Logo
Membership Donate Ticket

Upcoming Events

Monthly List
March 2026

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
Learn more

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
Learn more

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
Learn more

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
Learn more

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 […]
Mar 27 2026
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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 29 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
Learn more

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 […]
Mar 30 2026 - Apr 02 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more
April 2026

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 04 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
Learn more

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. […]
Apr 08 2026
10:00 am - 10:45 am
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Learn more
No event found!
Load More
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