New Jersey day trips: Six Flags, Bronx Zoo, and 17 more zoos and aquariums – Asbury Park Press

With its long lashes and velvety coat, a giraffe is a spindly miracle of creation.

Few of us will get to see one in the wild. But there are many places, within a day’s drive of our homes, where we can watch giraffes amble about on their long legs, or placidly munch on leaves.

And not many of us will explore tropical waters to see fish, bright as rainbows. But the aquariums in our midst let us feast our eyes on those brilliant colors, and maybe visit with sharks and seals, too.

On those days when only a real shark or giraffe will do, there are plenty of zoos and aquariums to provide you with a change of scenery and a greater appreciation of the world’s creatures. (Get a quick overview by watching the slide show above!).

Take a day trip and get to know our feathered, finned or furry friends:

1. Adventure Aquarium

“Baby Shark Summer” is underway at Adventure Aquarium.

Sharks are always a prime attraction at this aquarium on the Camden Waterfront. There’s a rope suspension “shark bridge” that allows you to tread inches above the sharks and a 40-foot tunnel that gives you a panoramic perspective on the shark tank. You can even pet bamboo sharks in a touch tank.

But this summer, the focus is on the never-before-seen Shark Nursery, where the newest baby sand bar sharks live. Visitors can peek in on the littles and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the aquarium cares for baby sharks. (Meet the baby sharks in our video below!)

In addition to sharks, frogs, turtles, penguins and lots of fish fill the tanks at Adventure Aquarium. Be sure to visit Button and Genny, the aquarium’s two hippos. They may swim over to you and greet you from under water.

You also can feed the sting rays. Purchase a tray of dead fish and hold a piece for the rays to grab. You can pet them, too. Fiddler rays, a patterned ray related to the guitarfish and native to Southern Australia, have been added to the “Touch A Shark” exhibit.

Penguin Park, which debuted its new look in 2018, features African penguins on a rocky beach area. Young visitors can play on Explorer’s Cove, a playground with a nautical theme.   

3-D movies are included with general admission.

Special Programs: Hippo, African penguin and Little Blue penguin feedings. “Meet the Divers,” “Up Close Animal Experiences,” and talks with animal experts. All included with general admission. Encounters: African penguins, sea turtles, snorkeling with sharks and rays. Extra fees. Reservations recommended.   

Nearby Eats: Cafeteria and a Flying Fish Beer Garden on site. Plus, all of Philadelphia is a ferry ride away.

More: First look: Adventure Aquarium, Flying Fish team up for Camden beer garden

Good to Know: Located on the Camden waterfront, the aquarium offers compelling views of the Philadelphia skyline. For about $5 extra per person, you can buy a combo ticket that includes admission to the aquarium and a round-trip ferry ride on the Delaware River to Philadelphia. 

Details: 1 Riverside Dr., Camden, Camden, N.J.; 844-474-3474, adventureaquarium.com. Cost: General admission at the box office is $31.99, or $23.99 for children ages 2 through 12.  Discounts area available on the website. Parking is $10. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and until 5 p.m. on weekends and in July and August. 

2. Atlantic City Aquarium

Located on the hub of the Absecon inlet, Atlantic City Aquarium showcases a variety of habitats, from the Mullica River in South Jersey to the Amazon.

There’s a mid-Atlantic Coastal Zone touch tank and a stingray touch tank. Reptiles and amphibians, jellyfish, eels, tropical fish, sharks and more fill the exhibit tanks.

Special Programs: Live animal shows with snakes, lizards, tarantulas and other creatures. Included with admission. Encounters: Feed the sting rays for an additional fee.

Nearby Eats: Historic Gardner’s Basin includes waterfront restaurants, maritime exhibits, a crafter’s village and commercial and recreational docks.

Good to Know: The aquarium is located in Historic Gardner’s Basin, where you can take in views of the Absecon inlet, Absecon Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Atlantic City’s waterfront casinoes. 

Details: 800 North New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City,N.J.; 609-348-2880 or acaquarium.com. Cost: $10 for ages 13 to 61, $7 for ages 62 and up, $6 for ages 4 to 12, and free for under 4. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  

3. Bergen County Zoo

The 146 acres of Van Saun County Park include playgrounds, picnic and fishing areas, historic Washington Spring Garden and the Bergen County Zoo. 

