Which Is Best: Detroit Zoo Or DeYoung Family Zoo. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Michigan, USA

Discover the diverse wildlife at two of Michigan's much-loved zoos: Detroit Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo.

Explore the exciting variety of animals, the remarkable conservation efforts, and the accessibility features designed for a stress-free family day out.

This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which zoo is the best fit for your next family adventure.

Which Is Best: Detroit Zoo Or DeYoung Family Zoo. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Michigan, USA

At A Glance

The Detroit Zoo and the DeYoung Family Zoo are both marvelous wildlife attractions located in the state of Michigan, USA.

Detroit Zoo, positioned in Royal Oak, is a 125 acres expanse playing host to a range of fascinating creatures such as lions, zebras, and penguins among others.

Its focus lies in conservation, education, and family fun, and it is well-equipped for disability access, with some areas having a hilly and sloped terrain.

On the other hand, the DeYoung Family Zoo situated in Wallace spans a large and spacious 79 acres of land.

While it is inhabited by an array of wildlife including tigers, sloths and penguins, its paths may be a bit tricky for wheelchair users despite being accessible.

Both zoos are perfect for families with older children.

Also, both offer free entry to children under the age of 2 and prohibit pets aside from service animals.

With a diverse range of species found in both zoos, and their commitment to conservation and family fun, they certainly offer a fascinating and enjoyable experience to animal enthusiasts and families.

Size

When comparing the sizes of the Detroit Zoo and the DeYoung Family Zoo, it becomes clear that the former takes the crown, spanning an impressive 125 acres as opposed to DeYoung’s still sizable 79 acres.

Both zoos are large enough to warrant a visit of around 2-3 hours on average, offering a variety of sights and attractions to keep the interest of the visitors.

While they may differ in overall acreage, the fact that they attract visitors for the same length of time suggests they both boast strategic layouts and plenty of enthralling exhibits, building on their respective keywords of “large” and “spacious.” Despite these numerical comparisons, actual experience can be quite subjective.

Therefore, both zoos offer a wealth of experiences that transcend their size.

More About Detroit Zoo

About Detroit Zoo

Size (acres) 125
Time To Walk Around 2-3 Hours
Adult Price $14-23
Child Price $12-19
Infant Price Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $84
Parking $8
Number Of Animals 245 species
Can Bring Your Own Food? Yes

Information from https://detroitzoo.org/

Price

When it comes to pricing, the Detroit Zoo and the DeYoung Family Zoo display a range of rates to accommodate their visitors.

The cost of an adult ticket at the Detroit Zoo fluctuates between $14-23, slightly exceeding the flat $16 rate offered at the DeYoung Family Zoo.

However, the cost for a child ticket at the Detroit Zoo shows a similar variance, priced at $12-19, compared to the DeYoung Family Zoo’s uniform fee of $14.

When considering concession tickets, both zoos offer a price of $12-19 and $15 respectively; however, the DeYoung Family Zoo also has a free entry policy for military concession.

Both venues also offer free entry to children under the age of two.

For a family of four, the Detroit Zoo would typically charge around $84, which is noticeably higher than the $60 charged by the DeYoung Family Zoo.

The cost of an average family of 4 at Detroit Zoo is $84 compared to 60 at DeYoung Family Zoo.

Detroit Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo both offer an impressive range of animals to enchant visitors, with both institutions showcasing notable favorites such as tigers, bears, and penguins.

Detroit Zoo, falling within the confines of a sprawling 125-acre area, is home to a diverse collection of 245 species that go beyond the standout favorites to include giraffes, lions, kangaroos, camels, and zebras, making it an expansive journey through the animal kingdom.

On the other hand, the DeYoung Family Zoo, located on a slightly smaller 79-acre area in Wallace, Michigan, may have a more condensed species count, but boasts an impressive roster of 450 animals including the piquant allure of sloths - distinctive for their slow movement and adorable appearance.

Thus, whilst the Detroit Zoo offers broader species diversity, the DeYoung Family Zoo shines in its total animal count and the unique addition of crowd-pleasing sloths. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-deyoung-family-zoo”>

More About DeYoung Family Zoo

About DeYoung Family Zoo

Size (acres) 79
Time To Walk Around 2-3 Hours
Adult Price $16
Child Price $14
Infant Price Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $60
Parking Free
Number Of Animals 450
Can Bring Your Own Food? Yes

Information from https://thedeyoungfamilyzoo.com/

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Accesibility

Both Detroit Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo prioritize accessibility for disabled visitors, including those in wheelchairs or those who otherwise have difficulty walking.

At Detroit Zoo, while some areas are hilly and sloped, the walkways are diverse, consisting of paved, gravel, and woodchipped surfaces.

Therefore, although some areas might pose a challenge, the majority of the zoo is accessible.

Similarly, the DeYoung Family Zoo, though featuring some tricky paths, is largely wheelchair-accessible.

In both zoos, service animals are legally permitted which further aids disabled visitors.

Visitors voiced any concerns or queries related to accessibility should contact either zoo directly for more information.

Pefect For

Both Detroit Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo in Michigan offer fantastic experiences, but each caters to a slightly different audience.

Detroit Zoo, with its emphasis on conservation and education, is designed for family fun on a large scale.

The wide range of animals, from tigers to zebras, provides engaging learning experiences for children, especially older ones.

Meanwhile, the zoo’s varied surface walkways can be navigated independently by those with disabilities.

Similar to Detroit Zoo, DeYoung Family Zoo is also spacious and geared towards families with older children.

Nonetheless, the more wheelchair-friendly environment and abundant free parking might provide an easier visit for families with mobility issues.

Both zoos are well-equipped to host excursions for older children and parties that require disability access, making them popular picks for enjoyable family outings with a focus on learning about a vast range of animal species.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Detroit Zoo and the DeYoung Family Zoo offer unique experiences for family visits.

With its notable conservation and educational efforts, the Detroit Zoo provides an extensive variety of animals across its large 125-acre expanse.

However, it can be slightly pricier for a family visit and has some additional costs like parking.

Nonetheless, it’s a great venue for families with older children and those who need disability access, though one should be prepared for varied walkway surfaces.

On the other hand, the DeYoung Family Zoo may be smaller at 79 acres but it still offers a rich selection of animals, with the special addition of sloths.

This zoo also takes pride in its accessibility features and is ideal for families with older children.

Notably, it tends to be less costly for a family visit and offers free parking, representing a good value-for-money choice.

Both zoos do not have public transportation access but offer food stalls and allow you to bring your own refreshments.

Whichever you choose, both zoos promise engaging adventures filled with diverse wildlife encounters, feeding your curiosity and creating unforgettable family memories.

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