Turtle Back Zoo
Located in West Orange about a twenty minute drive from Forest Hill, Turtle Back Zoo is one of the best family attractions in Essex County. The zoo offers a wide variety of animals and clean, well-organized exhibits. Kids especially love the train ride and carousel, while adults appreciate the educational programs and seasonal events. Parking is plentiful and the grounds are easy to navigate with strollers. Weekends can get crowded, so I recommend visiting on weekday mornings for a more relaxed experience. Overall it makes for an easy day trip without leaving the area.
Learn more at the official website and follow Instagram for event updates.