Today at the Zoo
Today's Hours
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Gates close at 3:30 p.m.
Fall/winter hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Hours / ScheduleGeneral admission
| Online Only |
• $14-23 / Adults (19 years - 64) |
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| At Gate |
• $25 / Adults (19 years - 64) *Buy early and save by purchasing your tickets in advance online. |
Support
Help the Detroit Zoological Society as we continue to care for and save wildlife. Get 100% of your yearly dose of Vitamin Z by purchasing a membership to the Detroit Zoological Society or please consider making a donation to support our mission. We are grateful for your support during this unprecedented time.
Health Updates
The Detroit Zoo is happy to welcome you back! There are a few safety guidelines and Zoo updates we would like you to review before your arrival. Learn More.
Things to Know
- As part of our award-winning Greenprint initiative, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) no longer sells bottled water, a decision that is keeping 60,000 plastic bottles out of the waste stream annually. Visitors may bring their own water bottles or purchase reusable aluminum Aquafina bottles at Zoo concessions, which can be refilled for free at one of 21 filtered-water stations throughout the grounds. Additionally, the DZS no longer provides plastic bags for gift shop purchases; visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags or purchase wildlife-themed reusable bags at Zoofari Market, Arctic Outpost, Drake Passage Gifts or any of the souvenir stands.
- The Australian Outback Adventure habitat is open daily, depending on the weather. During the winter months, the habitat may unexpectedly close to the public due to low temperatures or snowy conditions.
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Taking The Bus?
SMART and the Detroit Zoo have a plan to make your trip quick, easy and affordable.
- From the north/south, take Routes 461/462 or 450/460.
- From the east/west, take Route 730 or 740 (Sundays only).
Did you know that using public transportation is one of the most effective actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint? As a thank you for helping the environment by Zooming to the Zoo, you will receive $2 off of admission, free fountain drinks, and a free ride home. For more information, visit SMART’s Zoom to the Zoo page.
For more information on SMART public transportation, see SMART’s Trip Planner.
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Zoo Attractions
Art Exhibitions
The Ford Education Center’s second floor gallery hosts rotating art exhibitions that ignite positive change for animals and nature. See what is in the gallery now!
4D Theater
Open during Wild Lights
Part of the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Adventure Zone, the 126-seat 4D Theater is the first and only theater of its kind at any Michigan zoo. Experience a variety of shows in the theater found inside the Ford Education Center.
Carousel
Open for Weekends & WildLights
Located adjacent to the Arctic Café is the 36-foot custom-made, wood-and-brass Carousel, adorned with 33 brilliant hand-carved, hand-painted figures, including traditional carousel horses as well as a colorful collection of other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, snakes, fish, seahorses, dinosaurs and an ADA-compliant peacock chariot.
Korman Tadpole PlayVenture
Open daily (weather dependent)
In a day and age when kids and families are spending more screen time than outdoor time, the Korman PlayVenture is an outdoor space your kids won’t be able to pass up! Kids will be able to climb through a spider web, crawl through animal burrows and engage in imaginative play throughout the area. Native flowers […]
Rissman PlayVenture
Open daily (weather dependent)
Parents, you can cut yourself a break and let your kids have some fun on our Rissman PlayVenture. Our landscape team has done a tremendous job of enhancing and adding to the play area by landscaping with native plants and installing log steppers, toad stools and climbing rocks for kids to play on. We want everyone […]
Rackham Fountain
The historic and famed Horace H. Rackham Memorial Fountain, located in the center of the Zoo, was built in 1939 and dedicated to the first president of the Zoological Commission. The fountain features two 10-foot-tall bronze bears in a 75,000-gallon pool with life-sized sea lions, turtles and frogs and is one of the Zoo’s most-photographed attractions.
Zoo Experiences
Experiencing animals in their habitats puts you and your family at the heart of Celebrating and Saving Wildlife and Wild Places.
Science On A Sphere
Science On a Sphere is an amazing spherical display system that projects dynamic simulations of the Earth, its atmosphere, oceans and land. Simply put, it’s a global display system that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a 6-foot diameter sphere, analogous to a giant animated globe. It allows visitors to easily […]
Tauber Family Railroad
Closed for the season
The Tauber Family Railroad, which was established in 1931, serves nearly half a million passengers each year.
Giraffe Encounter
Closed for the season
An encounter like no other on an elevated viewing platform that overlooks the giraffe habitat and brings guests to eye level with the tallest creatures at the Zoo.
SCOOTERPALS
Closed for the season
Take a ride on the wild side! ScooterPals Fur-Wheelers are the best — and fuzziest — way to get around the Detroit Zoo. Whether you are riding around on the rhino or exploring with the lively leopard, these new electric scooters will make your Zoo visit even more memorable. Hours and Reservations: ScooterPals are available […]
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Dining, Shops and Photos
NEW! Griffin Claw Pub
Open weekends from 11 a.m. to close | Located near River Otters
Whether you’re taking a break from exploring the Zoo or simply seeking a place to relax, Griffin Claw Pub welcomes you. The Pub offers a variety of local brews from Griffin Claw Brewing Company, including a few Zoo-exclusive flavors! From hoppy ales to refreshing vodka sodas, you’re sure to find the drink to quench your […]
NEW! Marilyn’s
Open Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to close I Located in the patio behind Table 28
Detroit-based, Marilyn’s is a food cafe specializing in fresh, organic smoothies and superfruit bowls. Indulge in vibrant and nourishing delights, crafted with love and packed with goodness. Treat yourself to a healthy and delicious experience that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
Old World Snacks
Open Friday to Sunday noon to close I Located near PlayVenture
Since 1984, Old World Snacks has been a Detroit favorite, offering a unique selection of Bavarian-style roasted nuts. Whether you crave the sweetness of candied almonds, the savory satisfaction of salted cashews or the classic flavor of roasted peanuts, Old World Snacks brings you a taste of tradition that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Zoofari Market
Open Daily 9 a.m. to close I Located near the main gates
Take home your favorite animal! We’ve got a zoo-load of plush animals, just like the ones you’ll meet here. Plus, don’t miss our eco-friendly gear, trendy threads and must-have souvenirs to remember your wild adventure at the Detroit Zoo!
