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Monthly List
September 2025

Family Nature Club

Where we grow and learn together Family Nature Club (FNC) is all about discovering the world, and playing WITH nature, not just IN nature.  Experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors with FNC as we explore our natural heritage within Essex County’s parks. Available to individuals 6-106, this family-friendly program include a visit to […]
Sep 07 2025
9:00 am - 11:00 am
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Turtle Back Hatchlings

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. Turtle Back Hatchlings […]
Sep 07 2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Turtle Back Zoo Tots

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. Turtle Back Zoo […]
Sep 07 2025
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Conservation Conversation

We are excited to host a Conservation Conversation with Giraffe Conservation Foundation! 🦒Dr. Michael B. Brown, Conservation Science Coordinator at GCF, will be here in person to give a lecture on the amazing work he does with the world’s tallest mammal. 📅 This event will take place September 11, 2025 @ 12pm in the Berson […]
Sep 11 2025
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Sloth Social

Get up close and personal with the animals of Turtle Back Zoo! TBZ is proud to offer two education programs where guests get a unique look at some of their favorite animals, learn valuable conservation education, and meet the keepers that make it all possible. Behind the Scenes Tours and Animal Encounters are for ages 6 […]
Sep 13 2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Wonders of the Wild

Our Wonders of the Wild program offers children an opportunity to participate in supplementary science and nature-themed programs and projects that facilitate scientific literacy and life-long environmental stewardship. Available to children age 6-12, this program includes a visit to the South Mountain Reservation, Reservoir, or Zoo as weather permits. These are in-person, drop-off sessions held in […]
Sep 13 2025
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Night Moves

Experience the Zoo after hours! Join our knowledgeable Docent volunteers for a unique look at the zoo and its nocturnal animal collection. Night Moves is a guided evening tour of zoo exhibits where you’ll learn about different animal senses and adaptations. Perfect for families, friends, animal enthusiasts, or date nights. Pre-registration is required. All Individuals […]
Sep 13 2025
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
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Family Nature Club

Where we grow and learn together Family Nature Club (FNC) is all about discovering the world, and playing WITH nature, not just IN nature.  Experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors with FNC as we explore our natural heritage within Essex County’s parks. Available to individuals 6-106, this family-friendly program include a visit to […]
Sep 14 2025
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Learn more

Zoo Explorers

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. Zoo Explorers is […]
Sep 14 2025
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Berson Learning Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Home School Days

Turtle Back Zoo is an amazing classroom! Welcome to the wildest classroom in NJ! Our homeschool classes offer students an opportunity to boost scientific literacy and knowledge of the natural world, while learning the importance of life-long environmental stewardship. Available to students ages 6-12, this drop-off program includes a visit to South Mountain Reservation, reservoir, […]
Sep 17 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
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Zoo Mini Camp

Join us at Turtle Back Zoo for some wild fun! We offer mini-camps throughout the school year on days that coincide with many of the major school holidays. The camp day runs from 9am-4pm and is available for ages 5 to 10. Campers should bring their own snack and lunch. We do our best to […]
Sep 23 2025
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more

Zoo Mini Camp

Join us at Turtle Back Zoo for some wild fun! We offer mini-camps throughout the school year on days that coincide with many of the major school holidays. The camp day runs from 9am-4pm and is available for ages 5 to 10. Campers should bring their own snack and lunch. We do our best to […]
Sep 24 2025
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Berson Family Center
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
Learn more
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Call us for more information on events, bookings, or zoo visits! To book a group reservation or party, call and ask for Group Sales. Our Group Sales Department phones can be busy at times, so you many need to leave a message. Teachers, please include a preferred callback time if needed, so we can try to connect. Please allow at least 48 hours for a return call before trying again.

Call - (973) 731-5800