Domestic and wild animals who live there include belted Galloway cows, bobcats, tamarins, draft horses, kookaburras, tortoises, wallaroos, chameleon forest dragons and a porcupine. Popular newcomers include two mountain lion brothers, Tacoma and Chinook, who came to the zoo from Washington state in 2018.

Summertime finds the zookeepers at Bergen County Zoo working hard to keep all the animals cool. 

Special Programs: Live animal shows are held daily in the outdoor amphitheater. Feed 300 parakeets at the Budgie Exhibit.

Nearby Eats: A hot dog truck can often be found outside the zoo, or you can picnic in Van Saun County Park.

Good to Know: A train ride, carousel and pony rides are open in season, for an extra fee, cash only. In July and August, live animal shows are presented in the amphitheater.

Details: Bergen County Zoo is in Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, N.J. 201-262-3771 co.bergen.nj.us or friendsofbergencountyzoo.org. Cost: In-season admission is $8, $5 for children 3 to 14, $2 for seniors 62 and up and people with disabilities. Active members of the military are admitted free. Discounts available for Bergen County residents. Off-season admission is free. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 

4. Bronx Zoo

With its stately architecture, elegant gardens and seemingly endless variety of animals, the Bronx Zoo is a must-see New York City attraction.

Among the many highlights at this massive zoo are the Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, a 4-D theater and a bug-themed carousel. In season, there is also a butterfly garden, children’s zoo, Wild Asia Monorail and zoo shuttle.  Animals from aardvarks to zebras — and sloths, puffins, polar bears, giraffes, rhinos, king cobras and big cats — all live in the Bronx Zoo.

Special Programs: Animal feedings include penguins, sea lions and a bird known as the White-Throated bee eater. Daily presentations are offered by animal experts. Explore Treetop Adventure, an aerial ropes course and zip line, for an additional fee. Dinosaur Safari, a guided tour with realistic, animated dinosaurs and dino-related activities, for an extra fee, is open through Nov. 3.

Encounters: Meet-and-greets with “ambassador” animals, such as a cheetah, a sloth, a penguin or a Fennec fox. All require an extra fee.

Nearby Eats: In order to get the most out of the Bronx Zoo, you’ll need to be there all day, so this is a case in which it’s best to stay on-site. Luckily, the Bronx Zoo has several dining options, including the Dancing Crane Cafe, with indoor and outdoor seating, and a menu that includes sandwiches, salads, soups, hot entrées, vegetarian options, ice cream, snacks and beverages. Other cafes, food stands and snack stands are located throughout the park.

Good to Know: Prefer to see the zoo when there’s a chill in the air? Get a different perspective during the annual Holiday Lights display, which begins this year on Nov. 21, with late hours, music, food and seasonal ambiance.

Details: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, N.Y.  718-220-5100 or bronxzoo.com. Cost: Admission is $36.95, $26.95 for children ages 3 to 12, $31.95 for seniors 65 and up. Parking costs $17. Hours: Through Nov. 3, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and until 5:30 p.m. weekends. In the off-season, the zoo closes at 4:30 p.m.

5. Cape May County Zoo

Cape May County Zoo, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is renowned for its free admission and its abundance of animals.

Among the animals who live here are big cats, small primates, giraffes, lemurs, American bison, red pandas, zebras and many more. The zoo also has a train ride, carousel and rock wall.

Special Programs: Tree To Tree Adventure Park is an aerial course with zip lines, nets, Tarzan swings and other features, for a fee.

Encounters: Small-group programs allow you to meet giraffes, otters, camels, primates, and flamingos and other birds. Fees, reservations, and minimum group sizes apply.

More: Cold Spring Brewery: Beer with a taste of history at the Jersey Shore

Nearby Eats: The zoo’s Safari Cafe offers fresh fruit, salads, sandwiches and other lunch options. Kiosks inside the zoo sell ice cream, lemonade and other beverages. You also can picnic in Cape May County Park.

Good to Know: The zoo offers a package deal with admission to Tree To Tree Adventure Park and a round-trip ride aboard the Cape May Lewes Ferry, with your car.

Details: 707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, N.J.; 609-465-9300 or cmczoo.com. Cost: Free! Yes, admission and parking are free. Donations are welcome. Hours: Open daily, except Christmas. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in spring and summer, and until 3:30 p.m., fall and winter. 

