Just a short drive from Wildwood’s bustling boardwalk, the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor offers families a completely different but equally magical shore experience — one where kids can touch stingrays, walk through salt marshes, and discover the incredible ecosystem that makes the Jersey Shore so special.
What Makes the Wetlands Institute Special
Located on 6,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat, the Wetlands Institute combines hands-on learning with stunning natural beauty. The facility features interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and miles of walking trails through salt marshes and along Stone Harbor Point. The touch tank experience is a particular hit with kids, offering the chance to gently interact with horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, and even small rays.
The institute’s mission goes beyond entertainment — it’s a working research facility dedicated to coastal conservation, education, and research. This means visitors get authentic insights into local marine life and environmental conservation efforts that protect the entire Jersey Shore region.
Local Tip: Visit during feeding time (usually around 2 PM) to see the diamondback terrapins and other animals at their most active. The staff often provides fascinating commentary about local wildlife behavior.
Planning Your Visit from Wildwood
The drive from any of Coastal Collection’s five locally-owned hotels to the Wetlands Institute takes just 15-20 minutes via Ocean Drive. Whether you’re staying at our Beachside Resort or Sunset Beach Hotel, you’ll find this nature adventure perfectly positioned for a morning or afternoon excursion.
The institute is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM during summer months, with slightly reduced hours in spring and fall. Admission runs about $8 for adults and $6 for children, making it an affordable family outing that can easily fit into a Wildwood vacation budget.
Pro tip for families: Combine your Wetlands Institute visit with lunch in Stone Harbor’s charming downtown area, then return to Wildwood for an afternoon on our free beaches — the perfect balance of education and relaxation.
Must-Do Activities and Exhibits
The institute offers several unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the area:
- ✓Salt marsh walking tours led by naturalist guides
- ✓Interactive exhibits showcasing local bird migration patterns
- ✓The observation tower offering panoramic views of the coastline
- ✓Seasonal programs like horseshoe crab spawning tours (late spring)
The self-guided trail system allows families to explore at their own pace, with educational markers explaining everything from tidal patterns to bird identification. The gift shop features locally-made items and educational toys that make perfect souvenirs.
Why This Day Trip Works Perfect with Your Wildwood Stay
What makes Coastal Collection Hotels ideal for nature lovers is our location — you’re walking distance to Wildwood’s famous boardwalk and free beaches, yet close enough to explore quieter natural areas like the Wetlands Institute. After a morning learning about coastal ecosystems, families can return to Paradise Inn or Coastal Sands Inn for a quick refresh before heading to the beach.
Local Tip: Pack a small cooler with drinks and snacks for your Wetlands visit — while they have vending machines, bringing your own refreshments lets you stay longer and explore more trails without worrying about hungry kids.
The beauty of staying with Coastal Collection is that you get the best of both worlds: easy access to Wildwood’s attractions and entertainment, plus the flexibility to discover the quieter, more educational side of the Jersey Shore that creates lasting family memories.
Stay Steps from the Action.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.