Cape May Zoo in New Jersey is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for the whole family. This Zoo, located in Cape May Court House, features over 550 animals from more than 250 species, including lions, giraffes, snow leopards, and many others. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Cape May Zoo Address
Cape May Zoo is located at Exit 11 on the Garden State Parkway. The physical address of the Zoo is 707 US-9 North Cape May Court House, NJ 08210.
We came from North Jersey and got off exit 11. As soon as you make a right off the parkway, continue straight through the light that is the entrance of the Zoo. For some reason, our GPS told us to make a left at the light; believe me, that is not the way to go.
Cape May Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open 7 days a week from 10 am until 4:30 pm in the spring/summer months and 10 am-3:30 pm in the fall/winter months. The only day the Zoo closes is Christmas.
Is Cape May Zoo free?
Yes, Cape May Zoo is completely free to all visitors who wish to visit the Zoo. However, it is strongly suggested to donate. The donations help provide the necessities the Zoo needs to stay open and free.
My family has visited a couple of zoos in the tristate, and the Cape May Zoo is just as great as other zoos that charge for entry.
Donations can be made once you enter the main parking lot. If, for some reason, you’re unable to make your donation at the entrance, there are still chances to make donations throughout your visit to the Zoo.
There are mailboxes along the walking path of the Zoo for you to place your donations safely and securely.
Is parking free at Cape May Zoo?
Yes, parking for cars, SUV’s and vans are free. However, there is a $40 fee for short school buses and a $80 charge for buses.
Cape May Zoo Map
Click here to view the map of Cape May Zoo.
When to visit the Zoo?
Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends if you want to avoid crowds. Spring and fall are also great times to visit because the weather is pleasant, and the animals are usually more active.
Can I bring food to the Zoo?
No food is allowed in the Zoo, but you can bring drinks into the Zoo for those really hot days.
If you are a family on a budget and trying to watch what you spend, pack a lunch and store it in a cooler in your car. Outside the Zoo, there are picnic tables and areas to eat lunch.
Places to eat at the Zoo?
There are various places on the zoo grounds to purchase a snack while you are there. There is also a brand new place called Safari Cafe in the Zoo, which sells burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, and fries. Click here to view the whole menu.
Zoo rentals
As busy moms, sometimes when we are packing up the kids, snacks, our spouses, and ourselves, we sometimes forget to pack the essential things, like the baby’s stroller. If this happens to you, don’t worry, the Zoo has rentals in the gift shop for your convenience.
Strollers/Wheelchair rentals are $10 per day.
Motorized Scooter rental is $30 for 3 hours; then there is a charge of $5 for each additional hour.
What to see at Cape May Zoo
The Zoo is divided into different areas representing different parts of the world, so you can see animals from different continents without leaving New Jersey. The African Savanna area, for example, features lions, zebras, and giraffes. The South American area has jaguars, macaws, and capybaras. And the Australian area is home to kangaroos, wallabies, and emus.
In addition to the animals, the Zoo has a reptile and amphibian house, a primate exhibit, and a bird exhibit. You can also learn about different conservation projects the zoo supports, such as the African penguin conservation program.
Animal Encounters
One cool thing we saw while visiting the Zoo this time was people feeding the giraffes. Cape May Zoo now has animal encounters for you and your family to enjoy.
You can play to get up close and personal with the following animals:
- Two-toed sloth
- Giraffe
- Camel
- Reptile
- Willy, the pig
- Capybara Encounter
Some encounters start at $100 and can go up to $400.
We had no idea this was a thing, but when we return, I would love to encounter the giraffes.
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How long does it take to walk through the Zoo?
Walking through the entire Zoo and visiting all exhibits can take 2 – 3 hours. This time will include stopping to view the animals, walking through the Zoo, and stopping for a bite to eat.
Other activities to do at the Zoo
Cape May Zoo also has a park which is located on the Zoo’s property. The park opens at 7 am and closes at dusk. There’s also a carousel for younger kids, and if you are adventurous, you can check out Cape May Zoo’s tree-to-tree adventure.
Tree-to-tree Adventures is a rope obstacle and ziplining course that your older children will love. The adventure course minimum age is 7, and the height requirement is 4’7.
Places to visit near Cape May Zoo
If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, there are plenty of options. Cape May County Park and Zoo, which is adjacent to the Zoo, has a playground, picnic area, and fishing pond. The nearby Cape May Point State Park is home to a lighthouse that you can climb for a panoramic view of the ocean and the bay.
If you want to relax on the beach, you can head to Cape May or Wildwood, which are both within a 30-minute drive from the Zoo. Or you can visit the historic town of Cape May, which is known for its Victorian architecture, boutique shops, and restaurants.
If you’re looking for some adventure you can visit the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, to see how cool the planes are. There’s also a Morey’s Pier and Beachfront Water Park.
Places to eat near Cape May Zoo
After a day of exploring the Zoo and the surrounding area, you’ll probably be hungry. Fortunately, there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Some popular options include Steaks, Shakes, and Cakes, the name alone should speak for itself, and the Red Brick Ale, which offers various foods like wraps, pizza, and burgers. For a more casual meal, you can try the Cape May Brewing Company, which has a tasting room and a food truck.
Or if your children are anything like my children, stopping at a Wawa for a macaroni and cheese bowl with chicken tenders is good enough for them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cape May Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers of all ages. With its diverse collection of animals, educational exhibits, and beautiful surroundings, it’s a great place to spend a day with your family or friends. And with so many other attractions and restaurants nearby, you can easily turn your visit into a mini-vacation.
As always,
Thank you again for coming along this journey with my family and me. If there’s any place you feel my family would enjoy visiting, please tell us in the comments below. You can also put any questions in the comments if there are any questions I have not answered.
