John Ball Zoological Garden

Online Services

General Information About the Zoo

2008 Admission Rates (proposed to go into effect March 1, 2008)

Age Category	Summer (Saturday after Mother’s Day thru Sunday after Labor Day)	Winter (First Monday after Labor Day thru Friday after Mother’s Day)
Adult	$7.50	$3.50
Senior (62 and older)	$6.50	$3.50
Child (3 thru 13)	$5.50	$3.00
	All permanent exhibits and experience venues will be open in zoo and park.	All permanent exhibits will be open. Petting Corral open in spring-weather permitting.

Group Rates:

Group rates apply in summer only. If group does not purchase tickets in advance the entire group must enter at once to qualify for the group rate. Large groups must pre-register and will be issued tickets to be redeemed on the date of the event. Non-redeemed tickets will be valid for the remainder of the calendar year.

1-24

Regular rates

25-199

50 cents off each age category

200-999

$1.00 off each age category (equates to approx 15% off)

>1000

$2.00 off each age category (equates to approx. 25% off)

To confirm admission rates, call (616) 336-4300.

Hours

The Zoo is open every day except Christmas!

*Mid-May through Labor Day
open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(* The Saturday after Mother's Day)

The rest of the year
open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Accessibility

The Zoo is handicapped-accessible. Wheelchairs are available free of charge, and are available first-come first-served. Strollers are available for rent at the admissions area during periods when admission is being charged. No pets are allowed in the Zoo except certified assist dogs.

John Ball Park Recreation and Picnic Areas

The Zoo is located on the hillside of a beautiful 140 acre park on the west side of Grand Rapids. The Zoo and park offer many fun-filled opportunities. Park services include grills, picnic areas, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and play areas. Access to Kent Trails bike path is located off Butterworth Street across from the baseball diamond on the south side of the park.

There are several areas in the park with picnic tables and grills which can be reserved for family outings or large group functions. The park also has two covered picnic shelters - one in the lower park and one in the upper park. Access to the upper park is off Butterworth St. Neither shelter has a kitchen but both have easy access to parking and rest rooms. The reservation season is from May 1 - Oct. 15, but reservations are accepted starting January 1st. If the area is not reserved, then it is first come, first served. Areas can be reserved for a fee online.

Food & Gifts

The Zoo's cafes offer a variety of food and snacks including hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, and soft drinks. The Gifts of the Wild shop carries a unique selection of gifts, souvenirs, and necessities. John Ball Zoo offers After-Hours Rental of the Zoo, birthday parties and catering options for picnic groups inside the Zoo and outside in the park areas. Please call (616) 336-4375 for details.

Group Sales Department

The John Ball Zoo Society wants to invite you to party at the Zoo.

What:

White Party Tent Rentals (inside Zoo)
Birthday Parties Family Reunions Company Picnics Zoo Rentals Group Outings	Bucket Lunches Gift Bag sales $Zoo Bucks$ Catering referrals

When:

Programs are available seasonally. Call to find out specific availability about the programs that you are interested in.

Whether you are looking for a great atmosphere for your child's next birthday party or need a special spot for a family reunion, the John Ball Zoo is the place for you. The Zoo offers a natural setting for your special event. You may want to purchase some $Zoo Bucks$ that can be redeemed at the Monkey Island Café or any food service or gift venue in the Zoo. The Group Sales Department will take the worry out of you next event and leave you time to smell the roses.

For more information about the mentioned services or simply for advice on your next event please contact the: Group Sales Department (616) 336-4375 or E-mail at: eteachout@johnballzoosociety.org

Volunteers

Adult Volunteers

Adult volunteers are trained to deliver the Zoo's education programs. Weekend, evening, and weekday training, and work opportunities are available throughout the year to accommodate most schedules. Tour Guides for school groups are especially needed. If you are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm or from 12:00 pm to 2:00pm, mid September to mid May and like to be outdoors, we have opportunities for you. Please call (616) 336-4310.

Teen Volunteers

Check in the Spring of 2007 for information on this opportunity for 14-17 year olds.

Membership

John Ball Zoo Society membership offers free admission to John Ball Zoo and more than 100 other zoos and aquariums. Members receive the Zoo News publication which updates them on events and programs at the Zoo. Members also receive discounts in the gift shops and on classes and programs. An annual members' picnic is held after hours each September and special previews are planned for members when the Zoo opens new exhibits. For current membership information visit the John Ball Zoo Society website.

Animal Adoptions

"Footsteps to the Future" is the animal sponsorship program at the John Ball Zoo. Any animal species at the Zoo can be sponsored for a minimum $25 donation. The funds from this program go to support the John Ball Zoo Society Wildlife Conservation Fund. Funds help support research in captive wildlife management, education, and field projects.

Sponsors receive a thank you letter, sponsorship certificate, an information sheet with a color photo of the sponsored animal, a subscription to the Zoo News magazine, as well as recognition on the Sponsor Sign in the Zoo and in the Zoo News.

There are several levels to choose from, so there is sure to be a level that is just right for you. For additional information or an application please call (616) 336-3309 or visit the Society's Footsteps to the Future site.

John Ball Zoo Society Wildlife Conservation Fund

The fund annually distributes small grant awards to wildlife conservation field projects, education programs and captive animal management studies. The fund has helped establish wildlife reserves in Indonesia, Tanzania, and Costa Rica. It has funded education programs in Central and South America.