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Turtle Back Zoo

Zoo
West Orange
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9.0/10
547
ratings
  • Tips
    Caroline G.
    "extra $2 to get the seed sticks to feed the birds..."(4 Tips)
    Mullica Z.
    "Really nice zoo with a wide variety of animals."(4 Tips)
    elaine k.
    "stingray touch tank and the bird feeding."(4 Tips)
    Emily
    "Great variety of animals and the food court"(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon92 Tips and reviews
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  • Greg B.heart icon on user image
    Greg BattleJanuary 9, 2017
    What a fun and novel take on a zoo. Modern, not like any zoo you've visited. Lots to do around the zoo also. Very well planned area.
    Upvote26Downvote
  • Caroline G.heart icon on user image
    Caroline GosselinJanuary 25, 2013
    Pay the extra $2 to get the seed sticks to feed the birds... My son can't get enough of how cool that is! Great zoo all around. So much to do nearby: mini golf, zipline or lunch at Mcloons!
    Upvote23Downvote
  • Jeff S.heart icon on user image
    Jeff S.May 2, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Great staff and exhibits. They are NJ's #1 zoo. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes because there are some paths with hills. Check out the touch tank.
    Upvote15Downvote
  • marguerite c.heart icon on user image
    marguerite cronrathAugust 29, 2015
    It is so worth becoming members for the year. We visit several times in the year and even used it at another member zoo out if state. The zoo grounds are much improved and they will do the cafe soon.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Emilyheart icon on user image
    EmilyJuly 15, 2016
    A fantastic zoo! By far the cleanest I've been to. Great variety of animals and the food court was reasonably priced and decent!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Christopher L.heart icon on user image
    Christopher LewisSeptember 2, 2015
    This was a great zoo. Not too big, but not too small either. The animals were almost all visible and the park was very well kept. A lot of stuff to keep kids entertained.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Mullica Z.heart icon on user image
    Mullica ZudsiriJuly 15, 2019
    Really nice zoo with a wide variety of animals. There’s quite the incline in some areas which can be difficult for walking.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Gene S.heart icon on user image
    Gene SuperMarch 25, 2017
    Amazing place to take kids to. Not too big and not too small. Our 3 year old twins absolutely love the train the carousel and the giraffes.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Anna R.
    Anna RNovember 8, 2014
    Went for Halloween... very family and kid focused. Had trick or treat stations in the zoo a great option instead of the mall. Especially if it is great weather. Be prepared this place gets packed.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Rory P.heart icon on user image
    Rory ParnessJune 16, 2014
    Fun zoo that gets better every year. Visit the aviary to feed the birds and if it gets to hot out you can find cool refuge at the touch tank.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Hector L.heart icon on user image
    Hector LozanoOctober 14, 2018
    Very complete zoo. Nice and clean. Wasn't crowded when we visited, so it was comfortable to see all the animals.Free parking.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Grace
    GraceJuly 15, 2012
    St Cloud Deli is right across the street from the zoo (and a little to the right). Grab something to go or stop by and hop back to the zoo for more fun~ convenient and yummy :)
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Cynthia N.heart icon on user image
    Cynthia NiAugust 29, 2021
    Been here 5+ times
    The gibbons and penguins are a must see!!
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Licinia K.heart icon on user image
    Licinia KaliherDecember 30, 2012
    This is a great zoo that is embedded in themes. Very easy walk around and has enough diverse animals.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Collin A.
    Collin AbrahamJune 5, 2015
    The entire atmosphere is that of a major cosmopolitan city, and right in our back yard. Kudos to the town and the county.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Deborah B.heart icon on user image
    Deborah BirdAugust 16, 2017
    We had a wonderful day at the zoo! The whole park was beautiful and very enjoyable. I highly recommend going!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Carlos A.heart icon on user image
    Carlos AraujoJanuary 12, 2020
    Been here 10+ times
    Great variety of wild animals, good location, fair ticket prices, big fun for the family.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Tori
    ToriJuly 24, 2011
    Great zoo for young kids. Love the water sprays on the paths to keep cool. Zoo has steadily been making improvements over past few yrs---much better then it was even a few yrs ago! :)
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Tee J.
