John Ball Zoo

Things to do near John Ball Zoo

At John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including captivating animal shows and presentations that highlight the zoo's diverse wildlife. For adrenaline seekers, there are thrilling adventures to experience, alongside opportunities for an aquatic escapade. The zoo is also situated near lively attractions such as live music, baseball, and various sports, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled day.

Shopping

Visit Downtown Market, a vibrant public market only 3.2km from John Ball Zoo, offering a delightful mix of local produce and crafts. RiverTown Crossings Mall, 9.7km away, combines entertainment and shopping for the whole family. Woodland Mall, at 11.3km, presents a great family-friendly experience.

Recreation

At LMCU Ballpark, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. The Walker Ice and Fitness Center offers a peaceful retreat with wellness classes and relaxation sessions. For a dash of adventure, the Patterson Ice Center provides exhilarating ice skating experiences, perfect for a fun day out.

Adventure

At Cannonsburg Ski Area, located 19.3km from John Ball Zoo, you can enjoy exhilarating skiing amidst a vibrant atmosphere. The Canepa Tennis Center, 9.7km away, offers thrilling tennis adventures. For nature enthusiasts, the Musketawa Trail Marne Trailhead, 12.9km distant, provides stunning hiking opportunities amidst beautiful scenery.

Nightlife

In Grand Rapids, the DeVos Performance Hall, Broadway Grand Rapids, and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre offer captivating performances just 3.2km from John Ball Zoo, blending culture, romance, and entertainment. These venues provide a delightful atmosphere for families and couples alike, ensuring a memorable night out.

Find the best attractions near John Ball Zoo

Within and around John Ball Zoo, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including modern colleges and universities, urban parks, and picturesque lakes. These points of interest provide a delightful blend of outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking both urban charm and natural beauty.

• Van Andel Arena: This vibrant entertainment facility, located 3.2km from John Ball Zoo, offers a lively atmosphere for families. Enjoy thrilling sports events, concerts, and shows that cater to all ages, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled evening.
• Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: Situated 9.7km away, this enchanting sculpture garden combines stunning landscapes with impressive art installations. Ideal for families, you can stroll through beautiful outdoor settings, observe diverse flora, and appreciate unique sculptures.
• DeVos Place Convention Center: Located 3.2km from John Ball Zoo, this modern conference venue hosts various events. With its business-oriented vibe, it’s a hub for conventions, exhibitions, and meetings, showcasing the city's active professional scene.

Best time to go to John Ball Zoo

The best time to visit John Ball Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around John Ball Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around John Ball Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	24.3°F (-4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	24.8°F (-4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	35.2°F (1.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.5°F (7.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
June	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	70.3°F (21.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	63.7°F (17.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	39.7°F (4.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
December	31.3°F (-0.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for John Ball Zoo

For a budget-friendly visit to John Ball Zoo, consider travelling in March or from December to January when accommodation rates are lower. Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels, sorting results by price and filtering for eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through Expedia can also save you money. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area and opt for public transport to reduce travel costs.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around John Ball Zoo are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around John Ball Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around John Ball Zoo is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type—by selecting the Eco-certified filter, for instance, you will be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at John Ball Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.