amphibian Building

Reptile & Amphibian Building

The Houston Zoo has a diverse array of reptile species in its collection. Currently the building and its associated facilities house more than 900 animals representing some 140 species of reptiles and 40 species of amphibians.

Included are some of the world’s most venomous snake species such as the Gaboon viper, Black mamba and the Black forest cobra, some of the largest snakes such as the Reticulated python, the Burmese python, and the largest lizards (Komodo dragon and Crocodile monitor).

John P. McGovern Children's Zoo

John P. McGovern Children's Zoo

Get eye-to-eye with a prairie dog via pop-up domes, visit a realistic bat cave, see an eagle’s nest and watch a river otter play underwater. Forty exhibits take children through the six ecosystems of Texas: the city, Gulf Coast, desert, forest, prairie and the farm.

The Discovery Center features hands-on activities for children. Three 900-square-foot pavilions host a variety of activities from educational classes to parties.

Houston Zoo iPhone App

Houston Zoo iPhone App

The Houston Zoo has opened a new dimension in guest services with the launch of a GPS-enabled Zoo iPhone application. Houston Zoo and Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo are the only two zoos in the world to offer such a service.

The free iPhone application displays guests’ location on zoo grounds using real-time GPS coordinates and allows access to photos and videos of zoo exhibits and animals and access to daily Meet the Keeper talks and presentations.

Houston Zoo Video

Houston Zoo Video

  • Attraction
    Details
  • CityPASS
    Details
  • Reviews
  • How
    to Buy
  • Price
    Details
  • Skip Most
    Ticket Lines
  • FAQs
  • Map
  • Transportation

Houston Zoo Details

Location: 6200 Hermann Park Drive
Website: houstonzoo.org
Phone: (713) 533-6500
Hours:

March 11-Nov. 4 2012: daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Nov. 5-March 10, 2013: daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Last entry one hour prior to close

Closed Christmas Day

CityPASS Admission General admission to all exhibits including African Forest, a new 6-acre exhibit featuring chimps, rhinos, giraffes, and more.
CityPASS Entry Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at any ticket window.
Special Exhibits & Upgrades

Upgrades for CityPASS Holders

  • Wildlife Carousel
    Cost for CityPASS holders: $2.50/ride
    Tickets available at front gate or carousel entrance.
  • 4D Experience
    Cost for CityPASS holders: $5 (adults and children)
    Tickets available at front gate or theater entrance.
On-site Services
Parking: Free parking available.
Dining: Macaw Café, Cypress Circle. (You are allowed to bring food in; no glass bottles, plastic straws or alcoholic beverages.)
Gift Shop: Visit the newly remodeled gift shop.
Strollers: Available on first-come, first-served basis: single, $8; double, $11. Also available: wagons, $11; manual/push wheelchairs, $6; and motorized scooters, $21.
Self-Guide: iPhone or Android App
Advice for Visitors
  • It's best to visit the Houston Zoo early when parking is still abundant and the animals are most active. Gates open daily at 9 a.m.
  • The Zoo is a big exciting place. Know where you're going before you start for a more enjoyable zoo experience. And be sure to pick up a Houston Zoo map at the gate when you arrive.
  • 4D Experience capacity is limited. Check show times and purchase upgrade tickets when you arrive to secure a seat.
  • The GPS enabled, free iPhone or Android App is a great way to enhance your Zoo experience, Details and Download
Transportation

METRORail Train: Two MetroRail stations serve Houston Zoo and Hermann Park: Herman Park/Rice U Station at Fannin and Sunset or the Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo Station on Fannin between North MacGregor and Ross Sterling. Exit train and follow Hermann Park Trail around the lake to the front entry plaza of the Houston Zoo.

METROBus: Take #1 Hospital bus to Fannin/Main Street exit. Follow Hermann Park Trail around the lake to the front entry plaza of the Houston Zoo.

View these details for all CityPASS attractions

What is CityPASS?

  • Houston CityPASS is a booklet of admission tickets to Houston’s 5 best attractions. Booklets include detailed attraction information, hours, location, insider tips and a map.
  • CityPASS booklets are valid for nine days beginning with the first day of use.
  • CityPASS booklet holders can skip most ticket lines. (You may encounter a line when you exchange a voucher for a booklet.)
  • Choose your delivery option during checkout: Print vouchers or ship booklets.
  • Look inside a CityPASS booklet

How do you use CityPASS?

