Food & Beverage at John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo has various food & beverage opportunities located throughout the zoo for your convenience. All venues  accept cash, check or credit cards. Remember all proceeds from your food purchases go to support the zoo!

All souvenir cup refill programs are good for one season! Be sure to buy your 2020 cup early in the season and utilize the refill program throughout 2020. 

 

Monkey Island Café –Located by Spider Monkey Exhibit

This main eatery offers a large menu of lunch and snack items. Hot dogs, french fries and chicken tenders tend to be among the favorites sold here! This is also the place to stop to get your soft serve ice cream cone after a hot day at the zoo. Gluten Free Pulled Pork Nachos are available as well as some lighter fare like our Garden Salads and vegan Herbivore Bowls!

 

Depot Snacks – Located by Lower Funicular Depot 

Enjoy this as your first stop once you enter the zoo! Grab a coffee on your way in orenjoy a wide selection of healthy grab 'n go items in our self-serve cooler. On your way out, you can also stop by for our Elephant Ears or Dippin Dots to highlight the end of your visit!

 

The Whistle Stop – Located across from Red’s Hobby Farm

Whistle Stop is proud to offer Hudsonville hand-dipped ice cream. Be sure to stop here for your favorite cone. We also offer a large variety of snacks like pretzels, hot dogs and chips & cheese! Enjoy the view of the petting zoo while eating on the Whistle Stop deck.

 

The Lion’s Den – Located across from the African Veldt 

Mix your own slush in our fun souvenir cups at this stand! Enjoy a cotton candy or pretzel to snack on too!

 

Dippin Dots – Located in the Central Plaza, across from the Aquarium

Get your favorite flavor Dippin Dots here. Located centrally in the zoo, we offer five flavors, make sure to try them all.

 

Bird's Nest - Located on the Forest Realm Trail, near the Tools of the Trade Program

This is a quick stop for snacks like popcorn, cotton candy and fresh roasted almonds! This location also serves a selection of alcoholic beverages for adults 21 and up to enjoy. 

 

Tiger Paws Pizza - Located by the Tiger exhibit

Get your fresh pizza, breadsticks and the always popular Dole Whip at this venue. Try our over the top Dole Whip Sundae served in a pineapple. Adults can enjoy beer and wine here. 

 

Shaved Ice - Located by the Frog exhibit

Sno cones and giant shaved iced make a great addition to a hot day! 

 

Monkey Bar - Located across from Spider Monkey Island

Enjoy our new venue where you can stop for a slush, fresh roasted nuts, or choose from a variety of rotating beers on tap. 

 

You can reach the Food & Beverage Department at (616) 336-4326 or concessions@jbzoo.org

To assist our visitors with allergies, we do allow outside food to be brought into the zoo. We do ask that no glass containers are brought in for the safety of our animals and our guests. 

We appreciate your business!