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On Zoo Boo dates (Oct. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25), regular Zoo hours are 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Zoo will reopen from 3-8:30 p.m. for the event. A separate Zoo Boo ticket is required.

Zoo Tots

Explore, Learn, and Play at Zoo Tots!

Zoo Tots

Enjoy quality one-on-one time with a special child in your life with a fun and educational experience at our Zoo Tots programs. The sessions of eight weekly classes are for a preschool-age child and adult caregiver and include activities and art to build social and exploration skills, while learning about animals at the Detroit Zoo!

The adult participant may be a parent, grandparent, babysitter or any other adult excited about sharing time at the Zoo. All classes include activities and crafts designed to be completed with the assistance of the caregiver.

Zoo Tot class sessions are offered in fall, winter and spring. Winter and spring session details are updated in late October and fall session details in early summer.

Please note:

  • Additional adults and children may not attend due to space constraints and program design. Infants may be brought but are asked to be in a carrier so adult hands are free to assist their toddler with activities and art.
  • Program tickets are not refundable.

Winter and Spring 2027 sessions will open for registration online on
Tuesday, November 17 at 12 p.m. Noon.

Please see below for the schedule of available classes.

Questions? Email us at [email protected].

Zoo Tots: Animal Groups

(2-3 year-old children)

Share a love for learning about animals together at the Detroit Zoo! This program includes eight 45-minute classes that meet indoors each week. Each class focuses on a different type of animal while developing preschool social and academic skills for our youngest learners with an adult caregiver. Classes include sensory play, a story, activity and art indoors.

Cost:
Members $165, Regular $215

WINTER 2027
Fridays 9:30 a.m.    Jan. 8 - Feb. 26
Fridays 11 a.m. Jan. 8 - Feb. 26
Saturdays 9:15 a.m. Jan. 9 - Feb. 27

SPRING 2027
Thursday 9:30 a.m.    Mar. 4 - April 29 (no class Apr. 1)
Thursday 11 a.m. Mar. 4 - April 29 (no class Apr. 1)
Saturdays 11 a.m. Mar. 6 - May 1 (no class Mar. 27)

Zoo Tots: Animal Habitats

(3 and 4-year-old children)

Discover the features of different animal habitats! From deserts to the rainforest, each 60-minute class of this eight-week program focuses on a new habitat. Classes include building engineering skills, stories, exploring through math skills and art projects to build on creativity together with an adult caregiver.

*This class explores out in the Zoo for half of the weeks.

Cost:
Members $180, Regular $230

WINTER 2027
Saturdays 11:30 a.m. Jan. 9 - Feb. 27
Sunday 11 a.m. Jan. 10 - Feb. 28

SPRING 2027
Wednesday 9:30 a.m.    Mar. 3 - Apr. 28 (no class Mar. 31)
Wednesday 11 a.m. Mar. 3 - Apr. 28 (no class Mar. 31)

Zoo Tots: Animals Around the World

(3 and 4 year-old children)

Travel to new continents with Zoo Tots Around the World! Each 75-minute class of this eight-week program focuses on a different part of the world and the animals that live there. Classes for your child and one adult caregiver include map interactions, stories, station-based free exploration, hikes to visit animals in the Zoo and art activities.

*This class explores out in the Zoo every week.

Cost:
Members $190, Regular $240

WINTER 2027
Thursdays 9:30 a.m.     Jan. 7 - Feb. 25
Thursday 11 a.m. Jan. 7 - Feb. 25

SPRING 2027
Friday  9:15 a.m.    Mar. 6 - May 2 (no class Mar. 26)
Saturday 9 a.m. Mar. 7 - May 2 (no class Mar. 27)

Thank you to our supporting sponsor

Zoo Tots is supported by Michigan’s 529 Savings Programs. To learn more about how you can save for your child’s higher education, please visit SaveWithMI529.com