Detroit Zoo
Explore diverse wildlife across 125 acres, featuring iconic polar bear and penguin habitats, plus family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Detroit Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse wildlife across 125 acres, featuring iconic polar bear and penguin habitats, plus family fun.
"A world-class attraction offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages."
🎯 Start at the Back
Beat the crowds by starting at the back of the zoo and working your way forward.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the 125-acre grounds, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Arctic Ring of Life
Polar Bear Habitat
Marvel at the impressive polar bear habitat, featuring an underwater tunnel for unique viewing.
Polk Penguin Conservation Center
Penguin Exhibit
Explore the world's largest penguin facility, home to five diverse penguin species.
Great Apes of Harambee
Chimpanzee and Gorilla Habitat
Observe chimpanzees and gorillas in their expansive indoor/outdoor habitat.
Butterfly Garden
Wildlife Interpretive Gallery
Wander through a vibrant garden filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Pack Smart for a Fun Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Start at the Back
Beat the crowds by starting at the back of the zoo and working your way forward.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the 125-acre grounds, so wear comfy shoes!
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
Bring your own food and drinks to save money, especially for families.
🚂 Ride the Tauber Train
A fun option for kids, the mini-railroad offers a unique way to see the zoo.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start at the Back
Beat the crowds by starting at the back of the zoo and working your way forward.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the 125-acre grounds, so wear comfy shoes!
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
Bring your own food and drinks to save money, especially for families.
🚂 Ride the Tauber Train
A fun option for kids, the mini-railroad offers a unique way to see the zoo.
☀️ Avoid Midday Heat
Animals are less active and it gets hot; visit in the morning or late afternoon.
🎟️ Book Giraffe Feeding Ahead
Giraffe feeding tickets are limited, so purchase them in advance.
🎃 Zoo Boo Fun
Experience 'merry-not-scary' Halloween fun with trick-or-treating and a Jack O' Lantern Journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Detroit Zoo for its cleanliness, well-maintained grounds, and engaging animal exhibits, particularly the polar bears and penguins. The family-friendly atmosphere and accessibility for strollers are frequently highlighted positives. While food options are available and varied, some find them a bit pricey, and occasional construction closures can occur.
"Loved the zoo. Very well maintained trails and paths with all amenities well situated. Very kid friendly atmosphere with allmost all the places suitable for stroller and Kids. All animal viewings are designed to suit for kids viewing. Center of attraction was penguin and polar bear. They have many food optionsw with vegetarian options. Food wasnt great but good enough for zoo trip. couple of stores around zoo offering draft beer, ice cream and cold drinks. Recommend to go in morning or evening as during noon time get hot and sunny, also all animals move to shed and hard to see. Few of the buildings were under construction nd closed during peak summer season."
Nihar
"The Detroit Zoo is a world-class attraction that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Spanning 125 acres, the zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from more than 200 species, making it a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families.
Highlights of the Detroit Zoo:
- Awards and Accolades: The Detroit Zoo has received numerous awards, including the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' Exhibit Award for excellence in exhibit design for the Polk Penguin Conservation Center.
- Unique Exhibits:
- Arctic Ring of Life: One of North America's largest polar bear habitats, featuring a 300,000-gallon aquarium and an underwater viewing tunnel.
- Polk Penguin Conservation Center: The world's largest penguin facility, housing five species of penguins, including King, Macaroni, Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Rockhopper penguins.
- Great Apes of Harambee: A 4-acre indoor/outdoor habitat for chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas.
- Australian Outback Adventure: An immersive exhibit where visitors can walk among red kangaroos and red-necked wallabies.
- Conservation Efforts: The Detroit Zoological Society is committed to animal welfare, conservation, and sustainability, with programs like the Adopt-A-School initiative and animal rescues.
- Family-Friendly Activities:
- Giraffe Encounter: Get up close and personal with reticulated giraffes and feed them from an 18-foot-tall platform (additional fee applies).
- Tauber Family Railroad: A fun ride for kids.
- Carousel: A classic merry-go-round.
Visitor Information:
- Hours: The zoo is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer).
- Tickets: General admission tickets range from $14 to $24 for adults, $12 to $21 for seniors and children (2-12 years old).
- Amenities: The zoo offers picnic areas, dining options, and gift shops.
Overall Experience:
The Detroit Zoo offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. With its commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and sustainability, the zoo is a great place to learn about wildlife while having fun. Whether you're interested in animals, nature, or family activities, the Detroit Zoo is a must-visit destination."