    Tee JimenezAugust 6, 2013
    Awesome, can't wait to plan my next visit. Inexpensive, clean, & fun for all.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Rita L.heart icon on user image
    Rita LJune 24, 2024
    Cute and friendly penguin by the African adventure section!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Will R.heart icon on user image
    Will RossJune 13, 2015
    The animals are well kept the train is pretty fun too the animals are so cute and there are so many of them
    UpvoteDownvote
  • elaine k.
    elaine keating-brownAugust 26, 2013
    Had some great interactive activities such as the stingray touch tank and the bird feeding. However the leopards were pacing back and forth very stressed out as they had a tiny enclosure. Very sad.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • The Hub M.
    The Hub Murray HillSeptember 21, 2022
    Murray Hill is centrally located in New Providence, within a 10-minute drive of the Mall at Short Hills and Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Tobin M.
    Tobin MadathilAugust 2, 2014
    Really good place for kids, and great value for money too...
    UpvoteDownvote
  • 🦉 Abbie S.heart icon on user image
    🦉 Abbie Slaman 🦉October 28, 2023
    The train, the wonderful animals, informative docents!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Lina A.heart icon on user image
    Lina ArtistaApril 9, 2022
    Very nice zoo. They take good care of the animals.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Carlo D.heart icon on user image
    Carlo D'CaprioDecember 1, 2015
    Great Zoo. The Boat House next door is a great place for a bite to eat.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Matt S.
    Matt SSeptember 13, 2013
    Very nice and clean zoo! Friendly staff and lots of animals. Plus if your kids like trains they have one.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • David O.heart icon on user image
    David OlinskyAugust 4, 2013
    If you live in the area, the membership is totally worth it.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Jushean L.heart icon on user image
    Jushean LeeMay 4, 2016
    Lots of improvements and new cafe! Much nicer than previous! My sons and I love TBZ!!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Twinkle D.heart icon on user image
    Twinkle DenoyoAugust 6, 2017
    it was very enjoyable to watch their reticulated python being fed as well as the giraffes running around.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Westfield Inn H.
    Westfield Inn HotelSeptember 21, 2022
    take a New Jersey Transit train from the Westfield station into New York City- the possibilities are endless! Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Shannon S.heart icon on user image
    Shannon SullivanApril 20, 2016
    Been here 50+ times
    Fun loving animals and amazing docents
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Kyle J.
    Kyle JonesAugust 19, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Buy a membership, and get in free all year long; includes access to special events.
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Jonalyn P.
    Jonalyn PaduganaoSeptember 7, 2013
    Its great for a family outing with young chindren & juniors.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Margaretheart icon on user image
    MargaretJuly 29, 2015
    The zoo is very manageable! The train and pony ride was a great hit.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Kevin M.
    Kevin McCannApril 13, 2014
    Every once in a while, the zookeepers take the sloth out to hang on trees by the Tortoisry
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Michael C.
    Michael ConnorsJune 14, 2012
    Great for a day trip with the kids. Playground, train, animals, and it's close! I love it.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Ian E.
    Ian EverhartJune 14, 2015
    LOL the cockroach exhibit has a miniature nuclear reactor plant!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Dracaena W.heart icon on user image
    Dracaena WinesOctober 11, 2015
    Fantastic place It has grown so much from when I was a kid
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jeniffer S.
    Jeniffer SaavedraOctober 15, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    The best zoo ever! Keep your eye open for info coming ZOON on the 50th year anniversary! :)
    UpvoteDownvote
  • nicole M.heart icon on user image
    nicole McdonoughNovember 3, 2015
    It's so sad to see the things come and go I like the new changes and don't
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Ellie C.
    Ellie CarhartFebruary 11, 2015
    love the range of animals. very clean aswell!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Liz S.
    Liz SedmakAugust 24, 2013
    Great zoo for little kids. Come first thing when they open to avoid the worst of the crowds.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Lizzie B.heart icon on user image
    Lizzie BordenMay 29, 2017
    Nice zoo lots of walking and uphill.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Lena R.
    Lena RossJune 13, 2015
    Its fun to go to because the animals are awesome to look at
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Frank S.
    Frank SteffichJuly 10, 2011
    Great place to kill 3-4 hrs with your kids. Ride the train & the merry-go-round. Bring your own food, food there is $$$$.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Brian S.heart icon on user image
    Brian SutowAugust 9, 2014
    Great zoo, fun time for people of all ages
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Abu E.heart icon on user image
    Abu EgyptoSeptember 20, 2015
    Make sure to pay $2 to feed the birds !!!!!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Michael M.
    Michael McAlearApril 10, 2014
    Bring a lunch...great places to have a picnic.
    Upvote3Downvote
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