South Mountain Recreation Complex

South Mountain Recreation Complex is located is West Orange, New Jersey and operated by the Essex County Park System – the nation’s first county park system. Named after South Mountain Reservation, the land upon which it sits, South Mountain Recreation Complex is home to Turtle Back Zoo, Richard J. Codey Arena, miniGOLF Safari andTreetop Adventure, an aerial obstacle course!

Turtle Back Zoo: Named “NJ’s #1 Zoo,” Turtle Back Zoo is AZA-accredited and features over 800 animals from around the world. Opened in 1963, Turtle Back Zoo is committed to providing an enriching recreation experience that fosters excellence in wildlife education and wildlife conservation for present and future generations.

Richard J. Codey Arena: The former training facility of the New Jersey Devils, Codey Arena features two indoor NHL-regulation sized ice skating rinks. The venue now hosts a variety of year-round hockey and ice-skating lessons, games and practices, as well as special events.

miniGOLF Safari: A 19-hole African Continent-themed miniature golf course. The course features handcrafted life-size animals – including a 12-foot elephant – waterfalls, dunes and more.

Treetop Adventure Course, NJ’s first treetop aerial obstacle course, is the newest addition to Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex. You and your family are invited to be one of the first to enjoy this sky-high experience – including zip lines, rope bridges and other attractions 35 feet above ground.