Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange

Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County is a family-friendly NJ zoo with lots to offer. With animals from giraffes to big cats to sea lions and experiences like a treetop obstacle course, the whole family will love it here.

Address: 560 Northfield Ave.
West Orange, NJ 07052

This Essex County run zoo is not only a great place for NJ families to visit, but it’s a nationally accredited zoo. With over 800 animals from giraffes to tigers to animals native to Jersey, the whole family will adore this unique and impressive NJ Zoo.

Not only can you take in animals from all over the world, but there’s so much more to do there. From Behind the Scenes Experience Tours to feeding giraffes or bird to a treetop obstacle course, there’s something for everyone here.

What is Turtle Back Zoo?

Opened in 1962, this NJ institute is funded by the County of Essex and the Essex County Parks Department. This non-profit organization next to the South Mountain Reservation is home to over 800 animals.

Turtle Back Zoo Pricing

One of the draws for this zoo is that as a not-for-profit organization, the pricing is reasonable, especially compared to other comparable attractions.

Adults, 13-61: $14
Children, 2-12: $12
Seniors, 62+: $12.00
Under 2: free

Season pass pricing:

Join the Zoological Society of NJ for unlimited admission for a year.

Individual pricing:

One Adult: $105
One Adult plus One: $130

Family Plans:

Family of 2 adults + up to 4 Children: $155
Family plan plus One: $170

Head to the Zoological Society’s page to learn the benefits of membership, including zoo reciprocation across the country, discounts, and member exclusives.

Other pricing:

Parking at the zoo is free.

Stroller Rentals:

Single Stroller:_ $7
Double Stroller: $10

Treetop Adventure Course:

Adult course: $30/person
Junior course: $20/child
Zipline: $15/person
Adult course + zipline: $35/person
Junior course + zipline: $27/person

Mini Golf Safari:

The mini golf is located off site at 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ 07052.

Adult: $12
Children: $10
Seniors: $10

Turtle Back Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open year-round, with exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

Hours: 10am-3:30pm with the park remaining open for 30 minutes after last admission.

What you’ll find at Turtle Back Zoo

With the support of the county parks commission, the Zoo is constantly adding features to benefit visitors and animals alike. Here you’ll find..

Hundreds of animals from around the world
Behind the Scenes tours
Unique experiences
Touch tanks
Petting Zoo
Mini Golf Safari
Butterfly tent
Aviary where you can feed the birds
Camps and after school programs
Zoo Train
Savannah Cafe
Prehistoric Playground
Endangered Species carousel
Treetop adventure course and ziplining

Animals you’ll find at the zoo

With over 800 animals and countless exhibits, your family will adore this zoo!

Lions
Tigers
Bears
Giraffes
Sea Turtles
Sea Lions
Penguins
Alligators
River Otters
Lambs, pigs, chickens, cows
.. and many more! They’re always adding to their animals and finding ways to help restore endangered species.

Turtle Back Zoo Events:

TBZ offers multiple different events year-round. These are offered for different prices, but at always sure to be a blast!

Regular Events:

Homeschool days
Behind the Scenes of different exhibits.
Stream Schools

Seasonal Events:

Boo at the Zoo
Holiday Light Spectacular

Learn about all of the events on their site.

Need to know about the Zoo

The zoo is huge! There are lots to see, so while you could knock it out in an hour is you rush through, you can also easily spend a whole day there.
The train is included in admission and you can go as many times as you’d like. If you know your kids will definitely want to go on it, go when you arrive. The lines can get really long!
The Treetop course is fun for kids 6+ and adults, with kids and adult courses available. Reservations aren’t required, but especially during busy seasons, they are encouraged.
Bring a bit of cash. Some experiences cost some money but only accept cash. (pony rides, butterfly tent, and food stick in the aviary all cost $2)
Also, quarters. The petting zoo has food dispensers to feed the farm animals, so you’ll need quarters for that.
While the zoo is open year-round, some things will be closed in the “off” season (winter). These include the Savannah Cafe and the treetop course.

FAQs about Turtle Back Zoo

What day is Turtle Back Zoo free?

Each year they have an Essex County Open House which gives everyone free admission. In 2019 it was held on June 1, but keep an eye on their social media for updates.

Is Turtle Back Zoo indoors?

The vast majority of the zoo is not indoors. There is plenty of shaded areas and even spray stations in the summer, and a few exhibits are indoors.

Looking for more animal experiences in NJ?

Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River
Zoos in NJ
Space Farms Zoo and Museum in Wantage
Cape May Zoo in Cape May Court House
Adventure Aquarium in Camden
Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant