Turtle Back Zoo

As a camp counselor for over three years we took our kids here every year and the kids love it. They stick around the petting zoo part for hours, you think they would become bored eventually but they don’t! Also there is a fun train ride that the kids like which has a nice view of the West Orange reservoir. Finally they have some activities for kids lead by zoo staff. more

Turtle Back Zoo is a great place to take the kids but adults will love it as well. It may be on the smaller side but that has no bearing on how enjoyable it is to visit. They have many different types of animals - bears, eagles, goats, and even penguins and many more. They have a great big parking lot where parking is actually free. The cost to enter is very inexpensive Overall, it makes for a great family outing. more

Turtle Back Zoo is a great place to take the kids, and adults will have fun as well. Very easy to get to, located right off route 280 in Essex County. Huge free parking lot and the prices couldn't be cheaper. $7 for adults and $3 for children 2-12. Plus there's always a coupon in the Entertainment Book or Kids Stuff Book. This is a small zoo but you can spend at least 2 hours there, walking around to see the animals and just enjoying the day. We saw penguins frolicking in their pond, llamas sleeping in the shade and then we went to the petting zoo. 25 cents will buy you a handful of pet food and you can feed the pigs, goats, sheeps and chickens. At the end of our visit we took a 10 minute ride on the small train. The kids loved this, as did we. A great breeze and a ride in the shade after all the walking in the sun. Lots of fun for the whole family more

Want to visit a zoo and learn about animals? Then take your family to visit turtle back zoo. This place is great. They have lots of wildlife from bobcats to bears, eagles to wolves, wallabees, even rabbits and goats. The zoo is well kept and a great learning expierience for everyone. The zoo has an even schedule so be sure to check it out before you visit. They offer presentations, workshops, and I especially like the night tour--you learn so much about the animals and their habitats from the zoo workers. Turtle Back also has a farm where they have many farm animals -- even pony rides and a petting zoo. A wonderful place in NJ for the family to vist and an educational experience as well. Oh..and don't forget the train ride. Bring your camera - you won't want to miss taking pictures of all the animals. more