Is Erb Discovery Trails included with Detroit Zoo admission?

Yes. General access to Erb Discovery Trails is included with your Detroit Zoo ticket. Some experiences — such as Stingray Cove access and the stingray feed, Wild Explorer VR and private animal encounters — have separate pricing.

What animals live in Erb Discovery Trails?

Erb Discovery Trails is home to bush dogs, burrowing owls, bamboo sharks, chickens, giant anteaters, stingrays, prairie dogs, domestic goats, alpacas and miniature donkeys.

Can you touch the stingrays?

When you purchase a Stingray Cove ticket, you can touch the stingrays under the careful supervision of our animal care experts. You can also feed* the stingrays if you choose to purchase a feed ticket. *Limited availability

Is Erb Discovery Trails wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Paved, ADA-accessible pathways run throughout Erb Discovery Trails, including a paved section within the Goat Encounter Yard.

Is there food inside Erb Discovery Trails?

Yes. Trail Mix and Dippin’ Dots serve snacks, drinks and more during seasonal hours. Most dining locations are open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Can I rent space in Erb Discovery Trails for a private event?

Yes. The Gathering Pavilion, Stingray Cove and the entirety of Erb Discovery Trails itself are all available for private rentals. Contact the Zoo Events team for pricing, availability and booking details at dzsevents@dzs.org.

When is Erb Discovery Trails open?

Erb Discovery Trails is open during regular Detroit Zoo hours. Some dining, attraction and retail locations operate on a seasonal schedule. Check the Zoo’s hours page for the most current information before your visit.

How big is Erb Discovery Trails?

Erb Discovery Trails spans 7 acres, making it the largest project in Detroit Zoo history.

Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails

Opening Saturday, May 23, 2026

Join us Memorial Day Weekend for the grand opening of Erb Discovery Trails — a seven-acre adventure where hands-on and up-close animal encounters, aerial climbing experiences and interactive spaces create new ways to connect with animals and the natural world.

Free with admission | Free for members

Get tickets

Explore

View The Map

Meet the Animals

Features and Attractions

Dining and Shops

Private Encounters

Event Rentals

Accessibility

FAQs

Support

The Brand-New Erb Discovery Trails

This winding, 7-acre immersive experience connects visitors to the natural world through expansive animal habitats, up-close encounters and spaces designed for every age, ability and curiosity level. The adventure is inspired by the Zoo’s mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world. Get ready to learn, discover and play in a whole new way!

View the Map

Explore the interactive map to discover the 7-acre experience

Meet the Animals of Erb Discovery Trails

Erb Discovery Trails is home to 10 new (and newly returning) animals.

Bush Dogs

Giant Anteaters

Stingrays

Prairie Dogs

Domestic Goats

Alpacas

Burrowing Owls

Bamboo Sharks

Miniature Donkeys

Chickens

See Them in Person

Features and Attractions

Erb Discovery Trails is built for touching, climbing, feeding, playing and exploring at your own pace.
All attractions are included with Zoo admission unless indicated by $ symbol.

Goat Encounter Yard

An open-air space where guests can brush and interact with goats. Designed with accessibility in mind, the area features partially paved pathways.

Little Sprouts

A pond-themed play space where our littlest guests can discover the lifecycles of butterflies and frogs.

Stingray Cove & Feed

An all-new home for stingrays and bamboo sharks. Here, guests of all ages will have the opportunity to touch and feed stingrays and make connections that last a lifetime.

Senses Trail

A playful, multi-sensory path designed for guests to experience nature in new ways.

Treetop Crossing

Explore from a birds-eye view with this new, aerial adventure. Get to the top via netted climbers, stairs or a ramp. Then slide back down to do it again and again.

Wild Explorer VR Experience

Travel into an all-new world of wildlife — right from the Detroit Zoo! This 360-degree virtual reality experience takes you on an adventure with an immersive headset, audio equipment and motion seat.

Farmers Market

A space for kids of all ages to use their imaginations and discover how produce goes from the farm to their plates — or into the mouths of Zoo animals.

Canopy Trail

Walk on bridges and swaying walkways, visit an eagle’s nest and experience Erb Discovery Trails from a new perspective in this aerial adventure designed for guests to climb, play and explore.

Garden Grove

A space where guests can meander through the gardens and be inspired by all of the ways plants can grow.

Mosaic Plaza

Created by local artist Hubert Massey, this wall features touchable mosaic tiles that fit together like puzzle pieces.

Draw Alive

A digital coloring experience where you create artwork on a tablet or your own mobile device and then send it off to a shared screen. Located inside Base Camp.

Experience It All

Dining and Shops

Base Camp

Recharge with a variety of beverage options, get your face painted and pick out the perfect souvenir to relive your adventure.

Trail Mix

Grab a quick, energizing snack to keep you moving along the Erb Discovery Trails.

Dippin’ Dots

Your go-to spot for Dippin’ Dots and packaged snacks. Hours may vary by season.

Private Encounters

Take your visit further with exclusive, pre-booked animal experiences at Erb Discovery Trails.

Wade with the Rays

Anteater Encounter

More information coming soon!

Event Rentals

Erb Discovery Trails offers rental spaces that make for an unforgettable birthday party, corporate event or reception.

Gathering Pavilion Rental

A flexible event space tucked inside Erb Discovery Trails, available for daytime or evening use.

Capacity: 70–80 seated, up to 100 strolling
Add-On: Stingray touch experience

Stingray Cove Rental

Host your next private evening event surrounded by gliding stingrays and bamboo sharks.

Capacity: 60 seated, up to 100 strolling
Add-On: Stingray touch experience

Full Erb Discovery Trails Rental

Rent out the entirety of Erb Discovery Trails for a private evening to add wonder, connection and adventure to your next gathering.

Capacity:1,000
Add-On: Stingray touch experience

Please contact [email protected] for booking information

Accessibility + Guest Amenities

Erb Discovery Trails is designed to be accessible and inclusive for guests of all abilities.

Paved, ADA-accessible pathways run throughout the majority of the Erb Discovery Trails.
Sensory-friendly quiet spaces are available throughout the area.
Restrooms include ADA-accessible stalls, single-stall facilities at both general and child ADA height requirements, push-assist automatic doors, child changing tables, a motorized universal changing table and a private lactation room.
The Detroit Zoo also offers sensory bags, wheelchair loans, social narratives and other planning resources to help make your visit comfortable from start to finish.

Exclusive Member Preview on May 22

Want to experience Erb Discovery Trails before it opens to the public? Detroit Zoo members are invited to an exclusive preview on May 22, 2026. Don’t miss this chance to try out everything the Erb Discovery Trails have to offer, and then spread the word!

Become a Member

Erb Discovery Trails FAQs

Your Support Makes a Difference

To bring these exciting plans to life, philanthropic investments are now being sought and compelling naming opportunities are available. For more information, please contact the Detroit Zoological Society Development Office at [email protected] or (248) 336-5728.

Show Your Support View Brochure

Stay Informed About Erb Discovery Trails

We will continue to make new and exciting announcements in the coming months.

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