Creepy Crawlers at Charlotte Nature Museum
Saturday, October 29, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October 21, 2011Charlotte, NC – What has eight fuzzy legs and flicks hair at attackers? Brachypelma albopilosum, or curly hair tarantulas, of course. Insects might make your skin crawl, but many of them have amazing talents that help them to thrive in their native habitats. Bugs also have important jobs as part of our natural ecosystem, such as aerating the soil, pollinating blossoms, controlling insect and plant pests and reintroducing nutrients into the soil. Celebrate the fall and learn about the creatures that many people find haunting at Charlotte Nature Museum’s October Creature Feature: Spooky Spiders and Creepy Crawlers on Saturday, October 29, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Little ones will shiver with excitement as they get up close to fascinating insect friends including Madagascar hissing cockroaches [Gromphadorhina portentosa], scorpions [Hadogenes troglodytes], and more. Scare up some fun outdoors on the Not-So-Haunted [Paw Paw Nature Trail with fun spooky treats including a pumpkin patch, live-grub graveyard dig and live animal encounters.
Interactive stations will feature spooky discoveries such as pumpkins, spiders and even a graveyard dig. Did you know that giant millipedes [Archispirostreptus spp, Scaphiostreptus spp] can grow to be 10 inches long and live for 7-10 years, and that female Madagascar hissing cockroaches can have up to 60 nymph babies at one time?
Don’t forget to stay and lurk a while at the Puppet Show “The Unloveables” and tremble with laughter at a special story time, including favorites like “Creepy Crawlers” by Karen Wallace, “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle and “Noises in the Woods” by Judi Friedman. Trail’s End Store items for sale will include cuddly spiders, insect toys, and books filled with juicy facts about your favorite bugs. Fall into fun even more by dressing up in your favorite costume!
Creature Features, presented by Earth Fare with support from The Guild of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum, are monthly special events and include crafts, puppet shows, storytelling and refreshments (while supplies last). Creature Feature activities are FREE with Museum admission. Admission: $6 ages two and older, younger-than-two and Members are free. Parking is free.
Charlotte Nature Museum is located at 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte. Hours are: Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday noon – 5:00 p.m.; and closed on Monday.
Charlotte Nature Museum offers visitors the chance to get close to wildlife and walk among free-flying butterflies in Butterfly Pavilion, observe live animals in Creature Cavern, buzz by Insect Alley or just hang out in Our Big Backyard. Visitors can learn together during workshops, summer camps and more. Daily programming including hands-on activities provide the opportunity for structured learning and informal play for kids of all ages. Charlotte Nature Museum is operated by Discovery Place, Inc.
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