Zoos

The Reptarium Annex

Name: The Reptarium Annex
Address: 45559 Van Dyke Ave, Utica, MI 48317, Utica, MI, US
Telephone: (586) 884-6941
Rating: 5

★★★★★ 5 (90 reviews)

📍 45559 Van Dyke Ave, Utica, MI 48317

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🕐 Hours

Quick Facts

Type: Zoo
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Best For: All ages, with specialized programs for ages 0-12
Highlights: Reptiles, aquatic animals, mammals; interactive feeding and mammal encounters; hands-on zookeeper programs
Admission: $24.99 per person (kids under 2 free); Annual membership $99

⭐The Reptarium Annex houses over 100 animals across reptiles, aquatic species, and mammals, including rare species like binturongs, two-toed sloths, and Maine Coons alongside more common reptiles and fish
⭐The facility features a unique 'glow room' exhibit and interactive stingray touch tank where visitors can observe feeding demonstrations with educational commentary from staff
⭐The attraction operates an online community naming system for animals, allowing the public to participate in naming creatures at the facility
⭐The Reptarium Annex offers age-specific zookeeper programs (Tiny Tot Explorer for ages 0-5, Lil' Zookeeper for ages 5-7, and Junior Zookeeper for ages 8-12) alongside specialized programs like Reading with Reptiles
⭐The facility provides mobile birthday party services and offsite educational presentations for schools and scouts, extending its educational mission beyond the physical venue

💬Don't rush your visit - while you can see everything in under an hour, plan for 2+ hours to fully enjoy the maze-like layout with multiple rooms of exhibits, animal encounters, and feeding demonstrations. Staff members provide interesting facts during feeding times, especially at the stingray touch tank.
💡Book admission tickets online in advance to streamline entry, though you can also purchase at the counter. Consider adding on animal feeding experiences and mammal encounters as add-ons during your visit for more interactive hands-on time with turtles, snakes, stingrays, and other animals.
💬An annual membership at $99 per person pays for itself in just 4 visits (versus $24.99 per visit) and includes unlimited visits plus member benefits - excellent value if you're a local or plan multiple trips to this newly expanded facility.
💡Families with young children should take advantage of specialized programs: Tiny Tot Explorer (ages 0-5), Lil' Zookeeper (ages 5-7), and Junior Zookeeper (ages 8-12) programs offer age-appropriate educational experiences beyond general admission.
💡Request a private guided tour with experienced animal educators to deepen your educational experience - staff are highly knowledgeable and can provide detailed information about the animals and conservation efforts that your general admission visit might not fully capture.