ROCKINGHAM — Discovery Place Kids is buzzing with fun during the month of September.

The interactive children’s museum has designated bugs as its theme for the month. Visitors will learn all about insects, from butterflies to grasshoppers and crickets to spiders. Staffers invite kids to “get an up-close view of these amazing bugs — and maybe even taste one!”

WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES

Join Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Wednesdays and Fridays for themed activities during the week all month long. Stop by at 11:15 a.m. or 2:15 p.m. to check out all the fun.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays – Beetle Bop: A special story time is planned at the Sandhills Stage, where visitors will meet a few Bess beetles up close.

• Wednesdays and Fridays – Total Tarantulas: Did you know that tarantulas don’t spin spider webs? At the lab, kids will learn all about these creepy crawly bugs and even meet one.

WEEKEND ACTIVITES

Weekend activities take place at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. on Saturdays and 2:15 p.m. on Sundays.

• Sept. 5 and 6 — “I Eat Bugs!” Drop in at the Lab for an insect treat that DPK staffers say is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Prizes will be given to the daring bug eaters!

• Sept. 12 and 13 — Butterflies. Parents are invited to bring dramatic youngsters to the Sandhills Stage as staffers act out the life cycle of a butterfly and get to see these eye-catching insects up close.

• Sept. 19 and 20 — Insect art. Buzz by the studio to create your own colorful piece of insect art as visitors learn about different bugs.

• Sept. 26 and 27 — “Hop To It.” Parents are invited to bring little scientists to the lab as visitors work together to investigate the anatomy of a grasshopper and learn what makes them hop.

SPECIAL PROGRAM

• Sept. 26 — Johnny Appleseed Day. Wonder who planted the first apple tree? Join Discovery Place Kids at the Sandhills Stage as visitors learn all about Johnny Appleseed and his many accomplishments.

DAILY PROGRAMS

Story time will be held daily at 9:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. September’s stories all involve creepy, crawly creatures.

• “The Very Quiet Cricket” by Eric Carle

• “The Very Lonely Firefly” by Eric Carle

• “The Very Grouchy Ladybug” by Eric Carle

• “It’s A Firefly Night” by Dianne Ochiltree

• “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle

A science show will be held daily at 3:45 p.m.

Discovery Place invites parents to bring little entomologists over to the lab to study and experiment with different insects.

A puppet show, “The Tortoise and the Hare” is planned each day for 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

In this fun twist on a classic tale, the hare stumbles across on the way to the finish line to beat the tortoise. Does slow and steady win the race? Stop by to find out.

“Big Fun” is planned daily at 11:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Kids are invited to come “shake out the sillies,” boogie and dance on the Sandhills Stage. Songs include “Chicken Dance,” “Shake It All About” and “Bop Till You Drop.”

This activity allows for a smooth transition for young visitors who need to go home for lunch and naps or to end the day.

Discovery Place Kids admission is $8 per person and free for Discovery Place members and children younger than 1. Guests may purchase tickets online at discoveryplacekids.org, via phone at 910-997-5266, extension 300, or in person at the museum.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Nine-month-old Avery Tucker tries to catch a floating green ball at Discovery Place Kids’ Countdown to Kindergarten event on Aug. 7.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_DPK10.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Nine-month-old Avery Tucker tries to catch a floating green ball at Discovery Place Kids’ Countdown to Kindergarten event on Aug. 7.

For the Daily Journal