6. Central Park Zoo

This little corner of Central Park, which has exhibited animals since around 1850, has some showy creatures, including grizzly bears, snow leopard, red panda and a few very playful sea lions.

There are birds and reptiles, too (penguins! poison frogs!), as well as a 4D theater and a petting zoo, which is especially engaging for younger children. The zoo is divided into four quadrants with the sea lion pool in the center, and is small enough to make a morning visit manageable with plenty of time left over for lunch.

Special Programs: Animal feedings: Penguins are at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; the frolicky sea lions do their dance at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Nearby eats: There’s a restaurant in the zoo that serves burgers and pizza and prepared sandwiches. But better to head out of the park. Older children might enjoy a sit-down meal at Sarabeth’s (40 Central Park South, 212-826-5959, sarabethscps.com), which is famous for its brunch. Families with smaller (less patient) children should head to the Plaza Food Hall (Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, 888-850-0909, theplazany.com), a collection of vendors of upscale, tasty food like Luke’s Lobster, Sushi of Gari and a sandwich shop called No. 7 Sub. There’s also a sit-down restaurant: the Todd English Food Hall.

Good to know: Once you’re inside the main gates of the zoo, you can’t leave and come back in, so if your agenda includes the Tisch Children’s Zoo, which is a bit further north, go there first. You can buy tickets ahead, or, if you have a QR reader on your smart phone, you can scan the code and get tickets on the fly.

Details: The zoo is near the southeast corner of Central Park in Manhattan. The best place to enter the park is on Fifth Avenue near 64th Street. 212-439-6500 or centralparkzoo.com. Cost: $9 to $20, depending on visitors’ ages and exhibits you’d like to visit. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and until 5:30 p.m. weekends and holidays. — Liz Johnson

7. Cohanzick Zoo

In 1934, the city of Bridgeton decided to exhibit a herd of deer, thereby founding the Cohanzick Zoo. 

Leopards, tigers, snakes, desert foxes, tarantulas, peacocks and emus are among the more than 100 animals who live at Cohanzick Zoo.

Special Programs: Kids’ yoga classes are offered every Tuesday through Aug. 20.

Nearby Eats: There are no restaurants in the zoo, but visitors are welcome to picnic in the grove overlooking the raceway that runs through the park.

Good to Know: Animal statuary decorates the zoo, providing photo opps. Look for the life-sized giraffe and the mama-and-baby pair of apes.

Details: 45 Mayor Aitken Dr., Bridgeton, Cumberland County, N.J.; 856-453-1658 or cohanzickzoo.org. Cost: Admission is free! Donations welcome. Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in spring and summer, and until 4 p.m. in fall and winter. 

8. Jenkinson’s Aquarium

As the centerpiece of Jenkinson’s boardwalk attractions, this aquarium is small enough to be manageable for toddlers and young children, yet is a fascinating place for all ages. View the tanks filled with beautiful fish. Watch the seals amble and flop into the water. See penguins play. Watch a shark-feeding. Then go outside, gaze at the ocean and reflect on what you’ve learned about marine life.

Exhibits include Atlantic and Pacific sharks, local Jersey fish, a coral reef, a Pine Barrens eco-system and a touch tank. 

Special Programs: Upcoming events include crafts for Pinelands Appreciation Day on Aug. 3, and “SEANET: It’s For The Birds,” when you can help monitor shorebird populations at 8 a.m. Aug. 6. There are daily feedings of seals and penguins. Atlantic shark feedings can be seen on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Nearby Eats: The Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk awaits you, with Joey Tomatoes and Martell’s Tiki Bar very close to the aquarium. Or, for an old-school, Jersey Shore seafood meal, head to The Shrimp Box or Red’s Lobster Pot, both in the nearby inlet. 

Good to Know: Jenkinson’s Aquarium is a popular destination for school groups and summer camps, so you’ll have more elbow room if you visit after 2:30 p.m. With paid admission, you can get your hand stamped and come and go as you please, so feel free to take a break on the boardwalk at any time.

Details: 300 Ocean Ave., on the boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, N.J.; 732-892-0600 or jenkinsons.com. Hours: The aquarium is open daily, all year, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in July and August. Check the website for off-season hours. Cost: Admission is $14, $9 for seniors, 62 and up; and $8 for children 3 to 12.

