Cabin fever? Experience larger-than-life Bug Lab at Discovery Place Science this winter

Whether you’re entertaining your children or planning to host friends and family over the holiday season, it’s easy to run out of things to do when the weather’s this gross.

Discovery Place Science is offering up an incredible way to experience the wonder of nature without braving the cold – journey inside Bug Lab, now through May 5, 2019.

You won’t be surprised when you learn that the creative minds known for their work on “The Lord of the Rings” are behind the the massive, 3D insect models. Through their detail and artistry, you’ll get to learn how the world’s tiniest creatures have a major impact on modern technology and innovation.

What to expect

The exhibition offers ways to interact at every turn, divided into six main themes and four huge, immersive chambers, each with its own “hero” bug.

Experience the gorgeous disguise of the orchid mantis, the fierce duel between a giant hornet and a swarm of Japanese honey bees, the high-performance and speed of the dragonfly, and the intricate “brain surgery” of a cockroach by its predator, the jewel wasp.

After you experience the chambers, you’re bound to be curious for more, and young (and young at heart) explorers are in luck. The scientists behind the exhibit are just a “phone call” away with interactive Q&A displays.

Try your hand at “bug brain surgery,” take a turn on the Bombardier Beetle slide, or fly your own origami butterfly.

How to make a day of it

Take a trip into the wild with Backyard Wilderness, showing in the IMAX Dome Theatre, documenting an array of unique wildlife and animal behavior over the span of a seasonal year in the suburbs.

Still have energy? Play with “Cool Stuff” to get hands-on with chemistry and physics principles, and stroll through the Aquarium before you go.

Plan your visit

You can get up close and personal with live bugs in a show happens every day, but look out for some of these special programs, too:

Bug Bar. Second Saturday of every month.
Engage with visiting scientists and learn about all the creepy crawly invertebrates that make living small look big.

Winter Wonder Bugs. December 20, 2018 – January 2, 2019.
Look out for a Bug Bistro to get the flavor of bugs, bug-inspired ornament making and meet some incredible live bugs.

Arthropod Day. April 27, 2019.
Save the date for this bug bonanza! Guests can place their bets (for bragging rights only) on cockroach and caterpillar races, get close to live bugs and interact with expert entomologists from around the region.

Fast facts

• Bug Lab at Discovery Place Science
• Dec. 8, 2018 through May 5, 2019
• Bug Lab pricing (includes full day Museum admission): Adults $20, children (2-13) $16, seniors (60+) $18, Members $3
• Beetle Bundle pricing (includes Bug Lab, full day Museum admission AND Backyard Wilderness at the IMAX): Adults $24, children (2-13) $20, seniors (60+) $22, Members $7

—
This paid content was created in partnership with Discovery Place Science.
Cover image: Copyright Te Papa