Food Services

John Ball Zoo has various concession stands located throughout the zoo for your convenience. All concession stands can accept cash, check or credit cards (with a valid photo ID) as well as the John Ball Zoo Gift Card. Remember all proceeds from your food purchases go to support the zoo!

All souvenir cup refill programs are good for one season! Be sure to buy your 2010 cup early in the season and utilize the refill program throughout 2010.

Members! Remember to have your membership card ready to show your cashier to receive your 10% discount at any concession stand!

Monkey Island Café

Monkey Island Café is open during regular zoo hours.

Located by the Gifts of the Wild Gift Shop and Spider Monkey Island.
This main eatery offers a large menu of lunch and snack items. Hot dogs, french fries and chicken tenders are among the favorites sold here! This is also the place to stop to get your soft serve ice cream cone after a hot day at the zoo!

Front Entry

(Seasonal stand) Located at the entrance of the zoo, by the John Ball Statue.
This small stand at the entrance to the zoo allows you to stock up on bottled drinks and snacks to tide you over until lunchtime!

The Whistle Stop

(Seasonal stand) Located across from the Children’s Petting Zoo.
Whistle Stop is proud to offer Kemp’s Hand-Dipped Ice Cream for 2010. Be sure to stop here for your favorite cone! Light food options are also available here.

The Lion’s Den

(Seasonal stand) Located across from the African Veldt and Lion Exhibits.
Mix your own slush in our souvenir yard glasses at this stand! This was a smash hit last year and is back by popular demand! Itti-Bitz Ice Cream will also be offered here to help cool you down on your way through our African Veldt.

Tropical Treats

(Seasonal stand) Located in the Central Plaza, across from the Aquarium. This stand offers many grab and go options, as well as our collectible Animal Sippers and the always refreshing Sno-Cone!

Millennium Park Concessions

Be sure to visit Millennium Park’s Beach Concession Stand. John Ball Zoo Society proudly manages the concession operation at this beautiful Kent County Park. Millennium Park is located at:
1415 Maynard Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Please visit the Millennium Park for directions and other park information.

Just for Groups

ATTENTION GROUPS!
Did you know that you can pre-order lunches for the day you bring your group to the zoo?

For only $4.00 per meal you can receive brown bag lunches for your group! You can pick between a hot or cold lunch options. The hot lunch contains a hot dog, Ritz cheese crackers, animal cookies and fruit punch with all appropriate condiments. The cold lunch contains a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich on white bread, Ritz cheese crackers, animal cookies and fruit punch. These lunches will be ready at the time you designate!
Please contact us at (616) 336-4326 if you have any questions.

Order online now!

Payment accepted when you pick up lunches at the Monkey Island Cafe. We accept Cash, Check or Credit Card (make all checks payable to John Ball Zoo Society). Minimum order is only 12 lunches!
Please place order one week in advance to receive this discount.