Cape May County Zoo

Our Day Trip to the Cape May County Zoo

When I’m planning a day trip with the kids, I want something that’s fun, affordable, and keeps everyone entertained. That’s not always easy to find with three kids! But the Cape May County Zoo checks every single box. It’s a little bit of a drive for us, but honestly, it’s so worth it.

First off—did you know the Cape May County Zoo is free? Yep, completely free! For a family of five, that makes such a difference. We do like to make a donation when we go because the money goes toward caring for the animals, but it still feels amazing to have such a fun family outing without paying for admission.

All the Animals
The kids were excited from the second we walked in. We went straight for the “big ones” first—bears, giraffes, and zebras. Watching the giraffes stretch their long necks to grab leaves was the highlight of the morning. My youngest was convinced one of the zebras was “smiling” at him, which became the running joke of the day.

The smaller animals were just as fun. The monkeys had us laughing out loud as they swung and played, and the kangaroos lounging around made us all want to take a nap right then and there. We also stopped at the reptile house, which is always a hit. The snakes made a couple of my kids squeal, while the turtles were my favorite. We also go to see an axolotl, which is a favorite in our house!

The Zip Line Course
Now, here’s the part my kids are still talking about—the zip line course. We didn’t do it this time, but we stopped to watch for a while, and wow, it looked like so much fun. Kids and adults were zipping from tree to tree with the biggest smiles on their faces. My kids were begging me to let them try, and I promised it’s going to be the first thing on our list next time we come back.

Why I Love This Zoo
What I love most about the Cape May County Zoo is how much it offers in one spot. It’s not just about seeing animals (although there are plenty!). It’s about spending a whole day together as a family—watching giraffes, having a picnic, playing on the playgrounds, and maybe even doing a zip line course if you’re feeling adventurous. And all of that without breaking the bank.

By the end of the day, the kids were still chatting in the car about their favorite animals and what they want to do when we come back. I can’t ask for more than that.

If you’re looking for a fun family day trip that’s budget-friendly and packed with activities, I can’t recommend the Cape May County Zoo enough. Pack a lunch, wear comfy shoes, and be ready for a full day of fun. Trust me—you’ll leave already planning your next trip back.

Car Ride Snacks

No family road trip is complete without snacks to keep everyone happy along the way! For our ride down to the zoo, the kids munched on their go-to favorites—cheez-Its, goldfish, and gummies—with some fresh fruit added in to balance things out. If you’re planning a visit during the warmer months, I highly recommend packing a separate cooler just for the ride home. Load it with ice packs so drinks, fruit, or yogurt stay cold while you’re exploring the zoo. It’s one of those little details I always forget about, but it makes the return trip so much smoother (and keeps the “hangry” complaints to a minimum!).

👉 Looking for other Road Trip Essentials for your car? Check out my Road Trip Essentials post!

Lunchtime Plans
One thing to know: you can’t bring food into the actual zoo. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck! There’s a café inside if you want to buy food, and the prices are actually pretty reasonable compared to a lot of attractions. We packed our lunch instead and had a picnic just outside the zoo at one of the many benches and picnic tables. Sandwiches, chips, and fruit—it was simple but perfect. I loved that we could step out, eat, and then head right back in for more exploring.

Playground Fun
The zoo has more than animals—it’s basically an all-day adventure. After lunch, the kids made a beeline for the playgrounds. There’s a big one for the older kids with tall slides and climbing structures, and a separate tot playground that’s just right for little ones. My crew loved both and could’ve easily spent hours there if I’d let them.

They even have a fitness area with pull-up bars, sit-up stations, and balance beams. I didn’t test it out myself (let’s be honest, chasing kids around the zoo is already a workout), but I thought it was such a neat extra feature.