John Ball Zoo
John Ball Zoo
4
About
John Ball Zoo inspires our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. Over 2,000 animals including lions, tigers, bears (oh my) and chimpanzees! John Ball Zoo brings behind-the-scenes training and care to the public daily. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Interactive experiences include a funicular (tram), zip line, high ropes course, and more! The Zoo closes in the winter so be sure to check out the website for open dates and times.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
767 reviews
Excellent
348
Very good
266
Average
119
Poor
28
Terrible
6
Sara O
17 contributions
Aug 2021
As a GR local we became members several years ago and have never regretted it. We visit the zoo several times a year now and the membership is worth it for our large family. The recent remodel has really shaped out. The care shown for these animals is astounding. If you go in the summer I recommend going early in the am before it gets too hot. Otherwise skip lunch time because most animals are napping. JBZ puts on several events that are well run including princess day, superhero day (our favorite), wizarding weekend and even special nights for adults.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John W
Lostant, IL2,236 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
While my wife and I already planned a weekend in the Muskegon area, we decided to take a short side trip to the zoo on a Friday before staying in Muskegon. While many zoos are somewhat flat with few hills, this one is built on a steep hill though no need to worry there’s a funicular that takes you up top for a small fee if you don’t want to climb up the stairs. While this isn’t a large zoo it is a nice medium sized zoo with lots of animals from different regions. The Amur tiger exhibit was quite large and we were able to get good views of both. The entry plaza was just recently redone with a hippo exhibit coming next year. The aquarium building is nice as not all zoos have one as well as the reptile and small animal house. The lion exhibit was also quite big and well themed. Due to the terrain some of the exhibits have views from above. There’s plenty of decent dining options here which was my only complaint about the New zoo in Green Bay. Plan to spend a good 4 hours here!!
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mrs. Romence
Grand Rapids, MI93 contributions
Aug 2022
We had a wonderful time at the John Ball Zoo. Buying your ticket online is key to not having to wait in those long ticket lines! We also brought our lunches for the visit since the food costs are not reasonable; there are plenty of areas to sit down and enjoy your lunch. This zoo is not a very large zoo but they do have a lot to offer. The kids petting zoo with the goats and free roaming kangaroos is very fun for kids. They also have a learning experience time with a zoo keeper, who explains various aspects of the zoo and their animals. It is a climb to walk to the top of the zoo, but you can take a trolley train down to the bottom once you are finished with visiting the red pandas at the top. If you are in the area John Ball Zoo is a great place to visit with kids, expect about 2 hour time visit. P.S. The best restrooms are at the top of the zoo :-)
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffrey Koslowski
Canton, MI637 contributions
Sep 2020
I don't want to get into the ethics of this zoo or any zoo. From a purely visitor standpoint, the workers here did an excellent job. Tickets are recommended (might have even been required) in advance and as the day went on, you could tell why. We got in at 10:00 and by the time we were ready to leave a little bit before 2:00, the lines were a lot longer than they had been when we arrived.
Several people I talked to had told me that they had come here and never seen any animals. By the end, I wondered where they had been because every animals was on display, whether in the outdoor portion or visible through an indoor viewing areas. The Zoo is not terribly large from a square footage standpoint but where it really excels is making use of the upper space. The next closest zoo that I could to do that was San Diego. Some sections are on the smaller side, namely the aquarium, but some are really impressive with how close you can get to some of the animals. The brown bear was literally sitting against the glass. I was blown away at the size of them, especially their head. The mountain lions were also interesting as they were up, walking around, climbing, and generally acting as I thought they would in the wild.
There was one particular employee, Evan, than I want to single out. We met him at the entrance of the reptile house as well as for the Budgie feeding. He was knowledgeable and very light while talking with us. I appreciate it when employees can joke about their situation (when I asked him about his title, he responded with "well, my non-covid job is...") but still make you feel like every question you ask is relevant and important to answer. He probably gets the same questions over and over again every single day but he made me feel like I asked a great question (specifically, I asked what the difference was between a Budgie and a Parakeet) and that to me is excellent in the field of tourism.
Overall, this zoo may not be the biggest as far as walking around goes but there are a lot of animals here and they are almost all out to be seen. You'll make a lot of memories here and hopefully develop a greater appreciation for the earth and it's inhabitants while you're here.
Several people I talked to had told me that they had come here and never seen any animals. By the end, I wondered where they had been because every animals was on display, whether in the outdoor portion or visible through an indoor viewing areas. The Zoo is not terribly large from a square footage standpoint but where it really excels is making use of the upper space. The next closest zoo that I could to do that was San Diego. Some sections are on the smaller side, namely the aquarium, but some are really impressive with how close you can get to some of the animals. The brown bear was literally sitting against the glass. I was blown away at the size of them, especially their head. The mountain lions were also interesting as they were up, walking around, climbing, and generally acting as I thought they would in the wild.
