Come and enjoy the show again and again. Here are some of our insider tips for even more fun:

Before you leave home

• Avoid wearing perfume and scented lotions when visiting a garden
• Bring sunscreen or purchase it at our Museum store
• Wear comfortable flat shoes
• Bring water, or purchase a chilled bottle at our Museum Store
• Come early for any special events—our programs are popular
• BIG BUGS is great for families but it also makes an extremely romantic date. Who can resist a giant ant in Hidden Valley?
• Do any of the folks in your party need mobility assistance? Schedule a weekday cart tour (they are awesome) for up to 5 people at bdrexler@newenglandwild.org.

Once you are here

• If our free parking on our premises runs out, there is plenty on the nearby streets, and also check if we are offering a shuttle bus the day of your visit.
• There are plenty of benches on the BIG BUGS trail to enjoy. You can also have a seat at the Build-a-bug park and create a sculpture-or just watch the others.
• Make it a complete “daycation” with very special room rates available minutes away at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel.
• Purchase a picnic at our Museum Store and enjoy lunch or dinner at the outdoor picnic area (protected by a canopy) or bring your own picnic.
• There are many family-friendly restaurants in the area. Some will also pack a picnic for you.  Check out the list.
• Sorry, no smoking or pets are allowed on the property.

Enhance the experience

• Bring your camera—and share your images at our online community gallery at bigbugsart@newenglandwild.org.
• Check out a Bug Activity Bag at the Museum Store and explore even more closely.
• Remember to get your map stamped at Theme Weekends to earn your BUGOLOGIST pin.
• No need to rush—although kids love to be the first to find each bug.  If you wish to redirect some of that speed try our Bug-ventures Scavenger hunt.
• Look for curled up leaves-they are probably where bugs are making their homes.
• In addition to the BIG BUGS trail we have many acres of natural woods with lots of surprise plants. Visit many times and view all 45 acres and 1,500 plant species.
• Preview lots of fun bug lore at our website and also in our book, BUGOLOGY.
• Explore the many hidden gardens at Garden in the Woods with repeat visits.  Ask at the Visitor Center for the way to the Council Ring or Ladyslipper Path, and many more special corners of the Garden.
• Observe the activity at the native bee boxes throughout the garden.  What’s new there?
• View the BIG BUGS segment on Design Squad at www.pbs.org/designsquad.and come and view the teen bugs at the Interactive Park.
• Preview your visit at the BIG BUGS ART Gallery
• Read the ideas in the FUN section before you go
• Notice the changes of plants blooming in each season at the bloom board at the entrance and discover them on the trails
• Save the date—August 8—for our WILD NIGHTS evening concert and see the sculptures by sunset

Cool ideas

• Which is your favorite BUG? You can vote for your favorite.
• Plan a family wildlife or butterfly garden and select plants at the Society's nursery right on the premises. Ask the expert staff for help matching plants with your particular needs. All purchases support conservation.
• Do you live in the city? Create a butterfly garden in a container or windowbox.  Our staff can tell you the steps.
• Notice the bugs near your home before you visit, and see if you find ones like them in the exhibit.
• Google BUGS and see what you find before your visit.
• Start a journal of bugs with photos, writing and art on your favorite plants and bugs.
• Consider making a wildlife garden part of your experience—ask the nursery staff for advice and have fun shopping for the best native plants for your own conditions.
• Wear your special bug outfit to BIG BUGS or buy a great bug shirt at the Museum Store.
• Wear a costume to Spider Weekend and have a BUGGY Halloween
• Be an entomologist (etymologist is the word expert). Explore bug books and websites.
• Can you distinguish bug sounds? Take a class or an insect safari.

Please share your comments regarding the BIG BUGS exhibit and Garden in the Woods at comments@newenglandwild.org.