We took some tips from online forums and got their right at 6:00pm when Zoo Lights starts. We were able to get parking in the Zoo lot with ease. We also purchased our tickets online before hand which saved us another 15-20 minutes!
The lights themselves are awesome. There is a distinct path that you follow around the park with different areas set up like “under the sea” or “the watering hole”.
Chloe was such a good girl! It was actually quite chilly compared to the usual 70 degree evenings we’ve been having, so Chloe was all bundled up. She was completely mesmerized by the lights and just stared at everything as we walked around.
It was a great date night and our first family Christmas tradition! We tried going to the Zoo Lights last year and failed pretty miserably. {See my tips below to avoid this!} I’m so glad we went this year and I can’t wait to take Chloe every year as she gets older. I know that it will become more challenging to get her around, but she’ll enjoy it more and more as she gets older!
Interested in going to Houston Zoo Lights? Here are some tips and tricks to making your trip much easier!
- If you can, go on a value/discount night. Here’s the calendar. Monday-Thursday nights excluding Christmas week are value nights!
- Buy your tickets online before you go. There was a line even right when they opened. This line was much longer by the time we got there! Buy your tickets here.
- Get there when it opens. 6:00pm! We arrived at 6:05 and the parking lot was getting pretty full already.
- You can bring your own food and drinks! Save money by bringing dinner and having a picnic at the zoo. There are plenty of seating areas to use.
- The food and drink stands are also open. During the lights, they sell hot chocolate, apple cider and coffee. You can also add a little splash of Bailey’s, Jameson or Peppermint Schnopps if you’re wanting an extra something 🙂
- They sell tons of light up toys and necklaces. If you know your kids will want to get one, bring glow sticks/necklaces from the dollar store to save money and not go crazy.