Spot Life-Sized Lego Animals at Detroit Zoo This Summer

The “BRICKLIVE” installation brings 70 Lego brick sculptures to the zoo.

As if you needed another reason to visit the Detroit Zoo this summer, from now until Sept. 4, more than 70 life-sized Lego animals will be on display as part of the zoo’s latest installation, “BRICKLIVE.” 

More than 2 million Lego bricks make up the “BRICKLIVE” sculptures, which include a 12-foot-tall giraffe, a 10-foot-long gator, a massive mako shark and many more Lego-tastic wild creatures. 

Most of the sculptures will be spottable on a 3-acre gravel trail and, if that sounds daunting, don’t worry — the entire trail is about .25 miles, making it easy for you and your clan to go on a Lego brick safari. The trail also features hands-on activities for kids, like an orca feeding game and a Lego build wall. 

Selfie stations located inside a jungle-themed Jeep and a monstrous Venus flytrap made out of Lego bricks are the perfect way to capture your little Lego lovers’ amazement. Once you’ve spotted all of your favorite animals as toy brick sculptures, learn more about their wild counterparts by visiting habitats that house 2,000 animals from more than 200 different species. 

Quick details about BRICKLIVE at Detroit Zoo 

Photo credit: Detroit Zoo

  • When: May 27-Sept. 10, 2023
  • Zoo Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily
  • Cost: $5/person. A general admission ticket or zoo membership is required for all guests ages 3 and older. 

Tips for families when visiting Detroit Zoo

  • A limited number of general admission tickets are available at the gate each day. To ensure your visit, it’s best to purchase tickets online ahead of time
  • Wear sturdy walking shoes when visiting the zoo. Even sticking to the main trails throughout the 125-acre facility totals up to a 1.7-mile walk. The Lego trail is gravel and may have uneven or muddy conditions.
  • Be prepared for whatever surprises the weather may bring. Don’t forget to apply (and reapply!) sunscreen, wear sunglasses and hats, and dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to stay comfortable throughout the day. A backup umbrella or rain jacket is never a bad idea! 
  • Plastic water bottles are not sold at the Detroit Zoo. Bring your own bottle to fill at one of the zoo’s 20 filtered water stations, or purchase a reusable water bottle from the concession stand. 
  • Strollers and wagons are welcome at the zoo, but keep in mind that your wheels may not be suitable for the gravel Lego trail. Single strollers, double strollers, wagons and wheelchairs are available for rent
  • The zoo recommends that small children wear name tags in case they are separated from their parents. Lost children will be taken to the Park Safety Office. 
  • Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the zoo’s picnic areas, or dine at a refreshment stand. Common menu items include hamburgers and garden burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, pizza, potato chips and ice cream. A full list of dining options can be found on the zoo’s website. 

Things to do nearby

  • While you’re in Royal Oak, take advantage of all the town has to offer. Find the best places to eat, shop and play in our Royal Oak family guide.
  • Unwind with some creative downtime at Creative Arts Studio, a workshop that offers walk-in pottery painting, mosaics, spin art and more.
  • End the day with dinner at Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina, a wood-fired pizzeria known for its made-from-scratch, wood-fired pizzas. Parents will appreciate the large Italian menu with classics like chicken parmigiana, stuffed shells and Italian chopped salads, as well as specialties like white wine clams, garlic oil pizzas and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. As for the kids, well, have you ever heard a kid complain about pizza?

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