Food & Beverage at John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo has various concession stands located throughout the zoo for your convenience. All concession stands can 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 2019 cup early in the season and utilize the refill program throughout 2019.

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!

Shaded Grounds – Located by Front Entrance and John Ball Statue

Enjoy this as your first stop, pick up a coffee, a specialty hot chocolate or soda. Also a great last stop for a Dippin Dots Sundae on your way out!

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

Whistle Stop is proud to offer Kemps hand-dipped ice cream. Be sure to stop here for your favorite cone. We also offer a large variety of specialty hot dogs, nachos, and other snacks. Enjoy the view of the petting zoo while eating on the Whistle Stop deck.

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

Mix your own slush in our fun souvenir cups at this stand! Bottled drinks and snack food items make this stand a good go-to venue for the family.  

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

This is a quick stop for snacks like popcorn, cotton candy and fresh roasted almonds! 

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! Also try our fresh squeezed lemonade at this venue!

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!