A few weeks ago my kids and I got to attend the pre-opening of the new Xtreme BUGS exhibit at Brookfield Zoo. Now I will say when I first read about it, I was creeped out, but my boys love bugs and I figure it would be a learning experience.
Xtreme BUGS, presented by Dominick’s, is a summerlong temporary exhibit that feature Xtra-large animatronic bugs, including a 16-foot-high by 33-foot-long Japanese hornet displayed at the zoo’s Roosevelt Fountain, to Xtra-small live insects.
The exhibit starts with a winding trail where you walk along state-of-the-art animatronic bugs (22 in total) from a fluttering Monarch butterfly and ladybug to a praying mantis and giant Madagascar hissing cockroach.
As you walk inside there are tons of little activities to do for kids and bugs to check out. My boys were in awe as they walked around and checked everything out. They checked out live creepy-crawlies in Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World (presented by Terminex) and Gavin thought it was so cool that when you shine a light on a scorpion they change colors. Yes you could pet them if you wanted, but nope we didn’t.
The best part of the exhibit for me was the…cockroach races. Yes it was gross and no I wouldn’t go that close, but it was fun to cheer them on and watch how fast they are! Our cockroach didn’t win though.
My boys loved the life-size house where you peeked in spaces to find the bugs. Under the kitchen sink were reach cockroaches (in a plastic barrier of course!) My 5 year old dressed up as a Terminex man with a clipboard and walked around for at least an hour checking things out.
Other activities included bug cooking demonstrations (nope I couldn’t do it) and a spider web climber (unfortunately this wasn’t open yet for us.) There was also a computer area where you can build your own bugs and see if they will live in different environments and a few bug crafts.
Overall, even though I absolutely hate bugs this is a great exhibit. My boys had a blast and got to see so many creepy crawlers up close and interact with different activities. The animatronic bugs on the trail going to and from the exhibit were huge and pretty real (in a big sort of way.)
VISIT: Check out the Xtreme Bugs website to learn more! In addition to the admission to Brookfield Zoo, there is a small cost for Xtreme BUGS.
Mom and More Disclosure: I attended an event at Brookfield Zoo where I received information, admission, and some small gifts. Please see my Disclosure Policy.
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