
Turtle Back Zoo West Orange New Jersey
A family-friendly zoo in West Orange, NJ, featuring diverse animals, interactive exhibits, and seasonal light displays.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity

Turtle Back Zoo West Orange New Jersey
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly zoo in West Orange, NJ, featuring diverse animals, interactive exhibits, and seasonal light displays.
"You cannot beat the price per person on a weekend to enter this Very nice zoo!"

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is quite hilly, so prioritize comfort for exploring all exhibits.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available, but spots fill up quickly on busy days.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe Feeding Station
Get up close and personal with these gentle giants for an unforgettable feeding experience.

Sea Turtle Touch Tank
Aquarium/Reptile House
A fan favorite where you can gently touch cownose stingrays.

Prehistoric Playground
Near the Zoo Entrance
Kids can burn off energy at this dinosaur-themed playground.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Hills and Crowds
Value-Packed Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is quite hilly, so prioritize comfort for exploring all exhibits.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available, but spots fill up quickly on busy days.
💰 Budget for Extras
Giraffe feeding, carousel, and pony rides are affordable add-ons.
📱 Check Hours & Events
Hours can vary, and special events like Holiday Lights are popular.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is quite hilly, so prioritize comfort for exploring all exhibits.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking is available, but spots fill up quickly on busy days.
💰 Budget for Extras
Giraffe feeding, carousel, and pony rides are affordable add-ons.
📱 Check Hours & Events
Hours can vary, and special events like Holiday Lights are popular.
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially with interactive exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Turtle Back Zoo for its affordability, cleanliness, and variety of animals. The interactive exhibits, especially feeding the giraffes and the stingray touch tank, are consistently highlighted as favorites. While the hilly terrain requires comfortable shoes, the overall experience is considered a great value for families and animal lovers.
"You cannot beat the price per person on a weekend to enter this Very nice zoo! Stop by if you love animals and take a look at all the beautiful wildlife that lives here !! The zoo is very clean and the staff is so helpful and kind , consistently walking around the property to make sure the animals are good and the customers have any questions or concerns there is always a staff member near by , you can also pet and feed the cownose stingrays which is very cool! I highly recommend stopping in to this amazing zoo!"
Zack T
"Super hilly, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes! Both times we went we saw a bunch of different big cats, which are my favorite so I was very pleased! I love how many different angles you can see each exhibit from. And the attractions are so reasonably priced - only $3 for a pony ride, and $3 for a carousel ride."
Lauren Ahmad
"Had a fantastic time at the turtle back zoo!!! i went with my brother. we hadn’t been since we were little children and it was so much fun to rediscover the zoo as adults. i recommend getting there early, parking was free and we drove right in. no lines! which was fantastic. they had lots of different areas to see and it was a great time overall. a lovely day activity for any animal lovers."
shirley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turtle Back Zoo is located at 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052. It's easily accessible by car, and many visitors mention free parking is available, though it can fill up quickly on weekends. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, Turtle Back Zoo offers free parking, often in a garage or designated lots. However, it's highly recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or during special events, to secure a spot.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the West Orange Zoo. The address is 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ. Consider ride-sharing services if you prefer not to drive.
Information on direct public transport routes can be scarce. It's best to check local transit schedules for Essex County or consider ride-sharing services for a more direct route to the zoo.
The address for Turtle Back Zoo is 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices are approximately $19 for adults and $16 for children. Children under two often get in for free. Many interactive activities like pony rides and carousel rides are an additional $3 each.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Check the official Turtle Back Zoo website for the most up-to-date ticketing information.
Turtle Back Zoo is typically open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, with extended hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 7 PM. It's always a good idea to verify current hours on their official website before your visit.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the general admission prices are considered very reasonable for the experience offered. Look out for potential seasonal promotions or group rates.
Yes, Turtle Back Zoo often hosts a popular 'Holiday Lights Spectacular' event during the festive season, offering a magical evening experience with dazzling light displays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, big cats, reptiles, sea turtles, and more. The zoo also features interactive exhibits like an aviary and a butterfly garden.
Absolutely! Kids will love the prehistoric playground, carousel rides, pony rides, and the opportunity to feed giraffes and parakeets.
The zoo is generally considered kid and stroller-friendly, but be aware that it is quite hilly, which might present challenges for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for hills! Many visitors recommend arriving early to avoid crowds and make the most of your day.
The sea turtle touch tank and the giraffe feeding experience are often highlighted as unique and memorable attractions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific policies can vary, it's generally a good idea to check the zoo's guidelines. Many visitors bring their own snacks and drinks to save money.
Yes, there are spots to grab snacks and refreshments within the zoo. The availability of specific food vendors might vary depending on the season.
Expect typical zoo fare like snacks, drinks, and light meals. For a more extensive dining experience, consider nearby restaurants in West Orange.
Zoo food prices can be on the higher side. Bringing your own snacks or planning a meal outside the zoo can be a more budget-friendly option.
Yes, you can feed giraffes and parakeets for a small fee. Please do not feed other animals, as it can be harmful to their health.
📸 📸 Photography
The giraffe enclosure, the sea turtle touch tank, and the various animal habitats offer great photo opportunities. The Holiday Lights event also provides a magical backdrop.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography near certain exhibits.
A camera with a good zoom lens is helpful for capturing animals from a distance. However, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most visitors.
While personal photography is encouraged, commercial photography may require special permits. Always respect the animals and avoid using flash photography directly at them.
Feeding the giraffes, the colorful carousel, and the diverse animal exhibits are all popular subjects for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit