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Photo courtesy of Maybury Farm
From exotic creatures to barnyard favorites, Metro Detroit offers countless ways for families to connect with animals in memorable and educational ways. Whether you’re feeding a sloth, petting a goat, or exploring a working farm, these local spots create experiences that blend fun, conservation, and hands-on learning for visitors of all ages.
The Creature Conservancy
4940 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor
Founded 20 years ago when an abandoned 10-pound alligator (now affectionately known as Al the alligator) was left at a local veterinary clinic, The Creature Conservancy in Ann Arbor now cares for over 300 rescued animals. Guests can meet unique residents like Poco the sloth, Harper the cougar, or Quinn the bald eagle while learning about conservation efforts and the challenges animals face in the wild and in captivity. “The Creature Conservancy is a 501c3 non-profit that focuses on conservation through educating the public on the animals we provide homes for,” explains Jordan Payne, Assistant Reptile Curator/Social Media Manager. Open hours run every weekend from 12 to 5 p.m., featuring hourly educational programs on the Stone Stage. Visitors can also book private tours for up-close experiences, including feeding sessions with select animals.
LegaSea Aquarium
45550 Van Dyke Avenue, Utica
LegaSea Aquarium has expanded beyond its beginnings as the Reptarium to become a destination for wildlife. The facility now showcases creatures ranging from vibrant fish to fascinating mammals like capybaras, sloths, and binturongs. “Since our expansions, we’ve added over 100 new species to the facility, greatly enhancing the diversity of our collection of both reptiles and marine life,” shares Stephanie Kent, LegaSea’s Marketing Director. Feeding experiences with reptiles and aquatic creatures are among their most popular attractions, allowing visitors of all ages to learn through direct interaction. For those looking for something extra special, mammal encounters can also be purchased for an unforgettable up-close moment.
Heritage Park Petting Farm
12803 Pardee Road, Taylor
Taylor’s Heritage Park Petting Farm is home to nearly 100 animals, offering families the chance to enjoy a more traditional farm setting. The farm’s grounds feature a barn, picnic pavilion, visitor center, playground, and a nature pond, making it an inviting spot for a full day of fun. Visitors can visit the animals while learning about the care and feeding of these friendly creatures. “Our animals love visitors, and we have goats, sheep, alpacas, mini horses and donkeys, a cow, pigs, chickens, rabbits and ducks, along with a sulcata tortoise named Tony and an aviary in our Visitor Center,” shares Operations Manager Allison Astorino. This is a perfect family outing throughout the year, open Tuesdays through Sundays until the end of October, when the farm transitions to weekends only during the winter.
Maybury Farm
50165 Eight Mile, Northville
Spread across 85 acres, Maybury Farm features dozens of farm animals, an educational garden, a farm-themed playground, and a general store selling honey, eggs, and other farm-fresh goods. “We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate children and families in our surrounding communities about the animals and agriculture that are essential to a traditional Michigan-based working farm, through hands-on experiences that are both engaging and educational,” shares Diana Wallace, Executive Director of the Northville Community Foundation/Maybury Farm. Seasonal events, educational tours, and open farm visits create opportunities for families to unplug and connect with nature.
Bowers School Farm
1219 East Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Hills’ Bowers School Farm has been a community go-to since 1967, showcasing a working farm. Visitors can meet horses, goats, sheep, and cattle, or enjoy wagon rides, pony grooming, and interactive barn experiences during their Open Barn hours. Seasonal events like the Fall Festival add even more activities, including a corn maze, live music, and a beer garden for adults. “Bowers School Farm provides the authenticity of a small-scale working farm and connects visitors to where their food comes from,” shares Erin Watson, Guest Experience Specialist. With its mix of hands-on animal encounters, farm-fresh food from the Farm Kitchen, and curated gardens, Bowers School Farm offers entertaining experiences for all ages.
Metro Detroit’s animal destinations make it easy for families to learn about animals and agriculture while enjoying unique, hands-on experiences. Whether it’s a rescued sloth, a capybara encounter, or feeding the goats at a local farm, these spots highlight the many ways people and animals connect across Metro Detroit.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on July 19, 2023, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