  • Exchange your voucher for a Houston CityPASS booklet at the first attraction you visit. (Skip this step if you have your booklet shipped.)
  • Present your booklet at each attraction for admission.
  • Each attraction will tear out or scan their ticket. Please do not pull a ticket from the booklet or it will be invalid.
  • An Option Ticket allows you to choose admission to one of the two attractions offered.

What’s included with CityPASS?

CityPASS includes admission to 5 Houston attractions:

  • Space Center Houston

    Space Center Houston

    General admission to the Official Visitors Center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center including NASA Tram Tour. more

  • Downtown Aquarium

    Downtown Aquarium

    General admission to Aquarium Adventure Exhibit that features 400 species of marine life. more

  • Houston Museum of Natural Science

    Houston Museum of Natural Science

    Exhibit halls general admission to one of the nation’s favorite natural science museums. more

  • OPTION TICKET:
  • Houston Zoo

    Houston Zoo

    General admission to all exhibits including African Forest, a new 6-acre exhibit featuring chimps, rhinos, giraffes, and more. more

  • The Health Museum

    The Health Museum

    General admission to Houston's most interactive science learning center and the Planet You 3-D science film. more

  • OPTION TICKET:
  • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

    Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

    General admission to permanent collections that comprise nearly 60,000 works of art. Includes non-ticketed special exhibitions. more

  • The Children's Museum of Houston

    The Children's Museum of Houston

    General admission to all 14 hands-on exhibits designed especially for kids. more

Customer Reviews — Houston CityPASS

4.7/5 302

Overall Rating:

98% recommend this product

4 Stars

Great Houston Value

posted by jamesfalcon on Apr-25-2012

I really liked the CityPASS concept. Great value, I made a point of visiting more places. Especially the winter lower rate deals, NOW THEY are AMAZING! Thank You! From Saltspring Island, Canada

5 Stars

Everything was wonderful in our trip

posted by LYN on Apr-24-2012

Bueno somos de Costa Rica y estuvimos en el zoológico, museos, acuarios etc, conocimos la ciudad y nos encantó el orden, el aseo y los diferentes shows. La comida muy rica y quedamos con ganas de volver. El Space Center fue el único lugar del cual no salimos totalmente satisfechos, nuestras espectativas eran superiores a lo que encontramos ahí. Una experiencia maravillosa, muchas gracias por crear el Citypass para que disfrutemos de más por menos dinero. Felicidades!

5 Stars

MY TRIP WAS POSITIVELY AMAZING

posted by Crazyjaptraveler on Apr-15-2012

I went to Houston,TX with my AFJROTC class this whole weekend, and we all had a blast. First we went to the Houston Space Center, where we got to see things that we have never seen before. Second we went to the Houston Zoo. Lastly we went to the Downtown Aquarium, which was mind blowing, we got to touch Stingrays, see sharks, and a White Tiger! Long Story short, I would definitely recommend this trip.

4 Stars

Excellent way to spend vacations!

posted by diegolopezlr on Apr-10-2012

This is an excellent solution to get to know the most wanted attractions in Houston area. We had a great time in all of the attractions, no lines, no tickets, just go ahead and enter into the fun.

5 Stars

Fun in Houston!

posted by ced1072 on Apr-10-2012

We just spent the last four days (over our University Spring break) in Houston Texas and used our CityPASS to enjoy many of the beautiful museums and attractions this diverse city has to offer. I would recommend the CityPASS to anyone traveling through Houston! It is a great deal!

How to Buy

Buy now and, at checkout, choose to either have CityPASS booklets shipped to you or print vouchers. For payment, we accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover or PayPal.

Print voucher

Print your voucher at time of purchase or later by accessing the .pdf attached to your e-mailed order receipt. All vouchers must be printed. An on-screen view of your voucher, using your mobile device, will NOT be accepted at the attractions. Once printed, you take the pre-paid voucher to the first attraction you plan to visit and exchange it for a CityPASS booklet, which contains entrance tickets to all the attractions. Exchange locations at each attraction are printed right on the voucher. Exchange vouchers within 6 months of purchase. Your CityPASS booklet's 9-day validity period will begin the day you visit the first attraction.

