You read about bear hunts, sing about Old McDonald and watch Finding Nemo more times than you can count. Now here’s your opportunity to get out and let your littles experience their favorite animals in person.

Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
The Detroit Zoo has 125 acres of naturalistic habitats for more than 2,000 animals from anteaters to zebras and features award-winning attractions such as the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee and Arctic Ring of Life. The Zoo’s newest attraction is the spectacular Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the largest facility for penguins in the world.

Hours:

• January – March: 10am – 4pm (closed New Year’s Day)
• April-September (Labor Day): 9am – 5pm
  • July & August open til 8pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays
• September (after Labor Day): 10am-5pm
• October-December: 10am-4pm
• Additional hours for special events

Tickets:

• $14 – Adult, 15 to 61 years
• $10 Child, 2 to 14 years
• $10 Seniors, 62+
• FREE under 2
• +$7 parking

Address:  8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI, 48067
Phone: 248.541.5717

Domino Farms (Ann Arbor)
The Petting Farm opened its doors in 1984 at Domino’s Farms. Twenty acres were allocated for the site and the Zeeb barn became a shelter for animals once more. The Petting Farm  is a symbol of our appreciation and commitment to the agriculture industry and the traditional farm values that are evident in our culture. It serves as a historical tribute to the farmers who lived in the area and developed the agribusiness we have today. In addition to petting animals, riding ponies and on a hayride, kids can also explore a stationary train car.

Hours:

• September – October
  • Monday thru Friday  10am – 3pm
  • Saturday & Sunday 10am – 4pm
• November -March
  • Monday & Tuesday closed
  • Wednesday thru Friday 10am – 3pm
  • Saturday & Sunday 10am – 4pm
• April – August
  • Monday thru Sunday 10am – 4pm

Tickets:

• $6 – General Admission
• $5.50 – Seniors
• FREE under 2
• +$2 Animal Feed
• +$2 Hayrides
• +$5 Pony Rides

Address:  3001 Earhart Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: 734.998.0182

Heritage Park Petting Farm (Taylor)
The Heritage Park Petting Farm offers a hands-on experience for the young or just young at heart in a unique park atmosphere. A knowledgeable staff is on hand to assist and make your visit a memorable one. Children wearing proper footwear (gym shoes or boots) can walk around the stalls of the goats, sheep, and piglets. The farm is open year round, and each season brings interesting changes. The barn is heated to provide warmth for our guests and animals.

Hours: Change seasonally – call ahead

• Friday thru Sunday 10am – 5pm

Tickets:

• $3 – Taylor Resident
• $4 – Non-resident
• $5 – Special events
• FREE under 1

Address:  12111 Pardee Rd, Taylor, MI, 48180
Phone: 734.374.5946

Sea Life (Auburn Hills)
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, a premier family-friendly attraction with a focus on interactive fun! Over 5,000 creatures, huge saltwater ocean tank, acrylic underwater viewing tunnel, interactive touch-pool experience and children’s soft play area.

Hours:

• Monday thru Saturday 10am – 9pm
• Sunday 10am – 6pm

Tickets: Purchase online for discount prices; Door price listed below.

• $23.50 – Adult (Ages 13+)
• $18.50 – Child (Ages 3-12)
• FREE under 3

Address:  4316 Baldwin Rd,  Auburn Hills, MI, 48326
Phone: 866.622.0605

Belle Isle Nature Center (Detroit)
Belle Isle Nature Center visitors are able to get an insider’s view of an actual beehive and get an up-close view of Michigan wildlife. A bird observation window allows guests to watch native and migratory birds as they feed from natural and supplemental food sources. The Deer Encounter allows guests the opportunity to observe the fallow deer while learning about their history with Belle Isle.

Hours:

• November – March
  • Wednesday thru Sunday 10am – 4pm
• April – October
  • Sunday thru Saturday 10am – 5pm

Tickets:

• $11 – Michigan vehicle annual State Park pass
• $31 – Non-Michigan resident annual State Park pass
• $9 – Non-Michigan resident day pass

Address:  176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI, 48207
Phone: 313.852.4056

Maybury Farm (Northville)

Maybury Farm is a working farm with a mission to connect the community to animals and agriculture through hands-on experiences that are both engaging and educational.  Situated on 85 acres of farmland and forest, the opportunities to enjoy and learn about Michigan farming, agriculture and habitats is endless. On the Farm we care for dozens of farm animals who provide opportunities to teach kids about the role of animals in providing food and fiber, a U-Pick farm garden full of fresh veggies, a farm-themed playground, large picnic area, and a General Store with delicious eats and gifts including Michigan-made maple syrup and honey from our Maybury Farm honeybee hives!

Hours: Change seasonally – call ahead

• November-February closed
• March – select hours
• April – October
  • Tuesday thru Sunday 10am-4pm

Tickets:

• $3 – General Admission
• FREE under 3
• $6-$9 – Specialty tours
• +$3 – Wagon Ride

Address:  50165 W 8 Mile Rd, Northville, MI, 48167
Phone: 248.916.3033

Kensington Farm Center (Milford)

Meet farm animals and get a glimpse of rural life at Kensington Metropark’s Farm Center. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of life on the farm and see live farm animals like chickens, sheep, cattle and draft horses. Visit a 150-year old restored barn (winner of the MBPN 2012 Barn of the Year), the poultry house or the barn exhibit room and kids’ area. Take a short walk to the riverside where a one-of-a kind “green” building (made exclusively of natural materials), a stone labyrinth, a grass maze and the new early skills area including a blacksmith shop and brick oven can all be found. An herb garden, field crops and old-fashioned farm equipment are also on display. Special programs on the animals, historic techniques, and other farm-related topics are held throughout the year.

Hours: 

• Daily 9am-4pm

Tickets:

• $35 – Annual Metro Park vehicle permit

Address:  4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI, 48380
Phone: 248.684.8632

Photo credit: Facebook