John Ball Zoo is non-profit with a mission to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. JBZoo has over 2,000 animals including lions, tigers, chimpanzees, red pandas, and toucans, along with indoor and outdoor exhibits, interactive experiences, and much more. Bissell Tree House is also available as a premier event/rental facility.
Upcoming Events
John Ball Zoo
OtterPalooza
Put your paws in the air and wave them like you just don’t care! It’s time for the new otter habitat to open at the Zoo! Romp around and catch keeper chats, learn unheard of otter-facts, and get a…
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John Ball Zoo
Michigan Wildlife Day
Learn about otters and turtles and mussels, oh my! Explore Michigan’s native animals with Anna, Elsa, Tiana, and Aurora as you discover the love of nature in your own backyard.
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John Ball Zoo
RendeZoo
Join us for the wildest party in town! Enjoy live entertainment, specialty food and beverage, and one of a kind animal experiences set within the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. Every action creates a ripple effect, leading to lasting impact for wildlife…
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John Ball Zoo
Pink flamingo Day
Put on your flippy floppies and get ready to flamingo-go to Pink Flamingo Day! You’ll be flabbergasted by animal chats, tickled pink with flamingo crafts, and simply smitten by the festivities like live music and salsa dancing. Don’t forget to wear your pink! You’re flamingoing to love…
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John Ball Zoo
World Ocean Day
Voyage from the Great Lakes to rivers and beyond as you dive into World Ocean Day! Ariel, Ursula, Captain Jack Sparrow, and Moana make way for your adventure learning all about waterways and the animals that call…
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John Ball Zoo
Locked Zoo: Secret Safari (18+)
Get ready to embark on an epic adventure at Locked Zoo! This exhilarating, after hours event transforms John Ball Zoo into a thrilling escape game room. Work against the clock as you and your team…
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John Ball Zoo
Member Nights
Enjoy a night of member exclusive activities! Find adventure with your favorite experiences open late. Discover extra animal activities and watch entertainment the whole family will adore. This member only night is free for members!
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John Ball Zoo
LOCKED ZOO: JUMBLED JUNGLES (18+)
Get ready to embark on an epic adventure at Locked Zoo! This exhilarating, after hours event transforms John Ball Zoo into a thrilling escape game room. Work against the clock as you and your team…
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John Ball Zoo
Member Nights
Enjoy a night of member exclusive activities! Find adventure with your favorite experiences open late. Discover extra animal activities and watch entertainment the whole family will adore. This member only night is free for members!
Learn More
John Ball Zoo
Safari Day
Find your pride this Safari Day with Jasmine, Jane, Black Panther, and Spiderman! Be on the prowl for authentic African dancers and musicians, swing by our exploration stations, and gallop to animal chats throughout the day!
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John Ball Zoo
Locked Zoo: Deserts Decoded (18+)
Get ready to embark on an epic adventure at Locked Zoo! This exhilarating, after hours event transforms John Ball Zoo into a thrilling escape game room. Work against the clock as you and your team…
Learn More
John Ball Zoo
Member Nights
Enjoy a night of member exclusive activities! Find adventure with your favorite experiences open late. Discover extra animal activities and watch entertainment the whole family will adore. This member only night is free for members!
Learn More
John Ball Zoo
Monarch Day
Float through the world of butterflies, bugs, and other winged things alongside Mirabel, Tinker Bell, Cinderella, and Rapunzel. Let your knowledge soar to new heights as you learn how to help monarchs and others flourish, flit, and flutter into…
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John Ball Zoo
STEAM day
Unearth your love of science, technology, engineering, art, and math during this epic adventure. Try your hand at robotics, learn how to play an instrument, design your own exhibit, or even become a penguineer as local schools and organizations…
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Promos + Discounts
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