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Upcoming Events

Monthly List
May 2026

World Series of Birding 2026

Have you heard of the World Series of Birding? This competition, created by the New Jersey Audubon Society, is a race to see who can identify the greatest number of bird species in 24 hours (May 9th, 2026) throughout the great Garden State. Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is once again teaming up with our conservation partners at Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird […]
May 09 2026
All Day
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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 […]
May 10 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 […]
May 10 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Behind the Scenes at the Animal Wellness Center

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 […]
May 10 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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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 […]
May 12 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Stroller Safari

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo offers a monthly stroller safaris monthly for children 1-4 and a caregiver. Each safari features a unique discussion topic while exploring an area of the zoo. This 30-40 minute guided tour, led by one of our educators, focuses on the wonders of the natural world through the eyes of children. […]
May 13 2026
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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Conservation Conversation: Dr. Cortni Borgerson

Join us on May 14th at 7PM for our first ever member-exclusive lecture, a talk with Dr. Cortni Borgerson, an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Montclair State University and IUCN Primate Specialist, to learn about her work in Madagascar where she works with local communities to protect lemurs. Members must RSVP to the free event […]
May 14 2026
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Sea Turtle Sunrise Event 2026

Enjoy an early morning and breakfast at the zoo with an exclusive private event feel! Be one of only 200 people admitted. Proceeds support SEA TURTLE RECOVERY and their mission to help save sea turtles. Event admission includes two hours at the zoo before normal opening, as well as one doughnut from Beignets of Denville, NJ and […]
May 16 2026
8:00 am - 10:00 am
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Wonders of the Wild

Turtle Back Zoo is an amazing classroom! Our Wonders of the Wild program offers children an opportunity to participate in supplementary science and nature-themed programs and projects that facilitate scientific literacy and life-long environmental stewardship. Available to children age 6-12, this program includes a visit to the South Mountain Reservation, Reservoir, or Zoo as weather […]
May 16 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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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 […]
May 17 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Learn more

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 […]
May 17 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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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