Detroit Zoo

Detroit Zoo- http://www.detroitzoo.org/

Ages- 2 and up

Cost- Adult, 15 years - 61 - $14
Child, 2 years - 14  - $10*
Senior, 62 years+  - $10
Active military w/ID - $10
Under 2 years - Free
Detroit Zoological Society Members - Free

*Children under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Membership costs $79 for Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne County Residents, $89 for non residents- Members covers admission for two named adults and up to six named children 18 and under living at the same address.  There are extra rides that cost between $3 and $5.

Location-  8450 W. 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Phone- 248-541-5717

Parking- $6 on site

Other attractions nearby- Red Oaks Waterpark, Starr Jaycee Park, Royal Oak Golf Center, Oakland University, and Cranbrook Art Museum and Science Center.

Places to eat nearby- several places to eat in the zoo, Zumba Grill (Mexican), Second Street Subs, Goldfish Tea, Lockhart’s BBQ, Beirut Palace (Mediterranean), and Royal Oak Brewery.

Why to go there: I should say that I have really mixed feelings about zoos, not really because of how much fun the kids have.  They will have a lot.  They will learn.  They will ask good questions.  They will experience biology.  I just don’t like animals in captivity.  I’ve been to both the Toledo Zoo and the Detroit Zoo, and I find the Toledo Zoo to be more historic.  However, I go to the Detroit Zoo because it is closer.  I don’t really care about oldness in zoos.  I think the Detroit Zoo has a simple layout.  It is coverable in a half day, pretty easily.  They have a few special attractions, some of which are fun.  The animals though (giraffes are my kids’ favorites) really are enough.  There are lots of other things to do around Royal Oak too.

What to do before hand: Review the different types of animals (phylum, genus, species) and other characteristics on which to focus for the kids.  I think my kids also liked to think ahead of time about animals families and their relationship to our “type” of family.

Be careful:  Packed on weekends, early arrival on weekends.  Bring the stroller if they are under 4.

Summary:  Zoos are fun (if you don’t mind animals in captivity).  One of the most fun straight learning experiences I had with my kids before they turned 4.  A little on the pricey side, which is why every other year is good.