EARLY CHILDHOOD
Early Childhood Programs
TBZ’s Early Childhood programs encourage family learning and foster early environmental awareness. We invite young children to discover the natural world through gently structured play, art, stories, animal visits, and more. Early Childhood programming is offered monthly throughout the school year. Age restrictions apply; Pre-registration required. Zoo admission is not included with registration. For additional program information, please contact mhunt@parks.essexcountynj.org.
Turtle Back Hatchlings Program
Age group: 12 – 24 months old with a caregiver
Time: 10:00 AM– 10:45 AM
Where: Berson Education Center
Description: Learn how to meet and greet some of our small, friendly animals up close in the classroom and learn how to touch animals gently. Your child will also enjoy sensory interactions with feathers, turtle shells, puppets, and more in a lightly structured program. All children must be accompanied by an adult who is prepared to take part in the activities. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, unregistered children (including siblings) may not attend. Capacity is limited; appropriate face coverings may be required during some animal presentations.
Registration: $25 per child per class. Admittance of one caregiver ONLY included per ticket. Advanced registration and payment are required. No refunds for cancellations requested within one week of your registered session.
SESSIONS: Each session features classes with a different theme, so you can attend one or all three!
CLASSES: Each class offered within the same session covers the same content.
Hatchlings: March 3rd, April 21st, and May 12th at 10am
See Upcoming Dates & Register HereSearch “Hatchlings” at “Turtle Back Zoo” for availability.
Turtle Back Zoo Tots Program
Age group: 2 & 3 years old with a caregiver
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Berson Education Center
Description: This program is designed for toddlers and adults to discover the natural world together. We will use the alphabet to explore different animals in our zoo. Each day you will discover a different animal type such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Stories, projects, and special animal visitors in the classroom enhance your class experience. All children must be accompanied by an adult who is willing to take part in the activities. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, unregistered children (including siblings) may not attend; programs are moderately structured. Capacity is limited; appropriate face coverings may be required during some animal presentations.
Registration: $25 per child per class. Admittance of one caregiver ONLY included per ticket. Advanced registration and payment are required. No refunds for cancellations requested within one week of your registered session.
Sessions: Each session features classes with a different theme, so you can attend one or all three!
Classes: Each class offered within the same session covers the same content.
Tots: March 3rd, April 21st, and May 12th 11:30am
See Upcoming Dates & Register HereSearch “Tots” at “Turtle Back Zoo” for availability.
Zoo Explorers Program
Age group: 4 & 5 year olds (without caregiver)
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Berson Education Center
Description: Join us as we use movement, stories, games, and crafts for these interactive, science-based lessons to learn about the wonderful and fascinating world of animals. Supervised outings to specific areas of the Zoo that support the lesson are included as weather permits. Capacity is limited; appropriate face coverings may be required during some animal presentations.
Registration: $30 per child per class. Advanced registration and payment are required. No refunds for cancellations requested within one week of your registered session.
Sessions: Each session features classes with a different theme, so you can attend one or all three!
Classes: Each class offered within the same session covers the same content.
Explorers: March 17th, April 28th, and May 19th at 10am
See Upcoming Dates & Register HereSearch “Explorers” at “Turtle Back Zoo” for availability.