EXPERIENCES
ZOO ADVENTURES
ZOO ADVENTURES
Funicular
Open Daily: Closed *Weather Dependent
Location: Zoo Entrance and the Forest Realm Trail next to the Bissell Treehouse
Guests taking the Funicular to the top of the Zoo should head to the lower depot right when they enter. When they disembark, they’ll find themselves at the highest point of the Zoo with a breathtaking view of Downtown Grand Rapids and will now be able to explore, walking entirely downhill. This is perfect for guests with strollers!
The other option is to take the funicular down to the main entrance. These guests should jump on the funicular at end of the Forest Realm Trail near the red panda’s and Bissell Tree House after they’ve explored the Zoo. By taking the Funicular back to the front entrance, visitors avoid retracing their steps.
General Guidelines:
- Strollers are permitted.
- No animals can be seen from the Funicular as it is on the outer edge of the zoo.
| PRICES | PUBLIC | MEMBER |
|---|---|---|
| Per Person | $4.00 | $3.20 |
ZOO ADVENTURES
John Ball Zoo Gem Company
Open Weekends 11am-6pm                                            *Weather Dependent                                                            Pan for your very own gems in our brand new Sluice! Choose from 3 different Gem Bags and then pour them into your screen to reveal your treasures.
Pay Dirt Bag ($8.99) – Comes with 6 ounces of Gemstone Mix
Emerald Strike Bag ($14.99) – Comes with 6 ounces of Gemstones, and 3 ounces of emeralds
Motherlode Bag for ($29.99) – Comes with a little bit of everything including: Gemstone mix, Fossil Mix, Shark Teeth, Arrowheads, and a large piece of Amethyst Druzy.
Stop by to explore and see what treasures you can find.
| PRICES | PUBLIC | MEMBER |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Dirt Bag | $8.99 | $7.19 |
| Emerald Strike Bag | $14.99 | $11.99 |
| Motherlode Bag | $29.99 | $23.99 |
ZOO ADVENTURES
Budgie Aviary
Get cheek to beak in this interactive exhibit! Located near the waterfall and Hobby Farm, our Budgie Aviary allows you to walk through an exhibit with over 150 colorful Budgies, 4 cockatiels, and 18 white-winged parakeets. You can even purchase a feed stick and have birds feeding right out of your hand! This is one exhibit you won’t want to miss!
Open: Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 6pm                Location: At the bottom of the Waterfall near Red’s Hobby Farm
General Guidelines:
- Strollers are not permitted inside the aviary.
- The aviary is handicap accessible.
| PRICES | PUBLIC | MEMBER |
|---|---|---|
| Per Budgie Feed Stick | $3.00 | $2.00 |
ZOO ADVENTURES
Camel Rides
Closed for the Season   Â
Camel Rides are one of our most popular things to do at the zoo! You’ll be greeted by one of the most amazing animals of the world, and even get your picture taken!
Location – In our Africa section between Meerkats and Tigers!
General Guidelines:
- Participants must be a minimum of 34 inches tall to ride without a guardian.
- Participants may be grouped with other riders at the operator’s discretion.
- Maximum weight is 300 pounds.Â
| PRICES | PUBLIC | MEMBER |
|---|---|---|
| Camel Ride | $8.00 | $7.00 |
| Camel Photo | $7.00 |
ZOO ADVENTURES
Face Painting
Open Weekends 11am-4pm *Weather Dependent
Located in the central part of the Zoo next to the Aquarium.
Become one of your favorite animals for your visit to the Zoo. Choose from either a cheek design or a full face design. All of the paintings are done freehand by our talented face painting employees. Choose between 9 different cheek designs and 9 different full face designs. Please remember, artists’ styles may vary.
MORE ZOO FUN
Enjoy Experiences and Adventures At John Ball Zoo
All of our experiences are generally available during the summer season. However, occasionally Mother Nature requires that we close them for safety.
Note: Availability is subject to weather. Please call 616.336.2017 for daily availability.
Sky Trail Ropes Course
Open Daily: 10am-4pm, Weather Dependent Location: Wild Way Trail
Four stories tall, two climbing levels, and over 15 obstacles ranging in difficulty, this Ropes Course gives you a chance to test your courage and strength and it’s downright fun! Mastered all elements before? Get ready, because this course has new challenging obstacles for you to conquer. All height, weight, clothing and harness restrictions must be met to ride this experience. Additional restrictions may apply, please see the Ropes Course restrictions listed below.
Save money by purchasing a combo ticket to ride the Zip Line and climb the Ropes Course!
Come prepared! View our full list of requirements for more information and have your waiver signed and submitted all online!
Ropes Course may close early due to inclement weather.
General Guidelines:
- A waiver must be completed by each participant/guardian.
- Participant must be 48 inches (122 cm) tall to participate.
- Maximum weight is 300 pounds (136kg).
- Closed back shoes are required.
- Guests should have on pants or shorts, no skirts or dresses.
- Participant must safely fit in the harness.
- Participant must be able to understand and demonstrate knowledge of all safety rules.
- Last ticket sold 30 minutes prior to zoo closing.
- Participants while under the under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
- Cell phones are not allowed on attraction.
- Pockets must be empty. No loose objects such as cell phones. Eyeglasses should be secure.
- No gum, food or drinks allowed on the attraction.
- Anyone with joint or back injuries my re-injure themselves or worsen a preexisting injury.
- Anyone with heart problems, fresh stitches, or is pregnant should refrain from participating.
Please have the Individual Waiver Form filled out prior to your visit.
| PRICES | PUBLIC | MEMBER |
|---|---|---|
| Per Ride | $10.00 | $8.00 |
| Ropes Course and Zip Line Combo | $16.00 | $12.80 |
Zip Line
Open Weekends, Weather Dependent                             Location: Forest Realm Trail near the Red Panda’s
This four story, 600-foot, Zipline is the real thing! Riders are securely harnessed before they step off the platform and fly over the waterfall to another ridge! Children must be 70 pounds and 48inches tall to fit securely into the harness to participate. Closed back shoes are required.
All height, weight, clothing and harness restrictions must be met to ride this experience. Additional restrictions may apply, please see the Zipline restrictions listed below.
Combo tickets are currently unavailable due to Ropes Course Closure. Come prepared! View our full list of requirements for more information and have your waiver signed and submitted all online!
Zipline may close early due to inclement weather.
General Guidelines:
- A waiver must be completed by each participant/guardian.
- Closed back shoes are required.
- Guests should have on pants or shorts, no skirts or dresses.
- Minimum weight of 70 pounds (34.02 kg).
- Maximum weight is 250 pounds (113.4 kg). Participant must safely fit in the harness.
- Must be 48 inches (122cm) tall to participate.
- Participant must be able to understand and demonstrate knowledge of all safety rules.
- Last ticket sold 30 minutes prior to zoo closing.
- Participants while under the under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
- Cell phones are not allowed on attraction.
- Pockets must be empty. No loose objects such as cell phones. Eyeglasses should be secure.
- No gum, food or drinks allowed on the attraction.
- Anyone with joint or back injuries my re-injure themselves or worsen a preexisting injury.
- Anyone with heart problems, fresh stitches, or is pregnant should refrain from participating.
Please have the Individual Waiver Form filled out prior to your visit.
| PRICES | PUBLIC | MEMBER |
|---|---|---|
| Per Ride | $10.00 | $8.00 |
| Ropes Course and Zip Line Combo | $16.00 | $12.80 |
