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Upcoming Events

October 2026

Family Camp

Zoo Camp for the whole family! Have a blast with us at TBZ’s first ever Family Camp. It is all the fun of zoo camp, designed for everyone in your family: parents, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins… everyone over the age of 5 is welcome! Pack your day full of games, crafts, and animal encounters! […]
Oct 13 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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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 […]
Oct 14 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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ConserVISION

Bringing Conservation into Focus Celebrate, support, and learn from organizations participating in environmental conservation efforts throughout and around Essex County at this family-friendly Fall Fest. $ Food trucks & Cocktails available! $15 per ticket (2 and under Free) *Free for Zoo Members
Oct 17 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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Penguin Waddle

Join Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and Fleet Feet Montclair for a wild morning of miles and fun! Date: Sunday, October 18Time: 8:30 AMStart: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Front EntranceFinish: African Adventure inside the Zoo Get ready to waddle, run, or walk your way through a 3-mile course (or take the 1.3-mile Safari Shortcut) before […]
Oct 18 2026
8:30 am - 10:00 am
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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 […]
Oct 18 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Capybara Behind the Scenes

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 […]
Oct 18 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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Homeschool Days

Welcome to the wildest classroom in NJ! Our homeschool classes offer students an opportunity to boost scientific literacy and knowledge of the natural world, and learn the importance of life-long environmental stewardship. Available to students ages 6-12, the programs include a visit to South Mountain Reservation, Reservoir, or Zoo as weather permits. These are in-person, […]
Oct 21 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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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 Sold Out!) 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 a valid photo […]
Oct 24 2026
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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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 […]
Oct 25 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am
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Capybara Behind the Scenes

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 […]
Oct 25 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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Howl-O-Ween

Howl-O-Ween Come Trick-or-Treating at the Zoo with Candy Stations throughout the grounds, everyone is sure to have a “sweet” time. All attendees over 2 years old must purchase a ticket. There is no rain date, this event will take place Rain or Shine. $5 per person General Howl-O-Ween ticket | $3 per person Current Zoo […]
Oct 31 2026
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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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