The zoo has a few nice little places to stop for Concession food. So be patient while finding a parking spot. Parking is a little tricky especially if it’s busy. Leave yourself 2-3 hours for the zoo part and another 1-2 hours for lunch and playground. I would either go earlier to the zoo then plan lunch after and playground, or go around lunch time, eat in the picnic area and let your kids play then hit the zoo till closing. Smaller children have a separate playground close by witch is convenient. Very big picnicking area and playground for kids. The zoo is clean and being updated in some areas that look really nice. So my advice is try to visit when it’s not overwhelmingly crowded. If the park were any fuller I don’t think it would have been as enjoyable. The park was full but not over crowded witch I am sure could cause a different experience. We had beautiful weather today, early Spring. Worth the small entrance fee ($8 adults, not sure about kids) as I’m sure the money is invested back into the research and institute upkeep. Highly recommend for family or even solo adults. There’s summer camps that run out of the Institute, as well as daily activities (marsh walks with a guide, feedings, etc) It’s cool when the tide is going out as you can literally watch/listen to the area drain.Īll of the staff we encountered were very friendly and interested in engaging with young kids. There’s a second elevated walking path that takes you out over the marsh as well. There’s a dock/pier at the end with expansive views of the wetlands. Outdoors areas include a walk along a path into the marsh area that includes signs about area plants. The marine life building has a bunch of tanks with different fish and even a shark. Lots of info to absorb and some kiddie-friendly activities, including hands on exploration of different shells, full sized ocean life bones, and a touch tank type exhibit. There’s two inside areas, one dedicated to turtles and one to other marine life. Neat place for kids and adults alike to visit.