Bugapalooza

From June 4 to June 15, Wonder Works Children’s Museum will be celebrating the magic of insects during Bugapalooza!

Bug Discovery Zone:

Dive deeper into the world of bugs at our Interactive Insect Exploration Station. Get up close and personal with preserved insects in protective casing, explore bug specimens under a microscope, and engage in hands-on activities that will ignite your curiosity about these tiny but remarkable creatures. The insect exploration station will feature displays on loan from the Field Museum as well as lots of fun play materials for children to touch and play.

Special Entomologist Encounters:

On June 5 and June 15, from 11am to 12pm, Jasmine from Oak Park Natural Pet and Fish will conduct a Touch and Learn: All About Insects live insect session. Get up close and personal with live insects, explore bug specimens under a microscope, and engage in hands-on activities that will ignite your curiosity about spiders, millipedes, and other insects.

Bug-tastic Crafts:

Let your creativity soar with our bug-themed arts and crafts activities: a butterfly stages project, coffee filter butterflies, paper bag chrysalis, and pom pom caterpillars. All Bugapalooza art explorations are yours to bring home!

Bug Hunt Scavenger Hunt:

Grab your magnifying glasses and bug nets as we embark on two thrilling scavenger bug hunts: one inside the museum and a second one in our two outdoor exhibits.

Live Butterfly Explorations:

Wonder Works will be welcoming some beautiful painted lady caterpillars and observing them as they transform from caterpillar, to chrysalis and emerge as a beautiful butterfly! During special programming, children will have a chance to feed the caterpillars, hear the story of the Very Hungry Caterpillar, and come back day after day to witness the miraculous transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.

Pollinator Parades:

Shake your antennae and wiggle your wings at our Bug Boogie Parade! The museum will be filled with beautiful insect costumes so that your child can buzz around the museum during one of our parades! Parades will not take place every day as our Bugapalooza visiting guest schedule will vary.

Busy Bee Storytime:

Even the busiest insect explorers will want to sit down and listen during our interactive insect story times featuring books like the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle to Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert. Children can let their imagination take flight as we journey through whimsical stories filled with adventure, friendship, and of course, lots of bugs!

Don’t miss out on the ultimate bug-tastic adventure at Bugapalooza! Join us for two weeks of exploration, discovery, and endless fun with our six-legged friends. Bugapalooza activities are included in your Wonder Works admission. No extra tickets required.