Located in a suburb of Detroit, the Detroit Zoo houses more than 1,500 animals that represent approximately 260 species from various continents. One of the zoo's major exhibits, the Arctic Ring of Life, is the largest polar bear exhibit in North America. Visitors can watch the bears and seals swim underwater from a 70-foot-long, 8-foot-tall clear tunnel beneath their pool. Another notable attraction is the Giraffe Encounter in the African Grasslands exhibit, which allows visitors to feed giraffes when the weather is warm, depending on their appetite.
The Detroit Zoo is open every day except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Children under the age of two are admitted free. Contact the zoo for other admission rates.
Detroit Zoo
8450 W. 10 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48067
248-541-5717
detroitzoo.org
The Detroit Science Center offers more than 200 interactive exhibits that fall into three categories: outer space, life and the physical world. The center's most popular attraction is the domed IMAX theater, the only one in Michigan, which offers a variety of showings. Another highlight is the Dassault Systemes Planetarium, which features a 50-foot wide, three-story high projection dome and is one of a small number of digital planetarium projection systems in the world.
The Detroit Science Center is open seven days a week, which the exception of a few major holidays. Children under the age of 2 are admitted free. Contact the museum for other admission rates.
Detroit Science Center
5020 John R St.
Detroit, MI 48202
313-577-8400
sciencedetroit.org
The Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park, the only water park in Detroit, is operated by Wayne county. It offers a 15,920-square-foot wave pool and two water slides. There is also a designated pool area for children that is no deeper than two feet. The concession stand offers pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken wings.
The water park is open every day from Memorial Day through the Labor Day weekend. Admission ranges from $2 to $3.50 for Wayne County residents and from $4 to $7.50 for non-residents.
Chandler Park Family Aquatic Center
12600 Chandler Park Drive
Detroit, MI 48213
313-822-7665
chandlerparkonline.com
