The Detroit Zoo is getting a new attraction later this spring with the addition of the highly anticipated Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, a seven-acre interactive space that is the biggest project in the Detroit Zoo’s entire history.
What are the Detroit Zoo’s Erb Discovery Trails going to have?
The Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails are going to feature several attractions fit for all ages, including new animal encounters, new places to sit and eat, & a few interactive spaces for kids to play and run around!
Here are all the new animals that you’ll find at the Erb Discovery Trails:
- Bush dogs
- Burrowing owls
- Bamboo sharks
- Chickens
- Giant anteaters – For an additional fee, you can purchase tickets for a private encounter with the anteater.
- Stingrays – For an additional fee, you can purchase tickets to touch + feed the stingrays.
- Prairie dogs
- Domestic goats
- Alpacas
- Miniature donkeys
New attractions for kids to play at:
- ‘Farmers Market’ – an interactive play area meant to educate little ones about the journey food takes as it goes from farm to our plates.
- Capopy Trail – A play area comprised of bridges, swaying walkways, and more, designed to engage kids and let them explore while letting them work through their excess energy.
New places to eat in the Erb Discovery Trails:
- Base Camp – the principal new space of the Erb Discovery Trails for sitting down for a pause, here you can peruse the shop for a souvenir, let your little one get their face painted, and of course, grab a quick drink or snack.
- Trail Mix – A spot designed for those who want to grab a quick snack or drink without committing to a long sit-down break.
- Dippin’ Dots – A perfect cool snack for summer days, these are a fan favorite for a reason.
When do the Erb Discovery Trails open?
The Detroit Zoo’s Erb Discovery Trails are opening to the general public on May 23rd!
The new area of the zoo will operate on the same schedule as the zoo itself, which means it will open at 10 am and close at 4 pm (or at 5 pm during summer hours), along with the rest of the zoo.