Love Animals? Cape May Zoo Has a Special October Event Just for Grown-Ups

Issue #837

October 12, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 🦒Love Animals? Cape May Zoo Has a Special October Event Just for Grown-Ups

  🎡Storybook Land's Halloween Weekends Return October 17–25 With Kid-Friendly Fun

 🦋 Monarch Butterflies, Live Animals and More Highlight Cape May’s Free Fall Nature Event

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

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

 October 12

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Love Animals? Cape May Zoo Has a Special October Event Just for Grown-Ups

The Cape May County Park & Zoo is giving adults a chance to discover the fascinating world of wildlife through a special educational series that brings animals, conservation, and expert knowledge together.

Called Creature Conversations, the adult lecture series offers a unique opportunity to learn about animals and their behaviors while interacting with the zoo educators and keepers who care for them.

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and promises an engaging experience for wildlife enthusiasts, animal lovers, and anyone curious about the natural world.

Unlike a traditional classroom lecture, Creature Conversations combines education with hands-on wildlife encounters. Each session features a different ambassador animal and explores topics such as animal behavior, special adaptations, and wildlife conservation.

Participants can expect a short educational presentation followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with zoo staff. One of the highlights is the opportunity to see ambassador animals up close while learning about their unique characteristics and the important roles they play in nature.

The program is designed specifically for adults, offering a fun and informative way to connect with wildlife while gaining a greater appreciation for the animals that share our planet.

The program information lists the Dr. Ernst Education Center at Atlantic Cape Community College's Cape May Campus, located at 355 Court House–South Dennis Road in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.

Because other event information identifies the Cape May County Park & Zoo Education Center as the location, attendees should confirm the correct venue before traveling.

Space is limited, and advance registration is recommended. Those interested in attending can find additional details through the Cape May County Zoo's official Creature Conversations page or contact the zoo's Education Department at [email protected].

Admission details should also be confirmed when registering.

For South Jersey residents looking for something a little different to do this fall, Creature Conversations offers a chance to explore wildlife, meet fascinating animals, and learn directly from the people who work with them every day.

 

Storybook Land's Halloween Weekends Return October 17–25 With Kid-Friendly Fun

Families looking for a Halloween celebration without the frights can enjoy two weekends of costumes, candy, amusement park rides and fall festivities as Storybook Land brings back its popular Trick-or-Treat Weekends on October 17, 18, 24 and 25, 2026.

The beloved, family-owned amusement park in Egg Harbor Township is preparing for another season of Halloween excitement designed especially for young children. Instead of haunted houses and scary surprises, the event focuses on colorful costumes, sweet treats and classic family entertainment.

One of the biggest attractions of the Halloween celebration is the opportunity for children to trick-or-treat at 12 designated locations throughout Storybook Land. Young visitors ages 2 and older will receive a complimentary treat bag upon entering the park, along with information showing where to find each candy stop. Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite superheroes, princesses, storybook characters or other Halloween favorites while making their way through the park.

Unlike traditional Halloween attractions that feature frightening characters or spooky surprises, Storybook Land's celebration is designed to provide a welcoming experience for younger children and families who prefer a gentler approach to Halloween.

Trick-or-treating is included with paid park admission, so families can enjoy the candy stops without paying an additional activity fee.

Families can explore Elmer's Hay-Mazin' Maze, a handcrafted attraction featuring hay bales and cornstalks. Children can navigate the maze while searching for hidden puzzle stickers to complete a special picture. The park's seasonal Happy Hay Ride also returns, offering another opportunity to enjoy the autumn atmosphere. Throughout Storybook Land, pumpkins, colorful chrysanthemums, hay bales and other fall decorations create a festive backdrop for family photos.

Storybook Land has spent decades building a reputation as a destination for families with young children, and its seasonal celebrations have become a popular part of the park's annual calendar. The third-generation, family-owned amusement park is approaching 30 years of family-friendly fall festivities, continuing a tradition that combines classic childhood attractions with seasonal entertainment.