Ship Booklets

Having a CityPASS booklet in hand can often save you time by skipping ticket lines. We ship booklets to the continental U.S., Alaska or Hawaii, and Canada using UPS. We ship to United Kingdom using Royal Mail. Shipping costs vary by delivery type selected. You'll be shown the estimated delivery date for each shipping type during checkout. For Southern California CityPASS orders only, someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery.

Buy at an Attraction

Houston CityPASS is available for sale at all Houston CityPASS attractions for the same low price.

Price Details

Compare the cost of separate admission to each attraction to what you'd pay with CityPASS:

Save 45% off regular box office prices:

  Attractions Adult Price Child (3-11)  
Space Center Houston admission with NASA Tram Tour $22.95 $18.95 Ages 3 & under, free
Downtown Aquarium admission to Aquarium Adventure Exhibit $10.01 $6.77 Ages 2-12, $6.77; Ages Ages 1 & under, free; prices include tax
Houston Museum of Natural Science exhibit halls admission $15.00 $10.00 Ages 2 & under, free
and your choice of
Houston Zoo admission $13.00 $9.00 Ages 2-11, $9; Ages 1 & under, free
The Health Museum admission, including a 3-D science film $8.00 $6.00 Ages 2 & under, free
and your choice of
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston admission $10.00 $5.00 Ages 5 & under, free
The Children's Museum of Houston admission $9.00 $9.00 Ages 1+, $9; Under age 1, free
 
Total Combined Box Office Price:
CityPASS Price:
$70.96
$39.00
$53.72
$29.00
 

Skip Most Ticket Lines

CityPASS booklet holders can skip most ticket lines. You may encounter a line when you exchange a CityPASS voucher for a CityPASS booklet at the first attraction you visit. Please note: Some CityPASS attractions have longer lines during holidays.

Below, find details about how to enter each attraction as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that some lines, such as security checkpoints, are unavoidable.

  Where to enter using your CityPASS ticket
Space Center Houston Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at main entrance.
Downtown Aquarium Present CityPASS booklet at the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit ticket window by entering the CityPASS line to skip main ticket line. Exchange voucher for a CityPASS booklet at the main admissions desk.
Houston Museum of Natural Science Present CityPASS booklet or voucher in the box office at the window for "Members/Corporate".
Houston Zoo Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at any ticket window.
The Health Museum Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at admission desk.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at any admission desk.
The Children's Museum of Houston Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the Museum Members and CityPASS Guests check-in desk.

FAQs

Find answers to questions most frequently asked about Houston CityPASS below. Click on the questions to show or hide answers.

  1. How do I know if Houston CityPASS is a good deal for me?

    You'd get your money's worth even if you only visited three attractions. We invite you to see for yourself. Price Details displays CityPASS prices right next to full attraction admission prices and the extras you get with CityPASS. You can tell at a glance if the price and value are right for you — even if you don't visit every attraction.

  2. When does the 9 day booklet validity period begin?

    If you purchase today, you may begin using your booklet any day from now until February 28, 2014. Exchange vouchers for your CityPASS booklet within 6 months from date-of-purchase.

    Houston CityPASS tickets are valid for one-time use within nine consecutive calendar days. The first attraction you visit stamps or scans your booklet to activate the booklet's nine-day validity period. For example, if you visit the Space Center Houston on Monday, you have the rest of that day, plus the following eight days to use the other four tickets in your booklet.

  3. Are there ever any blackout dates for using CityPASS?

    No, there are no black-out dates associated with using CityPASS. You're welcome use your CityPASS anytime within regular attraction operating hours. Please note that some attractions may periodically close all or a portion of their attraction for private events or due to weather conditions. We recommend contacting the attractions directly to verify availability during your travel dates.

  4. What is an option ticket?

    Houston CityPASS includes two option tickets. One gives you the choice to visit either Houston Zoo OR he Health Museum. The other gives you the choice to visit either Museum of Fine Arts, Houston OR The Children's Museum of Houston. No need to decide between them now – choose when you get there.

