Isn’t it awesome what a little ingenuity and creativity can do?! Months ago, when everything started shutting down, I really worried what this summer might look like. But then slowly, I started to see rays of sunshine and hope. Every day we get more great news. Today, I am delighted to share that Space Farms Drive Thru Zoo is open for some safe summer fun in New Jersey.
With ingenuity, creativity, and patience, Space Farms made lemonade from lemons and found a way to make their zoo one that could offer families a unique and safe experience.
Space Farms Drive Thru Zoo is open!!
This family-owned zoo began it’s 93rd season in 2020 and is run by third and fourth generation relatives of founder Ralph Space. It has 500 animals from 100 different species.
When they reopened this year they were closed for regular admissions, but open for something new, a drive thru zoo. In July, they reopened for regular walk through admissions in addition to the drive thru.
About the Space Farms Drive Thru Zoo
Space Farms is located at 218 County Road 519 in Sussex, New Jersey.
Space Farms is pleased to offer a whole new temporary drive through experience. They plotted out a driving route through the property to accommodate visitors beginning May 22, 2020. To keep guests safe the state of NJ granted them permission to operate as a drive through.
Initially, the drive thru zoo was open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and the last admission is at 4 pm. In July, there was a change to the Space Farms Drive Thru Zoo. The drive thru is now only available on Wednesdays, from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last admission still at 4 pm.
How do I get tickets to the drive thru zoo at Space Farms?
Tickets will be available on Space Farms website. Tickets are required for entry, and must be booked online for the drive thru. Please have your confirmation email ready when you arrive. Tickets are only valid for the date of the original reservation. Open rain or shine.
Walk through admission is open Monday’s, Tuesday’s, Thursday’s, Friday’s, Saturday’s & Sunday’s 10 am – 5 pm (last entrance 4pm). For walk through visits you can book online or pay at the door.
How much will it cost?
The admission price for the drive thru zoo is $25 per carload for up to 4 people. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Regular walk through Space Farm Zoo admission prices
- Adults (13 – 64): $20.00 plus tax
- Children (2-12): $16.50 plus tax
- Seniors (65+): $18.50 plus tax
Season passes are good for the drive-thru and then the walk-thru once that’s available. Tickets will be released each week.
How long is the drive thru zoo?
Guests are invited to enjoy driving through the farm at their own pace. The drive through experience is 1 mile long and each vehicle may go around twice during their hour time slot.
What kinds of animals are there?
Baby grizzly bears were born during the shut down and will be available for viewing in person at the drive-thru. North American wildlife including bobcats, tigers and lions, buffalo, hyena, wild ponies, timber wolves, various types of foxes, bears and deer, leopards, monkeys, jaguars, coyotes, llamas, yaks, snakes all should be available to see.
Guests are required to remain in their cars with their vehicles being 6 ft apart. You must stay in your vehicle at all times. Please follow directional arrows, no passing, no horn honking and remain on the roadway.
How long will the drive thru zoo be available?
It’s not clear how long the drive thru experience will be available. Tickets are being sold on a week-by-week basis in the hopes they will be able to transition back to regular walk through visitors soon.
Are there bathrooms available?
No, Space Farms is not allowed to offer restrooms during the drive through experience.
How can I learn more?
To learn more visit their website, www.spacefarms.com/zoo for up-to-date information or call (973) 875-5800.
