Youth Day Making a Difference for Children in Detroit

What do you get when you bring together thousands of kids from across metro Detroit, dozens of community partners and a stage set in the heart of Belle Isle State Park? One unforgettable day of inspiration, connection and fun.

Last month, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) team had the honor of participating in the 41st annual Metro Detroit Youth Day — a beloved tradition that unites children, businesses and organizations for a day filled with activities, education and mentorship.

The Detroit Zoo and Belle Nature Center teams were part of the excitement, engaging youth of all ages in hands-on, educational experiences. From interactive activities to meaningful conversations, our goal was to inspire curiosity, encourage growth and help local youth connect more deeply with animals, nature and the world around them.

“We want to show kids that it can be fun to learn, and more importantly, that we appreciate them,” says Mike Reed, Detroit Zoo curator of education and Metro Detroit Youth Day board member. “We want everything to be interactive, and we want the kids to participate in their own education. That is what makes it fun and memorable for them.”

Metro Detroit Youth Day was born out of a need for unity. In the 1980s, rising tensions between local youth and business owners prompted then-Mayor Coleman Young to call on Edward Deeb, founder of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association, to help bridge the divide. The result was the creation of Youth Day, which was designed to inspire, uplift and show young people that they matter. Today, the annual event draws upwards of 30,000 participants who are invested in building community, fostering respect and offering a positive path forward.

Reed has led the DZS efforts for Youth Day since the early years, and the DZS is now involved in more activities of Youth Day than any other organization. Deeb says he is grateful for the support.

“The participation of the Detroit Zoo at Metro Detroit Youth Day provides a site to educate children on the importance of reducing and eliminating plastic waste and clean up,” he says. “It demonstrates and teaches the children conservation and educates them on wildlife and the importance of the well-being of animals, which inspires our youth to do the most good. It also teaches a meaningful connection between people, animals and nature. This creates a pathway shaping what children want to do and become in their future life, and it brings children together from all walks of life.”

Reed says this year’s event — though it saw a little rain — was incredibly successful. He is already looking forward to next year and continuing to create meaningful connections with youth from across metro Detroit.

“Each year, we keep expanding,” Reed says. “Kids and being involved in our community are so important to us at the DZS. We want kids to know that we are invested in them and will come to them.”