Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan

Binder Park Zoo is located at 7400 Division Drive in Battle Creek, Michigan. It is less than two hours from Detroit and about the same distance from South Bend, Indiana. From the end of April through the end of October, Binder Park Zoo is open to the public. On weekdays, you can visit the zoo from 9 am to 5 pm, on Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. For the exact dates of operation, which varies annually, contact the zoo at (269) 979-1351.

If you are looking for a nice day trip in southern Michigan or northern Indiana, Binder Park Zoo is an awesome place to go. This zoo isn't your run of the mill zoo. When my family and I visited this zoo, we were surprised to find out that most of the animals here are part of a special conservation project, so interesting information and animals are everywhere at this zoo.

Exhibits

The exhibit that my children enjoyed the most when we went to Binder Park Zoo was the African domestic animals. Instead of a farm exhibit that showcases American farm animals, this zoo shows off the animals that people in Africa enjoy as domesticated animals. Other exhibits they enjoyed include the ostriches, prairie dogs, red kangaroos, giant zebras and Mongolian wild horses.

Animal Babies

Because this zoo participates in breeding programs with other zoos, animal babies abound at this zoo. In 2010, the zoo welcomed a baby Red Capped Mangabey Monkey, as well as two red panda babies. Other births at the zoo include giraffes and snow leopards. My toddlers love seeing these baby animals and I enjoy listening to the zoo staff members teach the kids about the animals.

Strollers

The Binder Park Zoo is fully accessible for strollers. While you can use a side-by-side double stroller, we found that this was a little more difficult to maneuver around the zoo than using two single strollers. If you don't have a stroller for your child, you can rent one near the zoo entrance. Because the zoo is so large, I recommend bringing strollers or wagons for any young children. You also have the option of going around the parts of the park on the tram, but you will miss out on a lot if you aren't able to walk up to one mile. For example, to walk around the entire Wild Africa section of the park, you will walk .8 miles.

Snacks

If you have room on your stroller or wagon for an ice chest or cooler, you can bring your own snacks, drinks and lunch. There are picnic areas available. We did this for our children because they are used to eating often. It worked out well to have snacks handy to avoid a meltdown between exhibits. If you do bring your own food, bring hand sanitizer and baby wipes, or a gallon of water with some hand soap so that you can clean their hands before you hand them a snack.

Conclusion

Plan ahead for your trip to Binder Park Zoo to ensure that you and your family can enjoy your day trip to the zoo.