    Don't miss this - your booklet contains a coupon for a special CityPASS savings to use at the attraction you don't visit using your option ticket.

  5. What do I do if my child is younger than the CityPASS child ticket price range?

    Houston child booklets are priced for ages 3-11. Children under age 3 may be eligible for free or discounted admission at some attractions, however, you are often required to stand in line with them to secure a free child’s ticket. You may save money, but you will spend time in ticket lines.

    See Price Details to decide whether CityPASS is a good choice for your child. Your family’s vacation experience may be improved by zipping past main ticket lines to the CityPASS entrance — even if it costs you a few extra dollars.

  6. What is a voucher and how do I use it?

    A voucher is a one-page document that you print at the time of purchase or later by accessing the .pdf attached to your e-mailed order receipt. All vouchers must be printed; attractions will not accept an on-screen view of your voucher, using your mobile device. (At check out, you also have the option to have actual booklets shipped to you by UPS.)

    Once printed, you take the pre-paid voucher to the first attraction you plan to visit and exchange it for a CityPASS booklet which contains entrance tickets to all the attractions. Exchange locations at each attraction are printed on the voucher. Keep in mind that you may encounter a ticket line when exchanging your voucher.

  7. Do I skip every line with Houston CityPASS?

    The Skip the Lines tab tells you how to enter each attraction with a CityPASS booklet in hand and with a voucher to — if possible — avoid the main ticket line. We've also printed brief instructions on each ticket in your booklet to remind you where to go. Also, each attraction displays signs indicating where CityPASS ticket holders go to present their ticket booklets to avoid most entrance ticket lines. Keep in mind that these are the most-popular attractions in Houston and there may be lines in summer, on weekends and holidays.

  8. How do I know when attractions open/close and where I should start?

    Planning is easier when you see all the attractions' locations and hours in one place. Click on Attraction Details to find the Location & Hours tab and more attraction information tabs designed to help you plan your trip.

  9. How do I buy a CityPASS if I live outside the U.S., Canada or U.K.?

    International buyers will find the print-at-home voucher purchase their most efficient solution. If you prefer to wait until arrival, you will find booklets available for the same low price at every participating CityPASS attraction.

  10. Is it safe to buy a CityPASS from private sellers on Ebay, Craig's List or other similar entities?

    CityPASS does not endorse or support the purchase of CityPASS products from eBay, Craig’s List or directly from any individual. In the event that you purchase stolen or invalid CityPASS products, CityPASS will be unable to offer any compensation

  11. How does shipping work for citypass.com orders?

    We ship to continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii via UPS. Orders placed prior to 12:01 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday-Friday, will be shipped the same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday or legal holidays will ship the next business day. Someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery. The following rates apply for a U.S. shipment of 1-14 CityPASS booklets or Southern California admission cards:

    UPS Ground (Continental U.S.) $10.00
    UPS 2-Day (Continental U.S.) $13.50
    UPS Next Day Air Saver (Continental U.S.) $15.50
    UPS 2-Day (Hawaii) $24.00
    UPS 2-Day (Alaska) $25.50

    Canada

    We ship to Canada via UPS. Orders placed prior to 12:01 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday-Friday, will be shipped the same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday or legal holidays will ship the next business day. Someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery. The following rates apply for a Canadian shipment of 1-14 CityPASS booklets or Southern California admission cards:

    UPS Standard $22.75
    UPS Worldwide Express Saver $31.50

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom (U.K.) orders are fulfilled within the U.K. and are sent via Royal Mail. Orders placed prior to 11 a.m., Monday-Friday will ship that same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will ship on Monday, save for bank holidays. Note: Royal Mail will deliver to post boxes; signatures may be required for residential or commercial delivery. The following rates apply for a U.K. shipment of 1-4 CityPASS booklets or Southern California admission cards:

    Royal Mail $14.00

    All Other Shipping Destinations

    Shipping to other destinations is not presently offered. You may purchase an e-ticket online now, print it, and exchange it for a booklet at the first participating CityPASS attraction you visit. If you prefer, wait until you arrive in the city to purchase. You will pay the same low price when you buy at any participating CityPASS attraction.