The Halloween weekends follow the park's Fall Into Fun Festival, which runs on select dates through October 16.

While the earlier celebration focuses on autumn decorations, seasonal activities and photo opportunities, Trick-or-Treat Weekends add a Halloween experience with costumes and candy.

The result is an outing where children can enjoy Halloween excitement without the frightening elements found at many other seasonal attractions.

The ticket price includes trick-or-treating for children, unlimited access to operating amusement rides, seasonal attractions, the Happy Hay Ride and Elmer's Hay-Mazin' Maze.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are available in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets are date-specific, so families should select their preferred day when purchasing. According to the event information, guests who need to change their plans may switch to another available Trick-or-Treat date through their online confirmation email.

Monarch Butterflies, Live Animals and More Highlight Cape May’s Free Fall Nature Event

Nature lovers, birdwatchers and families looking for a fun fall outing can enjoy three days of free activities when The Nature Place returns to Cape May Convention Hall from October 16–18, 2026. Presented by New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) as part of the annual Cape May Fall Festival, the event brings together wildlife presentations, live animal encounters, educational demonstrations, children's activities and nature-themed shopping—all with free admission.

Located at 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May Convention Hall will transform into a gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, offering opportunities to discover local wildlife, learn about bird conservation and explore products inspired by the natural world.

One of the event’s biggest attractions will be its live animal presentations, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation efforts.

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge will provide live animal shows on Friday, October 16, while the Cape May County Park & Zoo will bring wildlife presentations on Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors can also enjoy educational programs covering bird photography, wildlife and fascinating destinations around the world.

A particularly popular attraction, monarch butterfly tagging demonstrations, will take place at noon each day. These demonstrations offer an opportunity to learn about monarch migration and the importance of tracking these remarkable butterflies.

Families attending The Nature Place will find activities designed especially for younger visitors, including scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and creative opportunities to explore nature.

The hands-on experiences are intended to introduce children to birds, wildlife and environmental conservation in an entertaining and accessible setting.

The event will also feature a marketplace filled with nature-themed vendors offering handmade crafts, artwork, photography, apparel, outdoor experiences and birdwatching equipment.

Visitors can browse binoculars, spotting scopes and other optics while discovering unique gifts from local artists and specialty vendors.

For those looking to get an early start on holiday shopping, the marketplace provides an opportunity to find distinctive, nature-inspired gifts.

A silent auction will feature birding equipment, a telescope, wildlife-related experiences and other items, with opening bids starting at approximately half their stated value.The silent auction closes Sunday, October 18, at 1 p.m.

As an added incentive, the first 150 visitors each day will receive a free canvas tote bag, while supplies last.

The 2026 event carries special significance as the Cape May Bird Observatory celebrates its 50th anniversary. For five decades, the organization has helped establish Cape May as one of the country's premier birdwatching destinations, attracting enthusiasts interested in migration, conservation and environmental education.

The Cape May Fall Festival is expected to bring more than 400 birdwatchers from around the country to the area for a weekend dedicated to birds and nature.

While festival activities attract serious birding enthusiasts, The Nature Place serves as the public-facing portion of the celebration, welcoming everyone from experienced naturalists to families discovering birdwatching for the first time.

Cape May, New Jersey, is renowned for its historical significance and Victorian architecture. In what year was the entire city designated as a National Historic Landmark, making it the only city in the United States to be wholly designated as such?

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 Answer to the October 11th Trivia Question 

What historic mode of transportation once brought vacationers to Cape May in the 19th century?
A) Paddlewheel steamboats from Philadelphia
B) A private airfield for zeppelins
C) Underground trolley lines
D) Horse-drawn canal boats from New York

Answer: A) Paddlewheel steamboats from Philadelphia.
In the 1800s, Cape May was a popular resort destination, and paddlewheel steamboats brought visitors from cities like Philadelphia across the Delaware Bay.

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