Budget Travel | Immersive Museum Experiences for Nature Lovers to…

Nature lovers, rejoice—science and natural history museums across the country have incredible exhibits and attractions to see this spring. While it might not be warm or sunny enough to venture on outdoor summer adventures yet, these destinations feature fun for any traveler looking to learn more about our amazing planet.

Maui Ocean Center will host monthly sleepovers open to the public starting Friday, Feb. 28. Children ages 7 to 12 and their chaperones are invited to “Sleep in the Deep” at the aquarium’s 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit. The sleepover includes a bedtime movie with snacks in the Makai Theater along with a continental breakfast and a private showing of the “Humpbacks of Hawaiʻi” 3D film the following morning.

“We are excited to bring back our new and improved sleepover program,” said Tiara Fernandez, the aquarium’s education director. “Evening activities will include a scavenger hunt and craft projects, while in the morning guests can meet with a diver and learn how we feed the marine life under our care. We also plan to go behind the scenes and visit our coral nursery, which is home to rare and endemic corals.”

Public sleepovers must be booked at least two weeks in advance. In addition to Feb. 28, sleepover dates for 2025 are currently set for: March 28, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 12. Private sleepovers are also offered; however, they must be booked at least 30 days in advance.

Sleepover participants will get their hands stamped in the morning to allow admission to the aquarium that day. To learn more about Maui Ocean Center’s sleepover program, visit https://mauioceancenter.com/host-an-event/sleepinthedeep/.

With more than 375,000 square feet of reimagined spaces thanks to a wide-reaching transformation and expansion project, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History unveiled in December a bold new model for natural history museums. Exhibits journey through space and time to explore the wonders of the world and put visitors at the center of the experience, highlighting the relevance of science and nature to everyday lives and encouraging action toward a healthier planet. The reconfigured architecture reflects the influences of the natural world and makes it the first museum in the United States to earn LEEDv4 BD+C NC Platinum certification.

The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its much-anticipated Bugs LIVE 2025 exhibition, presented by H-E-B, on March 15, 2025. This captivating outdoor adventure features giant animatronic insects and arachnids along one of the museum’s scenic nature trails, offering visitors a unique and immersive journey into the world of bugs.

Building on the record-breaking success of the Dinosaurs LIVE exhibition, Bugs LIVE 2025 promises an even greater experience. “The Heard is proud to bring the community together through events like Bugs LIVE, which inspire curiosity, foster learning, and strengthen our connection to nature,” said John Dexter, CEO of the Heard Natural Science Museum. “With the invaluable support of sponsors like H-E-B, we continue to grow alongside this amazing community, bringing educational and enriching opportunities to families throughout North Texas.”

Event Highlights & Dates:

• March 15, 2025: Grand Opening Celebration
  Kick off the exhibition with a family-friendly day featuring live music, local vendors, and bug-themed merchandise.
• March 17-21: Spring Break Creepy Crawly Camp. Campers ages 3-12 are invited to join us for an amazing time in this half-day week-long camp learning about insects and arthropods of the world.
• April 5, 2025: Pollinator and Native Plant Seminars. Enjoy pollinator seminars led by local experts who will help the public learn new ways to support these bugs in their own landscapes.
• April 11–13, 2025: Annual Plant Sale. Purchase native plants to support local pollinators. Proceeds benefit conservation efforts and educational programs at the Heard.
• May 10, 2025: Night Out. Enjoy an adults-only evening under the stars and experience the Bugs LIVE exhibit in a whole new way.
• June 21, 2025: Bug-a-Thon Family Finale. End the exhibition on a high note with interactive bug-themed activities, prizes, and family fun.

Through partnerships like this, sponsors such as H-E-B are directly supporting the Heard’s mission of conservation and education. Proceeds from Bugs LIVE admission will aid habitat restoration, species preservation, and educational initiatives that engage thousands of visitors annually.

The Heard invites everyone to experience the wonder of Bugs LIVE 2025 and explore the intricate world of insects like never before. Tickets and event information are available at HeardMuseum.org/BugsLive.

As the largest natural science museum in the Southeast, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences features four floors of exhibits, interactive features, gift shops and two cafés, along with the Nature Research Center—a dynamic space that serves as a visitor destination, research hub and hands-on student laboratory. In 2024, the museum debuted the highly anticipated Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit, the world’s first open-air paleontology lab showcasing some of the most complete skeletons ever discovered of a Triceratops and Tyrannosaur.