There are plenty of zoos in New Jersey, but the Cape May County Park and Zoo should be one to put at the top of your bucket list. And the best part? It’s FREE. That’s just one of the reasons my family loves to visit, as well as touring the lush landscapes, seeing diverse animal species, and getting energy out on the playground. With activities such as private tours, animal encounters, and riding a zoo-themed carousel, the Cape May Zoo is a must-visit. Read on to find out what you need to know before you visit this 45-year-old zoo. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Cape May County Park And Zoo
See animals from all over the world
When we entered the Zoo, we immediately heard the distinct call of peacocks as if they were welcoming us in. While the peacocks freely wander the front portion of the Zoo, they don’t engage with people, so little ones shouldn’t be scared seeing them. Our first stop was visiting the farm animals, where we fed the goats and the cows. The kids also enjoyed watching the pigs, and after that, we found a nearby pedal-operated washing station, which allowed us to clean up. Next to the farm animals were the birds, with whom we had a rousing exchange, particularly with the macaws, who loved to talk back. Afterward, we set out along the path, which is a single loop, and followed it to the African section. We spotted lions, camels, a cheetah, and bison, and then we saw the zebras in their recently renovated enclosure. We then headed over to the capybaras, alligator, and giant tortoises. My kids were in awe of the animals they saw, and since the Zoo isn’t big, we could see most of the animals up close.
There’s more than just animals
Beyond the animals, there are other activities at the Zoo that keep my kids busy. The Animal Carousel is always a hit, and instead of horses, each ride is a different zoo animal (our favorite is the gorilla). My kids love to make souvenirs at the penny machines, where you pick from a variety of animal species, insert a penny, and it comes out with the animal on it as a keepsake souvenir. There are other places to gather memorable souvenirs—pose behind the animal cutouts (the kangaroos are an excellent spot for an adult and child photo) or head to the photo booth at the exit. During the summer, kids can get their faces painted, or you can sit for a caricature portrait to bring home.
The Cape May County Zoo Private Tour or Animal Encounter is a must
Want to avoid the crowds or celebrate a special occasion? Get exclusive access 1 hour before the Zoo opens with a Private-Guided Zoo Tour (weather permitting). During this one-of-a-kind tour, an experienced Zoo Educator will guide you through the exhibits and introduce you to all the various species that call the Cape May County Zoo home. If you want to get a little closer to the animals, an Animal Encounter may be the experience for you—you can feed the animal you meet with special foods to munch on and learn more about them (capybara, giraffe, camel, or reptile). Pavilion Birthday Parties are also available if you are looking to celebrate a special birthday at the Zoo.
Grab a bite and stop by the gift shop
When it was time for lunch, we opted for the Safari Cafe, which has a bunch of kid-friendly foods like burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and daily specials. We liked that we could eat inside or outside—but be alert, as seagulls can swoop in to steal your food outside. Want something quick? Stop by the Savanna Garden Kiosk to get one of their famous Animal Sipper Cups and grab-and-go items. Proceeds from the cafe and gift shop support the Zoo. For souvenirs, stop by the Lion’s Den Gift Shop for a plushie or t-shirt, or their popular Zoo Bags filled with animal-themed trinkets.
Let your littles swing, climb, and explore
Got kids itching to let out some energy? There are two playgrounds just outside the zoo entrance—one for toddlers and another, a larger playground with a swing set. This spot ended up being a lifesaver since it gave the kids a chance to tire out before we headed back into the car. If your bigger kids are looking for more adventure, they can try the Tree to Tree Aerial Obstacle Adventure Park, an aerial rope course featuring a skateboard in the sky. Or, if you want to take it a little easier, a fishing pond is stocked at Park Central and Park East.
What to know before you go
Cape May County Park and Zoo offers free admission to everyone, but donations are always appreciated, as they help ensure the Zoo provides ongoing experiences for all ages. Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Summer hours are 10 AM – 4:30 PM (March 7, 2025 – October 30, 2025), and the fall/winter hours are 10 AM – 3:30 PM (November 2025-March 2026). The Park is open year-round from 7 AM to dusk, except for Christmas Day. Strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, and motorized scooters are welcome and can be rented at The Lion’s Den Gift Shop. Food is permitted anywhere in the surrounding Park but not in the Zoo. Non-alcoholic beverages, baby food, and bottles are allowed in the Zoo. Food is available at the Safari Cafe, and there is a picnic pavilion outside the Zoo where you can bring your own lunch. For the 90-minute Zoo Tour, the cost is $200 for up to four people, with an additional $50 for each person beyond that, with a maximum of 10 people. Encounters range from $140 to $400 for groups of 1-4 people, with additional guests incurring an extra fee. Depending on the animal, there are age and guest limits on the Encounters—the giraffe, camel, and reptile encounters require participants to be 5 years old or older.
For more information about the Cape May County Zoo, visit their website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Cape May Zoo
707 North Route 9
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
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