Wayne County
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.
Macomb County
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.
Oakland County
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.
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