Zoo Experiences

Nocturnal Adventures

2024 Dates Available!

Ever wonder what the animals are up to as the sun goes down? Find out when you join us after hours for a Nocturnal Adventure at the Detroit Zoo! During this exclusive, one-of-a-kind tour, you will get to explore the Zoo like never before and see animals you might not encounter during the day.

This exclusive opportunity is going to fill up fast. With limited days available throughout 2023, be sure to book your next Nocturnal Adventure soon!

Private groups (not including dinner): $450 (up to 10 participants) | Attendee add on*: $45
Private groups + dinner: $650 (up to 10 participants) | Attendee add on*: $65
Dates: Friday, Jan. 20 | Friday, Feb. 10 | Friday, March 10 | Friday, April 14 | Friday, July 21

Includes:

• Admission for up to 10 participants to Nocturnal Adventures (additional attendees can be added on for additional cost*)
• Parking
• Dinner (optional add on)

BOOK YOUR PRIVATE EVENING

*Maximum of 50 total group participants allowed.

Breakfast with a Favorite Animal

Now booking indoor and outdoor Breakfasts

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.

• There will be no direct animal contact (except for Breakfast with the Giraffes or Butterflies)
• Groups limited to five participants
• Children must be 5 or older and accompanied by an adult
• Outdoor breakfasts will be offered May-September (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) and All year (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) for indoor breakfasts.
• Cost is $500.00 per group

For more information, please email us.

Resident Reptiles

Available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thrusday any month

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!)

• There will be no direct animal contact
• Groups limited to five participants
• Children must be 8 or older and accompanied by an adult
• Cost is $500.00 per group

For more information, please email us.

Mingle With the Macaronis

SOLD OUT for 2024 | Booking for 2025 begins Nov. 1st

Want to know how penguins stay warm, eat and play while living in their icy-cold habitat? Get up close and personal with them at the Detroit Zoo! Under the guidance and supervision of a zookeeper, you will be able to interact with these charming birds. Your visit will last approximately two hours and include a behind-the-scenes tour of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center. Many photo opportunities will be available as you meet and hand-feed some of the gentoo, rockhopper and macaroni penguins that reside at the Zoo. View frequently asked questions here.

• • Mingles are conducted from 1 to 3p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
  • Mingles cannot be scheduled during breeding season (March – June) or Molting Season (August – September)
  • Groups limited to six participants
  • Children must be 7 or older and accompanied by an adult
  • Please dress accordingly; the penguin habitat is kept at 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Please wear socks and closed-toed shoes. We will provide boots and protective gear.
  • Due to Avian Influenza concerns, we ask that you are not around any commercial or backyard poultry within seven days of your experience date.
  • If you own or care for birds, please wear clothing that has not had any contact with them.

• Reservations must be made three weeks in advance and are non-refundable
• Cost is $1,000 per group
• If you would like to book your mingle contact us.

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?

Satisfy your curiosity by joining the penguins for breakfast inside one of the world’s most renowned animal facilities as their care team shares knowledge and insight about these brilliant birds. Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast alongside the penguins and be dazzled by their early morning activities. This 90-minute breakfast experience is the perfect start to any day at the Zoo!

• There will be no direct animal contact.
• Each group is limited to five participants. However, you may book one additional group if space is available.
• Children must be 5 or older and accompanied by an adult.
• This breakfast is offered from April to October on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Cost is $500 per group.
• Two separate groups are permitted during each breakfast.

For more information, please email us here.

Private Photo Safari

Bookable any day of the week

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.

• Private Photo Safari is conducted from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
• Offered year-round (weather permitting)
• Groups limited to three participants (one more participant for an additional $100)
• Children must be 10 or older and accompanied by an adult
• Cost is $300.00 per group

For more information, please email us.