18 of the best senior discounts in Detroit

Michiganders of a certain age can take advantage of the 18 best senior discounts in Detroit, from Tigers games to zoo trips and restaurants.

Enjoying family time together is so important, but it can also be costly. That’s why taking advantage of any discounts you are eligible for can be helpful. Every little bit counts, right?

One strategy is to look into senior citizen discounts. Whether you’re a senior citizen yourself or inviting a senior citizen to join your family outing, you can take advantage of these best senior discounts in Detroit. 

Typically, senior discounts start around the age of 62, but some venues may classify senior citizens differently, so don’t hesitate to ask for a senior citizen discount if you’re unsure. These senior discounts in Detroit include everything from Tigers’ games to zoo trips to restaurants, so dig in and get ready to save! 

1. Senior Day and General Admission at the Detroit Zoo

Where: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067

The discount: $3 off admission / Free admission and parking on Senior Day 

How to get it:  Senior Days: May 28 and September 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Want to spend a day at the zoo? Seniors 62 years and older (plus one adult guest) are eligible to attend Senior Day at the Detroit Zoo completely for free (with free parking too!). You must be a resident of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties to be eligible for the free Senior Day discount. Senior Day includes special activities, live entertainment, and other special events just for seniors. (All others attending outside of the senior and their guest must buy full-priced admission.) For 2025, Senior Day is planned for May 28th and September 10th, with more details to be announced. 

Outside of the annual Senior Days,, the Detroit Zoo also offers an ongoing discount for senior citizens. The discount of $3 applies to both pre-purchased and at-the-gate tickets. 

2. Motown Museum

Where: 2648 W. Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI 48208

The discount: 15% off general admission 

How to get it: Book online 

Senior citizens 62 years and older can save 15% off their tickets to the Motown Museum, bringing their ticket price down from $20 to only $17. The museum hosts regular exhibits and is fully interactive, with a tour guide walking you through the fascinating exhibits and a look back in time.

Some of the exhibits you can expect to see include Berry Gordy’s apartment, Hitsville U.S.A. offices, and even Studio A, the Motown recording studio used from 1959 to 1972. The vMotown Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3. Detroit Historical Society Individual Membership

Where: 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

The discount: $30 discounted rate 

How to get it: Must purchase on-site 

Senior citizens (as well as active military members) can purchase an individual membership to the Detroit Historical Society for $15 off the normal price of $45. Membership grants unlimited admission to the Detroit Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum, 20% off in museum stores and online, access to priority events, and discounts with partners. 

You can buy an individual membership online, but to get the senior citizen discount, you’ll need to purchase the membership on-site with an ID. 

4. Detroit Institute of Arts: General Admission and Group Programs  

Where: 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202

The discount: 50% off general admission tickets / Free group visit 55+ for collections visit / Free Melodies at the Museum ticket

How to get it: Call (313) 833-7900 for tickets to DIA by phone to apply the discount

Senior citizens and students can purchase a general admissions ticket to the DIA for only $10 (normal ticket prices are $20, so that’s a full half-off discount). You will need a valid ID for entry. The DIA also hosts a wonderful program called Melodies at the Museum, a special free musical performance just for senior citizens. Performances are hosted at 1 p.m. on select Thursdays monthly and include post-performance refreshments. 

Adults 55 years and up who want to arrange a self-guided visit or attend Melodies at the Museum can also get free bus transport to the DIA if they are part of a group of at least 25 and live in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties. To arrange for free bus transportation, you can fill out the online request form or call 313-833-1292. 

5. Detroit Department of Transportation  

Where: All Detroit buses

The discount: Reduced fare card and Dart Pass

How to get it: Seniors 65 and older are eligible for a reduced fare with an application

Senior citizens 65 years of age and older can apply for a reduced fare card, which grants unlimited rides on all DDOT buses, and a reduced rate Dart Pass, which expands ride access to all DDOT buses, SMART buses, and QLINE Streetcars.

To apply, fill out an application and mail it to Rosa Parks Transit Center, 360 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. The form can also be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

6. City of Detroit Solid Waste Discount for Qualifying Homeowners 65+ 

Where: City of Detroit

The discount: 40% off 

How to get it: Check site for details

City of Detroit homeowners who are 65 years and older are eligible to apply for a solid waste discount. The normal fee is $250, but with the discount, it can be reduced to $125. Once approved, homeowners do not need to re-apply, so the discount will be automatically applied. 

There are three ways to apply: in person, online, or by mail. Applicants must also submit proof of their identity, address, and age. Applications are open July 1 through September 15. 

7. Redford Theatre

Where: 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit, Michigan

The discount: $2 off tickets 

How to get it: Reserve tickets online

Here’s a senior discount for the younger folks—you only need to be 60 or older to qualify for the senior citizen ticket price at Redford Theatre. This historic Detroit theater shows old-time movies and classics like “The Seven Year Itch” as well as live events. 

The discount gives you $2 off the normal ticket price of $7, which you can purchase fully online. (A $1.50 convenience fee applies to all tickets purchased online.) You can also buy tickets directly at the theater to avoid the convenience fee, although seats are first-come, first-served. 

8. Outdoor Adventure Center 

Where: 1801 Atwater Street, Detroit, MI 48207

The discount: $3 entry

How to get it: Purchase tickets on-site

The Detroit Outdoor Adventure Center would be a wonderful place to explore with the whole family—it brings the outdoors into the heart of the city with hands-on exhibits that include everything from trail riding to camping to underwear exhibits.

