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The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, MI 48067

4 out of 5 stars (3 reviews)

8450 West 10 Mile Road

Royal Oak, MI 48067

248.541.5717
http://www.detroitzoo.org
Hours: April-October, Mon-Sun 10am-5pm; November-March 10am-4pm
Cost: Adults (13 and up) $11; Seniors $9; Children (2-12) $7, Children (under 2) free; Group rates are available. Parking is $5/car.
Ages: All Ages

About The Detroit Zoo

Parents and grandparents probably remember the plastic elephant keys that set off educational recordings at each animal cage at the Detroit Zoo, which is actually located in a suburb north of the city. Memorable as they were, the keys are gone. The live elephants are gone as well (sniffle!) - off to a better place, for them, in California (and doing just fine!).

The Detroit Zoo is not a zoo of the past. In fact, it has continuously reinvented itself through the years to become a state-of-the-art, great-fun-for-the-whole-family - and-for-the-animals-too - zoological park.

It still has the Penguinarium, Great Apes of Harambee, and the Tauber Family Railroad ($2/one way), but it now also has the Butterfly House, Amphibiville, Australian Outback Adventure, and the Arctic Ring of Life - the world's largest polar bear exhibit, at which visitors can actually walk into a transparent tunnel and watch seals and polar bears frolic above and around.

The zoo features the Wild Adventure 3-D/4-D Theater that enhances 3-D technology with special effects such as wind, mist, scents, and seat vibrations. An additional fee is charged.

Kids go wild in the playscape area, with separate areas for younger and older kids. In fact, you might want to move around the zoo clockwise to hit the play area early so your kids don't experience burnout before this point.

Admission to the Detroit Zoo and its features adds up, so if your family will make repeat visits, a seasonal family membership of $74 is the way to go.

Strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and electric vehicles are available for an extra fee.

Parties: The zoo rents out picnic sites in its park with picnic tables for $100. Tented sites for a catered event are available at an additional charge.

Have a Wild Adventure Birthday Celebration at the zoo for up to 12 guests for $27/child and $25/adult (members receive a discount). The price includes zoo admission, pizza or hot dogs and chips, beverages, ice cream cups, gift bags for each child, and decorations.

Tips

Many animals are shy or downright afraid of humans, so please discourage your kids' (and perhaps spouses') albeit well-meant "hoo-hoos!" and "rooaahhhrs!" at the animals. It really does upset the animals most of the time.

Getting There

Located west of Woodward and north of I-696. Look for the huge water tower. Enter at either Woodward or the westbound I-696 service drive.

Events At  The Detroit Zoo

Parent Reviews (3 reviews)
Average Parent Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Rated by 4 parents

  • 5 out of 5 stars
    This is a big zoo so to see it all you can spend a lot of time visiting with the animals or make several trips. The butterfly house was incredible. They actually land on you...and sometimes on the path so be careful. You can walk right past kangaroos!! The polar bear exhibit is unique and memorable. Bring the family...meet up with friends...get out for some alone time...anyway you come, it's a great way to spend the day.
    [Submitted by DivaDynamite4/29/08
  • 5 out of 5 stars

    [Submitted by Anonymous6/22/07
  • 5 out of 5 stars
    During our visit the weather was perfect, the animals were delightfully active and the zoo enployees were very pleasant and helpful. We have always enjoyed our visits to the zoo. We have always left the zoo tired and carrying with us happy memories of our visit. You do an exceptional job with the zoo and we really appreciate the obvious care you give each and every animal that lives there. We look forward to our next visit. Keep up the excellent work you are doing! We all appreciate it!
    [Submitted by vlturnerma6/22/07

Rate This Attraction

1 out of 5 stars Don't bother
2 out of 5 stars It's just okay
3 out of 5 stars Has some good points
4 out of 5 stars Good for kids & families
5 out of 5 stars Great for kids & families
0 out of 5 stars I prefer not to give a rating

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