Let the Zoo Come to You!

Traveling Zoo Program

Let the Zoo come to you and learn about wildlife in a hands-on learning experience with our zoo education staff or our trained docents in the comfort of your own classroom or facility.

Click here for more information on our standard Traveling Zoo program.

Family Wildlife Programs (Traveling Zoo Program)

John Ball Zoo is hosting a series of Family Wildlife Education programs this winter and spring at the sites of two of our partners: the Wittenbach/Wege Environmental and Agriscience Center (in Lowell) and the Howard Christensen Nature (in Kent City). These programs will give families the opportunity to learn more about local wildlife, the amazing lives they live and how we can show our respect for them in our daily lives.These programs will include hands-on activities and the presentation of at least 3 animals that you can see up-close and possibly touch.

Programs at the Wittenbach/Wege Environmental and Agriscience Center will be presented from 6:30-7:30 pm on the following Thursdays: January 21, February 18, March 18, and April 15. Check the event calendar for the topics that will be presented on these dates and how to register.

Programs at the Howard Christensen Nature Center will be presented from 2:30-3:30 pm on the followings Saturdays: January 30, February 27, and March 27. Check the event calendar for the topics that will be presented on these dates and how to register.

Interested in bringing wildlife programs to your community? Give us a call at 616-336-4310 to learn more.

Traveling Zoo Programs for Libraries

Does your library want to get kids WILD about reading?! Let the John Ball Zoo come to you! Programs are available year round, and can be a GRRRREAT addition to your showcased book-reading themes! Click here to view and print the registration form for Z's Kids Club Animal Outreach Programs.

Career Presentations

Click here for information about our career presentations, where you can discover how the different Career pathways all intersect at the Zoo.

Discovery Boxes

These boxes provide an easy and exciting way for teachers to bring a taste of the wild to the classroom. Each box contains a wide variety of items including animal “biofacts” (bones, feathers, skins, etc), lesson plans and often games, audio-visual materials, books and magazine articles.
Topics are many and varied, but all are designed to enhance your school curriculum.
Click here for a detailed brochure!