Looking for a fun outing with your kids (or without kids)? Visit Insectropolis in Toms River and get one with the creepy crawlies.
The kids and I were down the shore in mid-August, and we had a few days to fill with some fun adventures. I took a quick glance at what was left on our Summer Bucket List and spied “zoo.” Although Insectropolis isn’t what would typically come to mind when you think of “zoo,” it was reasonably close to us and we had never been there before and … so it was.
The museum was pretty easy to find, and it has its own dedicated parking lot. They are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10-3. No reservations or appointments are necessary – just walk in, pay your admission, and start poking around.
The tour is all self-guided, and you are free to go at your own pace. There are employees throughout the museum and they are available to answer any question you may have. There are many different exhibits throughout, including spiders, beetles, butterflies, bees, lizards, and much more. There are also many interactive features that the kids enjoyed – I think one of their favorite parts was seeing the ants burrow through the dirt to create pathways … and the bee exhibit where you could get up close and personal and see the bee colonies buzzing around.
It seriously makes me itchy just seeing some of these pictures again.
Beyond just the exhibits, there are also set times throughout the day for a touch presentation, where you have the opportunity to touch several live bugs, and even the skeletal remains of several dead bugs.
It was gross, but I touched every single one.
The presentation was simple, but informative. In fact, it was there that I learned that tarantulas really aren’t dangerous. Movies make them out to be.
So there you go.
All the same, I much prefer my tarantulas behind glass or on a movie screen.
The bug museum will take about an hour to go through, it is very clean, and the themes scattered throughout the various exhibits are cute.
Near the entrance/exit, there is a small gift shop, of course, and our favorite, a smooshed penny machine.
It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. If you happen to be in the area, it’s a fun place to check out, and then be sure to grab a bite to eat at Shut Up and Eat.
For more tri-state day trip activities, you can check out our group Pinterest board right here.
Insectropolis
1761 Route 9
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 349-7090
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