Print this for Daddy: Smithsonian Insect Zoo
The O. Orkin Insect Zoo, a special exhibit hall on the 2nd Floor of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, is now open! There are 15 incredible habitats for over 65 live species of arachnids, centipedes, crustaceans, insects and millipedes, many preserved species, interactive displays, video presentations, hold-the-creepy-crawler opportunities and tarantula feeding demonstrations. After years of seeing the "coming soon" posters, my husband and two kids excitedly anticipated this unveiling. And I say my husband and kids because I have a confession to make: I haven't been to the new insect zoo myself.
I know, I know. I shamelessly pimp myself on my personal website as the queen of family events in the area around my town of Silver Spring, Maryland. But the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum, or as my kids call it, "The Inside Zoo," has been a special daddy and kids destination on Saturday mornings for some time now. My husband did the reporting on the new exhibit for me, I am simply the writer. And I feel no regrets. As a full-time at-home mom, I am all about my husband's taking the kids for a weekend morning adventure while I go for a long run, hit Pilates, have my eyebrows ripped into shape, grocery shop without a battle over fruit snacks. I have cheerfully waved goodbye to the three of them on our family's free Saturdays ever since my youngest stopped nursing. And if you are in need of a free weekend morning all to yourself too, I suggest you print out the details on this buggy exhibit and urge your husband (or wife, if you are a stay-at-home dad) to do the same.
If your husband is wary of going it alone, profess your fear of creatures with more than five legs and your commitment to butt lifts at Bally's. Explain that without a morning sans kids there will be no yoga class that removes all traces of witchiness or errand to the wine store. Then tell him to take his time with the kids and visit the new Butterfly Pavilion, the truly amazing taxidermy in the Hall of Mammals, and let the kids play scientist in the Children's Discovery Room. If your kids are old enough, they can see an IMAX film about lions, sea creatures, dinosaurs, even U2 in 3D! On weekend mornings free street parking is abundant so that can be no excuse or he can take the Metro and put the kids in choo-choo heaven.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Open everyday of the year except Christmas
10am-5:30pm
Located at the intersection of 10th Street and Constitution Ave. NW
on the Mall in Washington, D.C.
Visitor information
Free, except for Butterfly Pavilion Special Exhibit & IMAX Films
Tarantula Feeding Demonstrations
Saturday-Sunday 11:30, 12:30 & 1:30
I wish you and yours very happy weekends!
Crossposted in a different form on Jessica's personal website A Parent in Silver Spring
