At A Glance
Located in Michigan, USA, both the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids and the Saginaw Children’s Zoo in Saginaw offer unique experiences featuring a variety of notable animal species and appropriate facilities for all types of visitors including families with toddlers and those requiring disability access.
John Ball Zoo, covering 31 acres, focuses on sustainability and conservation housing 200 species of animals, including tigers, bears, and lions, and also provides food and drink options.
On the other hand, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, spanning 10 acres, offers a cozier experience with 150 diverse animals like sloths, llamas, and rabbits, aiming to engage little ones in particular.
Both zoos allow self-catering, but also feature food stalls.
Although neither zoo is publicly accessible, free parking is available.
Despite the differences, both zoos commit to not allowing pets barring service animals and do not permit animal handling for visitor safety.
Notably, John Ball Zoo is pricier with an average family of four costing $70 compared to Saginaw Children’s Zoo’s $28, but offers a larger overall experience.
Size
When it comes to size, John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids outpaces Saginaw Children’s Zoo.
Spanning over 31 acres, John Ball Zoo is more than three times the size of the 10-acre Saginaw Children’s Zoo.
Although larger, it only takes a half hour more, on average, to visit all of the attractions at John Ball Zoo than it does at Saginaw Children’s Zoo.
The average visit to John Ball Zoo lasts about 2 hours, while a trip to Saginaw Children’s Zoo is typically completed in just 1.5 hours.
The difference in size and variety of species may account for the longer visitation time at John Ball Zoo.
More About John Ball Zoo
About John Ball Zoo
- 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
- 16-336-4300
- jbzoo.org
| Size (acres) | 31 |
| Time To Walk Around | 2 Hours |
| Adult Price | $20 |
| Child Price | $15 |
| Infant Price | Free Under 2 Years Old |
| Price For Family Of 4 | $70 |
| Parking | Free |
| Number Of Animals | 200 species |
| Can Bring Your Own Food? | Yes |
Information from jbzoo.org
Price
When comparing the pricing between the John Ball Zoo and the Saginaw Children’s Zoo, one can immediately see some significant differences.
At John Ball Zoo, an adult ticket is priced at $20, and a child ticket at $15.
A concession ticket for seniors, military, or college students costs $15 as well.
Notably, children under the age of 2 gain free entry.
If you represent an average family of 4, the total cost sums up to $70.
On the other hand, Saginaw Children’s Zoo presents a more pocket-friendly option.
Both adult and child tickets here are priced at just $7, with a concession ticket at $5.
Children under the age of 1 can enter free of charge, and for an average family of 4, the total expenditure is only $28.
Thus, in terms of pricing, Saginaw Children’s Zoo is the more economical choice for families.
The cost of an average family of 4 at John Ball Zoo is $70 compared to 28 at Saginaw Children’s Zoo.
Popular Animals
Both John Ball Zoo and Saginaw Children’s Zoo, situated respectively in Grand Rapids and Saginaw, Michigan, provide a diverse range of wildlife for keen visitors.
The John Ball Zoo, home to over 200 species, boasts notable wild and predatory animals such as tigers, bears, penguins, and lions, offering a more exotic appeal.
On the other hand, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, although hosting fewer species (around 150), presents a more child-friendly collection of animals, featuring creatures like sloths, penguins, llamas, rabbits, and crocodiles.
In terms of penguins, both zoos provide the opportunity to observe these remarkable birds, suggesting that penguin enthusiasts will not be disappointed when visiting either zoo.
Thus, the choice between the two would largely depend on visitors’ preferences for the scale and species of animals. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-saginaw-childrens-zoo”>
More About Saginaw Children’s Zoo
About Saginaw Children’s Zoo
- 1730 S Washington Ave #2876, Saginaw, MI 48601, United States
- 989-759-1408
- https://www.saginawzoo.com/
| Size (acres) | 10 |
| Time To Walk Around | 1.5 Hours |
| Adult Price | $7 |
| Child Price | $7 |
| Infant Price | Free Under 1 Years Old |
| Price For Family Of 4 | $28 |
| Parking | Free |
| Number Of Animals | 150 |
| Can Bring Your Own Food? | Yes |
Information from https://www.saginawzoo.com/
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Accesibility
Both the John Ball Zoo and the Saginaw Children’s Zoo in Michigan show a strong commitment to accommodating visitors with disabilities.
The John Ball Zoo ensures accessibility by providing rentable equipment, making it convenient for those with mobility issues to explore the attractions around its 31-acre park.
On the other hand, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo, while smaller in size, delivers a disability-friendly experience by maintaining mainly paved paths.
This feature makes navigation easier for those in wheelchairs or those who difficulty walking, providing a comfortable zoo visit over its 10-acre area.
Regardless of which zoo they opt for, visitors with disabilities can anticipate a thoughtful and accessible experience.
Pefect For
Both John Ball Zoo and Saginaw Children’s Zoo are fantastic choices for trips that are family-friendly and convenient for individuals with disabilities.
The John Ball Zoo, with its emphasis on conservation and sustainability, provides a rich, educational experience ideal for families with older children.
The vast diversity of species here, including tigers, bears, and penguins, is sure to keep teens and adults alike fascinated.
On the other hand, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, featuring more small animals and a playful vibe, seems perfect for families with toddlers.
Its manageable size and the presence of animals like sloths, llamas, and rabbits could really create an engaging and memorable visit for the younger ones.
So if your crew leans more towards the little ones, Saginaw may be a better pick, while families with older children might find John Ball Zoo more suited to their liking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the John Ball Zoo and the Saginaw Children’s Zoo provide a great day out for families and are committed to disability access.
They both have a diverse selection of animals with around 200 species at John Ball Zoo and about 150 at Saginaw Children’s Zoo.
If you are more driven by large animals like tigers, lions, and bears, and have a keen interest in conservation and sustainability, the John Ball Zoo would be a fitting choice.
But, it comes with slightly higher ticket prices and a longer walking tour around the zoo.
On the other hand, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo provides a more budget-friendly, engaging family trip featuring small animals like sloths, rabbits, and Llamas.
It also has distinctly shorter tour time.
Regardless of your choice, the experiences each zoo offers are worth the visit, and both permit visitors to bring their own food and drinks, aiding in overall comfort throughout your zoo adventure.