9. Long Island Aquarium

There’s a lot going on at Long Island Aquarium, located in downtown Riverhead, so much so that you could easily make this a weekend trip rather than a day trip.

The aquarium has indoor and outdoor exhibits. Inside, don’t miss the “Lost City of Atlantis” shark exhibit, and check out the coral reef, butterflies, jellyfish and giant Pacific octopus. Outside, watch the African penguins frolic. If you’re lucky, the penguin keeper will be around and you’ll get to see the penguins respond to his voice. They splash and waddle their way over to greet him.

Special Programs: Yoga classes, princess tea parties and moonlit boat tours of the Peconic River are among the extras offered by Long Island Aquarium. Encounters: Get up close with sea lions, seals, penguins, porcupines, coatis and bugs. There’s also a shark dive, in which you spend 20 minutes observing sharks from a cage submerged in the tank, and a shark keeper encounter, in which you get to feed the sharks. All encounter programs are individually priced.

Nearby Eats: Dine at The Preston House, across the street from the aquarium. It’s an elegant inn and restaurant, with exquisite fresh seafood.

Good to Know: You can get free admission to the aquarium on a day during your birthday week. Adults need to show a photo ID with their birth date, and children need to bring a birth certificate.

Details: 431 East Main St., Riverhead, Long Island, N.Y.; 631-208-9200 or longislandaquarium.com.Cost: General admission is $33 for ages 13 to 61, $27 for ages 62 and up, $24 for ages 3 to 12, and free for ages 2 and under. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Saturdays. 

10. National Aquarium

You can’t visit Baltimore without going to the National Aquarium.

Well, of course, you can, but it’s very hard to resist. The aquarium is so appealing from the outside, with its glass walls and its sprawling, waterfront complex.  

Inside, the experience is just as compelling. The “Australia: Wild Extremes” exhibit, for example, features venomous snakes, crocodiles and the Laughing Kookaburra, the bird that is Australia’s national symbol. “Dolphin Discovery” is the aquarium’s largest exhibit, with six Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins to charm you. And don’t miss the rainforest exhibit, not only for its rare and beautiful birds, frogs and other critters, but also for the jungle itself. You’ll climb up to viewing platforms and see the various levels of this eco-system.   

Special Programs: Aquarium sleepovers, including a dolphin option, are available on weekends for ages 8 and up, at additional cost. Encounters: Up-close presentations with Eastern box turtles, Australian bearded dragons, hyacinth macaws or other animals, included with admission. Several kinds of dolphin encounters are available, as well as shark feeding, Australian reptiles, and a coral reef dive, all for additional fees.

Nearby Eats: Plenty of national chain and local restaurants are in the Inner Harbor. Mere steps from the aquarium is McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks, where you can eat outside at the water’s edge if the weather is fine. Or you can try Philips Seafood, renowned for its Maryland crab cakes. There’s a picnic area outside the aquarium if you prefer to bring your own.

Good to Know: Admission is half-price after 5 p.m. Fridays, all year.

Details: 501 East Pratt St., Baltimore, Md.; 410-576-3800 or aqua.org.Cost: $39.95 for general admission, $34.95 for seniors 65 and up, $29.95 for children ages 3 to 11, free for children under 3. Hours: In July and August, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays; until 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and until 6 p.m. Sundays. In September and October, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays through Thursdays; and until 8 p.m. Fridays. For updates and off-season hours, go to aqua.org. 

11. Maritime Aquarium

Sharks, seals and sea turtles are among the most popular animals at Maritime Aquarium, but there are so many others to see, too. The aquarium showcases the local critters of the Long Island Sound — such as Attlantic cod, Cownose rays, Eastern oysters and Harbor seals — as well as those who dwell beyond, including Giant Pacific octopus, Lemon sharks and Japanese sea nettles.

Special Programs: Story times, seal-training demonstrations, meet-the-divers, included with admission. Shark feeding demonstrations on Sundays, for an added fee.

Nearby Eats: The aquarium’s Cascade Cafe offers pre-made sandwiches, salads, pub burgers, award-winning clam chowder, chicken fingers, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, cookies, yogurt, fresh fruit, soda, fruit juice, milk, water and coffee.

Good to Know: Maritime Aquarium offers cruises on the Long Island Sound aboard its 64-foot aluminum catamaran, which is said to run “virtually silently” on hybrid electric propulsion.