  12. How long does it take to receive a CityPASS by UPS? Can I track it?

    You will select UPS shipping when you purchase CityPASS online, with options for delivery timing. An expected date of arrival is provided for each shipping method. By end-of-day (or first business day after weekend orders), you will receive an e-mail from UPS with a tracking number.

  13. Will you ship CityPASS booklets to a hotel?

    CityPASS booklets purchased online in advance of travel may be directed to home, office or hotel addresses in the U.S. or Canada. We recommend that you alert the hotel to your expected delivery when you confirm your reservation.

  14. Can I substitute or subtract an attraction ticket?

    CityPASS is a well-researched collection of the most popular and loved attractions in Atlanta and the attraction line-up may not be altered. You'll save money with CityPASS even if you only visit three attractions. We invite you to see for yourself Price Details.

  15. What is your return policy?

    CityPASS offers a full refund, within 365 days from date of purchase from citypass.com, on unused CityPASS booklets with all tickets attached or vouchers that have not been redeemed.

    Partially- or fully-used CityPASS booklets are non-refundable. No refunds or exchanges will be provided for any portion of an activated CityPASS booklet.

  16. When does my CityPASS expire?

    Voucher: Exchange vouchers for your CityPASS booklet within 6 months of purchase.

    Booklet: If you have a previously-purchased CityPASS booklet, look at the inside cover to find the expiration date of your booklet. Purchase today and begin using your booklet any day from now until February 28, 2014.

  17. What do I do if my CityPASS is lost or stolen?

    Think of a CityPASS booklet like cash in your pocket. If lost or stolen, no refund or replacement is possible.

  18. What about discounts for seniors, military, students or groups?

    CityPASS is already a deeply discounted collection of tickets, with significant savings for all ages and interests. In fact, CityPASS is more attractively priced than A.A.R.P. or other comparable offers. Further discounts are not available.

  19. Do you have a summary of the top things to do in Houston?

    Visit our Things to Do in Houston page for a full list of the top things to do while you're in Houston.

CityPASS attraction locations:

  • Space Center Houston
  • Downtown Aquarium
  • Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • Houston Zoo
  • The Health Museum
  • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
  • The Children's Museum of Houston

Get directions:

From: or enter other address
To: or enter other address

A route line will show on the map and turn-by-turn directions below.

Houston METRO

Houston Metro

As the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston is a leader in business, healthcare, entertainment, the arts, and more. METRO's seamless bus and rail services help residents and visitors alike enjoy what this great city has to offer.

METRO Fares: $1.00 - $3.50. Discounts for students, seniors & disabled.

For schedule and other information, call METROLine at 713-635-4000 or visit ridemetro.org.

  Attraction Transportation Information
Space Center Houston

Driving: Space Center Houston is just 25 miles south of downtown Houston, located south of Hobby Airport. Take I-45 South, exit NASA Parkway and follow the signs.

Downtown Aquarium

METRORail Train: Traveling northbound (Fannin North), exit the train at Preston & Main. Walk west on Preston to Bagby.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

METRORail Train: Traveling southbound (Fannin South), exit train at Museum District Station. Walk southbound along Fannin to Hermann Drive, turn right on Hermann to museum.

Houston Zoo

METRORail Train: Two MetroRail stations serve Houston Zoo and Hermann Park: Herman Park/Rice U Station at Fannin and Sunset or the Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo Station on Fannin between North MacGregor and Ross Sterling. Exit train and follow Hermann Park Trail around the lake to the front entry plaza of the Houston Zoo.

METROBus: Take #1 Hospital bus to Fannin/Main Street exit. Follow Hermann Park Trail around the lake to the front entry plaza of the Houston Zoo.

The Health Museum

METRORail Train: Traveling southbound (Fannin South), exit train at Museum District Station and walk 2 blocks south to Hermann Drive, then turn left on Hermann to the museum.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

METRORail Train: Traveling southbound, exit train at Museum District Station, walk northbound to Bissonnet/Binz, turn left to museum.

The Children's Museum of Houston

METRORail Train: Traveling southbound (Fannin South), exit train at Museum District Station. Walk northbound to Bissonnet/Binz St., turn right and walk 5 blocks to museum.

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