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Upcoming Events

September 2026

BARKtoberfest Pet Adoption Event & Marketplace

We will be hosting our 10th Annual BARKtoberfest: Pet Adoption Event & Marketspace at the Berson Family Center at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo! Come meet adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens while supporting local animal shelters and rescue groups. This year’s event will feature a Pet Costume Contest, vendor booths, food trucks and more! This […]
Sep 19 2026
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Behind the Scenes with the Lions

Come see the the Pride of TBZ! We are excited to share a new Behind the Scenes offering this summer! Come visit one of TBZ’s newest families, and get a unique, up-close animal experience with first-hand knowledge and stories from the Keepers that know them best. What to Expect: Join TBZ educators for a behind […]
Sep 20 2026
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Mount Building Classroom
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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 […]
Sep 21 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Behind the Scenes with the Lions

Come see the the Pride of TBZ! We are excited to share a new Behind the Scenes offering this summer! Come visit one of TBZ’s newest families, and get a unique, up-close animal experience with first-hand knowledge and stories from the Keepers that know them best. What to Expect: Join TBZ educators for a behind […]
Sep 27 2026
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Mount Building Classroom
Learn more
October 2026

Lifelong Learners

Conservation Exploration for ages 13 to 103! Lifelong Learners programs are conservation conversations for teens and adults. Programs run throughout the year and span topics such as animal anatomy, habitats & conservation, animal careers, and more. These events are perfect for individuals interested in animals, science, conservation, and nature who want to learn something new […]
Oct 04 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 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 04 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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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. […]
Oct 07 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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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 08 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Zoo Camp For Adults

You don’t have to be a kid to have fun like one! Camp should not be just for kids, so we created one for the kid at heart. This special camp event is for adults 21 and older who are interested in learning a little more about the dating habits of some of the wilder […]
Oct 10 2026
10:00 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 […]
Oct 10 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 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 […]
Oct 11 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am
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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 […]
Oct 11 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
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