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junk2's Traveler List
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San Francisco area for bug-lovin' kids.

Ask this member a question. junk2 Bay Area parent of 2 boys.
1 May 2006
3.0 of 5 stars based on 6 votes
Do you know a child that loves insects and bugs? If so, this is the perfect time of year to go exploring. Check out this list of fun things to do with your budding entomologist.
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: San Francisco, Berkeley
  • Category: Best of
  • Traveler type: Active/Outdoors
  • Appeals to: Families with small children, Students
  • Seasons: Spring, Summer
  • Tags: bugs, insects, newts, zoo, San Francisco, East Bay, snakes
1. Conservatory of Flowers
Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco, California
Hundreds of live butterflies take up residence in the Conservatory this spring and summer to demonstrate the relationship between plants and the countless critters that pollinate them. The new exhibition "The Butterfly Zone: Plants and Pollinators" on view March 24 - October 29, 2006 gives you a chance to get eye to eye with a butterfly and to learn why our survival really does depend on the birds and the bees.
2. San Francisco Zoo
San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco, California
Enjoy one of only three insect zoos in the country. The Insect Zoo is a microcosmic world of giant walkingsticks, millipedes, centipedes, hissing cockroaches, spiders and scorpions â all busily crawling, buzzing, gnawing, and in general, doing what bugs do. From behind the safe barrier of a glassed enclosure, you can get within inches if you want. The Insect Zoo even houses a working beehive, seen as a cross-section enclosed in glass, where free-flying bees can enter from outdoors through a tube leading to the indoor hive.

At scheduled times on weekends, Insect Zoo staff bring out the insects for the Incredible Insects in Action demonstration. Inside, you can see insects under microscopes, view a video on the bugs and slugs, and/or play games. Outside, children can climb the gigantic spider web or visit the butterfly garden located near the Meerkat and Prairie Dog exhibit.
3. University Botanical Garden
University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley, California
"NEWTS FLASH"
The newt breeding season is in full swing with better viewing than ever.
Adults of two species, Taricha torosa and Taricha granulosa, breed annually in the pool and will likely be relatively abundant through March.
4. The Bone Room
The Bone Room, Berkeley, California
Check out this amazing natural history store. It's like a museum, but everything is for sale! The kids will love looking at the various skeletons and insects. There's even a section with creepy crawly toys.
5. East Bay Vivarium
http://www.eastbayvivarium.com/
The East Bay Vivarium is one of the largest reptile specialty stores in the Nation. They offer the most diverse selection of reptiles in the U.S. Walk down the aisles and peer into the glass boxes. The kids will be amazed by the tarantulas, turtles, chameleons, and frogs. And let's not forget the snakes! After you're done, head over to Fourth Street for a quick snack.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: San Francisco, Berkeley