‘Xtreme Bugs’ invades Brookfield this summer

Updated: May 24, 2012 8:34PM

Giant creatures have invaded Brookfield Zoo.

“It’s a unique experience,” said Interpretive Programs Manager Andre Copeland of the “Xtreme BUGS” exhibit running through Sept. 7 at First Avenue and 31st Street in the western suburb.

The exhibit includes 22 animatronic bugs, some more than 200 times their normal size. Zoo staff conceived the idea of the exhibit to convey to visitors, “the importance of bugs to the world, not only to their specific environment but to cultures around the world, history, pop culture, medicine,” Copeland said. “They play a huge role, and sometimes the roles that they play and the connections that they have to us tend to be forgotten because they are such small animals.”

Also, most people think of bugs in a negative way, and the exhibit attempts to change that. The exhibit also includes nearly 130 oversized stationary bugs plus live bugs.

Admission to “Xtreme BUGS” is $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 3 to 11 and seniors, plus regular zoo admission.

For details, call (708) 688-8000 or visit czs.org.

While we’re on the subject

Kids can continue their bug exploration at Is That a Bug?! Storytime at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at the Oak Brook Barnes and Noble, 297 Oakbrook Center. They will hear Ant and Grasshopper by Luli Gray and Bugs Galore by Peter Stein.

For details, call (630) 684-0586 or visit barnesandnoble.com.

Shaking things up

Babies will bounce, wiggle, spin and giggle during Shake It Up Baby from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays, June 13-27, at the Burr Ridge Community Center, 15 W 400 Harvester Dr. The class, for ages 1 to 2 ½ with a parent, includes a song circle and snack. Cost is $24 for residents, $27 for nonresidents.

For details, call (630) 920-1969 or visit brparks.org.

Rockin’ good time

Kids ages 12 to 24 months will shake tambourines and maracas during Tot Rock from 9:15 to 9:55 a.m. Tuesdays, June 19-Aug. 7, at Clarendon Hills Middle School, 301 Chicago Ave. The parent-child class will improve kids’ motor skills. Cost is $59 for residents, $74 for nonresidents.

For details, call (630) 323-2626 or visit clarendonhillsparkdistrict.org.

Sound investment

Give your children an early appreciation for music and movement at Music Together, for infants to age 6, at the Oak Brook Park District’s Family Recreation Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road. Choose from classes that meet on Wednesdays (June 27-Aug. 8) or Thursdays (June 28-Aug. 9) at 9:15 to 10 a.m., 10:15 to 11 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to noon. Cost is $125, $75 for a second child and $50 for a third child.

For details, call (630) 990-4233 or visit www.obparks.org.

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