Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
4.6(14K)google
4.1(482)yelp
Wildlife WatchingKidsOutdoorParking AvailableRestrooms AvailableEducationalWildlife
Overview
Turtle Back Zoo is a zoo in West Orange, New Jersey. Situated on 20 acres (8.1 ha) in the South Mountain Reservation, it is part of the South Mountain Recreation Complex, which is managed as part of the Essex County Park System, the oldest county park system in the United States. Founded in 1963, the zoo was originally a showcase for animals indigenous to the New York metropolitan area but currently features species from every continent except Antarctica.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimeMay through September brings excellent weather and the full suite of outdoor family attractions running fully, while late autumn features holiday light trails. Passing the gates right at 9:45 AM on a weekday morning (Tuesday-Thursday) is highly recommended; endangered red pandas and leopards are highly active for their morning routines, ensuring crowd-free viewing and immediate access to the miniature train.
Getting ThereNestled beautifully inside the South Mountain Reservation at 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange. Driving is exceptionally smooth via taking I-280 to Exit 7 south, and turning right west onto Northfield Avenue straight to the ticket booths. The county complex operates its own massive, multi-level public parking structure situated immediately adjacent to the grand entrance plaza, which is entirely free.
Travel Tips
- A digital timed-entry e-ticket system is strictly operational with zero physical ticket booths; bypass massive field-trip gridlock along South Orange Ave by scheduling vehicle arrivals after 10:30.
- The on-site multi-level complimentary parking structures enforce a strict 7'2" clearance ceiling; oversized motorhomes or top-box rigged SUVs must route exclusively to the designated open surface overflow bays.
- The open-air narrow-gauge miniature train loop enforces immediate weather suspension protocols; active lightning alerts or intense rain bands cause unannounced, multi-hour structural rail shutdowns.
Reviews
Positive
- A beautifully planned, highly child-friendly modern zoo letting kids interact with giraffes and spot cute red pandas with high visual fun.
- Admission packs a free miniature safari steam train ride looping through the woods and adjacent scenic reservoir, maximizing family fun.
- ADA features are exemplary, with flat paved paths and abundant modern restrooms with clean nursing rooms, keeping comfort at peak tiers.
- Surrounded by a high-ropes adventure course, massive pirate-ship playgrounds, and paddle boating by the pier, offering a stellar one-stop trip.
Heads up
- As North Jersey's top kids' spot, weekend crowds are suffocatingly dense and noisy, triggering long lines at the train and hot windows.
- General tickets rise yearly, combined with pricey multi-level parking garage fees and heavily marked-up, overpriced cafe fast food.
- Due to the compact layout of certain paddock and big-cat zones, noticeable animal odors occasionally linger near fences on hot afternoons.
- Some indoor reptile or nocturnal houses feature very dim eco-lighting and narrow tight halls, making stroller maneuvering tough during rush hours.