Cape May County Park & Zoo
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Wildlife WatchingKidsSenior-FriendlyOutdoorParking AvailableFreeMust-SeeLocal FavoriteWildlifeForest
Overview
The Cape May County Park & Zoo in the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township, New Jersey, provides free year-round admission to a collection of more than 550 animals representing 250 species in 85 acres (34 ha) of exhibits. The zoo is located at 707 U.S. Route 9 North, in the center of Cape May County's Central Park. Together, the zoo and the park cover about 220 acres (89 ha).
Practical Info
Mon10:00AM – 4:30 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeMay through September brings excellent weather and the full suite of outdoor savanna boardwalk animal presentations running fully. As a world-class, completely free public zoological preserve woven directly into a mature oak forest canopy, arriving by 9:45 AM on a weekday morning is highly recommended; exotic leopards and African giraffes are energetic for their morning routines.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned at 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House. Driven access is exceptionally fast and simple as it sits right off the southern terminal of the Garden State Parkway; take Exit 11, head west, and make an immediate turn north onto Route 9 straight into the park boundaries. The county park operates a multi-acre surface parking lot that is entirely free.
Travel Tips
- Admission is completely free via donation kiosks, but the main parking lot hits maximum capacity by 10:00 on summer weekends, triggering police closures of the Route 4 park entrance.
- Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are banned on-site; hosting private gatherings or utilizing BBQ grills at the public picnic pavilions requires a park permit booked 14 days out.
- The treetop aerial obstacle course operates independently with strict weight bounds (80 lbs–250 lbs); participants must wear securely tied closed-toe athletic sneakers, with sandals barred.
Reviews
Positive
- A completely free zoo (donations welcome) that surprisingly houses large animals like snow leopards, giraffes, and lions, offering incredible value.
- The grounds are shaded like a nature park, featuring spacious and natural habitats that prioritize animal welfare over traditional cages.
- Beyond the zoo, the outer park features massive playgrounds, clean picnic areas, and flat walking paths, perfect for a full family day out.
- The directional signage is clear, restrooms are plentiful and spotless, and the staff is incredibly enthusiastic and caring.
Heads up
- Being famous and free, summer weekend crowds are massive, causing long entry queues and making parking spots extremely tough to find.
- The park spans a large area, but because it embraces a natural layout, it offers no shuttle carts, making the full walk physically demanding.
- On-site snack stands and drinks carry a high tourist markup; because it gets hot in summer, packing your own water and sun protection is advised.
- During the off-season, some outdoor animal exhibits close for weather or maintenance, and food kiosks shut down, leaving it a bit quiet.