Plan Your Visit

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PLAN YOUR VISIT
Planning on Visiting the Park & Zoo?  This information will help you plan your trip.
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ADMISSION
Our Park & Zoo are FREE.
Your donations help to keep us FREE.

PARKING
Parking for cars is also FREE.
We only charge for buses
and large passenger vans.
WE ARE OPEN EVERY DAY
(Except for Christmas)
ZOO HOURS
Our current Zoo hours are:
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
7 days a week
PARK HOURS
Our current Park hours are:
7:00 a.m. - Dusk
7 days a week

DIRECTIONS
From the South:
Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 11, turn left onto Crest Haven Road.
The entrance to the Park & Zoo is straight ahead.

From the North:
Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 11, turn right onto Crest Haven Road.
The entrance to the Park & Zoo is straight ahead.

From the West or Northwest:
Take Route 55 South to Route 47 South.
Then take Route 83 East to Route 9 South.
The Park & Zoo entrance will be 5 miles ahead on the right at Zoo Rd.
AMENITIES AT THE ZOO
GIFT SHOP
Pick up a souvenir or a gift with a great assortment of stuff animals, jewelry, toys and clothing.

FOOD
Tasty & healthy snacks or a full lunch menu at the Safari Café & Tiger Hut

   
RENTALS
Strollers, wheelchairs and motorized scooters available
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EXTRA ATTRACTIONS

Penny Machines
Take home a piece of history by selecting your favorite species from a variety of choices at one of our two penny machines in the zoo. Find our machines just outside the Reptile House and at the Zoo exit.

Photo Booth
Freeze a memory of your visit to the Cape May County Park and Zoo with a memento photo only available at the Zoo exit.

Face Painting and Caricature drawing are offered in the Courtyard in the summer, weather pending. Just ask for details inside the gift shop “Ark in the Park”.

Playgrounds
The Park features two sets of playground equipment just outside the Zoo entrance. Toddlers have an area just for them next to the Bandstand and there is a larger playground and swing set in the large field across from the Courtyard.

Picnic Pavilions
Hold your next party or family reunion at one of our 14 Picnic Pavilions.   Just reserve online under Pavilion Rentals.  

Fishing Pond
Our recently upgraded and stocked freshwater ponds at Park Central and Park East offer a relaxing day for both the newcomer and the seasoned fisherman.  Find NJ state guidelines here.

Wedding Gazebo
Looking for a special outdoor venue for your ceremony with a breathtaking view?  Our inexpensive Gazebo offers a great location to make all your photographs extra memorable, especially in the Fall.  Find more information under PARKS>GAZEBO heading above.

Tree to Tree Aerial Obstacle Adventure Park
Open now, the best aerial rope course in New Jersey. There's even a skate board in the sky!
Additional information click here

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Zoo Etiquette


  • Winter time Zoo hours are 10:00am - 3:30pm
    Summer time Zoo hours are 10:00am - 4:30pm                     
  • No outside food is permitted inside the Zoo.
  • No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the Park or Zoo.
  • No pets are permitted in the Park or Zoo.
  • The Zoo is smoke-free for the health and happiness of all our animals and guests.
  • Please do not throw objects, tap or bang on exhibit glass or enclosures.
  • There are many beautiful things growing throughout our Zoo. Climbing the trees, picking flowers or disturbing the landscape is prohibited.
  • Visitors may not sit, stand on or climb on exhibits, fences, railings or gardens.
  • Activities which could be hazardous to other visitors or animals are prohibited (i.e. play fighting, playing catch, etc).
  • If someone is acting inappropriately or dangerously, they will be escorted from the Zoo. If you see someone acting in this manner, please contact a Zoo staff member or security.
  • No feeding the animals (exceptions: the pellet food provided through the coin operated machines at the farmyard and duck ponds).
  • No bikes, roller skates, rollerblades, heelies, skateboards, or scooters in the Zoo.
  • No balloons, large toys, or balls in the Zoo.
  • No camera drones or cameras on extension poles are permitted.
  • Shoes and shirt are required.
  • Please keep in mind you may not see every animal listed when you visit the Zoo. Their locations are subject to change as is their desire to be inside their dens or outside for your viewing pleasure.
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Park Etiquette


  • No pets are permitted on park grounds.
  • Park hours are 7:00 am – Dusk. (Zoo hours 10:00am - 4:30pm Summer, 10:00am - 3:30pm Winter)
  • Pavilions are available by permit only with a required fee.   Reservations are to be made in advance.
  • The speed limit is 10 mph inside the Park.
  • Alcohol is strictly prohibited at all Cape May County Park facilities.
  • All busses must use the Route 9 entrance to the County Park and stop at the front information booth for directions and parking information.
  • Children visiting the County Park on field trips must be with chaperones. Please encourage your children to stay with their group leader. Supervision must be provided to insure proper use of Playground Equipment.
  • Outside food items are permitted in the Park only and may not be brought in the Zoo. Leave all food items in your vehicle or on your bus until you plan to have your picnic. No food is to be brought inside the Zoo, but drinks are allowed. A variety of refreshments are for sale in designated food areas within the Zoo.
  • Recreational equipment of any kind is strictly prohibited
  • Never leave personal belongings unattended.
  • Visitors may not sit, stand on or climb on exhibits, fences, railings or gardens.
  • Music is permitted at picnic pavilions but should not interfere with other patrons. Park officials reserve the right to lower the music.

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PICNIC PAVILIONS Are available for rent throughout the Park, just outside the Zoo. To Reserve a Pavilion Click Here 
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GROUPS & TOUR INFORMATION BUS PERMITS are required TOURS are available for your school, group or family and private For Private Tour Information Click Here
PET POLICY
No Pets are allowed on Park and Zoo grounds. Please do not leave your pet in a vehicle. The Cape May County Sheriffs Department patrol all parking lots. Should the officers find your animal has been locked in a vehicle, you may be ticketed and/or a fined. Service animals are permitted with the proper identification.