Drake Passage Gifts
Open Daily 9 a.m. to close I Located inside the Polk Penguin Conservation Center
Dive into Drake Passage Gifts, right by the exit of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center. We’ve got everything penguin-themed – plushies, souvenirs, T-shirts, books, mugs and more. It’s the perfect way to remember your Antarctic expedition at the Detroit Zoo!
Arctic Outpost
Open Weekends in September 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. I Located near the Arctic Ring of Life
Chill out with our coolest store! Discover Arctic-inspired treasures you won’t find anywhere else in the Zoo. Souvenirs, toys and cuddly plushies galore await you at the exit of the Arctic Ring of Life.
Table 28
Open daily from 11 a.m. to close I Located near the Arctic Ring of Life
This cafeteria-style restaurant is the first of its kind across the country in a zoo or aquarium setting that is Green Certified by the Green Restaurant Association, having earned distinction for its eco-friendly practices. An expansive menu includes deli salads and sandwiches, traditional grill favorites, pizza and vegetarian options.
Cup & Pint
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. I Located inside Table 28
In partnership with Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company, Cup & Pint delivers a heavenly union of espresso, hot coffee, and draft cold & nitro brew coffee. Take a moment to appreciate the art of coffee-making while sipping on your favorite brew. For those seeking something stronger, Cup and Pint offers a selection of local draft […]
Buddy’s Pizza
Open Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to close
When it comes to Detroit-style pizza, there’s only one place to go — the birthplace itself! Buddy’s Pizza invites you to experience the true taste of this beloved local specialty. Bite into a slice of culinary history or dive into an eight-square pizza, perfectly crispy and loaded with flavor. Pair your slice with delectable breadsticks, […]
Coney Corner
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 a.m. to close I Located across from Rackham Fountain
Coney Corner pays homage to Detroit’s legendary chili dogs. Sink your teeth into a Detroit-style chili dog or savor the cheesy goodness of chili-cheese fries. Wash it all down with a draft Michigan beer as you bask in the shade of the new DTE Solar Pavilion, situated just behind Detroit-Style Coney Dogs.
Mitten Market Snack Shop
Open weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. I Located between the Arctic Ring of Life and grizzly bear habitats
Find respite at the Mitten Market Snack Shop. Quench your thirst with ICEEs or soft drinks, and indulge in soft pretzels or mouthwatering bear tracks — fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Take a moment to refresh and recharge as you soak in the ambiance of this cool, inviting spot.
Dippin’ Dots
Open weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. I Multiple locations
Cool off with a dose of nostalgia at Dippin’ Dots, the mesmerizing flash-frozen ice cream sensation. Three convenient locations await — near the Rackham Fountain, beside the Japanese macaque habitat and next to Arctic Outpost near the exit of the Arctic Ring of Life. Treat yourself to a unique and delightful frozen treat that will […]
The Cauldron (Formerly Cup and Cone)
Open weekends from 11 a.m. to close I Located next to the Carousel
Prepare to satisfy your sweet tooth at Cup and Cone. Indulge in the creamiest hard scoop ice cream or indulge in rich milkshakes that will transport you to dessert heaven. This is the perfect spot to treat yourself to a sweet and memorable moment.
Boardwalk Station
Open daily 10 a.m. to close I Located across from the Holden Reptile Conservation Center
Boardwalk Station beckons with an array of delightful treats. Relish soft pretzels, satisfy your bacon-and-cheese fry cravings and cool off with refreshing ICEEs. Recharge and keep the adventure going with a quick visit to this convenient oasis of flavors.
Kaman’s Art Shoppes
Open daily I Multiple locations
Step up the fun factor with Kaman’s specialty carts! Get your face painted, snag a quirky caricature or snap some awesome pics. Find them at the front gate, Rackham Fountain and outside the Polk Penguin Conservation Center.
Photographs
Open daily I Multiple locations
Say cheese without the hassle! Kaman’s photographers will capture your Zoo adventures so you can focus on the fun. Visit their website to pick up your photos. You can also look for the photo booth just outside the entrance gates.
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Directions and Construction
Address
Detroit Zoo • 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Maps
Construction Updates
Avoid the dreaded orange barrel (Aurantiaco cupa horribilis) … get up-to-the-minute road construction and traffic updates from Mi Drive.
Directions
The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, at the northwest corner of the intersection of Woodward Avenue and 10 Mile Road (I-696).
- If you are traveling from the east, take I-696 to Exit 16 for Woodward Avenue, Main Street and the Detroit Zoo.
- From the west, take I-696 to Exit 16 for Woodward Avenue, Main Street and the Detroit Zoo
- From I-75 north or south, take Exit 61 to I-696 west; follow I-696 west to Exit 16
- The Zoo is entered from either Woodward Avenue or 10 Mile Road; just look for the Detroit Zoo Water Tower