Admission-Free, The Cape May Zoo In New Jersey Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

New Jersey is home to a variety of zoos, aquariums, and animal rescues (shout out to one of my favorites, Popcorn Park) all worth visiting, but if you're looking for an admission-free day of fun, head to Cape May County Park & Zoo.

Cape May County Park has been a popular public space for nearly a century. In 1978, a small zoo was added to the park.

It started with just an African lion, spider monkeys, barnyard animals, and wildlife found in the Garden State.

In the 1980s, the zoo grew to include a new lion exhibit, a Bengal tiger exhibit, a cougar exhibit, a giraffe and camel exhibit, a reptile house, and a medical building and diet preparation building.

The zoo has continued to expand and now includes an African savannah, reptile house, and walk-through aviary.

In 2007, the zoo received 13 flamingos from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. Currently, the zoo consists of 550 animals representing 250 species.

The zoo also has a train, animal-themed carousel, gift shop, and cafe. It's perfect for a family-friendly day trip.

For a fee, you can add on an animal encounter with giraffes, otters, camels, or reptiles. You can also purchase guided zoo tours.

Don't miss special events like yoga at the zoo, Easter egg hunts and more! On Earth Day, they go all out with guided hikes, children's activities, interactive exhibits, and free entertainment. The zoo is open every day except Christmas. It is free to visit and free to park. We love that anyone can enjoy it! However, it's great to make a donation if you can afford it. You'll also find walking trails and a disc golf course available at no cost. For a fee, you can take part in a thrilling treetop adventure. You can get all the details on the zoo website.