The Cape May County Zoo is the perfect family activity if you’re visiting South Jersey. It’s not far from popular beach towns like Wildwood, Cape May, Avalon, and Sea Isle City.
It’s open every day (except Christmas) and is FREE to visit, making it a great option any time of year.
Located in Cape May County Park, there are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic lunch. Kids will also love the playground!
If you’re thinking about visiting the Cape May Zoo, the guide below has everything you need to know. So, let’s plan your visit!
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What To Know Before You Visit the Cape May County Zoo
Cape May County Zoo Hours
The Cape May County Zoo is open year-round, seven days a week (closed on Christmas Day).
From early March to October, the Cape May Zoo is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During winter months (November to early March), it closes at 3:30 p.m.
Cape May Zoo Admission Price
The Cape May County Zoo is FREE to visit! However, they strongly encourage donations. Employees and volunteers stand at the park and zoo entrances holding buckets where you can easily toss in a few dollars.
Parking at the Cape May County Zoo
It’s FREE to park at the Cape May County Zoo.
There are a few small parking lots at the Cape May County Park. When we visited, we were able to snag a spot as a family was leaving. However, as we were leaving, we saw volunteers directing visitors to the large grassy area next to the playground to park.
Accessibility
The Cape May Zoo is accessible with paved and boardwalk paths. You can rent strollers, wheelchairs, or a motorized scooter if needed.
Inside the Cape May County Zoo
Animals
We loved visiting the Cape May Zoo since they have so many different animals that you don’t see everywhere. We loved watching the kangaroos hop around.
At the zoo, you’ll see all kinds of animals, like camels, red pandas, giraffes, bears, and various monkeys, to name a few. They also have a reptile house and lots of birds. You’ll encounter several peacocks strolling around the zoo.
Don’t forget to take the long boardwalk path to the African area of the zoo!
Feeding Animals
As you enter the Cape May Zoo, you’ll be greeted by goats and a cow. Here, you can purchase pellets to feed them. These animals don’t hold back and will try everything they can to get that food!
Food Options
There are a few places to purchase food inside the zoo. The larger Safari Cafe sells burgers, chicken fingers, and pizza, among other options. They also have sweet treats like ice cream and brownies.
The Savanna Garden is a small kiosk with some grab-n-go treats like drinks and ice cream.
If you want to bring a picnic, you must eat it outside of the zoo. You can use several picnic tables around the park before you enter the zoo. The zoo does not allow any outside food within its boundaries.
Other Things to Do at the Cape May County Park
Playground
Outside of the zoo entrance is a large playground. It offers so many fun things to do, like climbing structures, nets, and several slides. Plan on having the kids spend some time because they will forget all about the zoo the minute they see this playground!
Tree to Tree Adventures
If your family enjoys ropes courses and zip lines, then you’ll want to check out Tree to Tree Adventures next to the Cape May Zoo. They offer obstacle courses for kids as young as 7 years old. Prices start at $45/person, depending on the course.
Carousel
Outside of the zoo entrance is a fun animal-themed carousel. The carousel operates weekends in the spring and fall (weather permitting) and seven days during the summer months. You can purchase tickets to ride the carousel at the gift shop.
Cape Atlantic Model Railroad
Train lovers will want to pop into the green shed next to the Cape May Zoo entrance. There, you’ll find a fun model train display that is FREE to visit. The display is interactive and has 5 tracks running.
Wrapping Up the Cape May Zoo
Spending the morning at the Cape May County Zoo is a fun way to spend some time while you are in South Jersey.
Of course, there are other fun things to do nearby, including climbing up to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse or taking a ride on the Cape May Ferry. Or you can just enjoy a day at the beach!
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