Purchase your tickets online or have your membership card ready and go straight to the entrance gate!
*The gate stops admitting visitors 30 minutes prior to Zoo closing time.
We recommend purchasing your tickets online prior to arrival. This will make your entry quicker and easier by not having to visit the ticket window first to purchase a ticket before entering the Zoo.
Thank you for supporting John Ball Zoo. We look forward to your visit!
If you are looking for a time or day of the week with historically fewer visitors, we recommend weekdays or any day in the afternoon.
In 2023 John Ball Zoo will be open to the public from March 24 – November 19.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our guest services department at 616.336.4300.
Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful day alone, spending quality time with family, or traveling with a large group we are excited to welcome you to John Ball Zoo! Review our rates below or become a Zoo Member for additional benefits. Various exhibits and experiences may not be open due to weather conditions.
| Visitor's Age | Mar. 24 - May 12 | May 13 - Sept. 22 | Sept. 23 - Nov. 19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (ages 13-61) | $14.00 | $19.00 | $14.00 |
| Seniors (ages 62 and up) | $12.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Youth (ages 3-12) | $12.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Children (2 and under) | Free | Free | Free |
| College Students (must present valid School ID) | $12.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Military Discount (must have valid military ID - available to active & Veteran US Military personnel and their spouses) | $12.00 | $15.00 | $12.00 |
*Wheelchairs and Electric Carts are only available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved ahead of time. Deposit required at time of rental and will be returned upon return of equipment.
| Equipment | Rate |
|---|---|
| Safari Stroller (Deposit required)* | $12.00 |
| Wagon with Canopy (Deposit required)* | $12.00 |
| Wheelchair Rental (Deposit required)* | Free |
| Amigo Mobility Cart (Deposit required)* | $30.00 |
| Month | Time | Special Dates |
|---|---|---|
| March | Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm | Saturday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm | Opening Day | March 24 | 10am - 4pm |
| April | Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm | Saturday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm | Spring Break | April 3 - 7 | 9am - 5pm |
| May | Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm | Saturday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm | Memorial Day | 9am - 6pm |
| June | Monday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm | June 1 - 2 | 9am - 4pm |
| July | Monday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm | - |
| August | Monday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm | Back to School | August 21 - 25, 28 - 31 | 10am - 4pm |
| September | Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm | Saturday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm | Labor Day | 9am - 6pm |
| October | Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm | Saturday - Sunday, 9am - 6pm | Zoo Goes Boo | October 20 - 22, 27 - 29 | 9am - 5pm |
| November | Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm | Saturday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm | Last Day | November 19 | 9am - 5pm |
| November 20, 2023 - March 2024 | Closed for the Season |
Opening and closing times may vary on specials event days. Please reference the daily times in the top header for day of times or call us at 616.336.4300.
