A place like no other near Grand Rapids in Michigan
The John Ball Zoo is a popular attraction for families visiting Grand Rapids, with over 2,000 animals from more than 200 species. The zoo was named after one of the city’s founding fathers, John Ball, who generously donated 40 acres of land for public use before his passing in 1884. Tigers, chimpanzees, grizzly bears, and a variety of frogs, toads, and salamanders are among the many animals you can see at the zoo. Additionally, there is an aquarium on-site that houses Magellanic penguins and other interesting creatures. Since the zoo covers 31 acres of a 103-acre park, it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes to explore the extensive grounds.
Visitors who have been to the zoo before highly recommend it as a great family activity, especially if you have young children. One of the reasons is that the zoo allows you to bring your own food from home, which means you can pack a picnic and have a delightful meal on the zoo’s grounds.