Cape May Point’s Kids and Critters Show Sparks Love for Wildlife

Cape May Point, N.J. -- Every weekend through October, Cape May Point State Park hosts its Kids and Critters animal show, captivating young visitors with hands-on encounters to foster a love for wildlife. The program, running at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, spotlights New Jersey’s native creatures alongside animals from around the globe, inviting kids to touch and sometimes hold them. Snakes, turtles, lizards, rodents, and tarantulas take center stage, with crowd favorites like a snapping turtle, dwarf hamsters, and a playful ferret stealing the show. Now in its 26th year, the program thrives with help from dedicated volunteers, some as young as 10, who guide visitors in safely interacting with the animals. The initiative, led by the park’s naturalist, aims to inspire youth to care about wildlife through close-up experiences. A recent show featured six snakes, including a boa draped over a handler’s shoulders, sparking both excitement and awe among attendees. Donations support animal care, keeping the free program alive. From a ferret’s grand finale to a turtle’s steady charm, the shows blend education and fun, drawing families to the park for memorable wildlife moments.