Round up the family, it’s time to meet our wild neighbors at these nearby zoos.
Cost: $29 – $32 (adults), $24 – $27 (kids 2-11), depending on the day
Explore the country’s first zoo, where more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals live and a new habitat for the bears who call the zoo home just opened. Whether you’re there to meet a specific animal, to ride the Pherris Wheel or to take a guided tour, there’s something for everyone.
Cost: Free
Cape May’s free zoo is open every day except Christmas, so you can have some wild fun all year round. The zoo features special animal encounters, a pavilion across the street for lunch and playing, animals from around the world and two eateries.
West Orange
Cost: $22 (adults), $19 (kids 2-12)
Spend the day traveling from Africa to Australia to Asia and back again with the exotic wildlife at Turtle Back Zoo. Stop by the Essex farm, get a behind-the-scenes peek during zookeeper talks, hop aboard the train, grab a bite at Savannah Café or a drink at Zanzibar and get some energy out at the prehistoric playground.
Bridgeton
Cost: Free
New Jersey’s first zoo (opened in 1934) is free and open year-round (except Christmas). Home to Bengal Tiger, puma, wallaby, emu and many more animals, the zoo also features a concessions stand and a picnic grove for you to snack.
Wilmington, DE
Cost: Free – $9 (adults), Free – $7 (kids 3-17) depending on time of year
There’s always something going on at the Brandywine Zoo, like Thursday storytimes for your little ones, daily keeper talks, creature features and special events like Sip & Stroll. The nearly 5-acre zoo is located within Brandywine Park and recently welcomed a new baby crowned lemur.
