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Sunday, May 21, 2023

Daily Schedule

*Due to the West Fest, parking and accessing the zoo may be a bit tough in the morning*

  • Daily Operating Hours – 9:00am – 6:00 pm
  • Evening Hours – Grand Rapids Lantern Festival – 7:00 – 11:00 pm
  • Gifts of the Wild Gift Shop – 9:00am – 6:00 pm, 7:00 – 11:00 pm
  • Stroller Safari – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, 7:00 – 11:00 pm
  • Monkey Island Café – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Tiger Paws – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
  • Depot Snacks – 7:00 – 10:00 pm
  • Dippin’ Dots – 7:00 – 10:00 pm
  • Whistle Stop Café – 7:00 -10:00 pm
  • Lion’s Den – 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Lantern Festival FAQ

Experiences Open

  • Funicular Train – 9:00am – 6:00 pm
  • Ropes Course – 10 :00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Face Painting – 11:00am – 6:00 pm
  • Camels – 10:00am – 6:00 pm
  • Zipline – 10:00 – 6:00 pm
  • Gem Company – 10:00 – 6:00 pm

TICKETS

Did you know that you can skip the line for tickets?

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!

SKIP THE LINE! GET TICKETS
GROUP SALES & RATES

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.

John Ball Zoo’s JUMP program helps break down barriers to outdoor, nature-based education by providing free admission for qualified individuals across the state of Michigan. Click Here to learn more.
You can upgrade your general admission ticket purchase to a year-long membership. Along with many great add-on benefits, a family membership pays for itself in just two visits and provides access to the Zoo for a year! You can upgrade to a membership during your Zoo visit by stopping by our guest services building or visit our membership page to purchase one today!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our guest services department at 616.336.4300.

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TICKETS

2023 Daily Admission Rates

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
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BECOME A MEMBER

Stroller & Wheelchair Rental

*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

2023 Yearly Calendar

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.

1300 W. Fulton St,
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

2023 Season: Mar 24 - Nov 19

Office Hours: Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm

(616) 336-4300

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