John Ball Zoo Park Playgrounds
John Ball Park, among more than 85 parks with playgrounds, has FOUR playgrounds and is located right on the zoo’s grounds on the west side of Grand Rapids.
Many people trek to John Ball Zoo to see the animals, but the playgrounds at John Ball Park, especially the new Universally Designed playground, are worth a stop in themselves.
These are wonderful places where families can picnic and play.
You can hit up the zoo in the morning, and then pop over to one of the many shaded picnic tables and playgrounds so the kids have lunch and let off some extra steam before heading back in for more zoo adventure.
This article is proudly presented by John Ball Zoo. We thank them for their support! Exciting adventures area happening at John Ball Zoo in 2023! Come see the new animals and join us for all the favorite, fun events. More details at JBZoo.org. |
John Ball Parks at a Glance
- Parks are adjacent to John Ball Zoo
- Free parking and free park admission (zoo requires fee)
- Connects to Kent Trails
- 4 Playgrounds, 1 is Universally Designed
- Open until 9:00 PM or dusk, whichever comes first
The Playgrounds at John Ball Park
1300 FULTON W, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504
First, it’s helpful to get a feeling for the parks are on the John Ball Park map.
We’ve outlined the four park locations below.
Universally Designed Playground Near Valley Avenue
This playground debuted in 2019 and includes features of universal design.
This nature-inspired play space uses natural materials and includes sensory features for the visually impaired.
If you visit, you’ll find multiple slides, swings, and climbing features to play on.
Sections of the playground have a rubber surface, while other parts have woodchips underfoot.
Plan ahead: there are no restrooms nearby this playground.
Valley View Playground
This playground is closest to the John Ball Zoo entrance is surrounded by mature shade trees.
There’s a large play structure, ample parking right next to the playground, and loads of shaded picnic tables.
Restrooms in the administration building are within walking distance.
Valley View East and Valley View West are available for rental for $150 each.
Valley View is the most toddler accessible, but can also be very crowded on busy zoo days.
Picnic Acre
Tucked just south of the park (to the left if you’re facing the zoo entrance), is a sweet little playground away from the hustle and bustle of zoo traffic.
There are many picnic tables here and the bonus of this playground is that there’s an indoor bathroom right there!
Tennis courts and a basketball court are also near this playground.
Picnic Acre seems quieter, but the play equipment is limited to a couple of slides and smaller swings.
Hilltop Park aka The Hidden Playground
Have you discovered the Hidden Playground yet?
Before the zoo constructed a new entrance in 2020, there used to be an old staircase up into the woods (by the bandshell) that would take you up to the secret Hilltop Playground.
While the staircase is no longer there, the beautiful pavilion overlooking John Ball Park woods remains.
If you visit, you’ll find a large grassy area surrounded by woods with a small play structure in the middle.
To access this playground area, you will need to drive up the access road off of Butterworth.
Hilltop Park has its own restroom.
Parking at John Ball Park Playgrounds
John Ball Park Playgrounds offers acres of parking.
The main lot extends into the grass during the busy season, which is right next to the Valley View playground.
Picnic Acre is just a short walk from the southwest corner of the parking lot, while the Hilltop Playground is a bit of a hike from the parking lot.
There is parking at the Hilltop Playground if you drive up Butterworth and access the Hilltop driveway, but the fun is in the hike to discover the playground.
Tips for Your Trip from Other Parents
John Ball Zoo has graciously let us share their map that marks picnic and play areas, as well as where you can find the restrooms (always so important with kids in tow!).
Consider when your kids would best enjoy the playground
Before heading into the zoo, when they have more energy? During a lunch break? Or after the zoo, before you head home?
Have little ones take a potty break
There is not a restroom near Valley View
Hilltop Park is heavily wooded
It may be buggy, depending on the time of year.
Hilltop Park is only accessible by car or a long walk
The walk may not be suitable for littles.
John Ball Zoo has over 100 picnic tables!!
Hilltop and Valley View also have single charcoal grills and there is potable water available at Picnic Acre.
There are trees everywhere, so it’s easy to get out of the sun
Hilltop provides the most shade, with Picnic Acre providing decent shade, and Valley View being in full sun.
Dogs are allowed in the parks
They must be on a 6 ft leash at all times. Only service dogs are permitted within the zoo.
Map of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails
Find your next outdoor adventure near you with this map of the best hiking trails, playgrounds, and parks in West Michigan.
Sorry Everyone. The stairs have been removed last fall due to new zoo construction…
I brought my 4 year old and 18 month old up the stairs to Hilltop Park today. Thank you for sharing this gem! It’s beautiful and so peaceful today. It’s like a little peace of country in the city. The playground is in excellent shape and my oldest loved the idea of “exploring” a secret place. The stairs are many, and they are in worse shape as you get higher, but still my little one maneuvered them with little trouble. I would do a birthday party up here for sure if they weren’t in the winter.
I love that you could share this gem with your kids! Great observations on this secret park. May you have many more trips to this special spot in GR. 🙂
The stairs are removed now…
Thanks for this post. I had no idea that the Hilltop playground was there any more.
In the 50’s and 60’s we had our church picnics at the top park. There was a shelter there also. And we had a very fun time there, although I remember it being very buggy.
Then as the years passed we quit going up there because it had a reputation for being a hangout for homeless people and if my memory is Correct, there were some not so nice activities going on up there. Kind of ” out of sight, out of mind”. With everyone including the police.
I’m sure the police and park security have much better control of things these days, and it is a very nice place.
That’s my memory of this park..
Arlene Helder
Grand Rapids