Thinking about visiting John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan? In this video, we’re covering everything families need to know before they go — from the best exhibits and ticket prices to tips for visiting with young kids. John Ball Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country and one of the best things to do in Grand Rapids, and it keeps getting better every year.

⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS

Introduction & Zoo Overview (0:00)

New Exhibits & What's Coming (1:03)

Is It Worth Visiting? (1:26)

Animals & Exhibits Walkthrough (1:44)

Tickets, Pricing & Membership (2:55)

Zoo Events Throughout the Year (3:13)

Tips for Visiting With Kids (3:46)

About the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids

John Ball Zoo was founded in 1891, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Located right in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 200 species, with a strong mission rooted in conservation and education.

What's New at the Zoo in 2026

2026 marks the zoo's 135th year in Grand Rapids, and there is a lot to look forward to. A brand-new 3,500-square-foot river otter habitat is opening around Memorial Day weekend. The Pygmy Hippo Pavilion, added in 2024, has already become one of the most popular spots on the grounds. And looking further ahead, giraffes are expected to arrive around 2028.

Exhibits & Animals

The zoo has something for every type of visitor. Highlights include the chimpanzee exhibit with a spacious indoor viewing area, tigers, lions, and bears, the enclosed reptile house, camel rides, and a hands-on hobby farm where kids can interact with animals up close.

Tickets & Pricing

General admission runs $15 to $25 per person. Children three and under are free. If you plan to visit more than once, a membership is absolutely worth considering.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early fall offer the most comfortable weather, and animals tend to be most active in the morning hours. Fall is especially great for families thanks to the annual Zoo Goes Boo event in October, where kids can trick-or-treat through the zoo in costume with live entertainment.

Tips for Visiting With Kids

Plan for about two hours. Arrive early when animals are most active. Wear comfortable shoes because there is real walking and some hills. Pack snacks and build in breaks. The dedicated kids' play zone is a great mid-visit reset, and the hobby farm is a favorite for younger children.

Read the Full Grand Rapids Zoo Guide: https://marketgrandrapids.com/blog/grand-rapids-zoo-guide

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Downtown Grand Rapids is packed with incredible restaurants, and today, we are breaking down the best spots you need to try. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or thinking about making Grand Rapids home, this guide covers everything from upscale date-night dining to the best casual bites, all walkable from the heart of the city.

Introduction (0:00)

The Downtown Skywalk (0:21)

Downtown Staples (0:44)

Final Thoughts (2:11)

*The Best Places to Eat in Downtown Grand Rapids*

If you are planning a trip to Grand Rapids or considering a move to the city, the downtown restaurant scene is one of the first things you need to know about. The area is incredibly walkable, and the concentration of great restaurants makes it one of the most enjoyable neighborhoods in West Michigan to explore on foot.

*Getting Around: The Downtown Skywalk*

If you are staying at the Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott, or Courtyard Marriott, you are connected to the downtown Skywalk, a climate-controlled walkway running from Van Andel Arena to DeVos Hall. It is a game-changer in the winter months and puts you within easy reach of several restaurants featured in this video.

This video is just a starting point. The downtown Grand Rapids restaurant scene has more depth than most cities of its size, and it keeps growing. If the lifestyle here appeals to you, the downtown condo market puts all of this right at your doorstep.

Read the Full Downtown Grand Rapids Restaurant Guide: https://marketgrandrapids.com/blog/places-to-eat-downtown-grand-rapids/

Browse Downtown Grand Rapids Condos for Sale: https://marketgrandrapids.com/buy/lifestyles/downtown-grand-rapids-condos/

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If you are thinking about moving to West Michigan and researching Grand Rapids suburbs, there is a good chance Allendale, MI, has already shown up in your search. And for good reason. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Allendale so you can decide if it might be the right fit for your next move.

⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS

Introduction (0:00)

Location (0:34)

Allendale Housing & Real Estate (1:34)

Allendale Schools (2:17)

Is Allendale a Good Place to Live? (2:38)

Summary (3:30)

Allendale offers a combination of newer housing, strong schools, a convenient commute, and easy access to both Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan that is hard to find anywhere else in the region.

So, if you’re wondering if Allendale is a good place to live, the short answer is yes, especially if you are looking for that comfortable suburban feel without giving up access to city amenities. One of the things people mention most often after choosing Allendale is how it feels a little quieter than some of the other Grand Rapids suburbs, while still being incredibly convenient to everything you need.

Overall, Allendale offers a quality of life that appeals to a wide range of people. It checks a lot of boxes: newer homes, a tight-knit community feel, excellent outdoor recreation, and a location that puts you within reach of both the city and the lakeshore.

