Best Places to See Animals in Metro Detroit

Belle Isle Nature Center

Hours:
10:00 am-5:00 pm daily

Admission:
$13 per vehicle for Belle Isle access

If you want to explore Detroit’s wild side, head to the Belle Isle Nature Center. Here you will find native animals that slither, swim and crawl. Check out the turtle pond or let your kids crawl through the tunnels, pretending to be ants or worms. The center hosts many programs throughout the year, such as nature hikes or nature at night.

Heritage Park Petting Farm

Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Monday: closed

Admission:
Taylor residents: $3
Non-residents: $4
Special Events: $5
Children 1 and under: free

Heritage Park Petting Farm is a wonderful way to mingle with farm animals. Interact with goats, sheep, alpacas, cows, donkeys, and piglets, just some of the many creatures at the big, red barn. After enjoying the farm, you can stretch your legs with a leisurely walk around the surrounding Heritage Park with its nature pond, historic buildings, and playground.

Belle Isle Aquarium

Hours:
Friday-Sunday (year round): 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Monday-Thursday: closed

Summer hours (through 8/31)
Thursday-Sunday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Monday-Wednesday: closed

Admission:
$13 per vehicle for Belle Isle access

The newly renovated Belle Isle Aquarium with its rare, glowing green, glass tile and ornate entrance arch is an awesome way to view colorful, finned friends. The aquarium is the oldest in the nation. Travel the globe exploring fish species from the great lakes to animals found in the waters from all over the world.

Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center

Hours:
9:00 am-5:00 pm daily

Admission:
$10 per vehicle

Wolcott Mill Farm is a 250 acre working farm that will bring you face to face with live critters, from horses to cows to chickens. After visiting the animals, wander the premises and learn the origins of food and fiber with friendly staff conducting programs such as sustainable agriculture or milk production.

The Reptarium

Hours:
Thursday-Saturday: 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Sun: 3:00 pm-8:00 pm

Admission:
Adults: $14.99
Children 11 and under: $11.99
Children 2 and under: free
Must purchase a time slot online.

If you love reptiles and amphibians, then the Reptarium is for you. Touch, feed, and interact with snakes, turtles, and other exotic animals while cordial staff talk to you about these amazing creatures.

Detroit Zoological Park

Hours:
Oct-March: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
April-Sept: 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Admission:
Adult 19-64: $14-23
Children: 2-18: $12-19
Seniors 65+: $12-19
Children under 2: free
+ $8 parking

The Detroit Zoo is perfect place to enjoy exotic animals in carefully crafted habitats nestled in vibrant gardens alongside the sparkling Rackham fountain. View a variety of beasts, from aardvarks to lions to zebras then dine in at one of zoo’s eateries after checking out the gift shop. If your feet ache, catch a ride on the Tauber family train back.

Sea Life Aquarium

Hours:
Sunday-Friday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am-7:00 pm

Admission:
Adult: $24.99
Children 3-12: $24.99
Children 2 and under: free

Sea Life is Michigan’s largest aquarium with over ten breathtaking exhibits. Come face to face with sharks, escape into the 180 degree tunnel, or pet a sticky anemone. After viewing the fish, take the youngsters to colorful Legoland for an addition fee and craft a Lego creation alongside expert builders.

Kensington Farm Center

Hours:
Nov-March: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
April-Oct: 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Admission:
$10 per vehicle

Take in the sounds and sights of the barnyard at Kensington Farm Center. Take selfies with live farm animals such as draft horses and cattle then visit the 150 year old restored barn. Special animal programs and historic techniques topics are hosted throughout the year.