Upcoming Events

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 […]

Nov 15 2025

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Berson Family Center

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

Learn more

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 […]

Nov 15 2025

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Berson Family Center

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

Learn more

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 […]

Nov 16 2025

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Berson Learning Center

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

Learn more

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 […]

Nov 16 2025

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Berson Learning Center

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

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 […]

Nov 16 2025

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

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, […]

Nov 19 2025

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Berson Family Center

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

Learn more

Members Only Holiday Lights

 IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!  Join us for an exclusive MEMBERS ONLY Holiday Lights evening on Thursday, November 20 from 5PM to 8PM! Enjoy the lights displayed throughout the Zoo, entertainment and more! This special event is set to the backdrop of some animals. Most animals will not be in their habitats, […]

Nov 20 2025

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

Learn more

Holiday Lights 2025

Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. 5pm to 9pm nightlyThursday, November 20 : Zoo Members Only Holiday LightsFriday to Sunday, November 21 – 23Daily Friday, November 28 – Saturday, January 3(CLOSED December 24, December 25 & January 1) […]

Nov 21 - 23 2025

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

Learn more

Holiday Lights 2025

Take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. 5pm to 9pm nightlyThursday, November 20 : Zoo Members Only Holiday LightsFriday to Sunday, November 21 – 23Daily Friday, November 28 – Saturday, January 3(CLOSED December 24, December 25 & January 1) […]

Nov 28 2025 - Dec 23 2025

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

Learn more

Winter Workshop

TBZ is here with another way to make memories with your loved ones all while creating some fun and festive holiday-themed enrichment for our animals. Wear your favorite winter-inspired outfit and join us for this family-friendly event recommended for all ages. All necessary supplies including cardboard and non-toxic paint will be provided. All you need […]

Nov 30 2025

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Mount Building Classroom

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

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 […]

Dec 04 2025

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

Learn more

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 […]

Dec 06 2025

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Berson Family Center

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052

• • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email

Learn more