Details: 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Fairfield County, Conn.; 203-852-0700 or maritimeaquarium.org.Cost: $24.95 for ages 13 to 64, $22.95 for ages 65 and up, $17.95 for ages 3 to 12. Admission includes one standard IMAX movie. Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

12. Mystic Aquarium

Would you like to kiss a Beluga whale? Or would you like a Beluga to kiss you?

If you shouted, “Yes, please,” to both, then plan to visit Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.

Maybe you or your kids have a soft spot for Beluga whales, thanks to the children’s song “Baby Beluga” by Raffi. Here’s your chance to sing that song to a real, live Beluga. The Belugas who live at Mystic Aquarium are not babies, though a crowd favorite is the adolescent Juno, who is 16. But they all have those sweet, friendly, babyish faces.

The Beluga pool is one of the first things you’ll see as you walk through the front gate. You can watch the Belugas play and swim from the bottom of the outdoor tank. Or, for a more personal meeting, you can reserve a “Beluga Encounter,” in which you’ll don waders and step into the chilly pool to learn about — and shower affection upon — the Belugas.  

Special Programs: Mystic offers special events geared towards adults, such as “Prosecco With Penguins,” for an added fee, as well as family-friendly evening tours, through Aug. 26, that let you see the aquarium without the crowds. Encounters: Belugas, sea lions, seals and African penguins, each requiring reservations and an added fee.

Nearby Eats: The aquarium has The Penguins’ Cafe and an outdoor picnic area. Tourists like to check out Mystic Pizza, because of the Julia Roberts movie, but for some of the best New England clam chowder you’ve ever had, go to the Cafe and Bake Shop at nearby Mystic Seaport. Consider Mystic Diner for hearty, high-quality meals at a bargain. For a lively bar scene, fresh seafood, and waterfront views of the Mystic River, try Red 36.

Good to Know: You can buy combo tickets for the aquarium and for Mystic Seaport, a 19th-century-style maritime village with museums and period ships. The Mystic Pass includes admission to the seaport and aquarium and also offers discounts to other nearby attractions.

Details: 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, New London County, Connecticut; 860-572-5955 or mysticaquarium.org. Cost: General admision for adults begins at about $30 on-line, with seniors at about $26 and children at about $22, depending on date. Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.

13. New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium, on the Coney Island boardwalk, is one of those New York bucket list destinations that you should visit at least once if you live anywhere in the Tri-State area.

Many of the attractions are outside, so check the weather before you go.

“Ocean Wonders: Sharks!” is the aquarium’s newest and largest exhibit. It opened in the summer of 2018, showcasing more than 115 marine species, including 18 kinds of sharks and rays.

Special Programs: California sea lions perform daily in the Aquatheater, weather permitting. You can also watch the sea otter feedings, included with admission. Encounters: A behind-the-scenes tour of Ocean Wonders allows small groups to learn about the animals and visit the touch pool, for an extra fee.

Nearby Eats: Sure, you can find a Nathan’s in your local mall. But check out the original Nathan’s while you’re on the boardwalk. Take a walk to 310 Surf. Ave., and see if Nathan’s hot dogs and fries taste even better in the salty air. 

Good to Know: The aquarium has limited parking, due to on-going construction and renovation from Hurricane Sandy, which damaged the aquarium in 2012. Mass transit is strongly recommended. By subway, take the F or Q to the West 8th Street station. If you insist upon driving, get there early: the parking lot opens at 9:30 a.m., half an hour before the aquarium opens its doors.

Details: 601 Surf Ave., Coney Island section of Brooklyn, N.Y.; 718-265-3474 or nyaquarium.com.Cost: General admission is $23.95 for ages 13 and up, $21.55 for seniors 65 and up, and $19.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Discounts available on-line. Hours: Opens daily at 10 a.m. Closing hours in summer are 6 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays; 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; and 7 p.m. Sundays and holidays. Be aware that last entry is an hour before closing. In the fall, closing hours shift to 5 p.m. weekdays and 5:30 p.m. weekends and holidays. In winter, the aquarium closes at 4:30 p.m. daily. 

14. Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia can claim many “firsts” in American history. Among them is the first zoo.

The Philadelphia Zoo was chartered in 1859, though the Civil War delayed its opening until 1874. The zoo is known for its historic architecture, which includes the country home of William Penn’s grandson, and for its 42-acre Victorian garden, with animal sculptures and tree-lined walks.

