Female snow leopard, 6 months old.
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Cape May County Park and Zoo

4.8
·17k reviews·Middle Township, United States

A free, accredited zoo in Cape May County, NJ, offering a diverse collection of animals and family-friendly amenities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdMedium
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Female snow leopard, 6 months old.

Cape May County Park and Zoo

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, accredited zoo in Cape May County, NJ, offering a diverse collection of animals and family-friendly amenities.

4.8
(17k reviews)

"This free zoo is a standout on the East Coast, offering a clean, spacious, and engaging experience for all ages."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission & Parking!

Enjoy a full day of fun without breaking the bank. Donations are appreciated!

⏰ Arrive Early for Parking

Especially in summer, get there before 10 AM for the best parking spots.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 16,506 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Majestic Giraffes & Bison

Majestic Giraffes & Bison

Elevated Walkover

Get a unique perspective on these gentle giants from the elevated boardwalk. A must-see!

Capybara Encounters

Capybara Encounters

Capybara Enclosure

These charming, social rodents are a fan favorite and often seen interacting with other animals.

Interactive Model Train Display

Interactive Model Train Display

Christmas Scene Area

A delightful surprise for all ages, this interactive display features moving trains and festive scenes.

Spacious Playground

Spacious Playground

Near Parking Area

Let the kids burn off energy at this large, well-maintained playground adjacent to the zoo.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Free Fun!

The Cape May County Park and Zoo offers free admission and parking, making it an incredibly budget-friendly family outing. Donations are highly encouraged to support the animals and grounds, so consider contributing if you can. Arrive early, especially during peak season, to snag a good parking spot and enjoy the cooler morning hours before crowds build.

Plan for Playtime & Picnics

Beyond the animals, the zoo boasts a fantastic playground and ample picnic areas. Pack a lunch and make a day of it! The park and playground open earlier than the zoo itself, offering a great way to start your visit and secure a prime spot before the animal exhibits open.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat & crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer families, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Fall days
Why
Pleasant weather, active animals
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Cape May County Park & Zoo really is the 🐐! This is the perfect family-friendly spot for anyone visiting the Cape May area this Summer! 🏖️ There are a variety of different animals from across the world to see, including lions 🦁, giraffes 🦒, bison 🦬 and (drum roll please) capybaras! 😍 📍 707 Route 9 North Cape May Court House, NJ 🎟️ Admission & car parking are FREE ⏰ OPEN 10:00 AM-4:30 PM What C...
@jersey.shore.life
5.2K likes • 79.5K views

🎯 Free Admission & Parking!

Enjoy a full day of fun without breaking the bank. Donations are appreciated! TikTokInstagram+1

⏰ Arrive Early for Parking

Especially in summer, get there before 10 AM for the best parking spots. Instagram

Cape May Zoo 🐻 📍Cape May Court House, NJ Our favorite FREE zoo in the South Jersey region! Free entry, free parking, all day fun for the whole family! #capemayzoo #capemaynj #njmom
@thecoultercoop
3.2K likes • 62.1K views
This was a fun little surprise at the Cape May County Park and Zoo. Free to go in and check out. The display is of the zoo and then also a Christmas scene. It is very interactive with lots of buttons to push and watch what moves! #toytrain #modeltrains #capemay #newjersey #capemayzoo #capemaycountyparkandzoo ##lioneltrains #train #rvfamilywithkids #rvtravel #beachvacation #modelrailroad #capea...
m.n.m_rv
22 likes • 505 views

🍎 Pack a Picnic Lunch

Plenty of picnic tables available, making it a perfect spot for a family meal. Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! Reddit

The Cape May County Zoo is cutie approved! 🍊 Tips for grown-ups: 🍊The park and playground are open at 7am, arrive early to play and secure a close parking spot. 🍊Animal encounters are available for a fee! #capemay #kidfriendlyvacations #capemaynj #newjersey #jerseyshore #visitnj #summertime #capemayzoo #capemaycounty #freefun
cape_may_cuties
97 likes • 7.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission & Parking!

Enjoy a full day of fun without breaking the bank. Donations are appreciated! TikTokInstagram+1

⏰ Arrive Early for Parking

Especially in summer, get there before 10 AM for the best parking spots. Instagram

🍎 Pack a Picnic Lunch

Plenty of picnic tables available, making it a perfect spot for a family meal. Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water bottles, especially on warm days. There are restrooms available. InstagramReddit

🧸 Consider a Donation

This non-profit zoo relies on donations to care for its animals. InstagramReddit+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Cape May County Park and Zoo for its free admission, clean grounds, and diverse animal collection. Many highlight the spacious playground and picnic areas as great additions for families. While generally well-loved, some visitors note that certain animals might be less active during extreme weather conditions.

