Which Is Best: John Ball Zoo Or Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Michigan, USA

Size

John Ball Zoo and Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park, both located in the state of Michigan, USA, are fairly similar in size as per the area they each cover.

John Ball Zoo, in Grand Rapids, stretches over 31 acres and it takes about 2 hours for visitors to see all of the attractions.

A little shorter walk is offered by the Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park in Mackinac County.

Despite covering a slightly smaller area of 30 acres, a complete tour of this park would include 1.5 hours of walking.

Both zoos are spacious enough to house diverse wildlife, yet compact enough to explore comfortably in half a day.

Price

When comparing the ticket prices at John Ball Zoo and Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park, there are notable differences.

At John Ball Zoo, an adult ticket is priced at $20, while at Garlyn Zoo, an adult can enter the park for $15.

For children, John Ball Zoo charges $15, whereas Garlyn Zoo only charges $7.5 per child.

John Ball Zoo has a flat rate of $15 for concession tickets, whereas the Garlyn Zoo doesn’t provide information on concession ticket prices.

Both zoos allow children under the age of 2 to enter for free.

If a family of four were to visit, they would spend $70 at John Ball Zoo and a much lower $45 at Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park.

The cost of an average family of 4 at John Ball Zoo is $70 compared to 45 at Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park.

Popular Animals

Both John Ball Zoo and Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park, located in Michigan, offer an impressive array of animals.

John Ball Zoo, situated in Grand Rapids, boasts a collection of around 200 species of animals that include notable creatures such as tigers, bears, penguins, and lions.

This zoo is committed to conservation and sustainability, hosting a diverse range of fauna for curious visitors of all ages to admire.

On the other hand, Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park in Mackinac County, whilst slightly smaller, hosts a unique range of animals including tigers, sloths, bears, and lions.

Both zoos highlight a balance between carnivorous animals like lions and tigers, and other species, offering visitors an encompassing wildlife experience.

However, an interesting distinction lies in the presence of penguins at John Ball Zoo and sloths at Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park, providing each zoo with its own unique character and animal range. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-garlyn-zoo-wildlife-park”>

More About Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park

Information from http://www.garlynzoo.com/

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Accesibility

John Ball Zoo and Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park both cater to visitors with physical disabilities, but offer different options to aid accessibility.

John Ball Zoo, situated in Grand Rapids, Michigan, not only provides a wheelchair-friendly environment, but also offers the option of renting necessary equipment on-site, accommodating those who may not have their own.

This ensures that individuals with physical disabilities or those who may experience difficulties with walking can benefit from the zoo’s facilities without significant obstacles.

Meanwhile, Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park, located in Mackinac County, offers mulch paths throughout the facility, aiding those with mobility issues.

Despite the natural, uneven terrain, these paths make the park’s attractions more accessible and navigable.

However, unlike John Ball Zoo, they do not seem to offer any rental equipment, which may need to be considered when planning a visit.

Overall, both zoos are making efforts to provide an accessible environment for all visitors.

Pefect For

When deciding which trip is best for your family, both John Ball Zoo and Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park offer some great options.

Both zoos are friendly towards families with older children and toddlers as well as being disability-access-friendly.

If you are looking for a shorter trip, the Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park might be a better choice as it covers fewer acres and takes slightly less time to view all of the attractions.

John Ball Zoo has a strong emphasis on conservation and sustainability and offers rich food and drink options, great for families willing to invest a bigger chunk of their day exploring.

On the other hand, Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park, with its friendly, intimate atmosphere, is perfect for a relaxed, leisurely family afternoon out.

In conclusion, whilst both zoos are tailored towards similar audiences, the choice between them depends on the extent of the zoo experience your family is seeking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the John Ball Zoo and the Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park present unique animal experiences within the state of Michigan.

The John Ball Zoo, renowned for its conservation and sustainability efforts, extends a broad variety of species including tigers, bears, lions, and penguins.

The zoo’s 31-acre span offers plenty of food and drink options, making it a fantastic choice for families and those requiring disability access.

The Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park is slightly smaller but equally as engaging, boasting a family-friendly atmosphere with animals like tigers, sloths, and lions on display.

Both zoos maintain a strong focus on accessibility, welcoming families with toddlers and older children alike.

Despite both being unable to access by public transport, both parks offer free parking and allow visitors to bring their own food and drink.

It’s important to note that while the entry fee at John Ball Zoo is slightly more than Garlyn Zoo, the value each offers is exceptional.

Regardless of your choice, each place provides a diverse, enriching, and memorable day out in Michigan’s heartland.