15 Places in Houston to See Animals
Houston has so many different opportunities for kids and adults alike to learn about different animals in unique up close and personal experiences. Here’s 15 places in Houston and the surrounding areas to see animals to give you some ideas for your next fun family day. Some are classics and you already know or have visited them, but there’s most likely some you’ve never heard of and will inspire you to check them out!
Old Macdonald’s Farm
3203 Farm to Market 1960 Rd E, Humble, TX 77338
“Interactivity with animals is a staple of our farm. When you come visit us you will have over 12 stations to pet, feed and be face to face with some of our most beloved animals. From goats, cows, pigs to some more exotic animals, we hope you love our fluffy little friends. Train rides, pony rides, a swimming pool, park, a petting zoo and more are available to give you a fun memorable day.”
https://www.oldmacdonaldsfarmtexas.com/
Butterfly Garden at The Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Dr
“Enter a stunning, three-story glass structure built around a 50-foot waterfall! This simulated tropical rainforest is filled with exotic plants and over 1,500 flying butterflies. These beautiful, delicate creatures imported from butterfly farms around the world will delight you as they flutter through the vegetation, stop to sip nectar or fruit juices, and occasionally perch on lucky visitors.”
https://www.hmns.org/cockrell-butterfly-center/
The Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
“The Houston Zoo is a 55-acre zoological park located within Hermann Park in Houston. . The zoo houses over 6,000 animals from more than 600 species. It receives 2.1 million visitors each year and is the second most visited zoo in the United States, surpassed only by the San Diego Zoo.”
TGR Exotics
22115 Sherrod Ln, Spring, TX 77389
“When you tour TGR Wildlife Park, you will get up close and personal with some of the planets most exotic, fascinating, and endangered animals. With more than 100 animals representing over 25 species, there is something here to engage and inspire all ages. It is more than just fun, it is a chance to see, touch and learn about some incredible animals. It is amazing to see a child’s eyes light up when they pet a kangaroo or touch the quills of a porcupine.”
Saint Francis Wolf Santuary
6731 Pavlock Rd, Navasota, TX 77868
“Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary is a nonprofit charity in Navasota, Texas, whose mission is to provide exceptional lifelong sanctuary to non-releasable wolves and wolfdogs, while sharing a message of education and conservation.
Bayou Wildlife Zoo
5050 FM517, Alvin, TX 77511
Visit Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Alvin, Texas to explore our wildlife zoo with an experienced guide, all from the comfort of a tram. We take you through 80 acres where our knowledgeable guides will tell you all about animals from all around the world. Bayou Wildlife Zoo offers three areas of attractions: 80-acre tram ride, Addie Lou’s Barnyard, and our Big Red Barn.
https://www.bayouwildlifezoo.com/
Houston Aquarium
410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
This magnificent six-acre entertainment and dining complex is a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland, home to over 300 species of aquatic life from around the globe. With a full-service restaurant, an upscale bar, a fully equipped ballroom, aquatic & geographic exhibits, shopping and a variety of amusements, Downtown Aquarium has it all!
https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston/
Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77507
“ABNC is one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the United States. ABNC contains 2500 acres of the natural wetlands forest, prairie and marsh habitats once abundant in the Houston and Galveston area. It is home to over 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. They also offer hiking trails, exhibits, field trips, Scout programs, birding, a historic farm and fun for all.
Moody Gardens
1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
“Explore The Oceans’ depths in the Gulf Of Mexico, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific and Caribbean. Dive into the oceans of the world in a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium teeming with creatures from tuxedo-clad penguins to seals, stingrays, sharks and more! You can also Visit the rainforests of Asia, Africa and the Americas in a rare, up-close and interactive experience with endangered plants and animals ranging from Giant Amazon River Otters to Saki Monkeys, sloths and an array of birds! “
Blessington Farms
510 Chisolm Trail, Wallis, TX 77485
“There is no shortage of animals to feed and love on out at Blessington Farms. You can be completely hands on with the goats, pigs, lambs and even dogs. We have Birds and camels that you can feed during our operating farm hours for an additional $3 dollars per person per feeding. There is also a Reptile Grotto where you can observe and learn about so many reptiles. There’s Animal shows during the weeks and on the weekends, be sure to check out the times when you get to the farm so you don miss it! At times we do have baby goats that you can personally feed a bottle to, it isn’t always available but when it is, it is a popular activity for the kiddos.”
https://www.blessingtonfarms.com/fieldtrips
Paloma Trails
10655 Katy Hockley Rd Cut Katy, TX 77493
“Come and join our friendly ponies for a private, one-to-one Pony Play and Ride. This playtime includes grooming, learning how to walk the pony and a fun obstacle course. In addition, get ready for a pony ride around our arena!”
Oil Ranch
23501 Macedonia Rd Hockley, TX 77447
“Load up the kids for some family fun in wide open spaces. Enjoy a game of putt-putt or take some great photos of your child riding a horse or milking a cow. Grab a bbq sandwich from our General Store and have a picnic by our lake. We love seeing families make memories while bonding here at the Oil Ranch.”
https://www.oilranch.com/copy-of-events-1
Bear Creek Park Zoo
3535 War Memorial St, Houston, TX 77084
“ In the middle of Bear Creek Pioneers Park is a small free wildlife habitat and aviary containing rescued and rehabilitating animals. The zoo has bison, pot-bellied pigs, goats, emus, donkeys, sheep, and deer. As well as various birds like owls, macaws, peafowl, doves, pigeons, and parrots.”
7 Acre Wood
4401 N Frazier St, Conroe, TX 77303
Visit the petting zoo, mini-golf course, Western play town, huge playground, gigantic sandbox, zip line, horseshoes, and much more. Healthy family fun that kids love!
Looking for a way another fun outing for your kids? Check out my other blog post on all the best indoor playgrounds in houston!