To explore Allendale in greater detail, check out this full guide:

Living in Allendale, MI: A Guide to One of Grand Rapids' Best Suburbs - https://marketgrandrapids.com/blog/living-in-allendale-mi/

View homes for sale in Allendale, Michigan https://marketgrandrapids.com/buy/communities/allendale/

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Short on time but still want to experience everything Grand Rapids has to offer? Whether you are passing through West Michigan for business, scoping out the city before a potential move, or just carving out a single day to explore, Grand Rapids rewards visitors who know where to go. This guide walks you through how to spend a day in Grand Rapids, from the first cup of coffee to a nightcap downtown, all based on local knowledge from people who actually live here.Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more things to do in Grand Rapids: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLKp_rEg77NKMFthOTVeiw?sub_confirmation=1 VIDEO CHAPTERS:Introduction (0:00)Where to get coffee & how to start your day (0:24)Time for Lunch (1:10)Explore in the afternoon (1:37)Where to go for dinner (1:46)How to end the day (2:38)A well-rounded day in Grand Rapids covers a little bit of everything: neighborhood exploration, green space, local food, culture, and nightlife. When you only have one day in Grand Rapids, consider this your itinerary for a great day.While there are so many things to do in Grand Rapids, one day will allow you to get a real feel for Grand Rapids and understand why so many people choose to call it home. The city is compact enough to navigate without much hassle, yet packed with enough variety that you will not run out of things to do. You will not be able to check every box in a single weekend in Grand Rapids, but you will leave with a genuine sense of the culture, the food scene, and the character of the neighborhoods. Consider it a strong introduction that will have you planning a return trip.Contact us now:Call or Text: (616) 330-2555Email: [email protected]Moving to Grand Rapids? Pick up our FREE relocation guide!https://mailchi.mp/8b5aff1055a5/relocation-guideFollow us:Website: http://marketgrandrapids.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maygroupgr/Facebook: https://facebook.com/maygrouprealtors#movingtomichigan #grandrapids #WestMichigan

If you have been researching moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan, you have probably seen it described as affordable, artsy, and one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cities. Those headlines are not wrong. But they also do not tell the whole story.As a local real estate team serving the Grand Rapids area, we spend every day helping people relocate, upsize, downsize, and put down roots here. So let’s talk honestly about what it is really like to live in Grand Rapids, what people love, what can be challenging, and who this West Michigan city is actually a good fit for.SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLKp_rEg77NKMFthOTVeiw?sub_confirmation=1 Contact us now:Call or Text: (616) 330-2555Email: [email protected] to Grand Rapids? Pick up our FREE relocation guide!https://mailchi.mp/8b5aff1055a5/relocation-guideMore from Group Realtors:Website 🌐: http://marketgrandrapids.comInstagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/maygroupgr/

If you’re considering moving to Grand Rapids, you aren’t alone. As we move through 2026, West Michigan has become a top destination for those seeking a “booming” environment that balances vibrant city growth with a high quality of life.Whether you’re coming from the East Coast, Chicago, or even the Sunbelt, here is everything you need to know about why Grand Rapids is the place to be this year.SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLKp_rEg77NKMFthOTVeiw?sub_confirmation=1 Contact us now:Call or Text: (616) 330-2555Email: [email protected] to Grand Rapids? Pick up our FREE relocation guide!https://mailchi.mp/8b5aff1055a5/relocation-guideFollow us: Website 🌐: http://marketgrandrapids.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/marketgrandrapids Instagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/maygroupgr/

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is consistently recognized as a family-friendly city, but what is it really like to raise kids here? From schools and neighborhoods to year-round activities and affordability, Grand Rapids offers a well-rounded lifestyle for families at every stage. Drawing from local experience and everyday family life, this guide breaks down what parents need to know when considering Grand Rapids with kids.Check out our full blog post: https://marketgrandrapids.com/blog/grand-rapids-with-kids/SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLKp_rEg77NKMFthOTVeiw?sub_confirmation=1 Contact us now:Call or Text: (616) 330-2555Email: [email protected] to Grand Rapids? Pick up our FREE relocation guide!https://mailchi.mp/8b5aff1055a5/relocation-guideMore from Group Realtors:Website 🌐: http://marketgrandrapids.comInstagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/maygroupgr/

Grand Rapids is entering one of the most exciting periods of growth the city has ever seen. With large-scale construction projects, riverfront redevelopment, and new entertainment destinations underway, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the future of Grand Rapids.

In this edition of Living in Grand Rapids, we break down the biggest changes coming to the city in 2026 and why these projects matter for residents, businesses, and anyone considering a move to West Michigan.

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One of the most underrated aspects of living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the food. This is not just a city with a lot of restaurants. It is a city where quality, creativity, and local pride show up on plates every single day. From casual neighborhood spots to destination dining, the Grand Rapids food scene plays a major role in what it feels like to live here.In this edition of Living in Grand Rapids, we are taking a closer look at why Grand Rapids has quietly become a must know city for food lovers and which restaurants locals truly love.SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLKp_rEg77NKMFthOTVeiw?sub_confirmation=1 Contact us now:Call or Text: (616) 330-2555Email: [email protected] to Grand Rapids? Pick up our FREE relocation guide!https://mailchi.mp/8b5aff1055a5/relocation-guideMore from Group Realtors:Website 🌐: http://marketgrandrapids.comInstagram 📸: https://www.instagram.com/maygroupgr/

If you are considering a move to West Michigan, one of the first questions you are likely asking is simple but important. Is Grand Rapids affordable?

In this edition of Living in Grand Rapids, we break down the real cost of living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and how it compares to other cities across the country. Whether you are renting, buying your first home, or relocating from a higher-cost area, Grand Rapids offers a balance that continues to attract new residents.

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