Detroit Zoo Mom Tips - Zoo With Us

Our experts tell you what you need to know in our Detroit Zoo Mom Tips.

Parking – There are several parking lots at the zoo. When you enter, to the immediate left appears to be a members lot. To the right is the parking garage. We chose the parking garage, but there is a lot also on the right next to the parking garage that I would use instead. There is also a parking lot near the back of the zoo, which would be helpful if you just want to see that side and skip a lot of the walking.
Cost – AZA reciprocal membership gives you 50% off admission. If you’re not an AZA member, buy tickets online for a $5 discount.
Strollers – This is a pretty large zoo – I would bring a stroller for young kids.
Route – The penguin building is near the entrance – we recommend doing that first. It’s a pretty long walk from there to the other exhibits, but if you stay on the right you will see the otter and beaver exhibits on your way to the other half of the zoo.
Splash Pad – there is a splash pad (series of fountains) next to the penguin building. It looked pretty difficult to play in there and not get very wet.

Bathrooms – This may seem weird, but the bathrooms were awesome! They had a lot of bathrooms. Each time we were impressed with them. The inclusion of foot stools for the kids to reach the sinks was a great idea! Many bathrooms had painted murals on them. They even had signs by the hand dryer on how to make it quieter for kids!

Must-see exhibits – Penguins! Definitely go see the Polk Penguin Conservation Center! We absolutely loved it! There is a 4-D simulater as you go from the top level to the bottom level. Our five-year-old didn’t love that. Our other daughters thought it was great!
Feeding Opportunities – There weren’t a lot of interactive opportunities, but they do have giraffe feedings available at 11am and 1pm.
Food – You can bring your own food into the zoo. They have a lot of picnic tables for eating at.
Total Experience Package – We didn’t elect to do the total package, but this included the 4D movie and the train. There was plenty of zoo to keep us busy.

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