If you’re looking to plan an epic day trip or a weekend getaway, then head to Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. The noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder established the celebrated education center to share his passion for wildlife conservation. Voted America’s Best Aquarium by USA Today readers and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the attraction offers enough sights and experiences to spend the whole day there.
In fact, there’s so much to see at Wonders of Wildlife that it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. To get the most immersive experience, consider starting in the Wildlife Galleries. See replicas of habitats from around the world, including a nighttime camp in Africa, the North and South poles, and some of the most awe-inspiring national parks in America.
Discover fun things to do with the family
Subscribe to the St. Louis Family newsletter for family-friendly things to do and news for local parents, sent every Monday.
Next, make your way to Aquarium Adventure, where you’ll encounter hundreds of species. Discover the Great Barrier Reef in a three-story saltwater aquarium, view historic photos and artifacts from U.S. presidents who enjoyed fishing, learn about the importance of mangroves in preventing coastline erosion, and journey inside a limestone cave.
Sure, it sounds like a lot of ground to cover. So here’s what to know before you go with your kids, including tips from Laura Head Elliott, director of marketing for Bass Pro Shops Hospitality and the Johnny Morris Foundation.
Must-See Exhibits
Wonders of Wildlife’s newest exhibit, Nature’s Best Photography showcases jaw-dropping photography from the Windland Smith Rice International Awards, one of the most recognized photo competitions in the world. Previously on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., the exhibit is now featured at Wonders of Wildlife.
In the Wildlife Galleries, Penguin Cove is a fan favorite. Your little ones will delight in seeing the colony of “very active” Gentoo penguins diving and swimming up close for all to see.
Another can’t-miss spot within the Wildlife Galleries: the Great African Hall, where you’ll be immersed in larger-than-life dioramas depicting a variety of animals that call the savanna home, such as elephants, giraffes, and zebras. It’s as if you’ve been transported on an African safari.
Once you make your way to the Aquarium Adventure, your kiddos will be fascinated by the Out to Sea exhibit, where you can get an up-close look at several of the aquarium’s resident sharks. And with the floor-to-ceiling views, you’ll feel completely immersed in a deep-sea adventure, as if you’re swimming with the sharks, rays, and Goliath groupers—all without getting wet.
And don’t forget to snap a photo of your family at the Megalodon display, which you’ll find just before you enter Out to Sea in the Aquarium.
Special Events
Wonders of Wildlife offers a few special opportunities for families with kids of all ages to make your visit extra-special.
Young kiddos, ages 4 and older, can come face-to-feather with Gentoo penguins in Penguin Encounter. They can learn more about the penguins, experience the sights and sounds of the environment, and spend 15 minutes inside Penguin Cove. Plus, families can get a printed photo of the experience and a souvenir T-shirt.
Plan a visit for a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, when you can watch the Wonders of Wildlife team feed the sharks. Head to the Out to Sea exhibit a little before 1 p.m. (when the actual feeding occurs) to get a good spot.
If you have older kids and feel a little daring, sign up for one of the shark encounters. Out to Sea Feeding Frenzy, gives visitors a chance to go in an underwater metal cage to watch the sharks eat lunch (offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday). Out to Sea Shark Dive takes visitors under water in a metal cage to come face-to-face with sand tiger sharks, brown sharks, and Atlantic goliath groupers. Both encounters include a commemorative T-shirt, underwater camera to take photos of the experience, and a printed photo, along with a flash drive full of extra pics.
Each year for the holidays, Wonders of Wildlife hosts Scuba Claus. During this special event, guests can enjoy a reading of Twas The Night Before Fishmas by Mrs. Claus, an appearance from Santa in the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, hot cocoa, cookies, and holiday activities. (Dates will be announced soon, so check the site for updates.)
Wonders of Wildlife Membership Perks
If you plan to visit Wonders of Wildlife multiple times per year, it might be worth considering an annual membership. The museum offers individual child and adult memberships, as well as a family option. And if you want to divvy up membership payments, then you can choose the EasyPay option of 11 monthly payments. All memberships include unlimited visits for a year; 10 percent discounts on food, drink, and gift-shop purchases; discounted guest admission; invites to special events and programs; member specials; and more.
Tips for Visiting Wonders of Wildlife
- For the best prices, book tickets online in advance.
- Download a map of Wonders of Wildlife, and plan your visit ahead of time, so you don’t miss anything.
- Wonders of Wildlife is stroller- and snack-friendly. It’s also wheelchair-accessible, though wagons and wagon-style strollers are not permitted.
- Plan to spend three to four hours exploring the entire experience.
- You can leave the museum and return later in the day as long as you keep proof of ticket purchase.
- Free wifi is offered throughout the museum.
- If you’re a nursing parent, there’s a nursing room in the Great Oceans Hall, near the Hemmingway boat.
Make a Weekend of It
Given that Wonders of Wildlife is a three-hour drive from St. Louis, you might be inclined to turn a day trip into an weekend getaway. If so, there are a few other great family-friendly spots in the area:
Dickerson Park Zoo: Make it a weekend full of animals. Home to more than 450 animals—including tamarins, kangaroos, black bears, elephants, lions, giraffes, and more—the zoo supports animal conservation efforts. Don’t miss the petting zoo and Titus Express train rides in the zoo. And if your little ones need to burn off extra energy, consider taking them to the playground next to the zoo. 1401 W. Norton Road, Springfield; 417-864-1800.
Itty Bitty City: Let your little ones play to their hearts’ content at this play space for ages 8 and younger. Kids can engage in imaginary play, build with larger-than-life blocks, splash in the water table, and more. Plus, there’s a soft play area just for tots ages 1 and younger. 3640 S. Campbell, Springfield; 417-202-2025.
Discovery Center of Springfield: Have inquisitive kiddos? At this hands-on science center, they can build life-size Minecraft characters; try the air cannon, Tesla Coil, and Van de Graff Generator; and use their imagination in Discovery Town. 438 E. St. Louis St., Springfield; 417-862-9910.
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park: This 207-acre farm park celebrates the heritage of the area. Go fishing, play on the farm-themed playground and pedal tractors, visit the animals that live on the farm (mini horses and donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and cows), and spot butterflies in the garden. 3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield; 417-837-5949.
Fast Stats
Good for: Everyone! Little ones will enjoy the interactive experiences, and adults will enjoy the engaging, handcrafted exhibits and displays.
Price: Single-day tickets are $34.25–$49.75 for adults and young adults, $20.50–$24.95 for children ages 4–11, and free for children younger than 3. If you’re planning an overnight in Springfield, you can opt for two-day tickets, which are $60, $40 for children ages 4–11, and free for children younger than 3.
Hours: Wonders of Wildlife is open seven days a week 364 days a year. (It’s only closed on Christmas Day.) Hours are subject to change seasonally, so check the website ahead of time.
Food: There are two spots to grab food at Wonders of Wildlife: Fish Tales Café, in the aquarium lobby, offers quick grab-and-go options; Shipwreck Snack Bar, on the aquarium’s upper level, offers such snacks as popcorn and baked goods. If you want to venture next door to Bass Pro Shops, then you can dine at Hemmingway’s Blue Water Café, serving seafood, burgers, steaks, and more.
- Location: 500 W. Sunshine, Springfield, Missouri
- Website: wondersofwildlife.org
- Phone: 800-456-4812
- Social: Facebook • Instagram • YouTube • Twitter
