Upcoming Events

Monthly List
April 2026

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 […]
Apr 18 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

Behind the Scenes at Island Giants

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 […]
Apr 18 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage

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 […]
Apr 19 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am

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 […]
Apr 19 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

Lifelong Learners

Conservation Exploration for ages 13 to 103! Lifelong Learners programs are conservation conversations for teens and adults. Programs run throughout the year and span topics such as animal anatomy, habitats & conservation, animal careers, and more. These events are perfect for individuals interested in animals, science, conservation, and nature who want to learn something new […]
Apr 19 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

Home School Days

Turtle Back Zoo is an amazing classroom! Welcome to the wildest classroom in NJ! Our homeschool classes offer students an opportunity to boost scientific literacy and knowledge of the natural world, while learning the importance of life-long environmental stewardship. Available to students ages 6-12, this drop-off program includes a visit to South Mountain Reservation, reservoir, […]
Apr 22 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

Member Mornings

Member Mornings are back at the Zoo! Member Mornings(Zoo opens at 9AM) Friday, March 27 Friday, April 24 Friday, May 8 (Stroller Walk Add-On Available – Information Coming Soon!) Sunday, July 26 Sunday, August 30 Saturday, October 24 (Stroller Walk Add-On Available – Information Coming Soon!) Admission to this event is free. You must have […]
Apr 24 2026
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

Behind the Scenes at Island Giants

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 […]
Apr 25 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage

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 […]
Apr 29 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am
May 2026

Prairie Dogs and Pastries

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 […]
May 03 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

Lifelong Learners

Conservation Exploration for ages 13 to 103! Lifelong Learners programs are conservation conversations for teens and adults. Programs run throughout the year and span topics such as animal anatomy, habitats & conservation, animal careers, and more. These events are perfect for individuals interested in animals, science, conservation, and nature who want to learn something new […]
May 03 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

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 03 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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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