MODIFIED ZOO HOURS
The Zoo will be open from 10am – 1pm on Friday, October 31st, 2025.
Upcoming Events
October 2025
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 […]
Spooky Storytime
Join Us for Storytime at the Zoo Jump, Hop, or slither on over the the Berson Family Center and join TBZ educators for this year’s Spooky Storytime. This is an optional add on to Safe Howl-o-ween! Wear your favorite Halloween costume, enjoy a not-so-spooky story read by a costumed zoo staff member, play a game, […]
November 2025
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 […]
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 […]
Sophisticated Science Seminar
Scientific Exploration for Teens to Adults Sophisticated Science Seminars are conservation programs geared towards more adult audiences. These programs are perfect for individuals interested in animals, science, conservation, and nature. Available to individuals age 14-104, this program includes a visit to the South Mountain Reservation, Reservoir, or Zoo as weather permits. These are in-person sessions held in […]
Sloth Social
Get up close and personal with the animals of Turtle Back Zoo! TBZ is proud to offer two education programs 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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