The center is already affordable, with ticket prices of only $5 for adults, but senior citizens get an additional $2 off their ticket prices. 

9. Detroit Opera House Group Tour

Where: 1526 Broadway Street, Detroit, MI 48226

The discount: $5 off tickets 

How to get it: Fill out a private tour request form

Want a private tour of the Detroit Opera House? You’re in luck because any group of 10 or more people can request a private tour of the historic opera house. The advantage is that senior citizens can pay $10 a ticket vs. the normal tour ticket price of $15/person. You have to submit your tour request online and reserve it at least one month in advance. 

10. MLB Tigers Senior Ticket Offer

Where: Select Tigers home games

The discount: Up to 20% off tickets at select home games

How to get it: Create an online senior account

Baseball fans, listen up! Seniors 60 years and older are eligible to create an account for a senior citizens offer, which allows them 20% off select home games. You have to create an account through Xnow, which verifies the ticket purchaser’s identity. Once verified, they are approved to purchase tickets for select home games at up to 20% off. Even better, they can buy up to 8 tickets, so the whole family can come along for the fun too! 

11. The Pantry Restaurant

Where: 58884 Van Dyke Ave, Washington, MI 48094

The discount: 10 % off Monday-Friday

How to get it:  By request only (no credit cards)

This family-owned and operated restaurant in Washington, Mich. offers breakfast and lunch offerings like Texas flap jacks, fruit-topped crepes, and create-your-own omelet specials. The diner atmosphere is fun and friendly, and if you have a hankering for pancakes mid-day, you’re in luck, because breakfast is served all day.

Seniors 60 years and up can request 10% off their bills Monday through Friday, provided they aren’t paying by credit card. (The offer also isn’t valid with any other special the restaurant happens to be running.) 

12. Summit on the Park Aquatic Center and Fitness Center

Where: 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton, MI 48188

The discount: Discounted rates for 55+ 

How to get it: Join online or in person

Seniors 55 years and up can buy a membership to the Canton Aquatic and Fitness Center to enjoy a range of active benefits, like swimming, exercise equipment, an indoor track, and classes. The exact discount varies based on which plan you choose. Individual prices vary—for instance, you can get a $1 off a day pass if you’re a Canton resident or save on full annual, 3, or 6-month memberships based on your residency. 

Membership also includes access to the Canton Club 55+, which offers programs, classes, and events specifically for older adults. Senior couple memberships are also available. 

13. Bel Air Luxury Cinema

Where: 10100 East Eight Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48234

The discount:  $3 off tickets 

How to get it: Online or at the box office

The way to do a movie theater is in luxury, which you will find at Bel Air Luxury Cinemas, thanks to its glittery decor, chandelier centerpiece, and, most importantly, comfortable, high-back reclining seating. Seniors can save $3 on evening movie tickets, marked down to $8 from the normal price of $11 for adults. Matinee tickets before 5 p.m. are also $7 for all ages. 

Outside of being a senior citizen, the cinema also offers other ways to save, like $5 movie tickets for all seats every Tuesday and free popcorn on Tuesdays with any other concession purchase. 

14. Wayne County Community College District

Where: Various campus locations 

The discount: Free tuition waiver

How to get it: Apply online

Proving it’s never too late for an education, Wayne County Community College offers residents 60 years of age and older free tuition waivers to attend classes. The waiver is based on seat availability in regularly scheduled academic classes, and students are still responsible for their own books and any other class supplies. 

15. Motown Thrift

Where: 8050 N Middlebelt Rd., Westland, MI 48185

The discount: 25% off

How to get it: In person with an ID

Seniors 55 and over receive a 25% discount off their entire purchase every Monday through Friday at Motown Thrift store in Westland with a valid ID. The store is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other sales and discounts regularly scheduled may offer even more discounts, so check online before you go. 

16. Indiana Michigan Power

Where: Indiana Michigan Power

The discount: 50% off monthly service charge

How to get it: Call 800.311.6424 

The Senior Citizen Discount is designed for Michigan customers aged 65 or older who use less than 900 kWh of energy a month. Eligible customers get 50% off their monthly service charge and a reduced rate on energy use under 900 kWh. 

However, the company notes that if you use more than 900 kWh a month, this may not be the most affordable option, so they recommend calling before enrolling. Once enrolled, you must stay in the program for at least 12 months. 

17. Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum 

Where: 461 Piquette Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

The discount: $2 off individual admission 

How to get it: Buy tickets online

Did you know that you could visit Henry Ford’s original Model T factory right here in Michigan? While I know our state’s auto history, it never occurred to me that you could visit the actual factory where it all began—and even more fascinating, the factory is a registered U.S. National Historica Landmark.

There are several ways to enjoy the museum: on a self-guided tour, with a historian to share information about the museum, or through a special event. Buying tickets online means you’re added to a will-call list, so you won’t get an emailed or physical ticket. Seniors can save $2, bringing the general admission price of $20 down to $18. 

18. The Henry Ford Museum

Where: 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124‑5029 

The discount: $1-4 off, depending on the museum 

How to get it: Buy tickets online

Speaking of Henry Ford, seniors 62 years and up can also purchase individual tickets or a membership to the Henry Ford Museum and enjoy experiences like the Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and the Giant Screen Experience for a discounted rate.

The exact discount varies depending on which experience you visit, but ranges from $1 to $4 off. Online orders also have a $3 convenience fee added. Parking is also additional. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.