Animal Haven at Thompson Park (Middlesex County)

Animal Haven at Thompson Park (Middlesex County) At A Glance...

• Features a collection of native and exotic animals including pigs, goats, an emu, deer, peacocks, and turkeys.
• Interpretive signage provides educational information about the animals.
• Free admission for all visitors
• Todays Sunrise: ,   Sunset:  
• New Jersey Gateway Region Middlesex County
• Animal Haven at Thompson Park (Middlesex County) is part of  Thompson Park (Middlesex County)

• Activities:

  • Picnicking
  • Walking
    Trails Nearby

  Amenities:

  • Parking Lot(s)
  • Picnic / Sitting Area
  • Benches
  • Picnic tables

  Trails:

  • Paved

  Park Type:

  • County Parks

  Attractions:

  • Animals
  • Petting Zoo
  • Animal Enclosure

  Rules/Regulations:

  • Alcohol *NOT Permitted*

Contact / Location

A Brief History

Thompson Park itself has a rich history, with the land settled in the late 17th century and later hosting a Native American mission. The Animal Haven is a more contemporary feature, established to provide an educational and recreational experience for park visitors. Specific historical details on the Animal Haven's founding date were not readily available in the search.

Trail & Path Info

The Animal Haven is accessible via paved walkways within its area. The White Trail (.69 miles) within Thompson Park's extensive trail system directly connects to Manalapan Lake and the Animal Haven. The park offers many miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The Animal Haven is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Spring might offer chances to see younger animals. Fall provides a scenic backdrop with Thompson Park's foliage. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Trip Ideas

• Family Park Day: Combine a visit to the Animal Haven with a picnic in one of Thompson Park's groves, playtime at a playground, and a walk around Manalapan Lake.
• Nature Walk & Wildlife: Hike one of Thompson Park's trails, like the White Trail leading to the Animal Haven, and spend time observing both the enclosed animals and local wildlife.
• Educational Outing: Use the interpretive signs at the Animal Haven as a learning opportunity for children about different animal species.

Tips and Tricks

• The Animal Haven is free to visit.
• It is open daily from dawn to dusk.
• While some older sources mention feeding animals, it's generally best practice not to feed zoo or haven animals unless specifically permitted with approved food. Check for current park rules.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be walking within the Haven and potentially exploring other parts of Thompson Park.
• Bring a camera for photos.
• Combine your visit with other free amenities in Thompson Park.

Picnics / Lunches / Eating

Thompson Park offers numerous picnic groves with tables, some reservable. Visitors can bring their own food to enjoy in these designated areas. It's generally expected that food would be consumed in picnic areas rather than directly within the Animal Haven viewing areas.

Hours / Season of Operation

Open daily, year-round, from dawn to dusk. (Thompson Park itself is listed as opening at 7 a.m. daily on one Monmouth County document, which is a different park system; the Middlesex County site and other sources confirm dawn to dusk for the Animal Haven).

Facilities

• Animal enclosures with interpretive signage.
• Benches for resting.
• Paved walkways.
• Restrooms are available within Thompson Park. (The Visitor's Center at Rancocas Nature Center, mentioned in one result as having restrooms, is a different location).
• Parking lots are available within Thompson Park.

Parking

Ample free parking is available in various lots throughout Thompson Park, with some likely convenient to the Animal Haven. The White Trail access point near the Animal Haven should have associated parking.

Below are a few groups that we have connected to Animal Haven at Thompson Park (Middlesex County). If we are missing any, please let us know

• Middlesex County Parks & Recreation