New Jersey's #1 ranked zoo with over 1,400 animals on 20 acres in South Mountain Reservation. Features train rides, carousel, prehistoric playground, pony rides, giraffe feeding, butterfly tent, and a touch tank with stingrays. Offers homeschool programs, early childhood classes, behind-the-scenes tours, Family Nature Club, and summer camps for all ages.
Parents love Turtle Back Zoo, with a 4.6-star rating from 14,190 reviews on Google. Highly rated for quality, safety, and great experiences for kids.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Magical Christmas Experience We visited Turtle Back Zoo during the Christmas season and it was a beautiful and very special experience. The zoo was decorated with lights and Christmas decorations that created a magical atmosphere, especially at dusk. It's a perfect activity to enjoy with the family and experience the spirit of Christmas. The tour is pleasant, well-organized, and safe, with plenty of opportunities for photos. The children enjoyed it immensely, and the adults did too. The staff was very friendly, and everything was well-maintained. An excellent option for creating unique Christmas memories, surrounded by nature and joy. 🎄 Highly recommended 🎄
This is a review for Christmas experience at the Zoo Wow… can’t believe I didn’t know about this despite living in NJ for 8 years! Turtle Back Zoo turns into a complete Christmas paradise after 5 PM, and it’s absolutely magical. I recently found out about this and, after seeing the lights and activities, I was genuinely impressed. During the holiday season, entry is free after 5 PM through sponsorship, which is a huge plus. Timings are 5 PM – 9 PM. Parts of the zoo remain open, so you can still see animals and birds like bison, giraffes, toucans, and more, which makes it extra special for kids. The entire park is beautifully lit with festive decorations and multiple Christmas trees. The area near the carousel looks amazing. For Kids’ Activities - There’s no shortage of fun for children- Face painting, Meet & greet with Santa (on specific days/times), Carousel rides, Pony rides etc… Food and beverages are well taken care of, like Starbucks or Zoo’s own food sections spread across the park Perfect for grabbing a warm drink while walking around. They also have private igloos available: You can rent for 4 hours that can accommodates up to 10 guests, Includes hot chocolate and snacks Its located in West Orange, Essex County Parking: Two multi-level parking garages—parking is hassle-free and well organized. Overall, it was an amazing 2–3 hour evening spent with friends. Festive, family-friendly, and surprisingly delightful. Highly recommended—especially if you have kids!
You cannot beat the price per person on a weekend to enter this Very nice zoo! Stop by if you love animals and take a look at all the beautiful wildlife that lives here !! The zoo is very clean and the staff is so helpful and kind , consistently walking around the property to make sure the animals are good and the customers have any questions or concerns there is always a staff member near by , you can also pet and feed the cownose stingrays which is very cool! I highly recommend stopping in to this amazing zoo!
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Turtle Back Zoo features over 1,400 animals including giraffes, sea lions, penguins, red pandas, wolves, bison, and many more across 20 acres. Popular exhibits include giraffe feeding, stingray touch tank, butterfly tent, and the penguin pavilion.
Plan for 3-4 hours to see the entire zoo comfortably. The 20-acre facility requires moderate walking, but paved paths make it stroller-friendly. Animals are most active in the morning and late afternoon.
Yes! Giraffe feeding is one of the most popular experiences at Turtle Back Zoo. You can hand-feed the giraffes during scheduled times (weather dependent). Check at the entrance for feeding times and pricing.
Absolutely! Turtle Back Zoo is perfect for toddlers with the petting zoo, mini train ride, carousel, pony rides, and wide paved paths for strollers. The zoo offers plenty of spots to rest and snack.
Yes, Turtle Back Zoo offers several birthday party packages that include admission, private party room, and optional add-ons like train rides, carousel, and animal encounters. Book online or call (973) 731-5800.
Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Arrive when they open (10 AM) for the most active animals and cooler temperatures in summer. The Christmas lights display (November-January) is magical but attracts crowds.
Yes, parking is free in the multi-level parking garage. The garage is spacious and parking is typically easy to find even on busy weekends.
Yes, Turtle Back Zoo offers week-long summer camp programs for ages 4-14 with age-appropriate activities including animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, games, and education. Register early as camps fill quickly.
Forest school in South Mountain Reservation following the Cedarsong Way of nature immersion. Children learn through sustained time outdoors — exploring, hiking, and connecting with the natural world. Enrichment classes promote social, emotional development and foster independence. Summer camp ages 4–7.
16-acre nature sanctuary with woodland trails, a three-story Tree House with bird's-eye forest views, butterfly garden, and sensory garden. After-school nature education classes, summer camps, and seasonal family events focused on environmental stewardship. Founded 1923.
28-acre formal Italianate garden with naturalistic landscapes, majestic trees, wildflower meadows, ponds, and cultivated woodlands. Endorsed by the Garden Conservancy as one of 16 exceptional gardens in the US. Family programs and seasonal events throughout the year.