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Upcoming Events

Monthly List
March 2026

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. […]
Mar 11 2026
10:00 am - 10:45 am
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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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 […]
Mar 14 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
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 […]
Mar 15 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 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 […]
Mar 15 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Behind the Scenes in Australia

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 […]
Mar 15 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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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 […]
Mar 19 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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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 […]
Mar 21 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more

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 […]
Mar 22 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Learn more

Behind the Scenes in Australia

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 […]
Mar 22 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
Learn more

Spirits Safari

Join us at McLoone’s Boathouse for SPIRITS SAFARI! Guests will sample beverages from over 10 New Jersey distilleries, enjoy light bites, and take home a general admission ticket to Essex County Turtle Back Zoo for a future visit. Sip your way through a variety of spirits, discover new favorites, and savor a curated menu from […]
Mar 22 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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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, […]
Mar 25 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 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 […]
Mar 26 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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