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

Explore two of Michigan's notable zoos - The Binder Park Zoo and the DeYoung Family Zoo.

Each has unique attributes that will provide a memorable day out for the whole family.

Find out what sets these two zoos apart, from their noteworthy collection of animals – including giraffes, lions and penguins to their accessibility options, food policies, and exciting attractions.

Each year, the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek and the DeYoung Family Zoo in Wallace, inspire and educate scores of visitors with their commitment to animal conservation and spacious habitats.

Plan your next zoo trip with us as we delve into what you can expect from a visit to these two remarkable zoos.

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

At A Glance

Binder Park Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo are two popular zoos in Michigan, each offering a unique experience for visitors.

Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek is spread across 433 acres and is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, sloths, bears, and lions.

This inclusive zoo is fully accessible with rentable equipment for disabled visitors and is particularly suited for families with older children.

A typical visit lasts around 3-5 hours and the total price for a family of four is around $65.

On the other hand, DeYoung Family Zoo in Wallace, though smaller at 79 acres, stands out for its spacious layouts and unique animal roster, including tigers and penguins along with sloths and bears.

It too is accessible, albeit with some tricky paths for wheelchairs and fits well for families with older children.

An average visit here lasts 2-3 hours and the total cost for a family of four is around $60.

Both zoos do not allow pets but service animals are welcome.

While Binder Park Zoo does not permit outside food and drink, visitors to DeYoung Family zoo can bring their own.

Overall, both zoos offer enriching and enjoyable experiences for family outings.

Size

In terms of size and scope, the Binder Park Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo provide different experiences for visitors.

Spanning 433 acres, the Binder Park Zoo is over five times larger than the DeYoung Family Zoo, which covers 79 acres.

This vast space allows for a diversity of exhibits in Binder Park Zoo, necessitating a 3 to 5-hour journey to fully appreciate all it has to offer.

The DeYoung Family Zoo, while not as expansive, still has a significant number of attractions and can comfortably be explored in 2 to 3 hours.

More About Binder Park Zoo

About Binder Park Zoo

Size (acres) 433
Time To Walk Around 3-5 Hours
Adult Price $16.75
Child Price $15.75
Infant Price Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $65
Parking Free
Can Bring Your Own Food? No

Information from https://binderparkzoo.org/

Price

Comparing the prices for Binder Park Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo in Michigan, USA, there are slight differences between the two.

At Binder Park Zoo, an adult ticket is priced at $16.75, slightly more than DeYoung Family Zoo’s adult ticket, which costs $16.

For children, Binder Park Zoo charges $15.75 while DeYoung Family Zoo offers a lower price of $14.

Both zoos offer free entry to children under the age of 2.

For concessions, Binder Park Zoo charges $15.75 again slightly higher than DeYoung Family Zoo which charges $15, or even free for military personnel.

Considering a family of four, the trip would cost you $65 at Binder Park Zoo, while it would be a little cheaper at DeYoung Family Zoo with $60.

The cost of an average family of 4 at Binder Park Zoo is $65 compared to 60 at DeYoung Family Zoo.

When comparing the animal offerings at Binder Park Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo, both situated in the state of Michigan, USA, you’ll find different yet tantalizing assortments of species.

Binder Park Zoo is home to a variety of animals such as giraffes, sloths, bears, and lions.

Conversely, DeYoung Family Zoo houses a distinct combination of animals including tigers, sloths, bears, and penguins.

To note, while both zoos host sloths and bears, each offers unique species.

Both zoos abstain from allowing visitors to hold any animals, focusing primarily on observation and educational engagement.

DeYoung Family Zoo, though considerably smaller in size, houses an impressive 450 animals, suggesting a higher density of animal encounters for visitors.

The exact number of animals hosted by the Binder Park Zoo isn’t specified, though its larger acreage suggests potential for diverse habitats and species.

The experience at each zoo will hence be distinct, largely depending on a visitor’s preference for various species. <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

When it comes to accessibility, both Binder Park Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo put considerable effort into providing an enjoyable experience for all visitors, including those in wheelchairs or those who have difficulty walking.

Binder Park Zoo is noted for its disability access, explicitly stating that they provide rentable equipment to assist in mobility.

This clearly highlights their commitment to making all their exhibits accessible for every visitor.

On the other hand, DeYoung Family Zoo is described as wheelchair accessible, an indication of their consideration for disabled visitors.

However, they do caveat this with a mention of certain ‘tricky paths.’ This might present a challenge for those less confident in navigating uneven surfaces, but it does, nevertheless, demonstrate their intent to provide a welcoming environment for all.

Pefect For

Both Binder Park Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo cater well to families with older children but are not particularly toddler-friendly.

Binder Park Zoo offers disability access with rentable equipment which makes it an excellent choice for families with particular accessibility needs.

Its expansive 433 acres provide a full day out, aimed at inspiring and connecting visitors with nature.

With that in mind, it’s important to note that the size and terrain could also be physically demanding for senior visitors.

DeYoung Family Zoo, on the other hand, is also wheelchair accessible but with some tricky paths.

This smaller zoo with its 79 acres, described as large and spacious, offers a shorter, less draining day out and could therefore potentially better accommodate families with mixed age groups or those that prefer a more relaxed, casual visit.

Both zoos offer the same restrictions such as no holding of animals, no pet dogs allowed with the exception of service animals.

So, decisions on which zoo would be “best” will ultimately depend on the specific needs and preferences of the visitors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Binder Park Zoo and DeYoung Family Zoo offer unique and rewarding experiences for animal lovers and families alike, located in the heart of beautiful Michigan.

The Binder Park Zoo, covering a vast 433 acres, is strongly focused on conservation efforts and offers a more traditional zoo environment with animals like lions and giraffes.

Its disability-accessible features, including rentable equipment, make it a navigable space for all visitors.

On the other hand, the DeYoung Family Zoo, though smaller at just 79 acres, stands out for its diverse species, such as tigers and penguins, and also prioritizes disability access, though some paths might prove a little tricky.

In contrast to Binder Park Zoo, DeYoung Family Zoo encourages visitors to bring their own food and drinks.

The cost for an average family is slightly cheaper at DeYoung Family Zoo while the visit time is shorter.

Choosing between these two wonderful establishments will depend on your personal preferences, whether it be the size of the zoo, the species of animals you’re most interested in, your budget, or dietary preferences.

Rest assured, regardless of your choice, a visit to either the Binder Park Zoo or DeYoung Family Zoo is a perfect way to spend your day, immersed in nature while supporting caring organizations.

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