All the Benefits Locals Can Get at Wonders of Wildlife

Explore the wonders of our world right here in Springfield. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium (500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield) has been voted America’s Best Aquarium by USA Today five times now, and for good reason—the 350,000-square-foot aquarium features over 1.5 miles of trails, immersive exhibits and over 800 species from around the world. 

There are some advantages to living locally, like discounts on single-day tickets, witnessing the growth of wildlife and the opportunity to attend events at the museum.

PRESENTED BY

How to Save on Tickets as a Local

The program: Just for Neighbors
How it works: As part of their Just for Neighbors promotion, you can get single-day tickets to Wonders of Wildlife at prices ranging from $30–$36.75 for adults and $18–$22 for children (ages 4-11). The ticket prices vary depending on the day of purchase, they must be purchased online at least one day in advance and there are limited quantities each day.
Who it’s valid for: The promotion applies to residents in these counties: Barton, Barry, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Green, Hickory, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, Newton, Ozark, Polk, St. Clair, Stone, Taney, Vernon, Webster and Wright. 

A Deal for Families

The program: Annual memberships 
How it works: For less than the cost of three single-day tickets, you can get unlimited visits to the museum and aquarium. Annual memberships are priced at $75 for adults and $50 for children. For $300, families can buy a four-pack of any combination of memberships (one must be an adult pass). Members also get discounts on food, merchandise, education programs and camps, scooter rentals and more. 

Meet New Wildlife

Being a local has its perks, and one of them is the chance to see the animals and creatures grow.

New friends from Minnesota: Birch and Bramble the beaver brothers.
About them: Born at the Minnesota Zoo, Birch and Bramble are a part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which Wonders of Wildlife works closely with to responsibly manage a wide variety of species. “These brothers are amazing ambassadors for their species and will impress and inspire the current and future conservationists that learn about them at WOW when they visit,” says Mike Daniel, director of animal care. 

A new friend from the Pacific Ocean: Octavia the giant Pacific octopus.
About her: “Octavia, as her team calls her, is only about one and a half pounds and will be teaching the conservationists that visit WOW about many of the fascinating abilities that octopi have,” Daniel says. The giant Pacific octopus is the largest species of octopus, and they can change the color and texture of their skin to perfectly blend into their environment. 

Upcoming Events

On top of all the exhibits and history showcased at Wonders of Wildlife, the museum and aquarium also host events and weekly experiences. Here are just some of the upcoming can’t-miss events at Wonders of Wildlife: 

Out to Sea
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1 p.m.
Visitors can stop by the Out to Sea exhibit to watch the Wonders of Wildlife team feed the sharks—no additional reservation is needed. 

Sharkcuterie
February 16, 6-9 p.m. and April 5, 6-9 p.m.
Wonders of Wildlife is teaming up with 417 Charcuterie for Sharkcuterie, an event where guests master the art of building the perfect charcuterie board and wood burn their very own board to take home with them. The event costs $60 a person, and registration for the February event closes on February 9. 

Spring Break Camp
March 11-15, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
No plans this spring break? Wonders of Wildlife has your kids covered with their spring break camp. This year’s theme is Adventures Across Asia, inviting children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade to learn all about the animals that roam Asia. The camp costs $240 per student, and registration closes on March 3. 

2024 Summer Edventure Camps
Camps run from May 28 to August 16
Children can stay connected with the great outdoors through Wonders of Wildlife’s summer camps. They will interact with live animals, conduct in-depth experiments, create masterpieces and learn new skills. Some themes this summer include Polar Plunge, Reptile Researchers, Pirates & Mermaids and so many more. The first wave of registration deadlines are May 19.