A few months ago I took the family down to North Wildwood in New Jersey to enjoy a summer beach vacation. One day while we were there we took the 20 minute drive up to the Cape May County Zoo. If you’ve never been to this zoo…it’s one of the nicest ones on the east coast. One of the best things is that there’s no admission fee. They just ask for you to give a cash donation at the entrance gate. Plus, parking is free too!
The zoo is handicap friendly. You can bring along your own wheelchair or rent one while you’re there. All of the walking paths are cemented or you can cross one of the wooden boardwalks. I would estimate that 90% of the zoo is handicap accessible. Once inside the zoo you’ll find a lot of shaded areas if you’re visiting during the hot summertime months. It is open year-round although their hours do vary a little bit as the seasons change.
There’s a small petting zoo area for the kids. They can feed and pet the animals located in the barnyard near the front portion of the gate. Afterwards, I recommend they visit the hand sanitizing station located nearby. Please teach your kids to NOT put their hands into any enclosure trying to pet an animal other than the ones in the barnyard area. In addition, to not toss things into the enclosures. Let’s all stay safe while visiting the zoo.
Throughout the zoo you’ll find plenty of benches that you can sit down on to rest. In addition, there’s two large areas with seating where you can purchase food and beverages. They offer your standard type of foods like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, french fries, chicken fingers, pizza, etc. All of which is moderately priced. You can’t bring your own food into the zoo…but you can eat it outside of the entrance gate at one of the provided picnic tables if you choose.
I recommend that you dress for the current weather conditions and wear comfortable walking shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring along your own sunscreen and bug spray. You will be spending the majority of your time outdoors and in wooded areas. If the weather is “iffy” bring along an umbrella. Baby strollers and diaper bags are permitted but may be checked at the entrance.
While at the zoo you’ll see a wide variety of different animal species. Here’s an example: tortoises, peacocks, ostrich, camels, zebra, various monekys and birds, snakes, lions, tigers, bears, etc. There’s 2 indoor exhibit houses…one is called the Aviary for various birds that you can walk through and the other is the Reptile House. Both are indoors and offer air conditioning.
After you’re done visiting all of the exhibits you can head to the gift shop where you can shop for candy, snacks, souvenirs, toys and some apparel items. Be forewarned, we find their prices to be extremely expensive.
Overall, we love going to this zoo and it’s one of our favorite’s on the east coast…especially in the state of New Jersey!
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