Turtleback Zoo
We have been members of the Turtleback Zoo since 2017. When my oldest was a baby I would walk him around the zoo for hours and he would take the best stroller naps there. That alone was worth the membership fee. We tend to visit during the week in the spring, fall or winter, as summer and weekends can get extremely busy. Early on we attempted a beautiful late spring weekend day there and will never make that mistake again. For lack of a better term, it was a zoo! I don’t like lines or crowds, so I will gladly visit on a grey day in March and have the place practically to myself.
The zoo is situated on a hill in the South Mountain Preserve in West Orange, NJ. It is easily accessible from the Parkway and Routes 78, 24 and 280, making it a great stop for anyone traveling through the area and needing a place to stretch their legs for a few hours. Admission is $19 for adults, $16 for children 2-12 and seniors over 62, and children under 2 are free. We have the family membership which includes 2 adults and up to 4 children for $165. Our membership includes reciprocal benefits at over 100 affiliated zoos and aquariums across the country, which is an awesome perk given how much we travel. They offer special members only hours, as well as classes, outdoor movies and camp programs throughout the year. Be sure to check their calendar, as there is always something exciting going on.
The zoo is home to everything from giraffes, lions and cheetahs to pigs, goats and chickens. Our first stop is always the reptile house, home to all things creepy and crawly. The Komodo Dragon is a highlight for my oldest, and my youngest loves watching the toucans bop around in the enclosure with the tortoises. There is usually a volunteer stationed inside this exhibit, be sure to stop and chat with them. They are incredibly knowledgeable and make learning about all the animals so fun.
From there, head over to the train, which is included in the price of admission. Note, the train does not run in the winter, so if this is a priority for you or your little ones, be sure to visit in the spring, summer or fall. The train ride takes you past the giraffe enclosure, out along the reservoir, and then you make a turnaround in the wooded area before returning to the station. They play old time train songs on the speakers and children love waving at the people walking along the reservoir path. We can usually be found on the train several times each visit.
As you head up the hill on your left is the sea lion exhibit, the touch tank and the turtle hospital. On our last visit the sea lions were off exhibit while their tank was being refurbished, but I would expect them to be back soon. Check the board out front for feeding times. It’s always fun to watch them interact with their trainers.
The touch tank houses sting rays and some small sharks. For $3 you can purchase a few pieces of fish to feed the stingrays. This building also houses restrooms, a large fishtank with tropical fish, and a seating area where they play a movie about ocean life. The building is climate controlled, so on particularly hot or cold days it’s a great place to rest and have a snack. This was always my go-to when my kids were still taking bottles, as you are protected from the elements and there is comfortable seating.
Sea Turtle Recovery is next door and houses several large tanks that are constantly changing based on the needs of their current patients. Remember, this is a working rehabilitation facility, so they ask that you keep your voices down, so as not to disturb the turtles. There is information posted on the walls of the recovery center about the turtles they have helped over the years. There is also the opportunity to donate to their facility should you feel inclined.
Next, head across the path to the African Adventure section of the park. This is the second newest section of the park and home to lions, hyenas, penguins and giraffes. During warmer weather, they offer the opportunity to hand feed a giraffe. For $5 (cash only) you get two pieces of lettuce and a few moments alone with the giraffe. This is such a unique experience and I highly recommend it. There are some Adirondack chairs arranged near the giraffe exhibit with umbrellas, making it a great spot to stop for a rest or even have a picnic lunch. During the summer months there is usually an ice cream cart parked nearby for a refreshing treat.
Just up the hill on your right is the newest addition to the park, Amazing Asian. (Did I mention the zoo is located on a hill? If you are pushing a stroller, be ready to get a workout in.) Here you will find red pandas, leopards and gibbons. To your left are the enclosures for the American alligator and the river otters. If you can catch the river otters when they are active, they put on one of the best shows in the zoo, darting around on land and then gliding through the water. They have a beautiful enclosure and we often find ourselves staying longer than planned because they are so entertaining.
Further up the hill is the cheetah, the Australian exhibit which is home to kangaroos and wallabies, and my children’s favorite section of the zoo, the Prehistoric Playground. My oldest is a social butterfly and lives for the opportunity to make new friends. Luckily, this is a great little playground with play structures for both toddlers and school-aged kids, and there are plenty of benches with shade for the parents.
