6 July 17 - 23, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Bugging Out The Perot Museum’s new exhibi- tion takes Dallas on an immer- sive journey through a bug’s life. BY PRESTON BARTA T he Bug Lab at Dallas’ Perot Museum of Nature and Science isn’t your traditional exhibit. The newly opened experience is a deep dive into the miniature world of insects, one flutter of wings at a time. Stepping into this colorful maze of artistry and biology feels like shrinking into a surreal, insect-sized wonderland. With stunning installations, interactive displays and a well- spring of fascinating facts, this limited-time experience (open now through January 4, 2026) is cementing itself as a must-see attraction for Dallas families. Walking through the Bug Lab is like entering a hidden universe where bugs reign supreme. The darkened halls im- mediately transport you into a moody, magical forest illumi- nated by interactive screens that depict glowing fireflies in playful motion. Guests are greeted by a cascade of exhibits that beg to be touched, played with and pondered over. This isn’t a museum experience where you keep your hands at your sides — here, kids (and grownups) are invited to poke, prod, rub and fold as they discover the myriad wonders of the insect kingdom. Each exhibit, from wasps to bees to butterflies, feels like a micro-storybook, drawing you deeper into the spellbinding intricacies of insect behavior. Among the unforgettable highlights is the Jewel Wasp experience. You don the role of this miniature predator by using a mock needle to perform “brain surgery” on a cock- roach, simulating how the wasp creates its own zombie prey. Be prepared for lots of giggles and gasps when the cock- roach’s prop eyes flash red, declaring your surgical mission a success. A Portal into the Bug World From lifelike models of spiders to interactive games that test reflexes against the lightning-fast orchid mantis, Bug Lab offers a smorgasbord of activities for curious learners. You can color and design your own bug in the “Color Your Bug to Survive” station to find out if your creation would blend into a forest or stand out as a warning beacon. There is also a Highlights for Children-like challenge to spot hidden bugs in detailed pictures, perfect for junior entomologists flexing their observational skills. The spider-focused sections add a web of intrigue with displays on silk-making techniques and arachnid-hunting tactics. Don’t miss the Q&A video features, which allow visi- tors to “call” virtual bug experts via retro-style phones. This attempt to merge nostalgia with the modern is charming, even if some of the touchscreen features on tablets prove a bit finicky at times. But those minor hiccups don’t hold a candle to the sheer ambition and creativity of the Bug Lab’s design. More than a gallery of fun facts, Bug Lab creatively ties the world of bugs to broader human experiences. An im- pressive highlight is the “Butterfly Journey” film, included in the Perot Museum’s summer film lineup. The film takes viewers through the stunning migratory paths of butterflies across North America. The vibrant visuals and cultural ex- plorations work beautifully in tandem with the Bug Lab’s detailed focus on winged insects, making it a perfect pair for those who crave deeper insight into these delicate yet resil- ient creatures. The “Venom” station in the Bug Lab is another crowd- pleaser that strikes a fine balance between education and edge-of-your-seat fascination. Visitors can explore how dif- ferent venoms — from the sting of a fire ant to the zap of a ta- rantula hawk— register on the pain scale, thoughtfully illustrated with creatively visceral descriptions (“Like drop- ping a hair dryer in your bubble bath”). Guests can also ex- plore the fascinating science behind venom-derived compounds and their role in advancing treatments for dis- eases and relieving chronic pain. After winding through the hour-long adventure (though you could easily spend 90 minutes immersing yourself in ev- ery detail), the Bug Lab cleverly deposits you into a gift shop buzzing with souvenirs. From gummy worms and real bug snacks to insect puzzles and scientific play kits, the shop is a treasure chest for budding biologists. Parents might opt for a lovely $20 bee house, while smaller visitors gravitate toward plush spiders or bug-building block kits. The tactile nature of these keepsakes feels like the perfect capstone to an ex- hibit where interaction steals the show. The Perot has coupled Bug Lab with extra summer pro- gramming, including additional 3-D nature films and capti- vating documentary offerings. The exhibit costs $8 for youths and $10 for adults as an add-on to standard general admission, which runs from $15 to $25. . Bug Lab’s ability to bring the insect world to life with color, sound and hands-on activities is immensely satisfying. It’s particularly well-suited for families ready to absorb a wealth of information without the feeling of trudging through a dense museum format. Each segment is broken into digestible chunks, complete with engaging visuals and tactile opportunities that deepen retention. Above all, the Bug Lab succeeds in sparking a genuine ad- miration and curiosity for a world that often gets overlooked (and occasionally swatted away). The exhibition transforms bugs from backyard nuisances to fascinating architectural geniuses, stealthy hunters and vital environmental partners. You’ll leave not just entertained but enlightened with a new- found respect for the tiniest engineers of the natural world. Whether you’re darting past shadowy spider displays or losing yourself in the whirr of dragonflies zooming through lifelike displays, Bug Lab promises an unforgettable, immer- sive escape. You can reserve a time to catch this marvel via The Perot’s website — a lifetime’s worth of bug stories awaits. ▼ Culture John Smith Bug Lab features interactive honeycomb fun where you can press a button and feel the buzz of bee life.
