12 Best Zoos & Aquariums in New Jersey

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Some of the planet’s most fantastic sea and land-based life can be found at your fingertips in New Jersey.

Aquariums in the Garden State are regularly considered to be some of the best in the U.S., and the zoos are also highly regarded among professionals and animal enthusiasts.

Due to an emphasis on global and local animals and preservation efforts by state officials and various animal organization groups, N.J. aquariums feature sea life from mellow sea turtles to hammerhead sharks and Blue Nile hippos.

In addition, zoos boast animals from around the globe for you and the family to enjoy in just a few hours’ drive.

Keep reading to learn more about the best zoos and aquariums in New Jersey!

12 Best Zoos & Aquariums in New Jersey

While New Jersey boasts a variety of zoos and aquariums, the following are considered some of the best:

Twelve: The Pequest Trout Hatchery

Located at the Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, New Jersey, the Pequest Trout Hatchery houses the only state-owned trout hatchery.

Featuring around 700,000 trout, which are used to stock public waters, this building can only be accessed through scheduled tours.

Still, the facility offers a self-guided hatchery tour where you can peek through the windows of the nursery area and egg room.

The grounds also boast an observation platform to overlook pools and raceways with trout.

Eleven: SeaQuest Woodbridge

With animals from five continents, SeaQuest Woodbridge is a wonderful way to travel the world and still be home later that day.

Located in Central New Jersey, SeaQuest Woodbridge boasts exhibits that feature the Amazon River, the Great Wall of China, and an Icelandic Fishing Village.

With over 20,000 square feet of adventure at your fingertips, including flying squirrels, stingrays, and Asian otters, you and your family will walk out of SeaQuest with more knowledge of the Earth’s species.

Two popular events include the animal whisperer tour and the sloth interaction experience.

Additionally, you can purchase snacks for specific animals during the tour.

Ten: NJ SEA LIFE Aquarium

The NJ SEA LIFE Aquarium boasts over 3,000 sea creatures in the American Dream Mall, a brand-new facility.

The aquarium boasts jellies, rays, sharks, and many other types of sea life.

Visitors can learn more about how an aquarium operates with a behind-the-scenes tour, explore interactive and educational exhibits, and walk through an ocean tunnel surrounded by sea life residents.

The “City Under the Sea” is a particularly interesting exhibit that features NYC landmarks as a cityscape backdrop under the water.

The NJ SEA LIFE Aquarium is a great place to stop after a busy day of shopping and enjoying the other activities of the mall.

Nine: Popcorn Park Animal Refuge

Founded in 1977, Popcorn Park began when the Associated Humane Societies treated a raccoon caught in a trap.

After giving the injured animal a home, the sanctuary transformed into a haven for dying or ill animals.

Fast forward to today, and the refuge boasts over 200 residents, which include caimans, iguanas, turtles, tortoises, birds, llamas, cows, goats, sheep, equine, capybara, cavy, bears, primates, and large cats.

The most popular inhabitants of the park are Kya, a blind white tiger, three baboon brothers, the draft horse named Seven, and sibling Bengal tigers Jess and Eli.

Amenities at the refuge include peanuts, popcorn, ice cream, and cold drinks, with a picnic area.

Visitors cannot feed most farm animals, but it’s possible to provide the roaming birds.

Eight: Marine Mammal Stranding Center

As the only new Jersey marine mammal rescue facility, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center has rescued aquatic lives for over 35 years!

This marine life haven has treated and housed a variety of species ranging from sea turtles to bottle-nosed dolphins to porpoises and sea lions.

In addition, the small yet dedicated team offers a variety of educational programs for young children to understand animal safety and facts through the museum side of the center.

This helps make children more knowledgeable of the importance of protecting this planet and the wildlife that thrives across the globe.

Seven: Cohanzick Zoo

The Cohanzick Zoo is New Jersey’s first, which opened in 1934.

Today, the zoo has over 100 animals that represent around 45 species from across the globe.

Located in a 1,100-acre park in the City of Bridgeton, the Cohanzick Zoo’s most popular residents include an Asiatic black bear named Holly, cougars named Shuri and Nakia, and Mahesha and Rishi, the Bengal tigers.

