Essex County Events: 'Zoo-Vies' At Turtle Back, Butterfly Safari
The county is bringing back its popular "Zoo-vies" film screening series, which will take place on Wednesday evenings during July and August at the parking deck at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange.
The county will also be bringing back its "Butterfly Tent Safari" at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays during the months of July and August, Turtle Back Zoo will have "Family Nights" with extended evening hours to 8:30 p.m., with the last admission to the zoo at 8 p.m.
In addition, on Wednesday evenings during July and August, "Zoo-vies," featuring animal-related movies, will be shown on the top floor of the Turtle Back Zoo parking deck.
"It's a great way to spend a summer night and experience Turtle Back in a completely different way," Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.
Family Nights will be held on Wednesdays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28 and August 4, 11, 18 and 25 and Thursdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29 and August 5, 12, 19 and 26. Zoo hours will be extended to 8:30 p.m. with the last admission being at 8 p.m.
"It's a great way to spend a summer night and experience Turtle Back in a completely different way," Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.
Family Nights will be held on Wednesdays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28 and August 4, 11, 18 and 25 and Thursdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29 and August 5, 12, 19 and 26. Zoo hours will be extended to 8:30 p.m. with the last admission being at 8 p.m.
Families coming to Zoo-vies should bring their own chair or blanket on which to sit.
WHEN: Access to the top floor of the parking deck will begin at 7:30 p.m. Films will begin at dusk.
ADMISSION: free (This does not include admission to Turtle Back Zoo). Movies will be cancelled in the event of rain.
ADMISSION: free (This does not include admission to Turtle Back Zoo). Movies will be cancelled in the event of rain.
The schedule for Zoo-vies is as follows:
Wednesday, July 7 - Disney's Earth
Wednesday, July 14 - The Land Before Time: The Original Movie
Wednesday, July 21 - Trolls World Tour
Wednesday, July 28 - Dolittle
Wednesday, August 4 - Tom & Jerry: The Movie
Wednesday, August 11 - The Croods: A New Age
WHEN: Turtle Back Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: top floor of the Turtle Back Zoo parking deck, Northfield Ave., West Orange
ADMISSION: Regular admission is $14 for children and senior citizens, $17 for adults and free for children under 2 years. For additional information, call 973-731-5800 or visit www.essexcountynj.org/turtlebackzoo.
WHERE: top floor of the Turtle Back Zoo parking deck, Northfield Ave., West Orange
ADMISSION: Regular admission is $14 for children and senior citizens, $17 for adults and free for children under 2 years. For additional information, call 973-731-5800 or visit www.essexcountynj.org/turtlebackzoo.
BUTTERFLY SAFARI
The public is invited to experience the "Butterfly Tent Safari" at the Essex County Environmental Center.
The public is invited to experience the "Butterfly Tent Safari" at the Essex County Environmental Center.
The Butterfly Tent Safari is an interactive display where visitors can observe hundreds of butterflies while walking through a tent. The usual program has been modified to promote social distancing, appointments are required, and visitors must wear face coverings.
WHEN: Saturday, July 17, to Saturday, July 31, 2021, Mondays to Fridays from 12 Noon to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Closed on Sundays
WHERE: Essex County Environmental Center, 621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland
ADMISSION: $8 per person and free for children 1 year and younger. Appointments are required; walk-ins will not be accommodated.
In addition to the public viewing times, the Environmental Center is offering butterfly-themed family programs that include access to the butterfly tent on Saturdays, July 17th, 24th and 31st. Pre-registration is required; walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Participation in these programs also includes time in the butterfly tent. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, July 17 at 10:30 p.m.: Appropriate for children ages 3 to 5 years. "The Very Hungry Monarch Caterpillar" will take participants on a butterfly parade around the trails and learn about a day in the life of a monarch butterfly. ADMISSION: $30 per family (up to two adults and two children) or $10 per child and $12 per adult.
Saturday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m.: Appropriate for children ages 5 and older. "Buzz into Action with Insect Education" is a family fun and hands on presentation about bugs and butterflies. ADMISSION: $30 per family (up to two adults and two children) or $10 per child and $12 per adult.
Saturday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m.: Appropriate for adults and children ages 8 years and older. "Butterfly Gardening" is a hands-on workshop in which participants will learn about native host and nectar plants and how they support New Jersey butterflies. ADMISSION: $30 per family (up to two adults and two children) or $10 per child and $12 per adult.
For information about the Butterfly Tent Safari, call the Essex County Environmental Center at 973-228-8776.
