Detroit Zoo Tours

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
Detroit Zoo featuring 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.
Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel
Exhibit A2
Royal Park Hotel

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
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
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
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
Chic & Updated Retreat Near DT Royal Oak

Chic & Updated Retreat Near DT Royal Oak

Royal Oak
Chic & Updated Retreat Near DT Royal Oak
Ascension Hospital 3 Mins Away| Perfect For Families| King Beds 1.5BA| FREE WIFI

Ascension Hospital 3 Mins Away| Perfect For Families| King Beds 1.5BA| FREE WIFI

Oak Park
Ascension Hospital 3 Mins Away| Perfect For Families| King Beds 1.5BA| FREE WIFI
Newly Renovated 3-bd house in Ferndale minutes away from the dazzling downtown

Newly Renovated 3-bd house in Ferndale minutes away from the dazzling downtown

Ferndale
Newly Renovated 3-bd house in Ferndale minutes away from the dazzling downtown
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

While visiting the Detroit Zoo, explore a variety of engaging activities, including interactive experiences that allow you to connect with wildlife. Nearby, you can enjoy sports and live music events, as well as visit the Dinosaur Hills Nature Preserve for a taste of nature. Don't forget to check out local shopping options to bring home a piece of your adventure.

Shopping

The closest shopping spot is Urban Wave, just 0.5 miles from Detroit Zoo, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Oakland Mall, 5 miles away, featuring family-friendly entertainment and a variety of stores.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Comerica Park, where you can catch a game and soak in the energetic atmosphere. For relaxation, visit Rackham Golf Course for a round of golf amidst beautiful outdoor scenery. Families can enjoy fun at the Warren Community Centre Indoor Waterpark, perfect for all ages.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Red Oaks Waterpark, located 5 miles from Detroit Zoo, featuring exciting slides and wave pools for family fun. For winter sports, Pine Knob Ski Resort, 21 miles away, offers skiing adventures. Don't miss the adrenaline rush at JD Racing Indoor Karting, 17 miles from the zoo.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, just a mile from the Detroit Zoo, showcasing thrilling performances. For a fun twist, visit AirTime Trampoline & Game Park, 6 miles away, where adventure awaits. Don’t miss the laughter at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, also a mile away.

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

Find the best attractions near Detroit Zoo

Detroit Zoo offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including history and art museums, as well as modern colleges and universities nearby. This vibrant area provides families and culture enthusiasts with enriching experiences. For those planning a visit, it’s helpful to know the distance to the zoo, room rates, entrance costs, and nearby attractions like the Toledo Zoo. Enjoy exploring the diverse offerings in and around Detroit Zoo.

  • Wayne State University: Experience the vibrant city atmosphere at Wayne State University, a modern institution known for its diverse student body and cutting-edge programs, located 9 miles from the Detroit Zoo. The campus is filled with art installations and green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Detroit Golf Club: Immerse yourself in the urban charm of the Detroit Golf Club, situated 4 miles away from the zoo. This historic country club features beautifully manicured greens and a classic clubhouse, offering a unique blend of leisure and history.
  • Lawrence Technological University: Discover the cultural essence at Lawrence Technological University, located 5 miles from the zoo. This institution showcases stunning architecture and a commitment to innovation, making it a wonderful stop for those interested in design and technology.

Best time to go to Detroit Zoo

The best time to visit Detroit Zoo is dependent 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.

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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Detroit Zoo

To save money on your trip to the Detroit Zoo, consider visiting between January and March when hotel prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Avoid weekends, as Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to find the best hotel deals by filtering prices from lowest to highest, and consider bundling your stay with flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and opportunities to earn cash for future bookings. Exploring the area by walking can further cut transportation costs.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can maximize your savings by combining your hotel stay near the Detroit Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia