Just a short 15-minute drive south of Wildwood, the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor offers families an incredible chance to explore coastal nature without the crowds. This hidden gem combines hands-on learning with breathtaking views, making it the perfect day trip from our beachfront hotels.
What Makes the Wetlands Institute Special
The Wetlands Institute sits on 6,000 acres of pristine salt marsh, offering visitors a chance to see coastal New Jersey as it existed centuries ago. The facility features interactive exhibits, a 40-foot observation tower, and guided salt marsh tours that reveal the intricate ecosystem supporting our shore communities.
Kids especially love the touch tank experiences where they can gently handle horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and other marine creatures. The institute’s educational programs run throughout summer, with turtle talks, bird walks, and marsh explorations perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Local Tip: Visit the observation tower during late afternoon golden hour for stunning photography opportunities. The panoramic views stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware Bay.
Planning Your Visit
The Wetlands Institute typically operates Tuesday through Saturday during summer months, with extended weekend hours. General admission runs around $8 for adults and $6 for children, making it an affordable family outing. Special programs like guided kayak tours and evening salt marsh walks require advance reservations and fill up quickly during peak season.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, binoculars if you have them, and a camera. The institute provides magnifying glasses and field guides for nature walks.
Educational Programs and Wildlife
Summer programming at the Wetlands Institute showcases the incredible biodiversity of coastal marshlands. Regular highlights include:
- ✓Terrapin turtle conservation talks
- ✓Bird banding demonstrations
- ✓Horseshoe crab spawning tours (late spring)
- ✓Salt marsh exploration walks
The institute’s research work focuses on protecting diamondback terrapin turtles, monitoring migratory bird populations, and studying the effects of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems. Visitors often witness active research in progress, adding authenticity to the educational experience.
Making It a Perfect Wildwood Day
Staying at any of Coastal Collection’s five locally-owned properties puts you perfectly positioned for this nature adventure. Start your morning with the institute’s guided programs, then return to Wildwood for afternoon beach time on our free beaches. The contrast between pristine wetlands and vibrant boardwalk creates a well-rounded coastal experience.
Local Tip: Pack a cooler lunch to enjoy at Stone Harbor Point after your institute visit. The beach there offers calmer bay waters perfect for younger children, and you’re still just minutes from our Wildwood hotels.
Whether you’re staying at our beachfront Sunset Beach Hotel or family-friendly Paradise Inn, you’re within walking distance of Wildwood’s famous boardwalk and just a quick drive to incredible nature experiences like the Wetlands Institute. It’s this combination of beach fun and educational adventures that makes our corner of the Jersey Shore special for families seeking both excitement and enrichment.
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.