Family Programs

Experience programs for all ages together. Come as a family, come with a friend or just come to get away on your own. Programs are informative and entertaining. Something for everyone.

 Family Programs Brochure 2010 1.08 Mb

Enjoy Second Saturdays at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo! There is no admission charge to visit the Belle Isle Nature Zoo and programs are free unless otherwise noted! Come join the fun and enjoy free crafts, snacks and a family progam about different nature topics. No registration for groups of less than 10.For more information, please click here.

Africa Adventure Stories
Wonder what it’s like growing up in Africa? Come listen to true stories from our Education Specialist about life in rural Africa. Grab some tea, and get cozy around our “campfire”. Listen to the tales of growing up and being a safari guide in East Africa. You’ll hear stories about hippos, lions, gorillas, and many more! Program cost is $15 for non-member adults, $10 for adult members and $5 for all youth under age 16.
Dates:  




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Amazonian Adventure
Experience the rainforests of the Detroit Zoo! Take a look up, down and all around the different levels of different types of rainforests. You’ll see all kinds of butterflies and birds and learn about what helps them to live in the tropical rainforests! We will look for animals that live in the temperate rainforests and learn what helps them to survive there. Rainforests are teeming with wildlife, come explore! Program cost is $15 for non-member adults, $10 for adult members and $5 for all youth under age 16.
Dates:  March 13, 1-3 p.m.
            May 15, 1-3 p.m.

Savannah Trails
Have you always wanted to know about the African Grasslands? Here is your chance! Take a guided walk around the Detroit Zoo and learn about our many African animals. You’ll learn about giraffes, rhinos, zebras and many others as you head on safari! Program cost is $15 for non-member adults, $10 for adult members and $5 for all youth under age 16.
Dates:  April 17, 1-3 p.m.
           June 12, 1-3 p.m.
                                                     September 18, 1-3 p.m.



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Nature Nights

Frog Listening Night: Come to the Zoo to experience nature in a new way! Listen to our native Michigan frogs and learn a little about them in the process. Cost: $5 member, $7 non-member
Date: May 13, 8:30-9:30 p.m. 
Rain/Weather Date: May 14. 8:30-9:30 p.m.



Nest Box Building Night: Enjoy watching birds in the springtime? Want to reduce mosquitoes by providing bat homes in your backyard? All  building  materials will be provided, bring the family and get back into nature!
Cost: $35 per nesting box
Date: February 27, 1-3 p.m.

Animals After Dark for Families
Spend the night at the Detroit Zoo! The Animals After Dark program provides a unique nature experience as you explore and discover the Zoo in a way very different from most visitors’ experiences. Program cost is $45 per person. Program starts at 7p.m. and runs until 10 a.m. the following morning. Click here for more information.


Girls’ Night Out: In honor of Women’s History month, join the Zoo to see the work that our Zoo Women have accomplished.
Date: Saturday, March 13

Bear Themed Overnight: In honor of Bear Awareness Week, this overnight is going to the bears! You’ll participate in some special activities and learn about these
interesting creatures.
Date: Friday, May 14

Zoo Boo Overnight: Come for Zoo Boo and spend the night! You’ll come in costume, experience the Zoo Boo trail with staff and participate in some special Halloween themed activities. 
Date: Saturday, October 23

Animals After Dark: Come to an overnight and you’ll see the Zoo in a whole new light!
Family Dates:  Friday, June 25
                      Friday, July 16
                     Saturday, August 28