From the playground we head up to the barnyard section where you can see cows, horses, pigs and goats. Bring your quarters for the goat feed! Pony rides are available for an additional $3. Check their website, as they are not always available. The aviary is also in this section. It operates during the late spring, summer, and early fall. It has not opened for the 2023 season yet. There is no fee to walk through, but I highly recommend buying a feeding stick ($3 cash only). It’s a great way to get a lot of interaction with the birds. If it is a busier day, especially later in the day, save your money. At that point they have had their fill and you will likely walk out with an uneaten stick.
Just up the hill (don’t worry, this is the top and it’s all down hill from here!) is Big Cat Country, home to the Kean Cougar and a Jaguar. From there, head down the hill to Wild America with the newly renovated Bald Eagle enclosure. Here you can find various birds of prey, as well as a bobcat. Continuing down the hill is the wolf enclosure. You can often hear them howling throughout the zoo, long before you reach their exhibit. And just around the corner is the the Black Bear Exhibit, home to Jelly and Jam, twin sisters. They were orphaned in the spring of 2005 and came to the zoo as rescues.
As you continue down the hill, you will pass the American Bison exhibit and to your right is the carousel. It is $3 to ride, and adults riding with a small child are not charged. This is a beautiful carousel themed after endangered species. It is located under a covered pavilion, protecting the works of art from the elements.
The Butterfly Tent is your next stop. It is open seasonally and as of today, has not opened for the 2023 season. It is $2 (cash only) to walk through the tent. The butterflies are stunning and will often land on your clothes as you walk through. Remember not to touch them, and if you have a hitchhiker that just doesn’t want to vacate, a staff member can help to safely remove them.
There is a large picnic grove across from the Butterfly Tent, with a few oversized animal sculptures scattered throughout. My kids particularly enjoy the oversized spider web and bird’s nest. There are plenty of tables and trash cans, and with the exception of crossing paths with school field trip lunchtime, you should have no issue finding a place to sit. Turtleback’s famous roaming peacocks are often hanging around in this area. Adjacent to the picnic grove is the cafe where you can purchase lunch or snacks. We have never enjoyed the food here, it is very pricey, and can get crowded during peak times. We prefer to pack our own lunch and snacks and stop along the way at some of the spots I mentioned above.
As you finish the bottom section of the zoo and head back to entrance/exit, be sure to stop for a crawl through the prairie dog tunnels. Your final two exhibits will be the California Condors and the Flamingo exhibit.
There are bathrooms located at the front of the zoo, and a gift shop next to the Reptile House where you started. As a mom, who visits often, I appreciate the fact that the gift shop is tucked away, so much so that my kids rarely remember it’s there.
If you have completed your day at the zoo and are looking for more fun, be sure to check out their Tree Top Adventure Course, Mini Golf, Swan Boats or Regatta Playground. All are located in the same general vicinity and carry an additional fee, with the exception of the playground, which is free. If visiting the Swan Boats, Mini Golf or Regatta Playground you can leave your car parked at the zoo and follow the path along the reservoir for each of these attractions. Or if you prefer not to walk, each attraction has free parking adjacent to it.
Parking is free at the zoo. The parking decks are equipped with ticket machines, but I cannot remember having ever used them in all the years we have visited. Stroller rentals are available, but I would recommend bringing your own, both to save money and for comfort. The zoo is not huge, but it is hilly. My kids liked having the stroller available to them until they were 3 or 4 years old. Make sure to have cash, as several of the add-ons above are cash only. I usually keep a bunch of singles and quarters in my bags, exclusively for zoo days.
Across the street from the zoo is a McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, and a bagel shop for anyone looking to grab a quick drink or meal before or after their zoo day.
If you are in the area during the Christmas season don’t miss their holiday light show. It is free to enter, they just ask that you bring a donation of non-perishable food or a coat for their holiday drive. It’s a great way to spend a holiday evening!
We hope this inspired your to plan your next trip to the Turtleback Zoo! Be sure to follow us on social media for more pictures and videos of this and all of our adventures!