We enjoyed the Springs Preserves but were expecting more when it came to the Palace of Exotic wonders. I was expecting to see more then a few bugs and scorpions as the room it was in was huge. The flash flood exhibit was cool, my kids liked it a lot. The playground was a huge letdown, even my oldest son said what kind of park doesn't have a small slide in it. They got bored very quick. The bird show was great, even my 15 month old loved it. We sat in the middle of the row and my sons had the one bird fly back and forth directly over their heads! Some things were broken when we went, but these things happen. There are some rabbits, a fox and lizards to see outside but the kids were let down again because it wasn't more zoo like. We didn't see the trails or the gardens so I can't comment on that. The workers we encountered we're all fantastic. The gift shop was not over priced at all which was a breath of fresh air. I bought two small stuffed scorpions for $10, any other gift shop would have been 15 a piece easy. Kudos on no price gouging My kids also loved the floor in the gift shop since it was glass and you could see the statues they put under the building. All in all a great time with the family, I would go in the fall or spring to get the most out of this place.