Detroit Zoo Tours and Activities

Detroit Zoo
Detroit Zoo featuring zoo animals and marine life
Detroit Zoo featuring land animals and zoo animals
Detroit Zoo featuring zoo animals and dangerous animals
Detroit Zoo


See a white rhino, feed giraffes and visit the largest polar bear exhibit in the country at this popular family attractions.

The Detroit Zoo is home to more than 250 types of animals including Amur tigers, grizzly and polar bears, and red kangaroos. It’s a 125-acre (50-hectare) facility about 13 miles (21 kilometers) north of downtown.

Visit the African Grasslands habitat to see some of the planet’s most amazing wildlife. You’ll come across Simba, the zoo’s male lion, as well as two females, Bikira and Erin. There are also warthogs, giraffes, zebras, aardvarks and a pair of white rhinos.

Move on to the African Forest to watch exotic birds and some of our closest primate ancestors. You’ll see squawking spoonbills and a cast of other critters, but by far the habitat’s biggest attraction is the great apes of Harambee. See western lowland gorillas, drills and chimpanzees play within a faithfully re-created rainforest.

See Amur tigers, red pandas and a group of cheeky Japanese macaques at the Asian Forest. Discover the world Down Under at the Australian Outback habitat. Kids will love the barrier-free exhibits that let them get close to red kangaroos and wallabies.

Reptile fans should visit the snakes and crocodiles, among other species, at the Museum of Living Reptiles. You can also wander through the Amphibiville wetland to spot frogs and toads. Stroll through the butterfly garden and free-flight aviary where some of the planet’s prettiest creatures live.

You’ll see America’s largest polar bear exhibit at the Arctic Ring of Life. Walk through a 70-foot (21-meter) long clear-sided tunnel to watch three bears swim and splash above you. Find out what macaroni, rock-hopper and king penguins look like at the nearby Penguinarium.
 
The Detroit Zoo also has a Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, a 4-D cinema, a Wild Adventure Ride and a carousel for youngsters. You can park on site for a small fee, or take the Detroit SMART bus from downtown. It stops near the zoo, as well as other attractions. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

Plan a trip to see Detroit Zoo

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Radisson Hotel Detroit Metro Airport
Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown by IHG
MotorCity Casino Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Detroit Zoo

Charming Rustic Modern House Near Detroit Zoo

Charming Rustic Modern House Near Detroit Zoo

Pleasant Ridge
Charming Rustic Modern House Near Detroit Zoo
Hyatt Place Detroit Royal Oak

Hyatt Place Detroit Royal Oak

3 out of 5
422 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, MI
Hyatt Place Detroit Royal Oak
Hotel Royal Oak

Hotel Royal Oak

3 out of 5
811 East 11 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI
Hotel Royal Oak
RO B&B

RO B&B

2 out of 5
1102 Owana Ave, Royal Oak, MI
RO B&B
Charming home https://youtube.com/shorts/-31OOvCrLG0?feature=share

Charming home https://youtube.com/shorts/-31OOvCrLG0?feature=share

2 out of 5
Oak Park
Charming home https://youtube.com/shorts/-31OOvCrLG0?feature=share
This property offers a clean and comfortable modern vibe with updated furniture and decorations

This property offers a clean and comfortable modern vibe with updated furniture and decorations

2 out of 5
Berkley
This property offers a clean and comfortable modern vibe with updated furniture and decorations
Chic & Updated Retreat Near DT Royal Oak

Chic & Updated Retreat Near DT Royal Oak

Royal Oak
Chic & Updated Retreat Near DT Royal Oak
Little Yellow House in Ferndale! Quiet, Cozy 3BR

Little Yellow House in Ferndale! Quiet, Cozy 3BR

Ferndale
Little Yellow House in Ferndale! Quiet, Cozy 3BR
American Inn and Suites Ferndale

American Inn and Suites Ferndale

2.5 out of 5
11000 West 8 Mile Road, Ferndale, MI
American Inn and Suites Ferndale
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors, including exploring its diverse bird habitats and enjoying live music events. For a complete experience, consider booking a zoo vacation package, which may include admission and additional perks. With opportunities for sports and soccer nearby, the zoo is an excellent choice for a fun-filled day in Huntington Woods. Don’t miss out on everything this vibrant location has to offer!

Shopping

The Royal Oak Farmers Market, just 1.6km from Detroit Zoo, offers a vibrant public market experience. Classic Book Shop, 4.8km away, is perfect for book lovers. If you're up for a drive, Oakland Mall, located 8.0km away, features family-friendly entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena, just 11.6kms from the zoo, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy the outdoors at Rackham Golf Course, located only 322m away, offering scenic landscapes. For family fun, visit Warren Community Centre Indoor Waterpark, 11.3km away, featuring aquatic adventures.

Adventure

Red Oaks Waterpark, located 8.0km from Detroit Zoo, offers thrilling water slides and wave pools for family fun. JD Racing Indoor Karting, 111.3km away, provides an adrenaline rush with high-speed go-kart racing. For winter sports, Pine Knob Ski Resort, 21.6kms distant, boasts excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife at the Royal Oak Music Theatre for live performances, just 1.6km from the zoo. For a thrilling adventure, visit AirTime Trampoline & Game Park, 9.7km away. Don’t miss the Fisher Theatre, 14.5km away, for captivating shows in a romantic setting.

Find the best attractions near Detroit Zoo

While visiting the Detroit Zoo in Huntington Woods, explore nearby attractions such as modern colleges and universities, as well as art and history museums. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant city atmosphere. Don't forget to check out Detroit Zoo tickets and reviews to enhance your visit and discover even more things to do during your stay in Detroit.

  • Wayne State University: Experience the vibrant urban atmosphere of Wayne State University, located 14.5km from the Detroit Zoo. This modern institution is known for its diverse student body and dynamic campus life.
  • Lawrence Technological University: A mere 8.0km from the zoo, this historic university offers a glimpse into the region's rich educational legacy. With a focus on technology and design, it boasts a unique cultural vibe that celebrates innovation.
  • Detroit Institute of Arts: Situated 16.1km from the zoo, this renowned art museum showcases an impressive collection of artworks, reflecting a deep cultural heritage that will captivate art enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Detroit Zoo

The best time to visit Detroit Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.3°F (-3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Detroit Zoo

When visiting the Detroit Zoo, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the GM Renaissance Center and Wayne State University. For budget-friendly accommodations, plan your trip between January and March, as prices tend to be lower during these months compared to the busier August to October period. Booking on a Monday can also save you money, while Saturdays are typically pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to find affordable hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Look for eco-certified hotels to support sustainable travel options.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Detroit Zoo are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Detroit Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Detroit Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near the Detroit Zoo with your flights and activities.