Detroit Zoo Tours

Visit Detroit Zoo

Activities

Detroit Travel Guide

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.

Popular places to visit

Classic Book Shop

Enjoy an outing to Classic Book Shop during your stay in Royal Oak. Attend a sporting event in this trendy area.

Rackham Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Huntington Woods at Rackham Golf Course. Experience the great live music and acclaimed theater scene in this quaint area.

Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre

You can enjoy a show at Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre during your trip to Royal Oak. Experience the great live music and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Royal Oak Music Theatre

You can enjoy a show at Royal Oak Music Theatre on your trip to Royal Oak. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Pleasant Ridge Dog Park

After visiting Pleasant Ridge Dog Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Pleasant Ridge.

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

You can get tickets for a performance at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle on your trip to Royal Oak. Take in the live music in this walkable area.

Best Lodging Options Near Detroit Zoo

Check availability on hotels close to Detroit Zoo

Hyatt Place Detroit Royal Oak

422 N. Main Street Royal Oak MI

Charming Rustic Modern House Near Detroit Zoo

Pleasant Ridge MI

Cook! Entire 2 King BR suite at MicroLux

Royal Oak MI

Landing Apartments Royal Oak Madison Heights

1210 Morse Ave Royal Oak MI

Perfect 4-bedroom house close to downtown

Huntington Woods MI

Hotel Royal Oak

811 East 11 Mile Rd Royal Oak MI

Cozy 2BR/1BA Ranch - Near Downtown Royal Oak

Oak Park MI

The Dante Residence -bedroom condo in serene Oak Park with AC comfort

Oak park MI

The Dante Residence 2.0! Wonderful 2-bedroom condo with AC in charming Oak Park

Oak Park MI

See all 1,552 properties in Detroit Zoo

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Things to do near Detroit Zoo

Shopping

At Detroit Zoo, you can find unique shopping experiences nearby. The Rust Belt Market, just 3.2km away, offers a vibrant public market. Urban Wave is a charming store located 805m from the zoo. Oakland Mall, 8.0km away, features a variety of shops for family fun.

Recreation

At Little Caesars Arena, immerse yourself in high-energy sports events that invigorate the mind and body. Meanwhile, the Fox Theatre and Fisher Theatre provide a blend of romance and culture through captivating performances, perfect for relaxation and entertainment after a day at the Detroit Zoo.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Midway Sports & Entertainment, 24.1km from Detroit Zoo, featuring exciting arcade games and family fun. Enjoy splashes and slides at Red Oaks Waterpark, 8.0km away, perfect for adventure and entertainment. Don't miss the Cullen Family Carousel, 19.3km away, offering delightful rides for all ages.

Nightlife

While the Detroit Zoo itself closes at night, nearby, you can explore vibrant nightlife options like the cozy Garden Bowl for bowling and music or enjoy craft cocktails at The Sugar House, a stylish bar with a relaxed ambiance. Both venues promise a fun night out after your zoo visit.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Detroit Zoo

While visiting the Detroit Zoo in Huntington Woods, Michigan, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring nearby history museums, art museums, and modern colleges. The zoo offers a fantastic family experience with its diverse animal exhibits and beautiful grounds. Don't forget to check out ticket options for the Detroit Zoo to enhance your visit and make lasting memories with your loved ones.

Detroit Golf Club: Experience a slice of history at the Detroit Golf Club, an urban oasis just 6.4km from the Detroit Zoo. This historic country club offers beautifully landscaped greens and a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a great spot for golf enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Detroit Institute of Arts: Immerse yourself in culture at the Detroit Institute of Arts, located 16.1km from the zoo. Home to an impressive collection of artworks, this museum showcases pieces from various eras and cultures, providing a rich artistic experience for all visitors.
Motown Museum: Discover the birthplace of Motown music at the Motown Museum, situated 14.5km from the zoo. This intimate venue offers a glimpse into the legacy of iconic artists, making it a must-visit for music lovers and those interested in cultural history.

Best time to go to Detroit Zoo

The best time to visit Detroit Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Detroit Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Detroit Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	25.3°F (-3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	26.2°F (-3.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	36.3°F (2.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
May	59.4°F (15.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
June	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	74.1°F (23.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	41.9°F (5.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	32.9°F (0.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Tips to save on your trip to Detroit Zoo

Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Detroit Zoo.
Consider traveling to Detroit Zoo during the low season (January to March) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Detroit Zoo Tours

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