Holiday Lights begins November 21st!

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Upcoming Events

Monthly List
November 2025

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
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December 2025

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 […]
Dec 13 2025
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Behind the Scenes at the Giraffe Barn

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. Between December 2025 and February 2026, all Behind the Scenes programs take place at the Giraffe […]
Dec 13 2025
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
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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 […]
Dec 14 2025
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 […]
Dec 14 2025
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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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, […]
Dec 17 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Winter 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 Winter Storytime. Wear your favorite seasonal outfit, listen to an animal-themed story read by a zoo staff member, enjoy a snack, and meet a new animal friend. Programs last approximately […]
Dec 18 2025
6:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Winter 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 Winter Storytime. Wear your favorite seasonal outfit, listen to an animal-themed story read by a zoo staff member, enjoy a snack, and meet a new animal friend. Programs last approximately […]
Dec 19 2025
6:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more

Winter 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 Winter Storytime. Wear your favorite seasonal outfit, listen to an animal-themed story read by a zoo staff member, enjoy a snack, and meet a new animal friend. Programs last approximately […]
Dec 20 2025
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more

Winter 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 Winter Storytime. Wear your favorite seasonal outfit, listen to an animal-themed story read by a zoo staff member, enjoy a snack, and meet a new animal friend. Programs last approximately […]
Dec 20 2025
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more

Winter 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 Winter Storytime. Wear your favorite seasonal outfit, listen to an animal-themed story read by a zoo staff member, enjoy a snack, and meet a new animal friend. Programs last approximately […]
Dec 21 2025
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more

Winter 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 Winter Storytime. Wear your favorite seasonal outfit, listen to an animal-themed story read by a zoo staff member, enjoy a snack, and meet a new animal friend. Programs last approximately […]
Dec 21 2025
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more
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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