Backyard Monsters opened to gasps and giggles on Saturday, February 7. But a day before that, scores of lucky grade school students from Strathcona Junior Public School got a sneak preview of the biggest bugs you’ll ever see.


The exhibit features gargantuan animatronic insects, an amazing array of live insects (including a friendly tarantula and a fascinating walking stick insect), a museum-quality collection of mind-boggling bugs from around the world, and a yummy array of insect hors oeuvres – that’s right, bug snacks!

Our buggy chef drew a crowd: Honestly, who can resist deep-fried tempura-style crickets and scorpions? Not to mention the special fudge made with no less than 2,000 ants!

Family Day Fun
Hot on the heels of the opening, we’re getting ready for a huge family sleep-over event on Sunday, February 15. Kids and parents set up their tents in the auditorium, join in on sing-alongs and story telling, and then, just as it gets dark enough for your spidey senses to tingle, everyone goes on a night bug hike among the giant backyard monsters. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Family Day. More ...

They’ll be marching like ants into the Camilla and Peter Dalglish Atrium from February 7 through April 29, seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.