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
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grand Rapids Airport

Reviews of John Ball Zoo

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
56
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go early. Spend the days lots to see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice small zoo that we visit every time we come to Grand Haven

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

New stuff added every year

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near John Ball Zoo

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
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
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
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids

3 out of 5
11 Monroe Ave Nw, Grand Rapids, MI
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown 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
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
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel

CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
83 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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, Michigan, visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities including interactive tours and wildlife adventures. Explore major attractions that showcase diverse animal species and participate in exciting zoo adventures for a memorable experience. Additionally, nearby, you can find live music, baseball games, and other sports, making it a perfect spot for family fun and entertainment during your vacation.

Shopping

Just 2 miles from John Ball Zoo, the Downtown Market offers a vibrant public market atmosphere perfect for souvenirs. Meanwhile, 6 miles away, RiverTown Crossings Mall combines entertainment and shopping, while Woodland Mall, located 7 miles away, is ideal for family-friendly shopping experiences.

Recreation

At LMCU Ballpark, enjoy an energetic atmosphere filled with sports excitement, perfect for catching a game. The Walker Ice and Fitness Center offers a serene space for relaxation and wellness activities. For adventure seekers, Patterson Ice Center provides thrilling ice skating experiences, blending sports and entertainment seamlessly.

Adventure

Experience winter fun at Cannonsburg Ski Area, located 12 miles from John Ball Zoo, with skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels. For thrill-seekers, Grattan Raceway, 19 miles away, offers exhilarating motor racing experiences. Enjoy a game or two at the Canepa Tennis Center, situated 6 miles from the zoo.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife near John Ball Zoo with a visit to DeVos Performance Hall, Broadway Grand Rapids, and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Each venue, just 2 miles away, offers a blend of culture, romance, and family-friendly entertainment, perfect for a memorable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near John Ball Zoo

When visiting John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you'll find a variety of attractions to enhance your experience. Explore nearby urban parks, lakes, and modern colleges or universities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Don't miss out on local attractions, downtown museums, and top sights in the area for a well-rounded visit. Grand Rapids offers plenty of activities to make your trip memorable.

  • Van Andel Arena: Located 2 miles from John Ball Zoo, this vibrant arena offers a thrilling atmosphere for family-friendly events and concerts. With its state-of-the-art facilities, it’s a fantastic spot to catch a game or enjoy live entertainment.
  • Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: Situated 6 miles away, this stunning outdoor sculpture garden combines art and nature. Perfect for families, you can stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens and admire impressive sculptures in a serene environment.
  • Gerald R. Ford Museum: Just 1 mile from the zoo, this museum showcases the life and legacy of President Gerald Ford. With engaging exhibits, it provides a rich cultural experience and a glimpse into American history.

Best time to go to John Ball Zoo

The best time to visit John Ball Zoo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 in March or from December to January when accommodations are cheaper, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices from lowest to highest and consider booking a package deal that includes your hotel, flights, and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and future cash rewards. Keep an eye out for price drops, hotel deals, and other promotions to maximize your savings.

  • 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 refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near John Ball Zoo with your flights and activities.
  • 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.

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