2023 Summer Camp Open House at Turtle Back Zoo

It’s never too early to think of summer!  Turtle Back Zoo hosts week-long, fun, science-based summer camps for ages 5 to 14. Teacher-guided lessons, behind-the-scenes experiences, up-close animal encounters, fun crafts, and time in the Zoo make this camp a must do on your summer fun list.

Join us for Essex County Turtle Back Zoo’s Annual Summer Camp Open House to check out what’s new and fun at camp for Summer 2023. On Saturday, February 25 from 11am to 2pm you can meet camp counselors, learn about our science-based curriculum, try a camp activity, and say hello to a few of our Camp Animal Ambassadors.  There will be several activity stations to visit and record on an Open House Passport.

This is a free event and we ask that you register in advance, but day-of walk ups will be welcome.  This is not a drop-off program for children; all attendees should register.  We are scheduling 1 hour time slots (11am, 12pm, 1pm) for tickets to ensure that we can accommodate the needs of our future campers and their families; please attend the ticket time for which you've registered.  Registered participants who complete all visitor activity stations before 2pm are eligible for same day zoo admission at the off-season group rate (last entry into the zoo is at 3pm; the zoo closes at 4pm).  The Open House is located at the Berson Education Center (adjacent to the TreeTop Adventure Course) on the east side of the Zoo complex.

Save the Date! Online registration for zoo summer camp opens to Zoo Members on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Registration for the general public opens on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Host or Publisher Turtle Back Zoo