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Zoos

Turtle Back Zoo Carousel

📍 West Orange, NY

★4.7(568 Google reviews)💰$19-$22đŸ‘ļAll ages

Hands-on animal encounters including giraffe feeding and touch tanks with stingrays and sharks. Carousel, train rides, and go-karts round out the visit across hilly outdoor terrain. All ages welcome, stroller rentals available.

✓ Giraffe feeding✓ Touch tank highlight✓ Great for all ages✓ Hilly terrain✓ Add-on fees apply✓ Stroller friendly
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★★★★★Featured review by Jack Stovall

Turtle Back Zoo was a great experience for me and my family! The kids enjoyed themselves (6, 3, and 18 months). They all enjoyed themselves, seeing all the animals, feeding the giraffes, and I think it was a goat. The zoo has a park for kids to play at, and parents can sit down. I will definitely recommend bringing a wagon or stroller or something similar. It's a lot of walking that includes hills. I saw a few people have carts/ strollers that I think they rented from the Zoo, but I'm not sure of the price. I highly recommend bringing a water bottle for everyone in the family. There's water fountains where you can refill them. I also recommend bringing snacks for the kids. We had got food and ice cream when we left. Overall, a great experience for everyone of all ages!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with kids across a wide age range — the touch tank hooks toddlers and the giraffe feeding thrills older kids. Families comfortable with hills and outdoor walking get the most from it. Arrive knowing several activities like the carousel and pony rides carry a small add-on cost beyond admission.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Bring or rent a wagon or stroller — the terrain is hilly with a lot of ground to cover
⏰Stroller and go-cart rentals are available near the entrance
đŸŽŸī¸Pack water and snacks — refill stations are on-site
🚗Check seasonal operations before visiting as some attractions close in winter or rain

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7
★★★★★

568 Google reviews

Animal encounters praised55%
Fun for multiple age groups25%
Significant walking on hills12%
Add-on fees for rides8%
J

Jack Stovall

11 months ago

★★★★★

“Turtle Back Zoo was a great experience for me and my family! The kids enjoyed themselves (6, 3, and 18 months). They all enjoyed themselves, seeing all the animals, feeding the giraffes, and I think it was a goat. The zoo has a park for kids to play at, and parents can sit down. I will definitely recommend bringing a wagon or stroller or something similar. It's a lot of walking that includes hills. I saw a few people have carts/ strollers that I think they rented from the Zoo, but I'm not sure of the price. I highly recommend bringing a water bottle for everyone in the family. There's water fountains where you can refill them. I also recommend bringing snacks for the kids. We had got food and ice cream when we left. Overall, a great experience for everyone of all ages!”

N

nunu jesse

2 months ago

★★★★★

“It was during winter season not a lot of attractions open but the touch tank was amazing we had such a great time seeing the animals that were out and feeding/ petting the sting rays and sharks were the highlight of the trip. Wasn't expensive a lot to see and fun for adults as well as kids!!”

J

Joni W

3 months ago

★★★★★

“Opened in 2008. Beautiful animals, all endangered species. Staff was very kind, informative, and even offered to take pictures of us.”

S

Sazzie Zer

6 months ago

★★★★★

“It's not a big zoo but good size for kids with a bunch of animals to see and things to do. There is a train you and your kids can take. Unfortunately it was not running when it's raining. Some animals were hiding. Some sections like riding a pony and others require to pay $3 extra to get in(like carousel, etc.). I just don't understand why they don't include those in the ticket. Anyhow, my kid had a lot of fun.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Turtle Back Zoo packs giraffe feeding, stingray and shark touch tanks, keeper talks, a carousel, train rides, and go-karts into one outing. The grounds are hilly and entirely outdoors, so a stroller or wagon helps with younger kids. The touch tank is a standout even in winter when some attractions close. Birthday party facilities are on-site. Several add-on activities cost extra beyond the gate admission.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 15:00
Tuesday10:00 – 15:00
Wednesday10:00 – 15:00
Thursday10:00 – 15:00
Friday10:00 – 15:00
Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Sunday10:00 – 15:00

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