by Claire Chapin | Jul 7, 2026 | Cityscene
This summer, John Ball Zoo is making it easy for everyone to help butterflies, bees, and other wildlife thrive. Community members are invited to visit the Zoo’s Habitat Hero booth at events across West Michigan to receive a free native pollinator plant and learn how a...
by Claire Chapin | Apr 7, 2026 | Cityscene
Mark your calendars, as the wildly popular Grand Rapids Lantern Festival returns for its fourth year at John Ball Zoo from April 8 through June 14, 2026. The festival features dozens of large-scale, handmade lantern installations that glow and light up the night...
by Kelsey | Nov 18, 2024 | Cityscene
Opportunities for close encounters with animals available year-round at John Ball Zoo. Looking for a truly unique gift that also helps support the preservation of wildlife and wild places? Book a Close Encounter Experience at John Ball Zoo! Guests can get a VIP pass...
by Emily | Oct 2, 2023 | Cityscene
Annual John Ball Zoo Halloween celebration offers activities for family fun. It’s officially October, meaning it’s time to fully lean into all the Halloween season has to offer. And as you’re marking up your calendar, filling it with every festive...
by Emily | May 16, 2023 | Spaces
Did you know? You can participate in conservation—even in your own backyard? In celebration of May being Gardening for Wildlife Month, John Ball Zoo is encouraging West Michigan residents choose native trees, shrubs and pollinator plants for their gardens to help...
