‘Toms River’ Articles at Sweetnicks

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.

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Consistently voted “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” in New Jersey, and rightfully so, Shut Up and Eat, a kitschy restaurant in Toms River, New Jersey is well worth a visit. Just do it on an empty stomach.

“You go in,” Madeline said, pushing her brother forward.

“No. YOU go in,” Nick said, trying to swap places with her.

“I’ll go in, sheesh,” I said, opening the door.

Given the restaurant was called Shut Up and Eat, I understand their hesitation. I mean, really. We had no idea what to expect.

As soon as we opened the door, we were greeted with a rush of nostalgia. Or, ok, I was, since the kids probably didn’t recognize a lot of the old memorabilia that adorned the interior of the restaurant. There is a corner in the front that is a small area for kids to play with old-fashioned toys, a counter seating area and the most adorable 1950s style mismatched tables and chairs throughout.

We were greeted with a friendly hello as soon as we walked in, and were led to a table in the back.

“You were here yesterday, weren’t you?” the employee asked.

“Yes,” I said, “Good eye!”

His mom owns the restaurant and he was there the day before with his wife, setting up for the next day’s breakfast service. A google search of the restaurant shows them open through dinner time when, in fact, they aren’t (they close at 3:30 pm). If you wear pajamas (must be a set with a matching top and bottom), you get 13% off your tab, so we had arrived the evening before, in our pajamas, for dinner.

Now I can save you that embarrassment.

They’re only open for breakfast and lunch.

Despite what Google says….

Visit: Insectropolis {Toms River, New Jersey}

Review: Shut Up and Eat {Toms River, New Jersey}