If you are in Grand Rapids and looking for something to do, you need to check out the Zoo! WE did and we live here and forgot how much fun it really is! Located at 1300 W Fulton
Watch this clip!
The last days of summer slipping through our hands my son and my daughter decided it would be fun to go to the Zoo! After checking some on line info about John Ball Park Zoo. Not to mention my comment of: "What? We live AT the Zoo already! Why should we go visit one?" They were still determined to go so, we packed up and headed off for an early morning visit! It was cooler and the animals were very active! It was a great day of fun!
John Ball was an interesting guy! Even a REALTOR! It wasn't till after he died that the Zoo began to take shape! He left 40 acres to the city back in 1884. The city not sure what to do with it! (Priceless today no doubt!)
I wish I had a nickel for every picture and every kid that climbed on the lap of this guy!
The mission of the zoo is as follows:
Mission Statement
The mission of the John Ball Zoo is to help all individuals gain information about, respect for, and an understanding of the animal kingdom by providing a quality zoological facility that promotes good animal husbandry, provides diverse educational opportunities, actively participates in local, state, and national conservation and research programs and achieves a significant breeding and reproductive record.
Way Cool!
Our journey/adventure begins!
As we entered the park we were greeted by friendly attendants and many blooming flowers!
Here is some of the great animals we saw that day! 
I love these pink things!
Look another agent! lol
Not a snake lover, but 8 year thought this was cool!
Hang on little fellas! The white stuff will be here soon!
Are you talking to me?
This is where you can touch a Stingray!
Not me! The kids did! Had a blast!
You do have to pay extra for this ($1.00) but it is worth it to watch their faces!
We go to the Zoo and they have the most fun at the petting zoo! Go figure!
(the 20 year was so geeked about this chicken!)
Very friendly! Fun!
This guy ~ he had an issue! Think he smells Turkey!
Knowing that the glass is the only thing between you and this awesome creature is mind boggling!
Baby Goats! They weren't 'kid'n around!"
Sorry! they were very, very cute and noisy!
The Zoo has done an awesome job in making you feel that you are part of the animal area!
I love watching them... I think they love watching us too!
I think he is doing YOGA! Cool!
We got so close to them and the little babies are so stinking
cute!
WALK THRU WALLABIES and JOEYS – Last day SUN – 9/14
SKY TRAIL ropes course – Weekends only - Thru September – weather permitting – Also available by request for corporate parties or team building events 269-673-0016
We didn't get to go on this! But it looks like a blast! We ran out of time!
Plan at least 6 hours!
We were bushed! oh, wait this isn't us! But what a great couple!
Ran out of time to do! Too cute!
Yup! My monkeys! Thanks John Ball for your 40 acres! We had a blast!
All rights reserved by Charlene Hammontree@U.S. Home & Realty
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Charlene, great photos of the zoo, thanks for sharing. Looks like a good time was had by all.