Holiday Lights CLOSED Friday, December 26th due to weather.

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Upcoming Events

Monthly List
December 2025

Holiday Lights 2025

Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. 5pm to 9pm nightlyThursday, November 20 : Zoo Members Only Holiday LightsFriday to Sunday, November 21 – 23Daily Friday, November 28 – Saturday, January 3(CLOSED December 24, December 25 & January 1) […]
Dec 26 - 31 2025
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Behind the Scenes at the Giraffe Barn

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. Between December 2025 and February 2026, all Behind the Scenes programs take place at the Giraffe […]
Dec 27 2025
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 […]
Dec 29 - 31 2025
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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January 2026

Holiday Lights 2025

Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. 5pm to 9pm nightlyThursday, November 20 : Zoo Members Only Holiday LightsFriday to Sunday, November 21 – 23Daily Friday, November 28 – Saturday, January 3(CLOSED December 24, December 25 & January 1) […]
Jan 02 - 03 2026
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Behind the Scenes at the Giraffe Barn

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. Between December 2025 and February 2026, all Behind the Scenes programs take place at the Giraffe […]
Jan 03 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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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 […]
Jan 04 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 […]
Jan 04 2026
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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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 […]
Jan 10 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Behind the Scenes at the Giraffe Barn

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. Between December 2025 and February 2026, all Behind the Scenes programs take place at the Giraffe […]
Jan 10 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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 […]
Jan 11 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 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 […]
Jan 11 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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Wonders of the Wild

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 permits. These are in-person, drop-off sessions held in […]
Jan 17 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 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