"Had a great time! Free admission (donations welcomed!) and offered a great zoo experience. This was also the day of 'Boo at the Zoo' - so many kids were enjoying the zoo in their costumes. The exhibits were well planned and offered great visibility and education. A great beach trip activity!"

Daniel Uba

"Cape may zoo is a great place for family fun. Let me start off by saying that the admission is free. As you enter the gates you will be greeted by a team member and offered any advice you need and a map for your convenience. It is here that you can make a donation of your choosing. There are also boxes that you can drop your donation in if you wish to do it that way. Cape May zoo is a non-profit organization so please be generous!
This zoo has so much to offer! There is so much to see including lions, prime mates, giraffes, capybara‘s, red pandas, reptiles, and so much more! All the animals look healthy and well cared for. The grounds are spotless. There are places to rest and even grab a bite to eat inside the zoo as well as covered picnic areas and a huge playground for the kids near the parking area. You can literally spend an entire day there for a donation!
Our family has people from ages 7 thru their 80’s and we all had a wonderful experience. Go! You won’t be disappointed"

Kathleen Carvalho

"A must see when you're visiting 7 mile island or the surrounding area. The zoo is run completely on donations, no admission. The animals are rescued and spend the rest of their lives in the well maintained grounds of this zoo. The reptile house is a highlight with alligators, frogs, tortoises and more. It usually takes us about 2 hours to walk through before heading to the large children's playground. The zoo is open year round so when we visit the beach in the fall during off season it's a must. Don't miss is on your next trip!"

Rachel Travers

What People Like

Free admission and parking
Clean and well-maintained
Variety of animals

What People Dislike

Animals less active in bad weather

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cape May County Park and Zoo is located at 707 U.S. 9 North, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. It's easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, there is a large, free parking lot available at the zoo. Arriving early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a good spot. TikTokInstagram+1

The zoo is conveniently located just off the Garden State Parkway. Take the appropriate exit for Cape May Court House and follow signs for the zoo. Instagram

Information on public transport options can be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the easiest access to the zoo and surrounding areas. Reddit

The most direct route is typically via the Garden State Parkway. Depending on your starting point, local roads will lead you to U.S. Route 9 North. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Cape May County Park and Zoo offers completely free admission for all visitors. Donations are gratefully accepted to support the animals and operations. TikTokInstagram+1

No, tickets are not required for entry. The zoo operates on a free admission basis, with donations being the primary source of funding. Instagram+1

The zoo is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, weather permitting. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any last-minute updates. Instagram+1

Yes, donations are highly encouraged and greatly appreciated. You can donate at the entrance or use donation boxes located throughout the zoo. InstagramReddit+1

The Cape May County Park, which includes the zoo, is free to enter. The park itself offers additional amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The zoo houses over 500 creatures, including lions, giraffes, bison, capybaras, red pandas, monkeys, reptiles, and many more exotic animals from around the world. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, there is a large and well-maintained playground located near the parking area, perfect for children to enjoy. InstagramReddit

The zoo features raised boardwalk paths and generally well-maintained grounds, making it relatively stroller-friendly. Some areas might be more challenging, but overall it's manageable. Reddit

Restrooms are available at several locations within the zoo and the surrounding park area, ensuring convenience for visitors. Reddit

Many visitors recommend the elevated walkover for viewing giraffes, bison, and zebras. Exploring the various enclosures at your own pace is also a great way to see all the animals. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific food vendors can vary, there are often concessions available. However, many visitors opt to bring their own food and utilize the picnic areas. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is a popular choice, and there are numerous picnic tables available throughout the park and zoo grounds. InstagramReddit

The zoo is located in Cape May Court House, which offers various dining options. For a quick bite, consider local delis or casual eateries. For a more extensive list, explore restaurants in nearby Cape May. Reddit

There are typically concessions or snack stands available within the zoo, offering a convenient way to grab a bite while visiting. Reddit

Concessions usually offer typical zoo fare like hot dogs, snacks, and beverages. It's best to check with the zoo directly for the most current offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The elevated walkover offers great vantage points for capturing giraffes and bison. Many enclosures provide good opportunities, especially when animals are active. Reddit

While some enclosures may have barriers, many are designed to offer clear views. Patience and good timing are key to capturing memorable shots. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check the zoo's policies if you have specific needs. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer lighting and more active animals, leading to better photographic opportunities. Reddit

Yes, telephoto lenses are permitted and can be very useful for capturing close-ups of animals from a distance. Reddit

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Cape May County Park and Zoo (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide