If you have a natural curiosity about the natural world and the animals that live in it, then add a visit to a Michigan zoo to your list. They have both exotic and native species that you can see up close and personal – even feed. Zoos are wonderful destinations to bring the kids, plus you get to spend a lot of time outside in the fresh air. Note: Zoos, especially the smaller ones, are typically seasonal attractions, so check their website before making your plans to stop by.
UPPER PENINSULA
GarLyn Zoological Park, Naubinway
www.garlynzoo.com
Hours: April 1 – September 30, 10am-6pm Daily
Admission: $13 Adults; $7 Children 3-13; 2 and under free; Family rate available
The mature pine forest setting is what first attracts you to this destination, along with the cedar mulched trails. You feel more “in the wild” as you go around the live animal exhibits. This has been a choice spot for families for more than 20 years, and it’s easy to see why. The park has hundreds of native North American animals, including bison, and animals from all over the world, including a camel and reindeer. You can even feed the Syrian brown bears with apples purchased at the gift shop and sent through a tube into the bears’ pen.
DeYoung Family Zoo, Wallace
thedeyoungfamilyzoo.com
Hours: April-October,
Admission: $12 Adults; $10 Seniors; $8 Children 5-16; 4 and under free
Home to the largest big cat family in the Midwest, the DeYoung Family Zoo on the Michigan-Wisconsin border gives you a chance to see tigers, lions, lynx, leopards, and bobcats nearly eye to eye. The zoo is also home to bears, primates, wolves, jackals, and hyenas. On the more domestic front, you can see raccoons, porcupines, coyotes, alligators, and more. The petting zoo has sheep, pigs, goats, and alpacas – all ready to make new friends.
NORTHWEST
Butterfly House and Bug Zoo, Traverse City
www.gtbutterflyzoo.com
Hours: May 1-October 15, 10am – 5pm Daily
Admission: $9 Adults; $6 Children 4-12; 3 and under free
This quaint zoo is a perfect way to introduce young children to the beauty of butterflies and insects. The butterfly garden, warmed to a comfortable 85 degrees, is captivating with its flowing water, brightly colored flora, and gliding butterflies of every size and color. If you’re lucky, you’ll be asked to release a new butterfly into the garden – its birthday. Keep to the path and be sure to not touch the butterflies; just enjoy them with your eyes. After the butterfly garden, you’ll exit to the bug zoo, which includes beetles, tarantulas, and frogs. There’s even a honeybee observation hive.
NORTHEAST
Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square, Saginaw
www.saginawzoo.com
Hours: April 22-October 7, 10am-5pm Daily
Admission: $5 per person age 1 and up (Hint: Come on a Tuesday and pay only $3.50 per person)
Encounter more than 150 animals and thousands of insects at this gem in mid-Michigan. The best part for a lot of kids is the hands-on experience, where visitors are invited to congregate with African pygmy goats, alpine goats, miniature horses, and cows. If your child’s taste runs more exotic, then go see the penguins, monkeys, and kangaroo. Watching the otters is always a favorite activity. Kids will also enjoy viewing the reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates (think snails). There are train and carousel rides, too, for just $1 per person, per ride or $5 per person for an unlimited pass.
SOUTHWEST
John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids
www.jbzoo.org
Hours: April –October, Hours depend on season so check the website
Admission (seasonal rates): $8.50-$12.50 Adults; $7.50-$10.50 Seniors and Children 2-12; 1 and under Free
One of the best stops to make when in Grand Rapids (apart from the breweries, children’s museum, and river walk), the John Ball Zoo has everything you could ask for. Visit different continents of the world to see some of the wildlife that call that part of the globe home. There’s a petting corral as well as camel rides (seasonal). For adventurers, there’s a zip line worth trying that traverses more than four stories and 600 feet. These activities are in addition to the cost of admission. One of the best walks in the zoo is the waterfall trail between the North America and Red Panda exhibits.
Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park, Alto
www.boulderridgewap.com
Hours: May –October, Hours vary by the day so check the website
Admission (seasonal rates): $14 Adults; $12 Seniors; $10 Children 3-11; 2 and under Free
You’ll find some rare and exotic species at this popular zoo that are hard to find anywhere else. The lemurs and multiple species of antelope are enjoyable to watch. From mammals to reptiles – including a reticulated python – you’ll enjoy everything the Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park has to offer. Go on a safari ride to really feel like you’re traveling through the Africa wilderness.
Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek
www.binderparkzoo.org
Hours: 9am-4pm off season; longer hours in the high-season
Admission: $14.25 Adults; $13.25 Seniors; $12.25 Children 2-10; 2 and under Free; Military discounts available
This 433-acre zoo is one of the largest in Michigan. Young ones will enjoy the Miller Children’s Zoo to congregate with the domestic animals as well as the Conservation Discovery Center with interactive activities and live animals exhibits. You can reserve a picnic shelter if you have a large family gathering. There’s a tram with regular departures if you want to put your feet up and enjoy a leisurely ride around Wild Africa. Don’t forget to stop by the Twiga Overlook to hand-feed the giraffes – $2 for one lettuce snack or $8 for 5.
Potter Park Zoo, Lansing
https://potterparkzoo.org
Hours: Open year-round; hours of operation vary so check website for details
Admission: Resident and non-resident pricing for Adults, Seniors, and Children; 3 and under free
Located a short distance from the capitol building in Lansing, the Potter Park Zoo is a low-cost way to enjoy a family afternoon. The big cat and primate house gives you up close viewing of some of the world’s largest felines and mischievous monkeys. Check out the black rhino and the Bactrian camel, too. If you want to go the extra mile, sign up to go behind the scenes of an animal exhibit to meet one personally and ask any question you like of the zoo keeper.
SOUTHEAST
Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
detroitzoo.org
Hours: 9am-5pm
Admission: Save if you purchase online; on-site, same day prices include $18 Adults; $15 Children 2-18; $15 Seniors; $15 Active Military
The ultimate zoo, the Detroit Zoo has a lot to see and experience. The award-winning zoo habitats, such as the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, are expansive and natural. In addition to the 2,000 species of animals who call this zoo home, there are play structures, carousal, simulator rides, a railroad, and a 4D theater. Everyone will go home with a new favorite animal and an unforgettable memory.
Indian Creek Zoo, Lambertville
indiancreekzoo.com
Hours: Open April-December; 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday; 12pm-5pm Sunday
Admission: $10 Adults; $8 Children 17 and under; $9 Seniors; 2 and under Free
Just three miles from the Michigan-Ohio border, Indiana Creek Zoo has something for everyone. Zebras, camels, wallabies, alligators, and peacocks are just some of the animals you’ll find here. The kind and helpful staff love to answer any questions you may have. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, go on a camel ride.