Learning opportunities can extend far beyond the classroom at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium (WOW) in Springfield, Missouri. Visitors of all ages can deepen their understanding of the natural world through educational, immersive, hands-on experiences.
WOW is not just a museum—it’s a dynamic educational center where visitors can explore more than 35,000 live animals while learning about the important principles of conservation. With more than 350,000 square feet of exhibits and activities, WOW functions as a dynamic classroom, extending learning beyond the traditional school setting.
Conservation is at the heart of everything that WOW does. The museum’s Wildlife Galleries guide visitors through the early history of conservation, showcasing the vital contributions made by hunters, anglers, and Native American traditions. By linking past efforts to present-day challenges, WOW helps foster a deeper appreciation for the ongoing need to protect and preserve our world’s wild places.
This fall and winter, WOW invites students to explore its special offers and opportunities to enhance the visit, ensuring an even more memorable experience. Its new Student Days offer allows students ages 4 and up to experience the museum and aquarium’s wonder for only $15.
Educating the public through outreach and events
Central to WOW’s educational outreach is the WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Schools program. The weekend-long program offers families the opportunity to learn about practicing personal safety and outdoor responsibility through a range of outdoor recreation activities. Four schools are taught annually across the state of Missouri. Roaring River School is currently open for registration for the weekend of October 11–13.
Additionally, WOW offers events in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, such as its upcoming events Nature Crafting: Dreamcatchers with the American Indian Center of Springfield on November 8, as well as Talk with AIC: Native Americans in the US Military on November 15. These events further showcase the museum’s dedication to educating the public about our nation’s first true people of conservation.
Hands-on encounters and activities
Wonders of Wildlife also offers educational first-hand experiences, such as the Out to Sea Shark Dive and Penguin Encounters, designed to inspire a deeper understanding of wildlife. The Out to Sea Shark Dive provides a unique opportunity for guests to observe sharks up close, emphasizing their critical role as apex predators in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems. Participants can come face-to-fin with a variety of sharks in WOW’s steel enclosure to gain insight into shark behavior and witness their diverse habitats.
Similarly, the Penguin Encounter allows guests to come face-to-feather to learn about the gentoo penguin species, their cold-weather adaptations, and the environment that they call home. These interactive experiences not only thrill but also educate, fostering a greater awareness of wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting these species and their habitats.
Inspiring a lasting connection to nature
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is more than a display of nature—it’s a place where education and inspiration come together. Through its various educational exhibits, events, and demonstrations, WOW helps visitors of all ages form a connection with the environment, encouraging a thoughtful and informed approach to wildlife conservation. As guests move through the exhibits and participate in educational programs, they continuously gain a richer perspective of the world around them.
For more information and to plan your visit, go to wondersofwildlife.org.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. To learn more, visit wondersofwildlife.org.
