Zoo Closed Sunday, January 18th due to weather.

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Upcoming Events

Monthly List
January 2026

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, […]
Jan 21 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 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 […]
Jan 24 2026
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 […]
Jan 25 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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Seasonal Job Fair

Seasonal Position Job Fairs with day of interviews on: January 31st 11am – 2pmFebruary 21st 11am – 2pmMarch 7th 12pm – 3pm Must be able to work outdoors. Some positions require a valid drivers license. Weekend hours required. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and successfully pass a criminal background check. […]
Jan 31 2026
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Learn more

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 […]
Jan 31 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
Learn more
February 2026

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 […]
Feb 01 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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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 […]
Feb 01 2026
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Summer Camp Open House

It’s never too early to think of summer!  Join us for Essex County Turtle Back Zoo’s Annual Summer Camp Open House to check out what’s new and fun at camp for Summer 2026.  On Saturday, February 7, from 11am to 2pm, you can meet camp counselors, learn about our science-based curriculum, try a camp activity, […]
Feb 07 2026
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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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 […]
Feb 08 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 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 […]
Feb 08 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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 […]
Feb 14 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more

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 […]
Feb 14 2026
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Amphitheater Stage
Learn more
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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