We saw an entertaining feeding of terrapins and small marine creatures. The highlight is the walk . The walk takes you right into the wetlands . So this place is well worth a visit. Although you want to hit it on a nice sunny day. I believe it's only open Saturday and Sunday. read more

See all

TL;DR: don't miss this unassuming powerhouse of a nature experience. Note the five star ration and then reconcile this: it was a hot muggy day and we got there in the late morning with a toddler and other kids. Despite oppressive heat and pre-lunch hangriness, it was a phenomenal experience! Totally worth it. Our kids loved the salt marsh trail, saw everything from mud fiddler crabs and laughing gulls (in their wild, native habitat, not the beach), but also osprey, purple martins, a snowy egret (or at least it was white), horseshoe crabs, diamondback terrapins, and others, all in their native habitat. It was incredible!! After that, we went inside to see the displays and they had a touch tank. The volunteers are all very accessible to my kids and they loved asking questions! Hermit crabs, clear nosed skate, whelks, and others I can't remember. The fish tanks were filled with fish from the area, all interesting, and mostly unembellished, which is perhaps one of the most phenomenal things about the place. Some places stand on their marketing mostly, this place doesn't have showy displays. It's tactile, up close, and endemic. My kids had SUCH an amazing time that they wanted to go back more than anything! After that, we went to see the turtle room, and while there was some good learning, there, we hit our limit. So, read: it's a perfect size, not too small, not too big m. You won't exhaust yourself completely here, but you won't be bored. Sure, it's a nature preserve. You've got to have the mindset for it, but if you do, this is easily one of the best zoo/museum type experiences I've been to (and that includes San Diego Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo, and others). read more

My family tends to stop at all animal related touristy things so brakes were hit as we passed The Wetlands Institute in beautiful Stone Harbor, NJ, They are a educational institute and offered a nice walk thru the wetlands and taught us about their conservation programs for horseshoe crabs and diamondback terrapins and other species who live in the marsh. For a small fee you are educated and can enjoy a great view, we didn't get to see any crabs or turtles on our day there but left with a greater appreciation of them and the institutions that promote this educational. They also have a cute little gift shop, clean restrooms, and cold drinks. Great way to get your steps for the day read more

See all

A wonderful nature reserve in Stone Harbor. A perfect 1-2 hour excursion to break up the pool/beach days w the kids. It's only about $8 a person and kids are even cheaper. You can rent binoculars for only $1! There is so much wildlife to observe. We saw at least 10 different kinds of birds, let alone frogs, turtles and horse show crabs. Def a great stop to mix up the beach vacation. read more

So much to see here at The Wetlands Institute. And we had a fabulous highly interactive boat trip with the greatest captain and crew. We definitely recommend this activity. So glad we went on this trip. We saw an osprey with a fish in its mouth feeding nesting babies, a turtle sunning itself on a rock and so much more. The best part was when the boat dragged the water and then brought up the treasure for us to explore. We saw a baby shark, tube fish and many other fish. Who knew the NJ bay had so many gems. And we petted a horseshoe crab and learned all about their value. It was educational and fun. The aquarium is also a true treasure as they have the most beautiful octopus. Be sure to visit! read more

Had a cute time releasing a ready turtle in to the marsh. Good for toddlers and elementary school kids. My 4 year old enjoyed more than my teenager - but then again he's more into cars. Kids who are into wildlife will pick up some great info on turtles and enjoy the small marine exhibit on Atlantic Ocean and it's sea life. read more

Definitely worth a stop during a Jersey Shore vacation. Admission is reasonable at $8 and you're helping a good cause. Each day there is different programming. You can come and go as you please during the day, just keep your receipt. Be sure to visit the octopus, the petting tank, and turtle exhibits. We did have trouble getting a parking space. I also could have done without the horseshoe "sex" exhibit (maybe tame the wording down and make it more scientific?). read more

The Wetlands Institute - Museums Near Me - Stone Harbor, New Jersey

Pretty cool exhibits for kids of all ages and adults. Lots of nice sites of marsh lands. Did not see many birds however. Plenty of parking with air conditioned exhibits. Staff was very nice and friendly. Only reason I docked a star off was lack of guidance from staff. I thought it was more of a guided tour with information, but it was more do for yourself and figure it out. Overall a great place to visit with family for a few hours. P.S. the octopus was really cool. I added some photos. read more

