Jersey Shore Guide to Zoos and Aquariums for Kids
If you're looking for local entertainment full of wonder and adventure for kids and family fun, then look no further than the Jersey Shore. Skip the trip to the city and instead head down the shore for a great day of family fun while exploring exotic animals and marine life. With great attractions such as the Popcorn Park Zoo and Jenkinson's Aquarium, the Jersey Shore is packed with unique exhibits and educational experiences for animal lovers of all ages!
Cape May County Park & Zoo
707 Route 9 North Cape May Court House, NJIf you have animal lovers at home, then the Cape May County Zoo‘s extensive collection of all different species of animals in a beautiful natural environment is sure to impress. New in 2012 were the zoo’s adorable snow leopards, just one of over 250 species of various wildlife. Just recently this year, mother Snow Leopard Himani gave birth to 2 healthy cubs! Visitors enjoy the Cape May County Zoo’s clean grounds and relaxing atmosphere as well as its close proximity to the Jersey Shore – and did we mention, it’s FREE! Contact the Zoo at 609-465-5271 | Directions
Jenkinson's Aquarium
300 Ocean Avenue | Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742Jenkinson's Aquarium offers an exciting educational experience for kids of all ages to get up close with a variety of marine animals with exhibits such as Atlantic and Pacific sharks, coral reefs, penguins, alligators and seals. Open all year long and located at the Point Pleasant boardwalk, Jenkinson's Aquarium is a great Jersey Shore attraction for education, awareness and discovery of global marine life. Check out Jenkinson's newest addition to the aquarium - the African penguins! Plus, as part of the Jenkinson's boardwalk, visitors can venture up to the boardwalk and enjoy an arcade, great food, games and more! Contact Jenkinson's Aquarium at 732-892-0600 | Hours & Admission Info
Popcorn Park Zoo
1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731Popcorn Park Zoo of Forked River is quite unique as its animals consist of wildlife that could no longer survive in their habitats and were brought to the zoo to be nursed back to health. Popcorn Park Zoo cares for over 200 different animals ranging from an African lion to camels, Australian wallabies, monkeys, tigers, horses, turtles, bears, geese peacocks and more! A popular part of the experience, bags of air-popped popcorn can be purchased and kids can feed birds and farm animals around the grounds. All proceeds from the admission fee are used to care for the animals and to help rescue even more animals. Contact Popcorn Park Zoo at 609-693-1900 | Hours, Prices & Directions
Atlantic City Aquarium
800 North New Hampshire Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401Visit the Atlantic City Aquarium to enjoy an educational and hands-on experience with over 100 varieties of marine life. Located at the Historic Gardener's Basin waterfront, the aquarium allows visitors to not only explore different species at the exhibits but to also interact with sea creatures in aquarium's touch tanks. A great day trip for kids, the aquarium is adjacent to fun boat rides, shopping and great restaurants. Contact the Atlantic City Aquarium at 609-348-2880 | Map & More info