Detroit Zoo 8450 West 10 Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 48067 (248) 541-5717

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The elephants have decamped for sunny California, but three new permanent exhibits in the last decade have helped the Detroit Zoo maintain its reputation as an innovative institution. The Australian Outback Adventure, where you and your grandkids can walk alongside red kangaroos, the frog and salamander sanctuary, Amphibiville, and the Arctic Ring of Life (where walking underneath the platter-sized paws of polar bears is just one of the breathtaking experiences you'll have) are all terrific. The Great Apes of the Harambee exhibit presents gorillas and chimpanzees, and there’s a Butterfly Garden that’s open all year, not to mention the beloved kid-sized train tour.

Info: Adults $11, senior 62 and older $9, children 2 to 14 $7, 2 and younger free

Hours: Vary

Age: Tdlr./Pre-Schl. (1-5), Elementary (5-9), Tween (9-12), Teen (12+)