Turtle Back Zoo Early Childhood Program Registration Begins Today

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ ­­— The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo offers early childhood programs that encourage family learning and foster early environmental awareness for kids from 6 months to 5 years old. Registration starts today, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Turtle Back Hatchlings program is an opportunity for children ages 6-24 months to meet small, friendly animals up close in the Education Center. The Turtle Back Zoo Tots program encourages kids ages 2-3 years to discover the natural world with stories, projects and animal visitors. Classes last between 45 to 60 minutes, and an adult is required to attend alongside the child. Spring class dates are March 3-5, April 7-9 and May 5-7. There is a maximum of 10 children per class allowed. Tickets are $20 per class, which includes admittance of one child and one caregiver.

Zoo Explorers is a drop off program for children ages 4-5 years. The science-based lessons include stories, games, movement, crafts and supervised outings to specific areas of the zoo that support the lesson. Spring class dates are March 11-12, April 15-16 and May 20-21. There is a maximum of 10 kids allowed in each 2-hour long class. Tickets are $25 per class for each child.

Advanced registration and payment are required to attend. Class spots fill up quickly, so visit turtlebackzoo.com to register for the spring session.