Butterfly Wonderland is rolling out new programs and adventures to encourage kids of all ages to reconnect with nature in a fun, educational environment.
According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children between the ages of eight and 18 spend an average of 7 1/2 hours each day connected to digital media. Butterfly Wonderland hopes to reduce that number by getting children excited about their surrounding environments and its inhabitants.
“Every day I see children that are literally transformed when they are here in the rainforest,” said Dee Mangulins, Executive Director. “By getting them away from the televisions and video games, children display different behaviors and leave with permanent smiles.”
Butterfly Wonderland’s new programs include:
Story Time for Tots
Educators will agree that reading to a child at an early age is one of the best things an adult can do to encourage children’s lifelong love of learning and help them succeed in school. Butterfly Wonderland’s new story time program is for children ages 2 through 5. The hour-long session takes place every other Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. It is free with admission and includes an engaging story and fun education about butterflies, bugs and more.
Monarch Walks
Geared for children aged 12 through adult, this series educates guests about the Monarch butterflies, their incredible migration and why they are tagged, followed by a visit to the Conservatory. Monarch Walks are currently scheduled on June 10, July 8 and August 12, from 10-11:30 a.m.
Butterfly Wonderland’s Concerts in the Conservatory series, every third Saturday of the month, brings live music and the beauty of nature together for a magical experience for all ages that may even inspire kids to dance their way through the rainforest experience.
The Concerts in the Conservatory series is free with admission.
For more information on the new educational programs, call 480-300-8000 or visit www.butterflywonderland.com
