Upcoming Events

Monthly List
May 2026

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

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

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

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

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 17 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage

Home School Days

Welcome to the Wildest Classroom in New Jersey! 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, or zoo as weather permits; be […]
May 20 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 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 24 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage

Member Late Night

Members, enjoy the zoo after hours! Member Late Night(5:30PM to 8:30PM) Friday, May 29 Saturday, July 11 Admission to this event is free. You must have a valid photo ID and membership for entry. Have any questions or concerns? Please email [email protected] or call 973-731-500 x241. Not a member? Visit www.zoologicalsocietyofnj.org/join to learn more.
May 29 2026
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

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 31 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
June 2026

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 […]
Jun 07 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

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 […]
Jun 07 2026
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Berson Learning 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