RENTALS & PARTIES
PRIVATE EVENTS
PRIVATE EVENTS
Host Your Private Event At John Ball Zoo
Founded in 1891, John Ball Zoo is located in Grand Rapids on the rapidly developing West Side and provides a unique venue for your event. Family-friendly, the Zoo celebrates animals and conservation daily.
Host your event in our Event Tent located inside the entrance of the Zoo. This amazing venue is the perfect spot to host any party or corporate meeting or event.
Let us make your event one to remember. Email [email protected] or call 616-336-4314 for more information.
PRIVATE EVENTS
Private Event Venue Options
Email [email protected] or call 616-336-4314 for more information.
Bissell Tree House
The Bissell Tree House, situated on one of Grand Rapids highest points, is John Ball Zooâs most picturesque indoor event space. Itâs designed to showcase the sweeping view toward downtown and it sparkles with elegance. Â Whether you choose to host a seated meal or a casual cocktail party on the wrap-around deck, the Bissell Tree House makes a memorable backdrop for any meaningful event in your life.Â
- Spacious venue with floor to ceiling windows overlooking downtown
- Tables and chairs included in rentals
- Adjustable lighting for the perfect ambiance
- Wrap-around covered deck set for cocktails or ceremony
Event Tent
John Ball Zoo’s covered outdoor event space provides guests a private upscale venue where guests can enjoy the zoo during the day or have an intimate night time experience. John Ball Zoo’s operating hours vary throughout the season.Â
- All daytime rentals are required to purchase zoo admissions for all guests.
- Night time events will not have access to the zoo.
- To begin the Event Tent rental process, please reach out to our Rentals and Events Office using the contact information below.
- Email us at [email protected]
- Give us a call at (616) 336-4314 for more information.
PRIVATE EVENTS
Picnics And Park Reservations
Reserved Park picnic areas are available. You can check availability and reserve one of the 7 different picnic areas in John Ball Park through our web store. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.
If you have additional questions, please inquire at [email protected] or call 616-336-4301 ext 4001
Picnic Acre and Entry Valley
- Permit and approval required.
- 50 picnic tables available
- Large shade trees along the edge of large open space available for event use
- Playground, restrooms building and basketball court are nearby
- Accessible via a paved pathway to Kent Trails
- Electricity included in reservation fee
- Potable water available
- Use of Picnic Acre and Entry Valley requires a park application and approval prior to reserving this site. Please contact us for an application.
Fulton View
- Picnic area is shaded by mature park trees
- Located near the open brick shelter, overlooking the duck pond
- Area seats 128 people (16 picnic tables)
- Two charcoal grills available for use
- Parking, restrooms, and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
- There is NO electricity available at this site
- Rental Fee: $150
Hilltop Pavilion
- Open-sided stone pavilion seats 120 people (15 picnic tables)
- Overlooks John Ball Park
- Access is on the park's south side off Butterworth Avenue just opposite the Kent Trails Bike Path
- Electricity included in reservation fee
- Drinking fountain with potable water available
- Single charcoal grill available for use
- Restrooms and playground are all within walking distance
- Located at the top of John Ball Zoological Garden.
- Rental Fee: $350
Pond Pavilion
- Open brick shelter house overlooks a charming duck pond, home to a variety of waterfowl
- Pavilion seats 96 people (12 picnic tables)
- Electricity included in reservation fee
- Potable water available
- Restrooms located inside the pavilion
- Parking and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
- Rental Fee: $350
The Grove
- Shady area seats 96 people (12 picnic tables)
- Located just east of the LV Eberhard Zoo Administration Building
- Two charcoal grills available for use
- Parking, restrooms, and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
- There is NO electricity available at this site
- Rental Fees: $150
Valley View West
- Picnic area is shaded by mature park trees and is adjacent to a large playground
- Area seats 80 people (10 picnic tables)
- Located between the south parking lot and Valley St
- Single charcoal grill available for use
- Parking, restrooms, and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
- There is NO electricity available at this site
- Rental Fee: $150
Valley View East
- Picnic area is shaded by mature park trees, and is adjacent to a large playground
- Area seats 80 people (10 picnic tables)
- Located between the south parking lot and Valley St
- Single charcoal grill available for use
- Parking, restrooms, and the Zoo entrance are all within walking distance
- There is NO electricity available at this site
- Rental Fee: $150
PRIVATE EVENTS
Catering and Beverage Service
John Ball Zoo offers in-house catering. Contact us for amazing customizable food and beverage options. Along with us, we also offer seven unique partners for your catering needs. One of the following food service companies must cater all rentals. *All alcoholic beverage sales will go through John Ball Zoo. Separate terms and conditions, packages, pricing, contracts, and invoices will accompany all alcoholic beverage sales.
Applause Catering & Events
- Phone: (616) 940-0001
- 3755 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Suite C, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
- applause-catering.net
Forty Acres Soul Kitchen
- Phone: (616) 723-9770
- 1059 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
- fortyacresgr.com
Gilmore Catering
- Phone: (616) 356-2627 X 116
- 20 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- gilmore-catering.com
Kangaroo Kitchen & Catering
- (616) 451-6775
- 1007 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- kangarookitchengr.com
Martha's Catering
- Phone: (616) 459-0116
- 1122 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- cateringbymarthas.com
El Granjero Mexican Grill
- Phone: 616.458.5595
- 950 Bridge St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
- elgranjero- mexicangrill.com