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

Size

Detroit Zoo and Potter Park Zoo are both expansive establishments situated in the scenic state of Michigan, USA.

Nestled in Royal Oak, Detroit Zoo spans an impressive 125 acres, while Potter Park Zoo in Lansing stretches over 102 acres, both offering visitors ample space to explore and interact with a diverse array of wildlife.

Although Detroit Zoo is slightly larger, time required to traverse both these zoos is roughly about the same, with an average of 2-3 hours.

This suggests that both zoos are of significant scale and filled with intriguing and varied exhibits.

Both zoos strike a balance between size and convenience, ensuring a comprehensive, yet manageable journey around their respective premises.

Price

Detroit Zoo and Potter Park Zoo, both located in Michigan, USA, offer different pricing structures for visitors.

At Detroit Zoo, an adult ticket is priced between $14 and $23, while at the Potter Park Zoo, adults can gain entry for $8 to $15.

For children, Detroit Zoo tickets range from $12 to $19 whereas Potter Park Zoo offers a more economical price of only $5.

When it comes to concessions, Detroit Zoo price ranges from $12 to $19, while Potter Park appeals to a broader budget with a price range of $6 to $13 for concessions.

The cost for an average family of four is also significantly different between the two zoos with Detroit Zoo at $84 and Potter Park Zoo at $40.

Younger children can enter Detroit Zoo for free until they turn two, while Potter Park Zoo extends free entry to children up until their third birthday.

The cost of an average family of 4 at Detroit Zoo is $84 compared to 40 at Potter Park Zoo.

Popular Animals

Both the Detroit Zoo and Potter Park Zoo offer an array of striking animals, prioritizing conservation and education while providing an enjoyable day-out for the family.

The spectacular Detroit Zoo boasts a more diverse range of fauna, with 245 distinct species, including tigers, giraffes, bears, penguins, lions, kangaroos, camels, and zebras.

While the Potter Park Zoo may have fewer species, it still provides an opportunity to admire incredible creatures like tigers, penguins, and lions.

Both Zoos place a strong emphasis on not allowing visitors to hold any animals, aligning with their commitment to conservation and respect towards the creatures residing within their premises.

The selection at Detroit Zoo ensures you’ll see some animals that are not currently at the Potter Park Zoo, like giraffes and kangaroos, offering an enticing point-of-difference for wildlife enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-potter-park-zoo”>

More About Potter Park Zoo

Information from https://potterparkzoo.org/

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Accesibility

Both the Detroit Zoo and Potter Park Zoo in Michigan make concerted efforts to accommodate visitors with disabilities, but their offerings slightly differ.

For visitors in wheelchairs or those that have difficulty walking, the Detroit Zoo features a range of walkway surfaces, including paved, gravel, and woodchipped; however, the terrain does include some hilly and sloped areas that might pose a challenge.

On the other hand, Potter Park Zoo ensures accessibility with rentable equipment for visitors who may need it.

Therefore, while both zoos strive to provide an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all, Detroit Zoo visitors should be aware of the varied terrain, while Potter Park Zoo patrons can benefit from the availability of rental aid equipment for easier navigation.

Pefect For

Both the Detroit Zoo and Potter Park Zoo provide occasions for educational, conservation-centered fun for the whole family.

For older children and people with disabilities, the vast 125-acre Detroit Zoo provides an array of experiences – from observing tigers and giraffes to visiting the bear habitat.

It’s a zoo that teaches about the importance of conserving wildlife while providing sufficient accessibility for all visitors.

Similarly, Potter Park Zoo in Lansing with its 102 acres also offers an educational and conservation-focused outing suitable for families with older children and people with disabilities.

While smaller, it still delivers a unique wildlife experience with its own array of animals, including tigers and lions.

Both zoos have disability access, though with Potter Park Zoo there are rentable equipment options, potentially making it a more suitable choice for a family day out for those with mobility requirements.

However, the Detroit Zoo, with its diverse selection of species, would likely provide a broader educational experience and thus might be more appealing to families with older children keen on learning about a wide range of wildlife.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Detroit Zoo and Potter Park Zoo are fantastic family-friendly destinations in the state of Michigan, boasting a strong focus on conservation and education.

Detroit Zoo’s 125-acre expanse is home to a wider range of animal species and tends to be a bit more pricey, but it offers great disability access and a variety of attractions that can be explored in around 2-3 hours.

Potter Park Zoo, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option with equally impressive disability access.

It occupies a slightly smaller space of 102 acres, yet offers a full day of fun and learning.

Neither zoo can be accessed by public transport, but both provide parking facilities and food stalls, and welcome visitors to bring their own food and drink.

All in all, both zoos provide great value and memorable experiences, making them well worth a visit.

The choice between the zoos will depend largely on your personal preferences and budget.