Would a 1 year old get into it & be able to do the hands on?

Yes, just be careful with the live animals.

I agree the hands on might not doable but it is still a great place all around

I'm not exactly sure. A 1 year old would Deffinatly like the brightly colord fish and may be included in other such activities. But there are things like snakes and alligators that are out and able to pet. So id say it would be a fun place for a 1 year old, but maybe no petting snakes.