About 1,300 animals live at the Philadelphia Zoo, including endangered species such as Amur leopards and Western Lowland gorillas.

In 2018, the Philadelphia Zoo opened Penguin Point and Water Is Life, new exhibits that feature giant otters, red pandas and Humboldt penguins.

Special Programs: “Rock ‘n’ Roar” brings lives bands to the zoo to perform children’s music concerts at 10 a.m. Upcoming shows are July 27 and Aug. 3. “Boo At The Zoo” is a festival within the zoo every October, featuring several weekends of Halloween and autumnal fun. 

Nearby Eats: Plan to stay at the zoo for your entire visit so that you don’t miss anything. The zoo has snack stands, including Philly Pretzel Factory, and lunch spots including the newly opened eco-friendly Urban Green. In the summer, there’s also The Watering Hole, an open-air beer and wine garden. 

More: Philadelphia Zoo: New dining options, LEGO exhibits, a vertical farm and the return of the zoo key

Good to Know: Animated creatures await visitors who play Pokemon Go, at 35 Pokestops and three Gyms.

Details: 3400 Girard Ave., Philadelphia. 215-243-1100 or PhiladelphiaZoo.org. Cost: Admission is $24.95, or $19.95 for children ages 2 to 11. Unreserved parking in the lot costs $16. Hours: Open daily all year, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1 through Oct. 31, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February.

15. Popcorn Park Zoo

Popcorn Park is no ordinary zoo, but rather, a refuge for wild and domestic animals who are sick or elderly, or who have been abandoned, abused or injured. More than 200 animals and birds live on the seven-acre zoo in peace and safety.

It is a quiet, low-key place. You can visit exotic wild animals, including Bengal tigers and Patas monkeys, plus native wildlife, farm animals and birds. New to Popcorn Park in 2019 is a silver fox named Kit.

Special Programs: The animals here just do their own thing. If you’re lucky and your timing is right, you might spot a turtle snacking on watermelon, which is exceptionally cute. 

Nearby Eats: Popcorn Park Zoo is off the beaten track, so you’ll have to explore. Restaurants in Toms River are less than 10 miles away, so you could try Il Giardinello Ristorante for Italian-American faves, or go casual for breakfast or lunch at Shut Up and Eat!

Good to Know: Have you fallen in love with one of the rescued animals at Popcorn Park Zoo? Show your affection by sponsoring the animal through the zoo’s Wildlife Club.

Details: Humane Way, Forked River section of Lacey Township, Ocean County, N.J.; 609-693-1900, ahscares.org. Cost: Admission is $7, $4 for seniors and children under 12, with kids under 3 admitted free. Hours:11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, or until 2 p.m. on holidays.

16. Six Flags Great Adventure

Amid all the roller-coasters and thrill rides, Safari Off-Road Adventure ride is a must-see attraction at the theme park, and the only way you’ll get close to the animals who live there.

The ride lasts about 45 minutes, plus time spent at Camp Aventura, where the small animals live. 

Once you’re on the safari truck, you’ll take a ride through the 350-acre preserve, with occasional off-road detours to splash through ponds, climb hills or venture over rugged terrain. The safari is home to about 1,200 animals from six continents, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions. A guide on each truck informs passengers about the animals and answers questions.

Camp Aventura is a mid-way stop along the off-road excursion. Here, guests can feed giraffes, pet some animals and view exotic birds, reptiles and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. A zipline ride also is available.

Safari Off Road Adventure is included with general theme park admission and season passes. Guests under 54 inches must be accompanied by an adult.

Lions, alligators and other animals can also be spotted in the Wild Walkway section of Great Adventure, and tortoises, turtles and flamingoes can be seen at the Aldabras Island attraction.

Special Programs: Sea lion shows, included in general admission. Encounters: Small-group meetings with exotic animals, giraffe feedings and camp-out sleepovers in the safari park, for additional fees.

Nearby Eats: No shortage of food in the park. Granny’s Kitchen is known for its fried chicken. Or head to Garden State Grill for a classic Jersey pork roll sandwich. There’s also Chinese food, sushi, salads, pub grub, burger joints and ice cream stands, among other options.

