The John Ball Zoo hours are one of the most frequently searched details for visitors planning a day at this beloved Grand Rapids attraction. As of November 2025, the zoo operates on its fall schedule, opening daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the final admission 30 minutes before closing. The 2025 zoo season officially runs through Sunday, November 23, before closing for the winter.
🐾 Overview of John Ball Zoo Hours
John Ball Zoo, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, adjusts its hours several times throughout the year to align with seasonal changes and special events. Here’s what visitors can expect for the 2025 season:
- Spring Season (March 21 – May 31): 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Summer Season (June 1 – September 2): 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Fall Season (September 3 – October 31): 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Late Fall (November 1 – November 23): 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Winter Season: Closed to the public (except for special events).
The zoo typically reopens each year in mid-March when weather conditions improve, welcoming families back for spring and summer activities.
🎟️ Admission and Entry Timing
Guests are encouraged to plan ahead for their visit. While the zoo officially closes at 4 p.m. during November, the last entry is permitted at 3:30 p.m. This allows visitors enough time to explore before exhibits begin to close.
- Ticket Booth & Entry Gate: Open 30 minutes before the zoo’s posted opening time.
- Last Admission: 30 minutes before closing time.
- Gift Shop & Café: Close 15 minutes before zoo closing.
Arriving early not only helps you make the most of your day but also allows time for popular experiences like the zipline, sky trail ropes course, and animal feedings, which may end earlier than general zoo hours.
🌤️ Seasonal Adjustments and Special Events
John Ball Zoo’s hours often shift slightly for special programs and evening events. Some of the most popular include:
- IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale (Fall event): Extended evening hours, typically from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Zoo Goes Boo (October): Evening Halloween celebrations, often requiring separate tickets and modified daytime schedules.
- Holiday Lights (select weekends in late November and December): After-hours walking tours through themed light displays.
Visitors should note that these events operate independently of normal daily hours and may require special admission tickets.
🦓 Why Visiting During Daytime Matters
John Ball Zoo is known for its natural hillside layout and wide-ranging habitats. The terrain includes slopes, shaded walkways, and outdoor exhibits that shine in daylight. Visiting during daylight hours (especially before noon) gives you the best visibility of active animals and the most comfortable walking temperatures.
Morning visitors often get to see the lions, tigers, and bears most active before afternoon rest hours. The aquarium and indoor habitats, meanwhile, remain open throughout the day and offer great options during cooler or rainy weather.
📅 Important 2025 Dates to Remember
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March 21 | May 31 | 9 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Summer | June 1 | Sept 2 | 9 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Fall | Sept 3 | Oct 31 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Late Fall | Nov 1 | Nov 23 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Winter | Nov 24 | Mar 20 (2026) | Closed |
This schedule reflects the zoo’s 2025 operations, with closing dates designed around weather conditions and staff transitions into winter animal care routines.
🚗 Visitor Tips for Planning Your Day
To make the most of your visit to John Ball Zoo, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Arrive Early: The best time to visit is right at opening. You’ll find shorter lines and more active animals.
- Allow 2–3 Hours: This gives you enough time to explore all major exhibits comfortably.
- Check Weather: Since many habitats are outdoors, dress for Michigan’s seasonal changes.
- Parking: The main parking lot opens 30 minutes before the zoo gates. Paid parking is available near the main entrance.
- Accessibility: The zoo offers stroller and wheelchair rentals on a first-come, first-served basis.
🐘 What to Expect Inside
Visitors can explore over 200 species of animals from around the world. Popular attractions include:
- The Aquarium & Living Shores Exhibit – tropical fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Tropics Trail – lush rainforest environments with monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
- African Savannah – home to lions, zebras, and gazelles.
- Wild Way Down – featuring red pandas, wallabies, and other hillside habitats.
During the active season, guests can also enjoy the funicular ride, camel encounters, and the zipline adventure. All of these experiences operate during regular zoo hours, weather permitting.
🎉 End of Season and Winter Preparation
As the 2025 season winds down in late November, the zoo begins preparing animals and exhibits for colder months. Many animals are moved to temperature-controlled habitats, and maintenance crews begin seasonal upgrades.
While the zoo’s main gates close after November 23, the grounds occasionally reopen for special winter events and holiday-themed attractions. The staff uses this period for renovations, habitat care, and preparing for new spring exhibits scheduled for 2026.
📞 Contact and Visitor Information
- Location: 1300 W Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
- Phone: (616) 336-4300
- Current Hours (November 2025): 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Last Admission: 3:30 p.m.
- Parking: Available on-site for a small fee.
Always verify the day’s hours before visiting, as schedules may adjust due to weather or private events.
🐾 Plan Ahead for 2026
For guests planning a visit next spring, the zoo is expected to reopen in mid-March 2026, continuing its tradition of offering hands-on learning experiences, family programs, and exciting new exhibits. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements early next year for updated hours and ticket prices.
Visiting John Ball Zoo is always more enjoyable when you plan around the current hours. Arrive early, explore the exhibits at your pace, and enjoy every moment surrounded by wildlife and nature.
We’d love to hear about your experience — share your favorite animal sighting or memory from your John Ball Zoo visit below!