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Upcoming Events

October 2026

Family Nature Club

Where we grow and learn together Family Nature Club (FNC) is all about discovering the world, and playing WITH nature, not just IN nature.  Experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors with FNC as we explore our natural heritage within Essex County’s parks. Available to individuals 6-106, this family-friendly program include a visit to […]
Oct 11 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am
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Turtle Back Hatchlings

Early Childhood programs encourage family learning and foster early environmental awareness. We invite young children to discover the natural world through gently structured play, art, stories, animal visits, and more. Early Childhood programming is offered monthly throughout the school year. Age restrictions apply; Pre-registration required.  Zoo admission is not included with registration. Turtle Back Hatchlings […]
Oct 11 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Turtle Back Zoo Tots

Early Childhood programs encourage family learning and foster early environmental awareness. We invite young children to discover the natural world through gently structured play, art, stories, animal visits, and more. Early Childhood programming is offered monthly throughout the school year. Age restrictions apply; Pre-registration required.  Zoo admission is not included with registration. Turtle Back Zoo […]
Oct 11 2026
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Capybara Behind the Scenes

Take a look behind the scenes! TBZ is proud to offer this education program where guests get a unique look at some of their favorite animals, learn valuable conservation education, and meet the keepers that make it all possible. Behind the Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters are for ages 6 and up only, children under 18 […]
Oct 11 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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Zoo Mini Camp

Join us at Turtle Back Zoo for some wild fun! We offer mini-camps throughout the school year on days that coincide with many of the major school holidays. The camp day runs from 9am-4pm and is available for ages 5 to 10. Campers should bring their own snack and lunch. We do our best to […]
Oct 12 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Family Camp

Zoo Camp for the whole family! Have a blast with us at TBZ’s first ever Family Camp. It is all the fun of zoo camp, designed for everyone in your family: parents, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins… everyone over the age of 5 is welcome! Pack your day full of games, crafts, and animal encounters! […]
Oct 13 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Educator Professional Development

Calling all Teachers! Earn Professional Development Hours at the Zoo. Whether you teach upper level science or cross-curricular elementary, TBZ has some exciting PD opportunities for you! Join experienced Educators for NGSS aligned professional development programs leveraging the resources of Turtle Back Zoo. Each session will cover relevant scientific background as well as provide advice […]
Oct 14 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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ConserVISION

Bringing Conservation into Focus Celebrate, support, and learn from organizations participating in environmental conservation efforts throughout and around Essex County at this family-friendly Fall Fest. $ Food trucks & Cocktails available! $15 per ticket (2 and under Free) *Free for Zoo Members
Oct 17 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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Penguin Waddle

Join Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and Fleet Feet Montclair for a wild morning of miles and fun! Date: Sunday, October 18Time: 8:30 AMStart: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Front EntranceFinish: African Adventure inside the Zoo Get ready to waddle, run, or walk your way through a 3-mile course (or take the 1.3-mile Safari Shortcut) before […]
Oct 18 2026
8:30 am - 10:00 am
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Zoo Explorers

Early Childhood programs encourage family learning and foster early environmental awareness. We invite young children to discover the natural world through gently structured play, art, stories, animal visits, and more. Early Childhood programming is offered monthly throughout the school year. Age restrictions apply; Pre-registration required.  Zoo admission is not included with registration. Zoo Explorers is […]
Oct 18 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more

Capybara Behind the Scenes

Take a look behind the scenes! TBZ is proud to offer this education program where guests get a unique look at some of their favorite animals, learn valuable conservation education, and meet the keepers that make it all possible. Behind the Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters are for ages 6 and up only, children under 18 […]
Oct 18 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
Learn more

Homeschool Days

Welcome to the wildest classroom in NJ! Our homeschool classes offer students an opportunity to boost scientific literacy and knowledge of the natural world, and learn the importance of life-long environmental stewardship. Available to students ages 6-12, the programs include a visit to South Mountain Reservation, Reservoir, or Zoo as weather permits. These are in-person, […]
Oct 21 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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MORE INFOMATION

Call us for more information on events, bookings, or zoo visits! To book a group reservation or party, call and ask for Group Sales. Our Group Sales Department phones can be busy at times, so you many need to leave a message. Teachers, please include a preferred callback time if needed, so we can try to connect. Please allow at least 48 hours for a return call before trying again.

Call - (973) 731-5800