Good to Know: Wait times can be up to 2½ hours on busy days, and the line sometimes closes before 5 p.m., to accommodate everyone already in line. So it is best to make this one of the first rides of your day when you visit.

Details: 1 Six Flags Blvd., off Route 537, Jackson, Ocean County, N.J.; 732-928-2000 or sixflags.com. Cost: General admission is $81.99 at the gate, but admission on-line begins at $51.99. Children under 54 inches tall are charged $50.99 at the gate. Hours: In the summer, the park is open daily through Labor Day. Hours taper off to weekends and occasional weekdays from September through December. See website for details and updates. 

17. Space Farms Zoo & Museum

At Space Farms Zoo, baby animals can be found at Pop Pop’s Barnyard Nursery, a section especially appealing to children. Past years have featured baby lions, tigers, otters, foxes and llamas. Children can feed chickens and ducks, and sometimes are asked to help bottle-feed lambs, kids or white-tail fawns. 

About 500 animals from 100 species live at Space Farms Zoo. 

Special Programs: “Teddy Bear Day” is scheduled for Aug. 25, with free admission to children who bring their teddy bear to visit the zoo. 

Nearby Eats: The Lamp Post Inn in nearby Vernon serves steaks and other meaty dishes, as well as salads, pasta and pizza. Or you can start your day at Granny’s Pancake House in nearby Hamburg.

Good to Know: There’s also a museum on site, with antique cars, antique firearms, farm implements, early American tools, dolls, clocks, tractors, horse-drawn sleighs, motorcycles and Native American artifacts.

Details: 218 Route 519, Sussex, N.J. 973-875-5800, spacefarms.com or on Facebook.Cost: Admission is $19, $18 for seniors 65 and up, $16 for children 3 to 12, free for ages 2 and under. Hours: Open daily, end of March through November, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last guests admitted at 4 p.m. 

18. Trailside Zoo

You’ll feel as if you’re in the wild when you visit Trailside Zoo.

The zoo houses mammals that are native to New York state, including bears, coyotes, opossums, woodchucks, beavers and red foxes. Reptiles and birds, including Bald eagles, also live there.

Special Programs: A Bird Festival is scheduled for Aug. 3. Learn about local habitats at the Biodiversity Celebration on Sept. 21.

Nearby Eats: No picnicking is allowed, so save your appetite for after your visit. Trade wilderness for civilization with a visit to Kathleen’s Tea House in nearby Peekskill.

Good to Know: The zoo, located within Bear Mountain State Park, is a 20-minute walk from the parking lots in the park.

Details: Trailside Zoo is in Bear Mountain State Park, Tomkins Cove, Rockland County, New York; trailsidezoo.org. Cost: Suggested donation of $1 per person. Parking is $10. Hours: Open daily, all year, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

19. Turtleback Zoo

Turtleback Zoo, located within South Mountain Recreation Complex, houses animals from around the world, including wolves, giraffes, jaguars, cougars, prairie dogs, alligators, kangaroos and many more.

The zoo also focuses on “Wild New Jersey,” with an exhibit that includes bobcats, porcupines, barred owl, ravens, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles. 

The zoo’s Endangered Species Carousel allows children to ride on a panda, alligator, tiger or one of the other 30 rare creatures depicted. Train rides and pony rides also are available for a fee. The newly renovated Pre-historic Playground provides a place for the little ones to run around.

Special Programs: Face-painting, butterfly tent and aviary visits are all available for extra fees. Behind-the-scenes penguin tours and family movie nights are also scheduled throughout the summer.

Nearby Eats: The Savanna Cafe is within the zoo. You also can bring your own food to the zoo and eat in indoor or outdoor seating areas. McLoone’s Boathouse is within the South Mountain Recreation Complex.

Good to Know: The Sea Lion Sound and Touch Tank exhibits are closed for maintenance, expected to open in the fall of 2019.

Details: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, Essex County, New Jersey; 973-731-5800 or turtlebackzoo.com. Cost: Admission is $15, $12 for children 2 to 12 and seniors 62 and up, free for babies. Parking is free. Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. all year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

Hi, there! I’m Kelly-Jane Cotter. One of my first memories is of a giraffe at the Bronx Zoo, and I’ve loved these sweet animals ever since. Read more of my stories in the links below, follow me @KellyJaneCotter, contact me at kcotter@gannettnj.com, and how about subscribing so you don’t miss a thing? 

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