John Ball Zoo Tours

Photo by Patrick Laughlin 


The kids will love visiting the fascinating animals at John Ball Zoo. See if there are any wildlife shows to find out more about your favorite creature.

John Ball Zoo, in the residential neighborhood of John Ball Park, is worth the cost of entry. This impressive wildlife attraction is near loads of other terrific attractions if you're up for more exploring. Visit Public Museum of Grand Rapids, Gerald R. Ford Museum and Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and make a day of it.

Plan a trip to see John Ball Zoo

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel
Twin Oaks Inn
White Pines Inn & Suites

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near John Ball Zoo

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront

3 out of 5
270 Ann Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
310 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown

Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown

3 out of 5
40 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport

Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport

3 out of 5
3333 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
187 Monroe Ave Nw, Grand Rapids, MI
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown

Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown

3 out of 5
140 Ottawa Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

4 out of 5
131 Ionia Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids

JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids

4 out of 5
235 Louis Campau Promenade Nw, Grand Rapids, MI
JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids
Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown,MI

Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown,MI

3.5 out of 5
710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown,MI
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near John Ball Zoo

At John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including quick tours, outdoor exhibits, and engaging interactive experiences. For those seeking adventure, dune rides are available nearby. The zoo also hosts special events such as weddings, making it a unique venue for celebrations. Additionally, the vibrant local scene features live music and sports, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy during their visit.

Shopping

Only 2 miles from John Ball Zoo, Downtown Market offers a vibrant public market atmosphere perfect for unique gifts. RiverTown Crossings Mall, 6 miles away, provides family-friendly shopping and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Woodland Mall, located 7 miles away, features a mix of shops in a bustling setting.

Recreation

At LMCU Ballpark, enjoy an energetic atmosphere while catching a game or participating in sports activities just 6 miles from John Ball Zoo. For relaxation, the Walker Ice and Fitness Center offers a serene environment for wellness and fitness, located 5 miles away. Adventure awaits at Patterson Ice Center, 8 miles from the zoo, where you can enjoy ice skating and entertainment.

Adventure

Cannonsburg Ski Area offers thrilling skiing opportunities, located 12 miles from John Ball Zoo, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. Grattan Raceway, situated 19 miles away, provides a high-speed motor racing experience for adrenaline junkies. For tennis lovers, Canepa Tennis Center, 6 miles from the zoo, offers a fun adventure activity.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near John Ball Zoo with a visit to DeVos Performance Hall for captivating performances. Enjoy family-friendly shows at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre or catch a production at Broadway Grand Rapids, all within a couple of miles, offering a delightful mix of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near John Ball Zoo

While visiting John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, explore nearby attractions like urban parks and entertainment venues. Enjoy family-friendly activities at John Ball Park and discover local educational institutions for a well-rounded experience. Whether you're seeking outdoor fun or city adventures, the zoo and its surroundings offer a variety of options for travelers looking to make the most of their visit.

  • Van Andel Arena: Located 2 miles from John Ball Zoo, Van Andel Arena is a vibrant entertainment venue hosting concerts, sports events, and family shows, making it a perfect spot for a lively outing.
  • Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: About 6 miles away, this stunning outdoor sculpture garden features beautiful landscapes and an impressive collection of art, providing a serene experience for families and nature lovers alike.
  • Gerald R. Ford Museum: Just 1 mile from the zoo, this museum celebrates the life and legacy of President Gerald R. Ford, offering a rich cultural experience with fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

Best time to go to John Ball Zoo

The best time to visit John Ball Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around John Ball Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around John Ball Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January24.3°F (-4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February24.8°F (-4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
June67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
July71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
December31.3°F (-0.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for John Ball Zoo

To save money on your trip to John Ball Zoo, consider visiting during the off-peak months of March or December to January for lower accommodation rates. Mondays tend to be the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering for eco-certified hotels and arranging prices from lowest to highest. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel stays, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future bookings. Explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around John Ball Zoo are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around John Ball Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around John Ball Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at John Ball Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.