Massive Moving Dinos at John Ball Zoo Will Surprise You!
Starting on July 15, John Ball Zoo visitors will have the thrilling opportunity to encounter over 20 life-size dinosaurs, including the fearsome Velociraptor, the majestic Triceratops, and the towering T-Rex right here in Grand Rapids.
That roar you hear in the distance may sound a little different than the Lion or Tiger you normally hear during your visit. That’s because it’s a dinosaur!
The upper reaches of the zoo transform into a prehistoric adventure with the arrival of Dino Don’s realistic creatures, which will stay in Grand Rapids through November 10, 2024.
These scientifically accurate, animatronic dinosaurs will showcase behaviors like mothering, feeding, and hunting, bringing the ancient world to life right before your eyes.
Dino Don is on It
In fact, Dino Don will be onsite at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids on July 28 to do a series of chats on the Forest Realm Stage.
Dino Don’s accomplishments:
- advisor to Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park film & theme parks
- author of 40 books
- excavator of the largest dinosaurs in the world, the 110 foot long plant-eater Argentinosaurus and the 45 foot long meat-eater Giganotosaurus.
Dino Adventures Travelling Exhibit
Dates: Monday, July 15 – Sunday, November 10, 2024
Location: John Ball Zoo
Admission: Included with general Zoo admission
What to expect:
- Over 20 giant, animatronic dinosaurs come to life in the Forest Realm.
- Full-sized replica creatures up to 60 feet long.
- They move, they fart, they pee!
- See a T-Rex, Velociraptor, and more up close.
- Staff in Jurassic Park hats, giant double doors that open into the Forest Realm where the dinos live.
- Get into the fossil dig pit and learn about these majestic creatures of the past.
- Members get in free!
The exhibit is sponsored by Michigan First Credit Union, Morgan Stanley, and Dykstra Excavating.
Why Dinos?
The hope: by learning about how these huge creatures from a gazillion years ago are connected to the animals we see now, people will be inspired to protect today’s creatures – and our world – so they don’t end up extinct like the dinosaurs.
Understanding that our actions today have a real impact on the things of the future – even things as big as the dinosaurs, is key to the success of conservation.
Dino dig pit
Now at John Ball Zoo!
Ticket Giveaway
This giveaway is now closed. Stay tuned for future giveaways!
Ready to get up close and personal with the dinosaurs and all the other animals at John Ball Zoo?
We’re giving away four (4) tickets to John Ball Zoo to one lucky reader. PLUS these tickets also include three (3) experience vouchers so lucky group members can enjoy the zipline, ropes course, a camel ride, or an Immotion Wild Explorer experience. (Note: Three vouchers total, not per ticket.)
Enter Here
Fill out the form below to be entered to WIN:
FINE PRINT: This giveaway will close on August 7, 2024, at 11 PM EST and the winner will be notified via email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond by email accepting the prize. No purchase necessary to enter the contest. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to grkids.com and not to Facebook. Entrants will release Facebook from all liability. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age and reside in Michigan. Only one entry per household or IP address. GRKIDS’ liability is limited to the value of the prize.
If You Go
Dinosaur Safari is included with John Ball Zoo daily admission.
Members get into the dinosaur exhibit free!
John Ball Zoo Tickets & Hours 2024
Open dates for 2024: March 22 – November 24, 2024
HOURS: The zoo’s hours vary with the time of year. During the summer they are open from 9 AM – 6 PM seven days a week. However, there are exceptions so be sure to check their calendar before going.
TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online.
ADDRESS: 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Admission Rates for John Ball Zoo
| May 11 – Sept 29 | Spring/Fall | |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (ages 13 – 61) | $22 | $17 |
| Youth (ages 3 – 12) | $17 | $13 |
| Seniors (ages 62 +) | $17 | $13 |
| College Students (with valid student ID) | $17 | $13 |
| Military (with valid military ID. Available to active & Veteran US Military personnel and their spouses) | $17 | $13 |
| Kids under 2 | Free | Free |
For more information on tickets and memberships, visit John Ball Zoo’s website. You can also call (616) 336-4300 or email info@jbzoo.org.
