For all the people who have been looking to visit the Detroit Zoo, now is the perfect time to buy a ticket and explore the zoo. Finally, the Detroit Zoo has opened ticket bookings for visitors, and tickets can now be purchased online. All the details regarding the opening hours of the zoo and ticket prices are mentioned in this post.
One great piece of news for families is that children under 2 years old do not need a ticket, which means admission is completely free for them. The 100-year history of the Detroit Zoo has entered a new chapter as it reopened a newly developed attraction to the public after two years of construction. At a cost of $49 million, the Erb Discovery Trails is an immersive 7-acre experience that allows guests to interact with animals like stingrays, sharks, and goats.
Why Should You Visit Detroit Zoo?
At this zoo, you will get unique real-life experiences that not every zoo offers. In most zoos, visitors are not allowed to interact with animals, but the Detroit Zoo provides opportunities for interaction with selected animals. Guests can enter the goat yard, where they can meet the herd and even pet and brush the animals as they climb and play.
#1 Beautiful Views
The Detroit Zoo is not just a place to see animals; it is also a place where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and relaxing surroundings. The Erb Discovery Trails offer much more than animal exhibits.
The 450-foot-long one-way Canopy Trail gives guests an elevated experience with stunning aerial views. There are ramps, a suspension bridge, viewing platforms, a net tunnel, netted climbers, and four slides for kids of all ages to enjoy.
#2 Farming Experience for Children
This is not actual farming, but it is an educational experience that teaches children how plants are grown and how fruits and vegetables reach our homes.
These learning spaces are specially designed for kids and allow youngsters to discover different ways of growing fruits and vegetables. Young guests can also learn how food travels from farms to the table through interactive play areas.
#3 Interact With Pet Animals
There are a few animals that visitors can interact with directly. Guests can enter the goat yard, where they will meet the herd and be able to pet and brush the animals while they climb and play around.
This is not the only attraction you will experience because real-life experiences are something completely different that cannot fully be described in words. If you truly want to enjoy the zoo, you should visit it personally because self-experience is always different from hearing about someone else’s experience.
Detroit Zoo Ticket Prices
There are different ticket prices for different age groups. Small children under 2 years old do not need any ticket, as admission is free for them. Parking also has separate pricing. Below, you will find complete details regarding ticket pricing and parking fees.
You can also visit the official Detroit Zoo website for online ticket booking.
Detroit Zoo Group Ticket Pricing and Discounts
(1) Child Under 2 Admission Ticket
Price – Free
Free admission to the zoo for children under 2 years old. However, to receive the Group 20+ discounted pricing, visitors must have a combined total of 20 general adult, youth, and/or senior admission tickets in their shopping cart. Free child tickets are not included in this count.
(2) Group – Youth Admission
Price – $12.00
Valid for children aged 2 to 12 years.
(3) Group – General Admission
Price – $14.00
Valid for general admission for ages 13 to 64 years.
(4) Group – Senior Admission
Price – $12.00
Valid for seniors aged 65 years and above.
Bus and Motorcoach Parking
Bus Parking
Price – $12.00
This voucher provides prepaid general parking in one of the designated zoo parking lots. It is valid on any day during regular zoo hours in 2025.
Automobile / Van Parking
Price – $8.00
This voucher provides prepaid general parking for cars and vans in designated zoo parking lots. It is valid on any day during regular zoo hours in 2026.
Important Notes Before Booking Tickets
Youth organizations receiving discounted admission rates must provide one adult chaperone (18+ years old) for every ten students. Chaperones must stay with students at all times regardless of age. Students found without a chaperone will be held in the Security Office.
Groups of 20 or more people needing reservations or invoices are not eligible for the online discount prices shown on the website.
The zoo does not offer refunds, date changes, or rain checks due to weather conditions, animal availability, or animal visibility. No exceptions will be made.
Group 20+ Admission Details
To receive the best pricing for group tickets, visitors must purchase tickets directly through the official group booking website. A minimum of 20 tickets must be added to the cart to qualify for the group discount.
Group tickets purchased outside the official Group 20+ portal are not eligible for discounted pricing. Group sales tickets are valid only during regular daytime zoo hours and do not include rides or attractions.
Please note that group sales tickets also do not include entry to Dinosauria, Zoo Boo, or Wild Lights events. Parking is not included in the group ticket pricing.
Group ticket prices range from $14 to $25 for General Admission and from $12 to $22 for Youth and Senior Admission, depending on availability and purchase date. Prices and operating schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
Tickets are non-refundable, and additional tickets cannot be added after final payment has been completed. Discounts are automatically applied once eligible tickets are placed in the shopping cart.
Detroit Zoo Opening Hours
The zoo is currently open, and the operating hours are as follows:
April 1 – August 31, 2026:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
