Animals

Adventure Aquarium Meet Nile hippos in the West African River Experience, view African penguins underwater, touch a White-Spotted Bamboo shark, brave the 40-foot shark tunnel for a close-up view of over 20 sharks, check out a 350-pound Loggerhead sea turtle, and watch Planet Earth in the 4-D theater. 1 Aquarium Dr., Camden, NJ; +1 856 365 3300. Fee.

Bergen County Zoological Park View a variety of species of animals, including birds, the endangered Andean condor, green iguanas, boa constrictors, alligators, ferrets, opossums, mountain lions, artic fox, and golden lions. Visit the farmyard animals at the historic farm. Kids can take a ride on a train or a pony and whirl around the carousel. 216 Forest Ave., Peramus, NJ; +1 201 262 3771. Fee.

Cape May County Park and Zoo Enjoy nearly 200 acres of hiking trails, fishing ponds, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a variety of animals at the zoo. Observe 200 different animal species, including, cheetahs, camels, bison, monkeys, and a variety of birds and reptiles. Ride the Hummingbird Express train and visit the new Butterfly Garden and Hummingbird Habitat. 4 Moore Rd., Cape May, NJ; +1 609 465 5271.

Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center Climb aboard to view the world's largest mammals within feet of you, watch playful dolphins swimming, learn about the conservation of humpback whales, and enjoy sea birds flying overhead. 1286 Wilson Dr., Cape May, NJ; +1 609 898 0055. Fee.

Jenkinson's Beach Boardwalk & Aquarium Watch alligators, sharks, penguins, and seals being fed, touch a shark and starfish, and get up close to a colony of penguins. Outdoors, walk along the boardwalk, browse the shops, and buy some salt-water taffy. 300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ; +1 732 892 0600. Fee.

Lakota Wolf Preserve Watch and listen to packs of Tundra, Timber, and Arctic wolves in the scenic mountains of the Delaware Water Gap; learn about wolves' social structure and eating habits; snap some great shots of the wolves and resident bobcats and foxes. 89 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Columbia, NJ; 877 733 9653. Fee.

Popcorn Park Zoo, Animal Rescue and Sanctuary This seven-acre refuge is home to a variety of wildlife that have been abused, injured, or handicapped, including, Bengal tigers, draft horses, capuchins, iguanas, tortoises, snakes, wallabies, cougars, foxes, goats, pigs, and even a black bear. Hear the animals' survival stories during a guided tour. 1 Humane Way at Lacey Rd., Forked River, NJ; +1 609 693 1900. Fee.

Space Farms Zoo & Museum Discover 100 acres of countryside and more than 500 animals including, buffalo, hyena, timber wolves, lions, bears, deer, lemurs, snakes, monkeys, jaguars, coyotes, and llamas. Kids can feed the animals, visit newborn animals in the Animal Nursery, or check out a variety of snakes in the Snake Den. The 11-building museum houses more than 50 antique cars and motorcycles, carriages, and motorcycles, a children's toy museum, a miniature circus, Indian artifacts, and an Eskimo exhibit. 218 Rte. 519, Sussex, NJ; +1 973 875 5800. Fee.

Turtle Back Zoo Learn about reptiles, alligators, otters, and wolves, visit the zoo-themed playground, grab a picnic, and take a spin on the endangered species carousel or go for a ride on a gentle pony. 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ; +1 973 731 5800. Fee.