Calendar of Events
*Activities and times are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.
Tuesday, March 16 - Job Fair - Guest Programs
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Guest Programs will host a job fair at John Ball Zoo on March 13th, 2009 in the upper level of the John Ball Zoo Administration Building. The address is 1300 W Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. The hours of the event are 9:00-11:00 am & 2:00-4:00 pm.
Tuesday, March 16 - Job Fair - Guest Programs
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Guest Programs will host a job fair at John Ball Zoo on March 13th, 2009 in the upper level of the John Ball Zoo Administration Building. The address is 1300 W Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. The hours of the event are 9:00-11:00 am & 2:00-4:00 pm.
Thursday, March 18 - Family Wildlife Program
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Location: Wittenbach/Wege Environmental and Agriscience Center
11715 Vergennes, Lowell, Michigan 49331
Feeding Frenzy -- What does a monkey munch or a snake swallow? We will learn how animals are adapted for getting and eating specific foods in the wild, investigate predator/prey relationships and see special foods our zoo animals eat to stay healthy.
This program will include hands-on activities and the presentation of at least 3 animals that you can see up-close and sometimes get a hands-on opportunity as well.
Click here to register.
Thursday, March 18 - Job Fair - Grand Valley State
Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
The John Ball Zoo Society will be attending Grand Valley State’s job fair on March 18th, 2010 at Henry Hall Atrium on the Allendale Campus.
We will be looking for qualified candidates for the position of Guest Program Facilitator. Details for this position can be found at . More information and details about the job fair are available at
Saturday, March 27 - Z-Easter Breakfast
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Join Z, our wacky-wabbit-mascot, as he hosts this first time ever breakfast! Peeps hunt, crafts, and real chickens, ducks, and rabbits! Of course, kids may have a one-on-one visit with Z to whisper their Easter wishes. French Toast Sticks, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Fruit Cups, and Juice or Coffee will be served.
Parent and child combo price only $20.00 for Members. ($7.00 extra person)
Non-member price $22.00 ($8.00 extra person)
Call (616)336-4312 to reserve now (payment required with reservation).
Saturday, March 27 - Family Wildlife Program
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Location: Howard Christensen Nature Center
16160 Red Pine Dr, Kent City MI
Backyard Naturalist – Who lives in your backyard? We’ll get to know some of our local animals and learn how to share your backyard space. Learn what the zoo does to take care of our animals and how you can be a “good nature neighbor”.
This program will include hands-on activities and the presentation of at least 3 animals that you can see up-close and sometimes get a hands-on opportunity as well.
Click here to learn more and register.
Monday, April 5 - Spring Break Zoobilee
Burn off some of that out-of-school energy at the Zoo. We’ll have plenty for the kids to do, and of course, the animals will be there too!!! You never know what you are going to find at ZOOBILEE. We’ll be offering impromptu tours, impromptu peeks behind the scenes, kids activities, scavenger hunts and prizes! Admission is on $3.50 for adults and $3.00 for kids (13 -3). Kids 2 and under are free!
Tuesday, April 6 - Spring Break Zoobilee
Burn off some of that out-of-school energy at the Zoo. We’ll have plenty for the kids to do, and of course, the animals will be there too!!! You never know what you are going to find at ZOOBILEE. We’ll be offering impromptu tours, impromptu peeks behind the scenes, kids activities, scavenger hunts and prizes! Admission is on $3.50 for adults and $3.00 for kids (13 -3). Kids 2 and under are free!
Wednesday, April 7 - Spring Break Zoobilee
Burn off some of that out-of-school energy at the Zoo. We’ll have plenty for the kids to do, and of course, the animals will be there too!!! You never know what you are going to find at ZOOBILEE. We’ll be offering impromptu tours, impromptu peeks behind the scenes, kids activities, scavenger hunts and prizes! Admission is on $3.50 for adults and $3.00 for kids (13 -3). Kids 2 and under are free!
Thursday, April 8 - Spring Break Zoobilee
Burn off some of that out-of-school energy at the Zoo. We’ll have plenty for the kids to do, and of course, the animals will be there too!!! You never know what you are going to find at ZOOBILEE. We’ll be offering impromptu tours, impromptu peeks behind the scenes, kids activities, scavenger hunts and prizes! Admission is on $3.50 for adults and $3.00 for kids (13 -3). Kids 2 and under are free!
Friday, April 9 - Spring Break Zoobilee
Burn off some of that out-of-school energy at the Zoo. We’ll have plenty for the kids to do, and of course, the animals will be there too!!! You never know what you are going to find at ZOOBILEE. We’ll be offering impromptu tours, impromptu peeks behind the scenes, kids activities, scavenger hunts and prizes! Admission is on $3.50 for adults and $3.00 for kids (13 -3). Kids 2 and under are free!
Thursday, April 15 - Family Wildlife Program
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Location: Wittenbach/Wege Environmental and Agriscience Center
11715 Vergennes, Lowell, Michigan 49331
Backyard Naturalist -- Who lives in your backyard?
We’ll get to know some of our local animals and learn how to share your backyard space. Learn what the zoo does to take care of our animals and how you can be a good nature neighbor.
This program will include hands-on activities and the presentation of at least 3 animals that you can see up-close and sometimes get a hands-on opportunity as well.
Click here to register.
Saturday, April 17 - Party for the Planet
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
This celebration of earth day brings the community together for an all out conservation expo at the Zoo! Over 30 organizations, companies and experts will be on hand to help families figure out easy ways they can help save our planet’s resources in their own homes and neighborhoods. There will be music, talks, animal demonstrations, science experiments, and give-aways, too! This is a MUST DO event, so kick off spring in style…GREEN style, that is!!!
John Ball Zoo puts conservation first. Composting our animal waste has meant 8,000 LESS plastic trash bags in landfills. Recycling water has meant reduced usage by 35,000,000 gallons. We’ve planted over 140 trees, return grass clipping and mulched leaves to turf areas, have two structures with green roofs and are now using totally biodegradable untensils, cups and plates in our concession stand. In addition to sustainable practices, John Ball Zoo Society’s Wildlife Conservation Fund has given grants to field prjects locally, nationally and internationally. The Fund has assisted in wildlife conservation projects in 38 countries and 22 states.
If you are a ‘green practicing’ organization or company and would like to participate in Party for the Planet, call Krys at (616)336-4374 or email Krys Bylund.
Saturday, May 8 - Summer Hours Begin
Summer hours at John Ball Zoo begin (10:00 am -6:00 pm), seasonal exhibits and experiences now open.
Saturday, May 22 - Members Breakfast
Time: 8:00 - 9:00
Special John Ball Zoo Society 'Members Only' event.
Friday, June 11 - Rendezoo XXI
Time: 7:00 - 11:00 pm
In it's 60th year of supporting John Ball Zoo
the John Ball Zoo Society presents 'Johnbalaya' - Rendezoo XXI
This premier fundraising event includes: strolling supper, entertainment, cash bar, auction, dancing, and more
$75 per person.
Thursday, August 5 - WGVU Dollar Day
Admission is only a dollar!
Saturday, October 16 - Zoo Goes Boo!
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday, October 22 - Zoo Goes Boo!
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday, October 23 - Zoo Goes Boo!
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, October 27 - Zoo Goes Boo! Members Only
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Thursday, October 28 - Zoo Goes Boo!
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday, October 28 - Zoo Goes Boo! Members Only
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