There was one particular employee, Evan, than I want to single out. We met him at the entrance of the reptile house as well as for the Budgie feeding. He was knowledgeable and very light while talking with us. I appreciate it when employees can joke about their situation (when I asked him about his title, he responded with "well, my non-covid job is...") but still make you feel like every question you ask is relevant and important to answer. He probably gets the same questions over and over again every single day but he made me feel like I asked a great question (specifically, I asked what the difference was between a Budgie and a Parakeet) and that to me is excellent in the field of tourism.
Overall, this zoo may not be the biggest as far as walking around goes but there are a lot of animals here and they are almost all out to be seen. You'll make a lot of memories here and hopefully develop a greater appreciation for the earth and it's inhabitants while you're here.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jpete02
Lansing, MI797 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
Went here with my two young kids on a beautiful Sunday morning. Bought tickets in advance as recommended by the zoo because they are limiting attendance due to COVID. You can buy tickets at the zoo but only if there are remaining tickets available.
Crowds were small early in the morning but it got crowded by 11:30. Masks are recommended but not required. Maybe only 50% of the patrons were wearing masks. The zoo was limiting the number of people inside the aquarium and the reptile house and I believe you had to wear a mask inside these areas. Concessions were open but the incline tram was not operating.
The zoo itself is pretty small and built into and around a large hill. Biggest disappointment is walking a long way up a hill only to find one animal exhibit on top (tigers). You can see everything here in about three hours and there really isn’t any any animal here that isn’t in most other zoos.
Did like the LEGO animals throughout the park but would have been more impressed seeing the actual animals instead of a lego reproduction. The exhibits built into the side of the hill with the snow leopard and lynx are out of date and need to be redone. It is very hard to see these animals and the exhibit space seems small. The newest part of the zoo is the entrance area, which has the ticket booth, bathrooms, and a gift shop (priorities I guess).
Overall, for a city of Grand Rapids’ size and wealth the zoo should be better. If you live by another zoo, going to this zoo may not be worth the trip.
Crowds were small early in the morning but it got crowded by 11:30. Masks are recommended but not required. Maybe only 50% of the patrons were wearing masks. The zoo was limiting the number of people inside the aquarium and the reptile house and I believe you had to wear a mask inside these areas. Concessions were open but the incline tram was not operating.
The zoo itself is pretty small and built into and around a large hill. Biggest disappointment is walking a long way up a hill only to find one animal exhibit on top (tigers). You can see everything here in about three hours and there really isn’t any any animal here that isn’t in most other zoos.
Did like the LEGO animals throughout the park but would have been more impressed seeing the actual animals instead of a lego reproduction. The exhibits built into the side of the hill with the snow leopard and lynx are out of date and need to be redone. It is very hard to see these animals and the exhibit space seems small. The newest part of the zoo is the entrance area, which has the ticket booth, bathrooms, and a gift shop (priorities I guess).
Overall, for a city of Grand Rapids’ size and wealth the zoo should be better. If you live by another zoo, going to this zoo may not be worth the trip.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pedro R
Puerto Rico175 contributions
May 2021 • Family
To begin your gonna need anywhere from 2.5 - 3 hours like it states in other reviews this is a small zoo not something huge but its well laid out. Great and extended LEGO exhibit not of low quality or detail so that’s definitely a plus. This zoo’s animal selection is somewhat limited but they do a great job with what they have all the exhibits and animals looked in good shape & health.
The food and water was a little expensive for what it was but hey it’s understandable hopefully they use the extra $$$ to maintain the zoo in pristine conditions. The zipline I was told by an employee was only open on weekends which is not really a smart thing business wise. Small gift shop needs a little more variety but nice.
If you come thru Grand Rapids definitely check out this zoo
The food and water was a little expensive for what it was but hey it’s understandable hopefully they use the extra $$$ to maintain the zoo in pristine conditions. The zipline I was told by an employee was only open on weekends which is not really a smart thing business wise. Small gift shop needs a little more variety but nice.
If you come thru Grand Rapids definitely check out this zoo
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daddin458
Battle Creek, MI141 contributions
Oct 2021
We visited the zoo during their annual night time Illumi-zoo Halloween events....incredible lights, and displays, as well as treat stands! Grandparents, parents, and toddler were all very impressed and had a great time...highly recommend this! A definite must see for kids and adults alike! It is a bit hilly so wear your walking shoes...lol.
Written April 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kristie M
Quincy, IL28 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
My son and I loved this place, we had a ton of fun. The zoo is about conservation and is not a Joe Exotic style zoo, it’s a legit zoo.
The zoo is small and manageable with young children, took us about 2 hours and we did a few things twice. It is built into a hill which is steep at times. Almost everything is wheelchair/stroller accessible. The only thing I remember not being accessible is the lookouts, it is possible they are and I just didn’t see the ramp, but even without them you can still see all the animals, as there are many places to look into the animals. The signage and workers were very good at helping us find animals by telling us when an animal was in a different pet of their habitat.
