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Don't miss the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology's OSU Insect Adventure!

 

Meet live insects and their relatives up close and personal! Get answers to all those questions that have been "bugging" you about the world's largest group of animals from a professional entomologist. A live petting zoo experience you'll be sure to enjoy, remember, and talk about for a long time.

 

The Insect Adventure is extremely flexible when it comes to presentations.  Small groups to a large booth. Presentations may be scheduled at the Insect Adventure facility or at locations across Oklahoma. Festivals, fairs, 4-H, classrooms, civic groups, Scouts, Halloween events, and so much more are perfect for the Insect Adventure!

 

The Insect Adventure cannot accommodate outdoor venues since we present with live, non-native animals.  Also, Insect Adventure is not appropriate for assembly-style arrangements; groups of 20-50 work best for handling and discussing small insects. For large groups, we recommend a interactive booth/station/pass-by exhibit.

 

Public open hours at the facility - no appointment needed - are the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m at the at the Horticulture Education Center at The Botanic Garden.

 

The Insect Adventure schedule fills up very quickly - especially April-September so we recommend booking early!

 

Insect Adventure Presentations


Before You Visit

In preparation for your visit, we want to answer any questions or concerns you may have, and assist you in preparing your class for a fun-filled day of learning and activities. Please let the students form their own opinions about the creatures they’ll be seeing and touching. Please do not describe your upcoming insect adventure as “creepy,” “scary,” or “yucky.” Try to refrain from passing on any personal myths, fears, or misconceptions. Let your youth know that they will be able to touch many of our creatures. The creatures youth will be able to touch will not be dangerous.

 

For all sit-down events (classroom-sized presentations) we suggest ages 4+. Children must be able to sit quietly for at least 30 minutes during presentations. Presentations involve live animals and to insure their safety and protection we do not allow free-roaming around the room during presentations. If children cannot remain seated during presentations, the live animals must be put away, but activities and crafts will be brought out instead.

 

Typically, presentations fall into 5 categories:

  1. Open Hours. Come-and-go day open to the public. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., every 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month. No registration required. Any size group. Live arthropods of all types will be present. Questions and touching are encouraged. Activities and crafts are offered. Insect collection nets available to use around the outside of the facility.
  2. Classroom-sized groups. Recommended group size is 25 to 40 individuals. This type of presentation can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size and age of the group (please see chart below). The group sits and insects are passed around to each person. Questions and touching are encouraged. Information is given on each insect presented. Can be held at either the Insect Adventure facility in Stillwater or any location anywhere in Oklahoma. If more than 40 attendees expected, sequential presentations may be scheduled. Restroom at facility.
  3. Large Events. Unlimited size. This type of presentation may last for as long as the organizer chooses. Three to six tables are set up with insects and displays and people pass by at their own speed. Insects may be touched, but will not be brought out of the display containers. Such events usually include County Fairs, State Fairs, Festivals, etc.
  4. Open Hours. 1st and 3rd Saturdays of every month (except State Holidays) the Insect Adventure will have open hours available to the general public from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The usual $3 charge will be applied to each visitor. Appointments are not necessary, as the format is come-and-go at your own pace. Restroom onsite.

 

Age Recommendations

These recommendations are based on the age and size of the group. We recommend that the younger the children, the smaller the groups you bring for presentations. Young children cannot sit for hour-long presentations, so the following age groups will have varying structures for visits to and by the zoo. This is for the safety of the animals and the enjoyment of all.

 

Children under 6 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

 

Ages Group Size Presentation Structure
4 -7 25 45 minutes with break for a craft
8 - 12 Up to 30 1 hour with break for a craft
13 + Up to 40 1 - 2 hours

 

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