Guest post written by Elizabeth, Madison town specialist and fellow local mom. She’s always on the hunt for hidden gems and fun family spots. If you’re looking for a quick, kid-friendly escape close to home, Elizabeth has you covered.
The first time I went to the Turtle Back Zoo, I figured I’d be lucky if there was even a monkey. Honestly, I assumed it would be a glorified petting zoo. Little did I know that (1) I was completely wrong and (2) Turtle Back Zoo is actually one of the best local attractions, with over 100 different animals onsite!
Turtle Back Zoo is part of the South Mountain Reservation Complex (SMRC) in West Orange. The SMRC features tons of attractions for all ages, including mini golf, an indoor ice rink, a waterfront with paddleboat rentals, a walking path, a restaurant, and the very cool-looking Tree Top Adventure Course—which looks amazing, though my kids are still too young to try it (ages 6+).
One area my kids have been able to enjoy is the recently renovated Children’s Regatta Playground. We’ve playfully dubbed it “the boat playground” thanks to its nautical-themed equipment. It’s well designed, with modern materials, plenty of swings and climbing structures, and ample seating for parents. Since the zoo doesn’t open until 10 AM, I usually start our day at the playground so the kids can burn off some energy before getting in the stroller. The zoo is just a quick three-minute drive away.
When you arrive, you’re greeted by two large, free parking garages. Pro tip: park near the elevators—it won’t matter what level you’re on. If your kids are under age 3 or tire easily, definitely bring a stroller or wagon. The zoo is very stroller-friendly, with wide, paved paths throughout.
Once inside, we always kick things off with the train ride (also free!). The line moves quickly early in the day, but it does get longer as the day goes on. It’s a fun way to start and winds through the woods and around the water in the SMRC. After the train, we head to the giraffes, which you can feed for $5. One tip: bring cash! Giraffe feedings, the merry-go-round, pony rides, and a few other extras are cash-only.
Next stop: the penguin house. This is one of our favorite areas—it’s usually feeding time, and it’s designed really well for strollers. The penguins swim right by you, and you get a close-up look that’s super engaging for kids.
After the penguins, we explore the larger animals (lions, monkeys, the cheetah and her adorable dog best friend) and then head to the Prehistoric Playground, hidden behind the Australian Outback exhibit. It’s a great space to let the kids stretch their legs, snack, and climb.
From there, we pass by the otters, alligators, reptiles, and snakes. On hot days, we cool off in the indoor touch tank where you can feed the stingrays ($3) or take a breather in the Reptile House. We also love visiting the farm animals—feeding goats (50¢) or going for a pony ride ($5) is always a hit.
We usually wrap up with a visit to “Big Cat Country” and say goodbye to the prairie dogs near the exit. I can’t speak to the food at the zoo—we always bring our own snacks—but there’s a café onsite with a variety of kid-friendly options.
Every time we’ve visited, the docents have been kind, engaging, and genuinely passionate about their work. They love talking to kids and teaching them about the animals. You can tell the whole Turtle Back Zoo team takes pride in what they do. In June 2025, they opened an onsite animal hospital where guests can actually observe veterinary treatments in progress. My oldest has also enjoyed a few of their weekend classes (starting as young as 18 months!), and they even offer birthday party packages if you’re looking for something unique.
Overall, Turtle Back Zoo is a fantastic day trip—and the South Mountain Reservation Complex truly has something for everyone!
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Laura Deutsch is a realtor who specializes in helping people relocate from the city to the suburbs of New Jersey. Laura took the plunge herself from city to suburban living (not easy!) and is passionate about helping others do the same without all of the stress. Finding the right town to call home is just as important as finding the perfect house, and that’s why Laura’s tailored approach ensures that you not only love your home, but also your new community.
- Contact Laura if you’re in search of a realtor who takes a personalized approach to finding the perfect home and community for you.
- Join Laura’s informational facebook group, Moving to the NJ Suburbs, to join like minded individuals also looking to move to the NJ Suburbs.
- Follow Laura on Instagram for more insights & tips on everything moving to the NJ suburbs.
Date: Sunday, January 25th, 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Place: Online (link to webinar will be sent a few days prior)
