Things to Do
There’s no shortage of things to see and do at the Detroit Zoo! From amazing animal habitats to engaging events, we offer plenty of ways to immerse yourself in fun and connect to the natural world.
Explore Events
Event Spotlights
Run Wild
Lace up and sprint, jog or waddle your way through the Zoo in a 5K that directly supports our veterinary heroes.
Presented by:
Sunset at the Zoo
June 18 | 7-11 p.m.
You’re invited to the Detroit Zoo’s signature summer fundraiser.
Presented by:
Tri-County Senior Day May
May 27, 2026
We’re rolling out the red carpet for our 62+ crowd with a day of music, learning and fun.
Presented by:
Summer Sips
July 17, 2026 | 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Sip, stroll and s'more at this adult summer camp-themed event.
Presented by:
Summer Yoga at the Zoo
Select Mondays & Tuesdays | June-August 2026
2026 Schedule & Locations From cobra poses with the reptiles to planks with the penguins, each of our winter yoga sessions offers something unique. Pick your favorite location — or...
Featured Private Experiences
HABITATS
Room to roam
Explore our naturalistic habitats that give the animals who call the Zoo home space to thrive.
African Forest
Throughout the northwest side of the Zoo, you can meet several animals who are native to Africa, such as elands, flamingos and spoonbills.
Animals:
Schmidt's Monkey, White Stork, Ostrich, Eland, Greater Flamingo, Greater Rhea, Chilean Flamingo, African Spoonbill and more...
African Grasslands
Explore the animals who call the African Savannah home. Located in the Zoo’s northwest corner, the African Grasslands is home to animals such as zebras, warthogs, rhinos and more.
American Grassland
Running along the south border of the Zoo, the American Grasslands are home to animals native to North and South America, including grizzly bears, wolverines, bald eagles, bison and more.
Animals:
Wolverine, Giant Anteater OLD, Sloth Bear, Sandhill Crane, Pig, Miniature Donkey OLD, Grizzly Bear, Bald Eagle, Beaver, Bison, Cinereous Vulture and more...
Arctic Ring of Life
One of North America’s largest polar bear habitats, the Arctic Ring of Life features 4 acres of outdoor and indoor spaces, including a 70-foot-long glass tunnel, exploration station and ice cave. Polar bears, as well as rescued sea otters, call this habitat home.
Polk Penguin Conservation Center
One of the world’s largest penguin facilities, the 2-acre Polk Penguin Conservation Center features a 326,000-gallon pool and 25-foot-deep aquatic area. Five species of penguin call this habitat home.
Animals:
Gentoo Penguin, King Penguin, Macaroni Penguin, Rockhopper Penguin, Chinstrap Penguin and more...
Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness
The Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness is located in the southwest corner of the Detroit Zoo. This 2-acre habitat features grassy hills and meadows, native Michigan trees, a flowing stream and pond, dens and elevated rock outcroppings where the wolves can survey their surroundings.
Animals:
Gray WolfAttractions & More
Take a Ride on the Wild Side
Take your Zoo visit to the next level with one of our add-on rides, attractions and more. Whether you are riding on the train or carousel, catching a show in the 4D Theater or taking a break at the PlayVenture, there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Zoo!
Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails
Private Events
Make your next event something special
Make the Zoo your destination for your next private meeting, picnic, birthday party, wedding, family reunion, corporate outing or other special event.
Plan Your Event