Some of the most popular events at the zoo include Coati Day in February, where Margarita, Carmela, and Floriemel the coatimundis predict spring arrival, and KidsFest, which is a spring celebration with entertainment, crafts, and face painting.

Other events include the Halloween celebration of Boo at the Zoo and Zoo Camp, which allows campers to engage with their favorite residents.

Six: Liberty Science Center 

Located in Jersey City, not far from downtown Manhattan, the Liberty Science Center is a world-class facility that boasts a year-round exhibit focused on the Hudson River Habitat, Dino Digs, Touch Tunnel, and IMAX films.

The Hudson River exhibit allows visitors to move sediments and water in a replica of the river and even come face-to-face with turtles in child-height water tanks.

In addition, liberty Science Center allows guests to wear white laboratory coats to conduct ecological experiments, presenting a new world of ideas.

Five: Turtle Back Zoo

Located in Essex County, Turtle Back Zoo is one of The Garden State’s most loved and well-known facilities featuring wildlife from across the globe.

The sea turtle recovery and sea lion pool allow guests to learn more about these fascinating creatures and their behaviors.

In addition, the penguin exhibit was designed to resemble the South African coastline so you can travel out of the U.S. without needing a passport.

The zoo even boasts a 1,600-gallon marine life tank that allows visitors to touch many sea life.

Four: Jenkinson’s Aquarium

Located on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, which is seaside, this New Jersey aquarium is ideal for families to visit while walking along the boardwalk.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium focuses on educating visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and features seals, penguins, coral reefs, nursing sharks, and sandbar sharks.

Children can also engage in hands-on educational experiences with marine experts.

For instance, visitors will learn about the two-toed sloth Wally, see the aquarium’s inner workings, or waddle with penguin friends.

For families headed down the shore to Point Pleasant Beach or one of the many surrounding shore towns, this is a great option to get out of the sun for a few hours.

Three: Bergen County Zoo

Situated in Van Saun County Park, the Bergen County Zoo is the first of all New Jersey zoos to become AZA-accredited.

Since the accreditation in 1986, the administration has expanded to house over 50 species and around one thousand animals from North and South America.

The zoo aims to help the housed species and their ecosystems survive while educating visitors on the importance of reducing the human footprint across the globe.

The biggest attractions at the Bergen County Zoo include the Wildlife Art Exhibit in May and World Ocean Day in June, which boasts speakers from The Hackensack River Keeper and Sea Turtle Recovery groups.

The most popular residents of the Bergen County Zoo include the red wolf, prairie dog, alligator, tamarins, condors, mountain lions, elk, bison, and spider monkeys.

Two: Camden Adventure Aquarium

Coming in at number two is the Camden Adventure Aquarium, which boasts over 15,000 aquatic animals.

Considered the best in the state, the Camden Adventure Aquarium boasts the most extensive shark collection in the Northeast and Blue Nile Hippos.

Visiting children will want to navigate to the Little Blue Penguins, nicknamed the “cutest penguins ever,” for a good reason.

Also, you and the family can feel like an adventurer by crossing the largest rope-suspension shark bridge in the world.

Don’t worry; it’s safe!

One: Cape May Zoo

Rounding out this best list is the Cape May Zoo, which is the land animal equivalent of the Camden Adventure Aquarium.

Featuring big cats, river otters, zebras, and giraffes, some of the most popular animals, the Cape May Zoo boasts an outdoor wildlife carousel, animal encounters, and guided tours. Some popular special events include Dreamnight, Santa’s Tree Lighting Celebration, Easter ExtravaganZoo, Zoo Yoga, Boo at the Zoo, Princess & Pirate Day, Night Walks, Conservation Day, and Earth Day Celebration.

In addition, the park features several drink and food options, including the Safari Café and various kiosks scattered across the campus.

The Lion’s Den Gift Shop has an ATM, souvenirs, and gifts, so you can remember your visit forever.

12 Best Zoos & Aquariums in New Jersey – Summary Table

New Jersey Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: New Jersey Safety Review

Safety Index:

85

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW