The Detroit Zoo sits in Royal Oak, a short drive north of the city, and it is the region's classic family day out. The grounds cover 125 acres, but the main route is a flat loop of about 1.7 miles, which keeps it manageable for small children and for visitors who would rather not hike. The star attraction is the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, a 33,000-square-foot building inspired by Sir Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition. Its 326,000-gallon pool is 25 feet deep, and an underwater gallery with a large acrylic window and two acrylic tunnels lets you watch the penguins swimming above, around and below you. The center won the Association of Zoos and Aquariums exhibit award in 2017 and has been open since its reopening in February 2022. Beyond the penguins, the zoo has a long list of habitats, a carousel with 33 hand-carved, hand-painted figures, and the Korman and Rissman PlayVentures play area, which runs daily when the weather allows. The zoo is open every day of the year, which makes it one of the few big outdoor attractions that works in November.
Seasons and hours
The zoo's fall and winter hours are shorter than its summer ones, with the gates closing earlier in the afternoon, so plan to arrive soon after opening if you want to see everything. Some experiences close for the season, including the Tauber Family Railroad and the giraffe feeding encounter, and several of the food counters run on weekends only, so do not count on a full menu on a weekday in late autumn.
Dress for the weather, because even though the penguin building and other indoor habitats are heated, most of the walking is outdoors and the wind can be sharp. The zoo posts the day's hours, gate-closing time and what is open on its website, and it is worth checking the morning you go.
Practical details
Tickets are cheaper when bought online in advance than at the gate, and members enter free. Outside food, non-alcoholic drinks and coolers are allowed, grilling is not, and pets are not permitted anywhere on the grounds, including the parking lots. The zoo has filtered water-refill stations around the route, so a reusable bottle saves money. Strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles can be rented, though the electric vehicles cannot be reserved. Visitors who arrive on a SMART bus can claim a small admission discount, which suits anyone staying downtown without a car.
Who it suits
Families with children of almost any age will get a full day from the zoo, and the penguin center is the kind of exhibit that holds the attention of adults too. Couples and photographers will enjoy the quieter weekday mornings and the underwater viewing glass. If your trip is built around cars, music and museums, the zoo is the obvious change of pace, and it pairs naturally with the SEA LIFE aquarium or a meal in Royal Oak's walkable downtown a few minutes away.
Allow at least three hours, and longer if you want to ride the carousel and let children loose in PlayVentures.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk around a 125-acre zoo on a flat main route of about 1.7 miles, with indoor habitats, a carousel and a play area.
Best time
Soon after opening on a weekday, when crowds are thinnest and the animals are most active; the penguin center is a good stop on a cold afternoon.
How long
Three to five hours, depending on how long you linger.
Tips
Check the day's hours and what is open before you go, buy tickets online in advance, bring a refillable bottle and dress warmly for the outdoor stretches.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone who wants an easy, mostly flat outdoor day.
- Families
- Excellent: play area, carousel and the penguin tunnels suit all ages.
- Couples
- A quiet weekday morning and the underwater penguin viewing.
- Pair with
- The SEA LIFE Michigan aquarium or the Detroit Historical Museum for a second family stop.
- Time needed
- Three to five hours.
Good questions
Is the Detroit Zoo in Detroit?+
It is in Royal Oak, just north of the city limits, and is an easy drive from downtown. A SMART bus also serves the zoo, with an admission discount for riders.
Is the Detroit Zoo open in winter?+
Yes, it is open every day of the year, but fall and winter hours are shorter. Some rides and feeding experiences close for the season, while the penguin center stays open.
What is the best thing to see?+
Most visitors single out the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, where an underwater gallery and two acrylic tunnels put you beside the penguins as they swim.
Can I bring my own food?+
Yes. Outside food, non-alcoholic drinks and coolers are allowed, but grilling is not. Pets are not allowed on the grounds, including the parking lots.
How long does a visit take?+
Plan on three to five hours. The main route is about 1.7 miles, and you will want extra time for the penguin center, the carousel and the play area.
