FAQ About John Ball Zoo

See more than 2,000 animals representing 220+ species in specially designed habitats, including an aquarium. Say hello to male-and-female lions Upepo and Amaro, the newest additions to the Zoo. Watch daily feeding and training programs to see how zookeepers care for the animals, and take behind-the-scenes tours to get up close to red pandas, penguins, coatis and more. There are also a variety of fun adventures to explore, including a zipline, sky trails rope course, gem sluice, camel rides and a new virtual reality gorilla trek.

Special events at the John Ball Zoo in 2025 include the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival (April 19-June 15), which illuminates the Zoo with breathtaking handcrafted Asian lantern displays that tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture, and Zoo Goes Boo (Oct. 10-12, 17-19 & 24-26). Check out the 2025 Calendar for all events.

It’s amazing for kids – a place to see and learn about animals up close and personal and get inspired to help conserve wildlife and the natural environment.

The 2025 season runs March 21-November 23. Summer season hours are 9am-6pm. Off-season hours vary, please check the website.

Summer season pricing during the week (Monday-Thursday):

• $21.95 for adults (13-61) and $16.95 for seniors (62+), youth (3-12), college students with ID, and active and veteran U.S. Military personnel and their spouses with ID.
• Summer season pricing during the weekend (Friday-Sunday): $24.95 for adults and $17 for seniors, youth, college students with ID, and active and veteran U.S. Military personnel and their spouses with ID.
• Sept 30-Nov. 24 pricing:
• $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for seniors, youth, college students with ID, and active and veteran U.S. Military personnel and their spouses with ID.

Children 2 and under enter free. Some Zoo experiences, including the zip line, sky trails ropes course and camel rides, require additional fees. Certain special events may have different pricing. Prices are subject to change, please confirm with the Zoo.

The Zoo participates in the nationally recognized Museums for All program that provides reduced-price admission. Present your Michigan EBT Bridge Card or out-of-state SNAP-EBT card (along with a valid form of photo ID) for $2 admission per person, for up to four people in your household. Note that the discount is not available on certain special event dates. 

John Ball Zoo encourages visitors to purchase tickets online in advance. You can purchase tickets here. You may also purchase them on site at the ticket window.

The John Ball Zoo strives to be accessible for all visitors. Sensory kits are available for those with special needs and quiet areas are identified. Strollers and electric scooters are available for rental. Wheelchairs are provided free of charge. Portions of the Zoo are built into the side of a hill, so there are some elevation changes, but all paths are paved and wide. A universally designed playground in the park outside the Zoo is accessible to all guests and includes sensory features for the visually impaired. Scroll down for more accessibility info.

John Ball Zoo is located just off the 1-96 expressway and is a five-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids. If you’re coming from downtown, you can take The Rapid Bus Route 12 – the Garfield Avenue station is a five-minute walk from the zoo.

Just around the corner from the Zoo, multiple West Fulton restaurants can package to-go food orders for you to enjoy at a picnic table in John Ball Park adjacent to the Zoo.

The Zoo is across the street from an entrance to Kent Trails, a 15-mile paved trail that winds through Millennium Park, which offers its own 18-mile trail network, a lakeside beach, boat rentals and more.

Free on-site parking includes a new-in-2025 lot that increases parking capacity to about 800.

Yes. The Monkey Island Café, the main eatery located in the heart of the zoo, offers lunch and snack items. Depot Snacks is located near the front entrance, making it the perfect first and last stop of the day. Tiger Paws Pizza, Central Plaza Dippin Dots, Whistle Stop, Monkey Bar, Bird's Nest and Lion's Den are also open daily and located around the zoo. Please do not bring food into the John Ball Zoo.

Yes, the John Ball Zoo gift shop is bursting with toys and stuffed animals, t-shirts and apparel, eco-friendly and fair trade items, gift bags and more.