A Guide to Zoos in Michigan
Visitor's Information for the Detroit Zoo, John Ball Zoo & More
There are many wonderful zoos in the state of Michigan. Some are open all year round and offer many fun events and educational activities for the whole family.
Visiting the zoo can be a great family outing, and a wonderful adventure for kids of any age. Michigan has several zoos throughout the state spanning from far north to far south. What’s even more exciting is that some Michigan zoos are open all year round with different activities for each season. Following is a visitor‘s guide to some of the best zoos in Michigan.
The Detroit Zoo - located in Royal Oak (a suburb of Detroit) has been around for almost 100 years. Although the zoo offers a full day of activities, kids of all ages will be able to cover the zoo on foot with little trouble. Most visitors head for Amphibiville (the Amphibian exhibit). Spanning two acres, this wetland is the home of bullfrogs, toads and other amphibians. The Detroit Zoo is also home of the largest polar bear exhibit in the world. Recently the zoo added the Outback, a home for red kangaroos, and made an addition to the African Grasslands when they added two African wild dogs to the exhibit. Other features include a family train ride and a wild adventure (simulator) ride. The Detroit Zoological Society is very active in their efforts to save and preserve wildlife. They have sponsored several fundraisers including their latest project "Bowling for Rhinos". The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for children 2-12 and the really little tikes get in free. There is an additional fee for parking. If visiting outside of the warm months, you should call the zoo to inquire about hours and/or activities.
The John Ball Zoo - in Grand Rapids is a very economical choice for your family. It is open all year round (with the exception of Christmas Day) and a family of four can visit the zoo for under $20. During the warmer months the zoo is open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. during the cooler months. John Ball Zoo is uniquely situated in the heart of Grand Rapids. It sits in the midst of a beautiful park like setting. Your family can even have a picnic in the park before spending the day at the zoo. One of the most exciting animals at John Ball is Precious, the Komoda Dragon. He received lots of publicity upon his arrival in Grand Rapids just a few years ago. Other exhibits include Jambo Africa, the Sting Ray Lagoon and the Australia Trail. There are always special activities going on at the zoo - like Reptile Day, Taste of Grand Rapids, Halloween Fun at the Zoo and Penguin Express (at Christmas time).
The Saginaw Zoo - Over the last several years, the City of Saginaw has invested quite a bit of money and effort to expand and improve their children’s zoo. Their work was successful and the new and improved zoo is a hit. The zoo houses everything from wolves, bobcats and kangaroos, to bald eagles and penguins. But one of the biggest attractions is the carousel and the train ride. Saginaw is located on the eastern side of mid-Michigan. It’s about 30 miles north of Flint, and 20 miles south of Midland. The Saginaw Zoo is open M-S from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., except on Wednesdays when they are open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sundays and holidays they are open from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call ahead for hours during the fall/winter months, and check the web site for special and holiday events.
GarLyn’s Zoological Park in the UP - - Located in Naubinway (in the Upper Peninsula), GarLyn has lots to offer. Cougars, wolves, black bears, alligators, camels, birds, bison and many other animals reside at GarLyn. They are open all year round (except winter), 7 days a week. Admission for adults is $8, $7 for children and free for children under 2 years of age.
Potter Park Zoo in Lansing is also open every day of the year, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Like the Saginaw Zoo, Potters Park has gone through several positive changes over the last few years. Many of the exhibits have been much improved, and new animals added including a snow leopard and guinea hogs (currently on the critically endangered species list). There is also a petting zoo which the little ones will be sure to enjoy. Potter Park does a great job in keeping the public involved and interested in zoo activities all year round. In the winter months they offer several enrichment classes/lectures, a Christmas light show and school reading program. Admissions for residents of Lansing is only $5, and for non-residents $8. Children 3-15 get in for $2, and under 3 are free. There is an additional fee for parking.
Binder Park Zoo - makes its home in Battle Creek (the home of the Kellogg Company). It is one of the largest zoos in Michigan. Known for its award winning exhibit - "Wild Africa", the Binder Park Zoo is home to animals from all over the continent of Africa including giraffes, zebras, vultures, ostriches and antelopes. Visiting Binder Park can be a wonderful educational experience for all. They offer a time daily to meet zookeepers of different exhibits. This is a great informational session and a time for you and your children to ask questions. The zoo is open from April - October, M-F from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission for adults is $11.95, Seniors $10.95, Children $9.95 (ages 2-12) and under 2 get in for free.
