New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums: Turtle Back Zoo and 12 other Animal Preserves

They don't call it the Garden State for nothing. New Jersey is filled with zoos, aquariums, and other places to get close to the animals. You can check out the prairie dogs, bears, and even  a wolf preserve. And when you need something more summer-like and aquatic it's time to swim with the sharks. Hop in the car now and check out some of these zoos some of the best zoos, aquariums and animal reserves in NJ. 

Turtle Back Zoo
West Orange, NJ
This zoo is ideal for small children.  While it may not have elephants and giraffes, kids can get close up with all the animals plus go on the carousel, play in the zoo playground, ride the ponies at the farm, and take a ride on the miniature train.  Favorite exhibits include the bears, which you can see through the sliding glass doors of the zoo's living room and kitchen (kids can even look in the fridge!).  Kids can also get close up to the prairie dogs by climbing in a tunnel and peeking through glass domes in the middle of the prairie dog exhibit.  The Turtle Back Zoo is open every day of the week (except holidays). Admission is $9 per adult and $5 per child 2 and up.  Rides are $2 each.

Van Saun Park Zoo
Paramus, NJ
The Zoo at Van Saun Park is just an extra perk of visiting this fabulous park.  The park has areas to play ball, a pond, a carousel, one (or rather 4 or 5) of the bigger playgrounds in the area, picnic tables and grills, a pony riding area, a little train ride that circles the entire zoo, and then the zoo itself.  The zoo has a prairie dog maze, a butterfly tent, and a farm area and many other things.  The zoo is open 365 days a year (although on Wednesdays many of the rides are closed).  Admission is $3.50 per adult, $1.50 per child (or free Mon & Tues November-April).  Rides are $1.50 to $3 each.

Space Farm Zoo
Sussex, NJ
Space Farm Zoo is just as wacky as its name.  The zoo is home to 500 different species of animals, but is best known for being home to some of the best experts in the country in large wild cats.  Kids will have a great time seeing all the animals, but the "museum portion" of Space Farm Zoo is what will blow you away. The museum consists of the private collections of the zoo owners, ranging from antique automobiles to toys to old farm machinery and jars of pickled snakes.  The zoo is open mid-April through end of October.  Admission is $13.50 per adult and $9 per child.

Lakota Wolf Preserve
Columbia, NJ
Although not exactly a zoo, there is no better way to see and learn about wolves than by visiting the Lakota Wolf Preserve.  The Lakota Wolf Preserve permits viewings of the four packs of wolves two times a day, at 10:30am and 3:30pm (2:30pm during winter before daylight savings).  There is a pleasant 30 minute hike through the preserve to the viewing area. The cost is $15 per adult, $7 per child (cash only). You must make reservations if you want to visit during the week. 

Adventure Aquarium
Camden, NJ
The Adventure Aquarium in Camden is a beautiful way for kids to see fish and other sea creatures close up. The presentation here is beautiful: there is a tunnel through the shark tank, a waterfall in the Amazon area, Seal and Penguin shows, and plenty of touching pools with everything from sharks to jellyfish. The Aquarium also offers special adventures where kids can swim with sharks and work with seals and penguins (programs are in the $130 to $175 per person range).  The Aquarium is open daily. Admission is $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for kids 2 and up. 

Jenkinson's Aquarium
Point Pleasant, NJ
There is more to Point Pleasant Beach and just the sand and waves and rides: there is Jenkinson’s Aquarium! The private Aquarium has sharks, penguins, alligators, seals and plenty of fish to gaze at. There are feedings to watch and even a touch tank where kids can get hands on with the fish.  Open year round, admission is $10 per adult, $6 for kids ages 3 and up.

The New Jersey Bug Museum
Toms River, NJ
You will only find one animal at this venue, but you can view thousands of different varieties of insects and bugs all under one roof! The summer is the best time to check out all the bugs and the museum has a wide variety of events throughout the summer. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 3pm with the exception of the months of July and August when they are open Monday to Saturday.  Admission is $7 per person. Kids 2 and under are free.
 
Popcorn Park Zoo
Forked River, NJ
The Popcorn Park Zoo is actually an animal refuge for abandoned and injured wildlife. But don’t let that fool you! The collection of animals includes everything from farm animals and wildlife like turtles and deer to the more exotic including African lions and Australian wallabies. And yes, popcorn is available for purchase to feed the animals!  Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for Children and Seniors, under age 3 free. They are open from 11 am to 5 pm every day excluding holidays. On holidays, the zoo closes at 2 pm.
 
Cape May County Zoo
Cape May, NJ
See over 300 species of animals at the Cape May County Zoo including lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, monkeys and more. Open 10am to 4:45 in the summer; 10 to 3:45 in the winter. Admission is FREE. Train & Carousel rides are available weekends only May through October from 11am to 2:30pm except for July & August when rides are available until 5pm. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5.
 
The Raptor Trust
Millington, NJ
Although not technically a zoo, how could we not include in this list one of the premier wild bird rehabilitation centers in the US? The Raptor Trust houses both short term and on a long term basis wild birds including eagles, hawks, and owls. There is also a little education center where you can learn more about animals and be sure to check their calendar for special events during which you can learn even more about the animals. The Raptor Trust is open 365 days a year during regular business hours. A $2 per person donation is suggested.
 
Cohanzick Zoo 
Bridgeton, NJ
New Jersey’s first zoo, Cohanzick Zoo, has 1000 acres featuring 200 different animals. It is a great place to spend the day not only looking at animals, but hiking, picnicking, and playing in the zoo playground. Open 8am to 4pm in the Winter and 9am to 5pm in the summer.  Admission is FREE.
 
Animal Kingdom Zoo 
Bordentown, NJ
Believe it or not, this is one of the most extensive zoos in New Jersey with a herd of no less than 7 giraffes, among many other animals. The zoo is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm (call for holiday hours). Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children, free for kids 2 and under.
 
Six Flags Wild Safari 
Jackson, NJ
Who knew New Jersey was home to the largest drive-through safari outside of Africa! At Six Flags Wild Safari, you can see 1200 animals on a 4.5 mile long auto trail. Tickets are $19.99 per person (does not include admission to Six Flags Great Adventure). If you want to get up close and personal with the animals, Six Flags offers a VIP behind the scenes tour with a personal tour guide for $149.99 for up to 4 people (48 hour advance booking required).