COVID - someone was always walking around sanitizing things. All indoor areas had someone at the door making you put on a mask (I think even handing them out to people who didn’t have them, but don’t quote me on that) and making people wait to go in so groups are spread out. In general everything was very clean. Some experiences are closed, but the websites list them out.
The zoo is small and manageable with young children, took us about 2 hours and we did a few things twice. It is built into a hill which is steep at times. Almost everything is wheelchair/stroller accessible. The only thing I remember not being accessible is the lookouts, it is possible they are and I just didn’t see the ramp, but even without them you can still see all the animals, as there are many places to look into the animals. The signage and workers were very good at helping us find animals by telling us when an animal was in a different pet of their habitat.
COVID - someone was always walking around sanitizing things. All indoor areas had someone at the door making you put on a mask (I think even handing them out to people who didn’t have them, but don’t quote me on that) and making people wait to go in so groups are spread out. In general everything was very clean. Some experiences are closed, but the websites list them out.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
deedee1951
Chappaqua, NY568 contributions
Apr 2021
Zoo is lovely and the lego exhibit is fabulous. BUT masks are mandated but not enforced once you are through the entrance. I would say about 90% were wearing masks appropriately. Entire families without masks and many chins covered.. People eating while walking so not wearing masks. It looks like they have tried to do a very good job with signs, distance markers etc but without enforcement it means nothing. My husband stopped along a path so a family without masks could walk by. He did not say a word but the guy walked uprip close to him before going around him and called him " a damn F....g liberal." They need a security force with some authority. The lovely young workers can ask nicely but they get ignored. Won't be back until after covid is over
Written April 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sam W
Douglas, MI11 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Over the past 40 years, I have always wanted the John Ball Zoo to be better than it was given its location in a large metropolitan area. However, in spite of ongoing “improvements” the zoo experience remains poor. Our group of 6 adults and 5 children arrived at 11 a.m. only to be greeted by Disney-sized line waiting to buy tickets: Everyone stood in the hot sun for 30 minutes while one person in one ticket window slowly issued tickets. We immediately went to the tiger area to get pizza: There was another long, slow line and . . . while waiting for another 30 minutes, the zoo’s internet failed so it was cash only. The food service employees generally appeared harried or care-less. And, guess what, too few restrooms designed poorly so yet another long line. After mostly waiting in lines, time was growing short to see the exhibits. The animals were mostly hiding out so we saw the back of a bear, the foot of a porcupine and otters having a siesta. There were empty exhibits and cages that must be 50+ years old.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
occams-razor
Antioch, IL89 contributions
Is parking free or paid?
lish9782
East Peoria, IL68 contributions
Yes parking is free. They also have plenty of handicap parking as well.
occams-razor
Antioch, IL89 contributions
While researching the area because we're interested in seeing this zoo and the Pubic Museum, we read that Grand Rapids has an extremely high crime rate compared to the rest of the state and country. Is it safe to stay overnight in the area or even visit during the day?
Holli
Stanwood, MI64 contributions
Grand Rapids is a huge area and just like any area It depends on where you stay. I personally have walked around downtown Grand Rapids and stayed downtown. Some areas have higher crime then others. Near the Zoo or even public museum I would feel perfectly safe. There is always people walking around both those areas as well.
Audra S
1 contribution
Is this like the Joe Exotic or Doc Antler zoos where the animals are abused and tiger cubs are killed once they are too old to have their picture taken? Or do they not breed their animals or keep all that are born?
Thanks,
San F
Cleveland, OH11 contributions
It’s a very nice zoo kind of built into the side of a big hill so there is a lot of walking I would definitely take the trolley but they definitely take care of the animals and everybody’s caring. I would definitely recommend going there it was a lot of fun
De qué hora hasta qué hora está abierto el zoo
Estamos abiertos de 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
dbhellman
Portage, MI2 contributions
What is the cost for two seniors?
Senior admission is $10 a person.
Can you bring a support dog she's very little we have two of them I have one in my granddaughter has one can you bring them in the zoo with you
We welcome trained service animals needed for disabilities.
Card75
Michigan1 contribution
Can I bring a blanket, stroller & diaper bag in the zoo?
Yes, you can bring those items into John Ball Zoo. Hope to see you soon!
Etonian30
Elizabethtown, IN137 contributions
Is there bus/rv parking at zoo?
PapaJoel61
Grand Rapids, MI30 contributions
Yes, there is both bus and RV parking as well as considerable free zoo parking.
Hello, is the John Ball aquarium located in the zoo itself? Thank you!
HungryEpicurean
Walker, MI4 contributions
Yes, the first building when you come up the entrance hill on the right.
John Ball Zoo (Grand Rapids) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about John Ball Zoo
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- (1.54 mi) Residence Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
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- (0.11 mi) Rise Authentic
- (0.21 mi) McDonald's
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