See all

The Wetlands institution was very inexpensive. Nice to check out and bring some kids or for some adults to go. Wear some shoes you may not care to get a little dirty. You can even take a walk on the marsh. read more

See all

We stopped by here with our boys (10, 7, and 4) in time to catch the Creature Feature at 11:15. It was a rainy day and they're pretty active kids- sitting around a rented beach house isn't really an option. We made the drive from Margate City to Stone Harbor in about 40min. We expected the place would be pretty small, but hoped we could find enough to look at that we'd at least stay longer than we traveled. We ended up really loving it. The Creature Feature today was about mollusks. The presenters had plenty of well organized information. The passed around different kinds of shells and even some with living mollusks still inside. They were able to answer most of our budding naturalist's questions and kept even the 4 year old engaged. After the presentation, we had plenty of things to explore, animals to touch, and nature to handle. The rain cleared up enough to do some of the wetlands trail and partake of the observation deck. The staff was very encouraging of our 10 year old's goal to become a naturalist. They were even discussing internships and colleges with him. The gift shop had enough educational items that I didn't kind dropping some cash on some things that will remind them of the visit and (better yet) kept everyone busy for most of the rainy afternoon. Next time we're at the shore, we plan to stop by on a nicer day and really tour the wetlands. Overall, the place is very interactive and welcoming. We all learned a ton! read more

See all

Stop. Don't just drive by. The walk into the salt marsh on the guided tour or on your own is very interesting. Before the tour, be sure to watch the documentary (about 20 minutes long). The path is covered in broken shells and offers a nice bridge offshoot to walk out into the marsh. Go all the way out to the channel. Later in the summer they offer kayak tours. Lots of beautiful birds, some crabs, and interesting flora. Be sure to visit the terrapin and hermit crab exhibits. Before you leave, take the circular staircase to the widows walk. They have a nice mural inside the area where the circular staircase is located. Overall, a beautiful walk and a nice few hours on nature. read more

See all

This pontoon boat ride is 2 hours long and well worth it. Only downside is it is guided so you don't have a quiet ride as they point out birds along the way and tell some history. But it is still very fun. They try to mix up where they drive based on the tide and the time of year. They provide binoculars and even have a bird book to show the different species. At the end they even let some people drive the boat. They also do a touch tank in the boat of some of the local species, some even caught right on the trip. This is a birders dream trip and for someone like me an awesome way to discover a new hobby read more

See all

The Wetlands Institute is a nice organization that is working to protect the wildlife in the New Jersey shore area. If you're at the beach with kids and they get worn out by the sun or you end up with a day of rain, this is a fun way to spend a few hours. They have interesting exhibits, presentations on birds and other animals, and a fun gift shop. Every year the local turtles try to cross the road from the mainland to the island, and many of them are run over. WI does a lot to save the turtles, and other local wildlife, so your money is well spent. Take some time and check it out, spend some money in the gift shop; it's fun and all for a good cause. read more

Very fun. Surprisingly educational. Good quality. Good tourist. Nice for family days. gift shop too expensive. still really good! 4/5 Stars read more

This is a hidden gem! Drove down on a rainy afternoon from Ocean City. Wonderful exhibits, presentations, and a guided nature walk that went out in to the marsh, led by a very knowledgeable volunteer. Great outing, reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend. read more

Great place to visit on a cloudy day with a young child. Lots of hands on exhibits and events and plenty of room to roam on the pier that extends over the marsh. Informative staff and just an all around educational but fun spot to spend an hour or two on vacation. read more

Good rainy day activity at the shore . Kids liked seeing the baby turtles and the petting area in the one exhibit. Went to the talk on crabs and the kids actually remembered some of the facts later in the week. read more

Stopped by on our way to Stone Harbor for another amazing beach day. So glad we did, we learned so much about the crabs, turtles and sea birds that are up and down the Jersey Shore. The ability to see the newest member of the Osprey family was amazing. I will definitely be back to see and do more. If you love birds, crabs, butterflies, and turtles, this is the place for you. (Don't worry if you don't have binoculars, they do!!!) The nicest gals at the check in desk will help you with any questions and the gift shop is top notch! This is a must for children to do! read more

A very cool experience for kids to learn about nature. The people are extremely knowledgeable.