John Ball Zoo has been delighting Grand Rapids residents and visitors since 1891, when a small menagerie of animals – known as the “Ball 40” – began to be assembled on land donated by namesake John Ball, one of the city’s founding fathers. The zoo has expanded by (antelope) leaps and (tiger) bounds since then, but it still occupies its original location on the city’s historic West Side. It is one of Michigan’s most visited cultural attractions.
Already ranked in the top 25% of all American zoos, John Ball Zoo has just embarked on an ambitious 10-year plan to vault it into the ranks of the country’s very best. The largest indoor habitat in the U.S., the addition of giraffes and sea lions, a 30-foot waterfall, an underwater viewing area, a rooftop café and expanded parking are just some of the transformative new projects the Zoo will undertake through 2035. First up: new parking, open for the 2025 season, with giraffes to follow in 2026. You can review the Master Plan here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Back to Top of ListFAQs
How to Experience the John Ball Zoo:
What can I see and do at the 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.
Is the John Ball Zoo good for kids?
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.
When is the John Ball Zoo open?
The 2025 season runs March 21-November 23. Summer season hours are 9am-6pm. Off-season hours vary, please check the website.
What is the admission price?
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.
Are there any discounts available?
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.
Can I purchase or reserve tickets online?
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.
Is the Zoo accessible for guests with special needs?
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.
Where is The Zoo located?
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.
Where can I park?
Free on-site parking includes a new-in-2025 lot that increases parking capacity to about 800.
Is food available?
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.
Is there a gift shop?
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.
Animals
Back to Top of ListJohn Ball Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals. Habitats include:
- Entry Valley - with the Pygmy Hippo Pavilion and Tide Pool
- Americas - with Monkey Island and the Michigan Stream
- Africa - with Chimpanzees and Lions
- Forest Realm - with Amur Tigers and Red Pandas
- Wild Way Trail - with Red's Hobby Farm and Frogs & Friends
Adventures
Back to Top of ListThe zoo also features a number of kid-friendly rides and activities:
- Immotion: Wild Explorer, a virtual reality trek that puts you in the middle of a gorilla herd
- John Ball Zoo Gem Company - pan for gems in John Ball Zoo's own Sluice (open weekends depending on weather)
- Budgie Aviary - feed birds at this interactive exhibit
- Zipline - a four-story, 600-foot "fly" over the zoo (seasonal)
- Sky Trail Ropes Course - four stories tall with two climbing levels and over 15 obstacles (seasonal)
- Camel Rides (seasonal)
- Face Painting (open weekends depending on weather)
A spacious park at the entrance of the zoo is perfect for picnicking.
Accessibility Information
Back to Top of ListAccessibility
- 1300 W. Fulton St.
- (616) 336-4300
Over 2,000 animals and more animal touching exhibits than any other zoo in Michigan; tigers, petting corral, wallabies, camels and butterflies. Chimpanzees - lions - grizzly bear - otters - snow leopards - - and many large and small primates. Indoor and outdoor viewing. Full concessions and gift…
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Experience Grand Rapids, Michigan's diverse attractions including parks, the John Ball Zoo, museums, nature centers and sculpture gardens. Whether you're vacationing with the family or traveling for business, you'll want to take some time to enjoy these fun things to do in Grand Rapids.