For those already missing the warm weather, a refreshing reminder of spring can be found just around the corner — at the Turtle Back Zoo. Open 363 days a year, the Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County, New Jersey features the same lovable animals in a wintery environment. While some animals enjoy their outdoor pens, most of the Turtle Back Zoo’s exhibits have been moved inside, (including the exhibits of the parakeets, roosters, and many more). Since 1963, the Zoo has been creating comfortable environments for the animals and exciting experiences for animal lovers and families alike.

This year check out the Winter Break Mini-Camp: Animal Senses where your littles can learn how animals use their senses, get into the holiday spirit at the Holiday Lights Spectacular, and enjoy Storytime with Mrs. Claus.

Here are 5 fun events this winter at Turtle Back Zoo:

The Holiday Lights Spectacular
Dec 7 – 31, 5PM – 9PM
Each year, Turtle Back Zoo hosts the Holiday Light Spectacular, which features thousands of dazzling lights, character weekends, meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, storytime, and ice carvers.

Storytime with Mrs. Claus
December 21, 6PM, 7PM
December 22, 23, 3:30PM, 6PM, 7PM
Bring your littles to the Turtle Back Zoo to meet the animals, see the beautiful holiday lights, and enjoy a holiday story read by Mrs. Claus and one of her animal friends. Bonus: each ticket includes light refreshments and a holiday cookie.

Winter Break Mini Camp: Animal Senses
December 26 – 28, 9AM – 4PM
Looking for something to keep your littles busy during winter break? Bring them to the Turtle Back Zoo for the Animal Senses Mini Camp. They’ll learn how animals use their senses, some similar to our senses and some not, to live and navigate our world.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day School Break Mini-Camp: Animal Engineers
January 21, 2019, 9AM – 4PM
For this one day-camp, your littles will learn the who, what, where, when, and why of animals that create cool, complex structures. This camp is recommended for ages 5-10.

Presidents’ Day School Break Mini-Camp: Life in the Zoo
February 18, 2019, 9AM – 4PM
This full-day dropoff program is a chance for your littles to learn about the art and science of animal care, create enrichment items, and learn about conservation at the Turtleback Zoo as well as global stewardship. This camp is recommended for ages 5-10.

Psst! We love seeing your adventures around New Jersey. Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmom and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.