Abhay Gupta
"The Detroit Zoo is such a fun place to spend the day! It’s super clean, easy to walk around, and has so many amazing animals to see. The polar bears and penguins were the highlights for me—especially the penguin exhibit, which is just awesome. You can get really close and watch them swim right past you.There is also a short train ride (though expensive considering they charge for one way ride and double up if you want to return) which is fun for kids.
There’s a nice mix of big animals like giraffes and lions, plus smaller areas for birds and reptiles. It’s great for kids, but adults will have a blast too. Recommend to purchase giraffe feeding tickets in advance as they are limited for the day. There is also the dragon forest and the carousel that adds to the fun activities to do. There are lots of shady spots and benches to take a break, which is nice on hot days.
Food inside is fine but a bit pricey, so maybe bring a few snacks. Staff were friendly and helpful, and parking was easy. Recommend parking near the water tower as that is closest to the entry gates. Overall, it’s a great day out for the whole family!"
Gautam Kothare
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options also serve the zoo.
Many visitors recommend parking near the water tower as it's closest to the main entrance gates.
Yes, the zoo is very kid-friendly and most areas are suitable for strollers.
Absolutely! Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a great way to save money, especially for families.
Hours vary by season. Generally, it's 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer. Always check their official website for the most current hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission tickets typically range from $14-$24 for adults and $12-$21 for children (2-12) and seniors. Prices can vary, so check the official Detroit Zoo website for current pricing.
The zoo offers various programs and discounts throughout the year. Check their website for details on special events or membership options.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons or special events like Zoo Boo.
No, the train ride is an additional cost. It's a fun option for kids, but some find it a bit pricey for a one-way ride.
Zoo Boo is the Detroit Zoo's annual 'merry-not-scary' Halloween event, featuring trick-or-treating, a Jack O' Lantern Journey, and family-friendly entertainment. 
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the polar bears in the Arctic Ring of Life and the diverse penguin species at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center. The Great Apes of Harambee are also a major draw.
Yes, the Giraffe Encounter allows you to feed giraffes from an elevated platform (additional fee applies and tickets should be booked in advance).
This is one of North America's largest polar bear habitats, featuring an underwater viewing tunnel and a 300,000-gallon aquarium.
It's the world's largest penguin facility, housing five species of penguins, offering incredible underwater viewing opportunities.
Yes, the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery houses the Butterfly Garden, and there are also indoor areas for reptiles and other animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the zoo offers various food options, including places selling draft beer, ice cream, and cold drinks. While food is available, some visitors find it a bit pricey.
Yes, the zoo provides vegetarian options among its food choices.
The zoo has picnic areas, making it a great option for families who want to bring their own meals.
You can find typical zoo fare, including snacks, meals, and beverages. Some reviewers note the food is 'good enough for a zoo trip' but not gourmet.
Yes, there are several spots around the zoo offering cold drinks, ice cream, and even draft beer.
📸 📸 Photography
The underwater viewing tunnels for the polar bears and penguins offer unique photo opportunities. The Butterfly Garden is also very picturesque.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of zoo rules and avoid disturbing the animals.
While general photography is permitted, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check with zoo staff if unsure.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and often more active animals, making them ideal for photography.
During events like Zoo Boo, there are often special themed decorations and photo spots, like the Jack O' Lantern Journey.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light and more active animals. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Detroit Zoo's Iconic Habitats
Equally impressive is the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the largest facility of its kind globally. It houses five different penguin species, including King, Gentoo, and Rockhopper penguins. The center provides extensive underwater viewing areas, giving guests an unparalleled look at the penguins' aquatic agility.
For primate enthusiasts, the Great Apes of Harambee exhibit is a must-visit. This 4-acre habitat is home to chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas, designed to mimic their natural environment and provide ample space for observation.
Family Fun and Seasonal Events
Throughout the year, the zoo hosts special events that enhance the visitor experience. Zoo Boo is a highly anticipated annual Halloween event, transforming the zoo into a 'merry-not-scary' wonderland with trick-or-treating, a Jack O' Lantern Journey, and festive entertainment.
+1 Other seasonal festivities and educational programs, like Homeschool Days and Nocturnal Adventures, cater to diverse interests and learning opportunities. Conservation and Sustainability Efforts
The zoo engages in various initiatives, such as the Adopt-A-School program, which aims to educate and inspire the next generation of conservationists. They also participate in animal rescue efforts and contribute to species survival plans for numerous animals.
Sustainability is integrated into the zoo's operations, with efforts to reduce waste, conserve water, and utilize eco-friendly practices. This dedication to conservation ensures that a visit to the Detroit Zoo is not only enjoyable but also supports vital efforts to protect wildlife for future generations.
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