Community Corner

5 Things to Explore at the Detroit Zoo This Week

Royal Oak Patch will be giving you highlights from the zoo all week. Today's installment is five free, kid-friendly things to do.

This article was written by Judy Davids.

With the first day of school just around the corner, how will you spend the last few weeks of summer vacation? 

If you are looking for something to do, how about a trip to the Detroit Zoo? Situated on 125 acres right here in our own backyard, did you know the zoo is home to more than 3,300 animals of 280 species?

With summer vacation winding down, Patch explores one of Michigan's most beloved family attractions. 

Today's installment includes five free, kid-friendly things to do at the zoo. 

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1. Rissman and Korman Playscapes

The two playscape areas are age-specific. The Korman Tadpole Play Venture, shaped like a pirate ship, is for children ages 2-5. The Rissman Play Venture is for children ages 6-12 and features different animal-themed sections such as the Vulture Glide and the Crocodile Crossing.

2. Frog Bog

The bronze Spitting Frogs sculpture by Norris Peterson at the entrance of the National Amphibian Conservation Center is a big hit with young visitors and is a favorite spot on a hot summer day.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3. Prairie Dog Habitat

The black-tailed prairie dog habitat is one of the most popular immersive experiences at the Detroit Zoo. Kids can get nose-to-nose with the inhabitants inside viewing bubbles placed within the habitat.

4. Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat

This habitat for North American river otters has a 5,900-gallon pool with waterfalls and water slides and is designed for small children to view the otters at eye-level as they show off their aquatic skills.

5. Exploration Station

Located in the Arctic Ring of Life, the Exploration Station houses thermal cameras, indoor underwater viewing of diving polar bears and seals and educational biofacts.

Come back to Patch on Thursday for five paid attractions at the Detroit Zoo.


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