Cape May Zoo Unveils Festive Fall and Holiday Event Lineup

Issue #453

September 12, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🦁 Cape May Zoo Unveils Festive Fall and Holiday Event Lineup

 🚶 Cape May Nature Trails Offer Children a Gateway to Outdoor Learning

🐦 First American Oystercatcher Chicks Fledge in Ocean City

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Cape May Arts and Science Center’s DaVinci Gala

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 September 12

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Cape May Zoo Unveils Festive Fall and Holiday Event Lineup

 Cape May County Zoo is kicking off the fall and holiday seasons with a full calendar of festive, family-friendly events that promise excitement for visitors of all ages. From Star Wars tributes to holiday lights and costumes galore, the zoo is set to become a season of celebration.  Starting on Saturday, September 13, the zoo blasts off into outer space with Star Wars Day. Fans of the franchise can enjoy themed activities, pose with characters in authentic costumes. Next up is the annual favorite, Boo at the Zoo, returning on October 25. This Halloween-themed event runs from 10 AM to 2 PM and features costume contests, games, candy stations, inflatable obstacle courses, animal encounters, and live performances. On November 8, the zoo transforms once again for Pirates and Princesses Day, inviting visitors to dress up and take part in a day filled with themed crafts, games, Disney trivia, coronation ceremonies, and a giant inflatable pirate ship. The season wraps up with Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting Celebration on November 29. From 2 to 6 PM, the zoo will host a festive holiday market, live caroling, an ice sculpture demonstration, and a special visit from Santa himself.

Cape May Nature Trails Offer Children a Gateway to Outdoor Learning

 Cape May has launched its new Nature Trails, a $1.9 million initiative designed especially for children to explore and learn about nature. Located at the former site of a 19th-century coal plant, the ADA-compliant trails include boardwalks, viewing platforms, and interactive features. The city aims to promote environmental education and outdoor discovery for young residents and visitors. Located at 711 Lafayette Street, the Cape May Nature Trails are free to the public and open year-round. With the school year beginning, the city is encouraging educators and parents to incorporate the trails into both classroom curriculum and family outings. For trail details, educational resources, or to plan a visit, the public can explore more at CapeMayCity.com or follow the City of Cape May on Facebook and Instagram.

 First American Oystercatcher Chicks Fledge in Ocean City

Two American oystercatcher chicks successfully fledged in Ocean City for the first time, a promising development for a bird considered a "species of special concern" in New Jersey. Though not endangered, oystercatchers face nesting challenges due to their visibility and lower reproductive rates. However, their broader habitat range and longer lifespan help balance those risks. Conservation efforts are showing positive results across the state, supported by a multi-state regional initiative. Cape May County has a healthy population of American oystercatchers, which continue to nest in vulnerable areas also used by endangered shorebirds. Notably, oystercatchers stay along the New Jersey coast throughout the winter, forming visible flocks in areas like Ocean City, Somers Point, and Longport. Wildlife officials encourage the public to avoid disturbing these birds, especially during the colder months.

Cape May is home to a unique WWII-era structure that served as a coastal defense. What is this structure called?

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Answer to the September 11th Trivia Question

Which historic Cape May hotel, built in 1876, is known for being the oldest continuously operating hotel in the city?

A) Congress Hall
B) The Chalfonte Hotel
C) The Virginia Hotel
D) The Southern Mansion

Answer: B) The Chalfonte Hotel

The Chalfonte Hotel, built in 1876, is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Cape May. It has a long history of hosting visitors and is a landmark in the city's Victorian heritage​.​

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