Detroit Zoo Tours

Detroit Zoo which includes autumn leaves and zoo animals
Detroit Zoo which includes autumn leaves and zoo animals
Detroit Zoo showing zoo animals and marine life
Detroit Zoo showing zoo animals and land animals
Detroit Zoo showing dangerous animals and zoo animals


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.
American Inn and Suites Dundee
Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor

Reviews of Detroit Zoo

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
168
5 - Excellent 49%
4 - Good
101
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
54
3 - Okay 16%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
14
1 - Terrible 4%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Taking the train to the back of the zoo and walking toward the front gate helps you miss most of the crowds and offers a fun new view of the animal enclosures. We have been here many, many times over the years and the best time to go is in the fall when the animals are most active.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Go first thing in the morning before the animals take their naps in the hot afternoon.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

On a hot day, expect the animals to be hunkered down somewhere out of view.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The polar bears were inside. Can't blame them. It was a bit hot that day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved it, great zoo!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Going during the winter time means there are few people around and many of the animals are still able to be seen!!

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 MI
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
Mid-Century Modern Elegance

Mid-Century Modern Elegance

Royal Oak MI
Mid-Century Modern Elegance
Hotel Royal Oak

Hotel Royal Oak

3 out of 5
811 East 11 Mile Rd Royal Oak MI
Hotel Royal Oak
Luxury Downtown Retreat - Prime Spot - Sleeps 6

Luxury Downtown Retreat - Prime Spot - Sleeps 6

2 out of 5
Royal Oak MI
Luxury Downtown Retreat - Prime Spot - Sleeps 6
Little Yellow House in Ferndale! Quiet, Cozy 3BR

Little Yellow House in Ferndale! Quiet, Cozy 3BR

Ferndale MI
Little Yellow House in Ferndale! Quiet, Cozy 3BR
2BR with Pretty Art and Cinema Reclining Couches

2BR with Pretty Art and Cinema Reclining Couches

Ferndale MI
2BR with Pretty Art and Cinema Reclining Couches
Charming and Spacious 3-bedroom House with WiFi, AC in nice Ferndale, MI

Charming and Spacious 3-bedroom House with WiFi, AC in nice Ferndale, MI

Ferndale MI
Charming and Spacious 3-bedroom House with WiFi, AC in nice Ferndale, MI
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

At the Detroit Zoo, visitors can enjoy a unique experience filled with engaging activities like zoo treks, where you can explore various exhibits. Don't forget to grab your admission tickets beforehand. The zoo also offers picnic tables for a relaxing break and features smaller paths for leisurely strolls through the animal habitats. Additionally, the surrounding area provides options for sports, soccer, and live music, enhancing your visit to this vibrant attraction.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Detroit Zoo, visit the Royal Oak Farmers Market, only 1 mile away, for local goods. Urban Wave, just 0.5 miles from the zoo, offers trendy items. If you're up for a drive, check out Oakland Mall, located 5 miles away, for a family-friendly atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of sports at Comerica Park, only 11 miles from Detroit Zoo. Enjoy cultural events at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, just 1 mile away. For outdoor relaxation, play a round at Rackham Golf Course, a short 0.2 miles from the zoo, embracing nature and recreation.

Adventure

Immerse yourself in fun at Red Oaks Waterpark, located 5 miles from Detroit Zoo, where thrilling slides and lazy rivers await. For a unique adventure, visit AirTime Trampoline & Game Park, 6 miles away, featuring trampolines and arcade games. Midway Sports & Entertainment, 15 miles away, offers exciting gaming experiences for the whole family.

Nightlife

For nightlife near Detroit Zoo, explore the vibrant atmosphere of nearby Ferndale and Royal Oak. Enjoy lively bars, trendy restaurants, and live music venues along Woodward Avenue, where the energy is palpable and the entertainment options are diverse, making for an exciting evening out.

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

Find the best attractions near Detroit Zoo

Explore the vibrant attractions around Detroit Zoo, including history museums, art museums, and modern colleges. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, the area offers a rich city experience. Don't miss out on essential information like Detroit Zoo tickets, the zoo grounds, and details about the Detroit Zoological Society for a memorable visit.

  • Wayne State University: Located 9 miles from Detroit Zoo, Wayne State University offers a vibrant urban atmosphere. Enjoy its modern architecture and lively campus life, perfect for those who appreciate city vibes and the pulse of student culture.
  • Lawrence Technological University: Situated 5 miles away, this historic university boasts a rich architectural heritage and a strong emphasis on technology and design. Immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere while exploring its beautiful grounds.
  • Motown Museum: Just 9 miles from the zoo, the Motown Museum is a must-visit for music lovers. Delve into the history of the iconic Motown sound and its cultural impact, surrounded by memorabilia and stories of legendary artists.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

Tips to save on your trip to Detroit Zoo

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia