Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center — Attraction in Town of Brookhaven

We love visiting the Holtsville Ecology Center and often use it as part of our homeschool experience. Being September, we did not utilize the pool area. We ride bikes as a family often on the long exercise path. The indoor plant area is wonderful for seeing so many different types of plant life up close, and the wide variety of animals always makes it a fun and educational trip. The staff are very knowledgeable and clearly care for the animals.

The playground is nice with plenty of seating for parents, and the covered picnic tables are a huge plus—we love having picnics there while the kids play nearby and burn off energy. The grounds are also very clean, which we really appreciate.

The one downside is the bathrooms near the playground. They are consistently unpleasant, and since most kids need to use the restroom while playing, it’s inconvenient to have to walk all the way back by the animal area to find a better bathroom.

Overall, it’s a fantastic place for families, especially for those who enjoy learning and spending time outdoors, but I do hope the bathroom situation by the...

Animals looked hot and almost all except the birds were sleeping midday. There were signs that said no loud noises for the wolf and a few other cages but yet a woman ran a very loud power washer while we were there, cleaning a cage. Makes no sense.

On the side with the playground and pool there were no changing tables. I had to change my 2 year old while on the wet and nasty floor. What makes it worse is that the staff right by the bathroom was clueless to what I was even asking for.

And the kid park is dangerous for toddlers, the smaller set up still had openings on the second level where a child could fall. We have them closer to home in Hampton bays, east quoge and riverhead that don't have these problems.

Maybe in the fall the animals may seem more active, we just came back from Florida and animal kingdom didn't have any issues in +110 degree heat with their animals acting alive.

I can see they try which is why I have 2 stars but honestly if you have a toddler it's not...

I enjoy the ecology center. The playground area is clean and the slides are different sizes for age kids. Picnic areas too. Goose poop is the only problem. I will report on the swimming pools when they open. There is a rescue wildlife enclosures. Peacocks are currently displaying and are twitapatted. Donations are accepted. Feed the goats some grains provided by the staff. Nice local zoo. There is an indoor greenhouse and lovely areas for photography. There is a free library. Track for runners or walking. Topsoil and mulch is free. Just take what you want. Bring pails or bags or your pickup truck. It is fresh and healthy. There is now an entrance fee. Brookhaven residents get a break as well as seniors and vets. Grandparenting is way easier thanks to this place. You can really spend the whole day here and be at peace with the world. Geese gotta...