TRAIN will be CLOSED from 10am - 4pm Wednesday, August 5th & Thursday, August 6th

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Upcoming Events

August 2026

Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Night

The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo can be an energetic, noisy place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. In 2026, we are excited to host a Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Night!  End your day on Thursday, August 6 from 4 – 7pm for a modified zoo experience […]
Aug 06 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Amazing Asia Behind the Scenes Tours

Get up close and personal with the animals of Turtle Back Zoo! TBZ is proud to offer two education programs 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 […]
Aug 06 2026
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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Night Moves

Experience the Zoo after hours! Join our knowledgeable Docent volunteers for a unique look at the zoo and its nocturnal animal collection. Night Moves is a guided evening tour of zoo exhibits where you’ll learn about different animal senses and adaptations. Perfect for families, friends, animal enthusiasts, or date nights. Pre-registration is required, and all […]
Aug 07 2026
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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Behind the Scenes with the Lions

Come see the the Pride of TBZ! We are excited to share a new Behind the Scenes offering this summer! Come visit one of TBZ’s newest families, and get a unique, up-close animal experience with first-hand knowledge and stories from the Keepers that know them best. What to Expect: Join TBZ educators for a behind […]
Aug 08 2026
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Mount Building Classroom
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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 […]
Aug 08 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Behind the Scenes with the Lions

Come see the the Pride of TBZ! We are excited to share a new Behind the Scenes offering this summer! Come visit one of TBZ’s newest families, and get a unique, up-close animal experience with first-hand knowledge and stories from the Keepers that know them best. What to Expect: Join TBZ educators for a behind […]
Aug 09 2026
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Mount Building Classroom
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 […]
Aug 09 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 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. […]
Aug 12 2026
10:00 am - 10:45 am
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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Family Fun Nights

Extended Evening Zoo Hours Wednesdays & Thursdays in July and August. Last Admission 7pm (off grounds by 8pm). All Zoo Admission Tickets are $17 per person between 4pm – 7pm. August 6th is Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Night! LEARN MORE Coming on a Wednesday in July? Catch the ZOO -vie of the Night! SEE LINE UP
Aug 12 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Learn more

Family Fun Nights

Extended Evening Zoo Hours Wednesdays & Thursdays in July and August. Last Admission 7pm (off grounds by 8pm). All Zoo Admission Tickets are $17 per person between 4pm – 7pm. August 6th is Sensory-Friendly Family Fun Night! LEARN MORE Coming on a Wednesday in July? Catch the ZOO -vie of the Night! SEE LINE UP
Aug 13 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Learn more

African Penguins Behind the Scenes Tours

Get up close and personal with the animals of Turtle Back Zoo! TBZ is proud to offer two education programs 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 […]
Aug 13 2026
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
Learn more

Sloth Social

Get up close and personal with the animals of Turtle Back Zoo! 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 […]
Aug 15 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
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