Experiences and Adventures

Your adventure at John Ball Zoo wouldn't be complete without one of these rides or encounters. All of our experiences are generally available during the summer season. However, occassionally Mother Nature requires that we close them for safety.

During our Spring and Fall season (discounted admission rates) the experiences may not be open. Please call 616-647-7842 for specific daily availability.

ZIP LINE

This four story, 300-foot, Zipline is the real thing! Riders are securely harnessed before they step off the platform and fly over the Zoo petting corral to another ridge! Children must be 43” tall and a minimum of 65 pounds to participate. They must also fit securely in the harness and meet our weight requirements. Closed toed shoes are required. For general questions and inclement weather questions call 616-647-7842.

$6 (Member - $5)

$11 (Member - $9) Combo Ticket: Zip Line and Ropes Course

SKY TRAIL ROPES COURSE

Four stories tall with two climbing levels, this Ropes Adventure Course, gives you a chance to test your courage and strength, but once you get the hang of it, its downright fun! Children must be 48” tall to participate. Closed toed shoes are required. For general questions and inclement weather questions call 616-647-7842.

Also available for corporate parties or team building events (call 616-336-8951)

$6 (Member - $5)

$11 (Member - $9) Combo Ticket: Zip Line and Ropes Course

IDEMA FUNICULAR

Think of the funicular as another way in or out of the Zoo. Visitors taking the funicular UP (or in) should head to the lower depot when they enter the Zoo. When they disembark, they’ll find themselves at the highest point of the zoo and will now be able to explore walking entirely downhill. Great for moms with strollers! The other option is to take the funicular DOWN (or out). These visitors should pick up the funicular at end of the Forest Realm Trail after they’ve fully explored the Zoo. By taking the funicular back to the front entrance, visitors avoid retracing their steps.

The funicular should not be thought of as a way to see the zoo. Its path offers a great view of the city but not much of the Zoo itself. Either way you experience the funicular, the trip is an enjoyable four minutes and should not be missed!

Details about the Idema Funicular at John Ball Zoo:

The Idema Funicular is the first of its kind in Michigan.
There is 890 linear feet of track.
The funicular gains an elevation of 114 feet from start to end.
The cars are fully air conditioned.
There is a one-way fee for each ride on the funicular.

$3 (Member and Non-member)

CAMEL RIDES

Even the littlest tykes love a chance to ride the hump. Souvenir photos available.

$5 (Member - $4.50)

Pictures $5

STING RAY LAGOON

A 5,000 gallon outdoor touch pool that provides visitors with the opportunity to not only see, but to touch, feel and experience the Sting rays and sharks as they traverse the water. STING RAY LAGOON is the only exhibit of its kind in Michigan!

$1 (Member - $0.75)

BUDGY AVIARY

Get cheek to beak in this newly expanded interactive exhibit! Located near the waterfall by the Children's Zoo, our Budgie Aviary allows you to walk through an exhibit full of colorful Budgies native to Australia. You can even purchase a feed stick and have birds feeding right out of your hand! This is one exhibit you won't want to miss!

$1 (Member $0.75)

PETTING CORRAL

The Petting Corral at "Red's Hobby Farm" in LV Eberhard Adventure World is one of our most popular venues. The focus is on domestic animals complete with a traditional red barn.

PYGMY GOAT CORRAL

This toddler specific experience is a great way to introduce your young ones to a safe and gentle animal experience. The baby goats love attention and we encourage the children to touch, and pet them.