Things to Do
There’s no shortage of things to see and do at the Detroit Zoo! From amazing animal habitats to engaging events, we offer plenty of ways to immerse yourself in fun and connect to the natural world.
Events
Upcoming Events
See the Zoo like never before! From family-friendly festivities to adults-only happenings, you’re sure to find the event that’s right for you.
Gorillas On the Line
Recycle your old devices to save wild gorillas!
Dragon Forest
Dragons, faeries and wyverns — oh my! Get ready for an enchanting summer adventure at the Detroit Zoo.
Presented by:
Wild Summer Nights Concert Series
More Time. More Zoo. Every Wednesday night. Zoo hours extended until 8 p.m.
Summer Yoga at the Zoo
Stretch where the wild things are.
Motema’s First Birthday
Born on Aug. 8, 2024, Motema made history as the first gorilla ever born at the Zoo. Now, it’s time to mark her very first birthday in a big way.
FEATURED EXPERIENCES
Make memories that will last a lifetime with one of our featured experiences.
Private Photo Safari
How many times have you just missed the perfect shot when trying to photograph one of the animal residents at the Detroit Zoo? Amateur shutterbugs are treated to a 90-minute guided tour of the Zoo with an experienced photographer while learning tips and tricks for capturing perfect photos of the animals. Reservations must be made two weeks in advance. Private Photo Safari dates are subject to availability.
Breakfast with Your Favorite Animal
Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast at the Zoo with the animal habitat of your choosing serving as a unique backdrop. Throughout the 90-minute encounter, you’ll learn details of the animals’ daily lives from the people who take care of them.
Breakfast with the Penguins
Have you ever wondered what happens at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center before the Zoo opens? Do you have an itch to learn about the tuxedoed birds who call the Detroit Zoo home from the people who take care of them every day?
Giraffe Encounter
The Giraffe Encounter is open weekends in May. The sessions are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day. On
Zoo Boo event days, Encounters will only take place at 11 a.m. Each session has 50 tickets available. Tickets must be purchased onsite and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Resident Reptiles
Revel in a private, educational, zookeeper-led tour of the Holden Reptile Conservation Center, home to 180 reptiles representing 70 species. You and your guests will learn about the Detroit Zoo’s turtles, snakes and lizards – and witness a python, water monitor or crocodile enjoy a hearty meal. (Not for the faint of heart!)
RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS
Take a ride on the wild side
Take your Zoo visit to the next level with one of our add-on rides or attractions. Whether you are riding on the train or carousel, catching a show in the 4D Theater or taking a break at the PlayVenture, there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Zoo!
PRIVATE EVENTS
Make your next event something special
Make the Zoo your destination for your next private meeting, picnic, birthday party, wedding, family reunion, corporate outing or other special event.
Habitats
Room to roam
Explore our naturalistic habitats that give the animals who call the Zoo home space to thrive.
African Forest
Throughout the northwest side of the Zoo, you can meet several animals who are native to Africa, such as elands, flamingos and spoonbills.
- Animals:
- African Spoonbill
- Chilean Flamingo
- Eland
- and more...
African Grasslands
Explore the animals who call the African Savannah home. Located in the Zoo’s northwest corner, the African Grasslands is home to animals such as zebras, warthogs, rhinos and more.
- Animals:
- Aardvark
- African Lion
- African Spurred Tortoise
- and more...
American Grassland
Running along the south border of the Zoo, the American Grasslands are home to animals native to North and South America, including grizzly bears, wolverines, bald eagles, bison and more.
- Animals:
- Beaver
- Bison
- Cinereous Vulture
- and more...
Arctic Ring of Life
One of North America’s largest polar bear habitats, the Arctic Ring of Life features 4 acres of outdoor and indoor spaces, including a 70-foot-long glass tunnel, exploration station and ice cave. Polar bears, as well as rescued sea otters, call this habitat home.
- Animals:
- Polar Bear
- Southern Sea Otter
Asian Forest
Located on the north side of the Zoo near the Red Panda Picnic Site, the Asian Forest is home to red pandas, Amur tigers and Japanese macaques.
- Animals:
- Allen’s Swamp Monkeys
- Bactrian Camel
- Japanese Macaque
- and more...
