Victoria Bug Zoo (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Victoria Bug Zoo?
What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can touch millipedes and watch leaf-cutter ants, and entry for under-5s is free; the compact two-room layout may feel crowded, yet visits rarely exceed one hour.
Positives:
- Interactive Learning: Kids can touch and learn about live insects under expert guidance.
- Short Visit: Compact layout keeps your family visit within a comfortable 1–2 hours.
- Indoor Comfort: Climate-controlled space stays warm and quiet, rain or shine.
- Free Entry for Toddlers: Children under 5 enter free, reducing overall family cost.
Challenges:
- Limited Space: Two small rooms can feel crowded with a stroller or during peak times.
- Warm Temperature: Zoo is kept around 25°C; bring water and dress in light layers.
- Dim Lighting: Some exhibits have low light. A small flashlight may help anxious kids.
What is Victoria Bug Zoo?
- A compact, climate-controlled mini-zoo in downtown Victoria devoted to live tropical and native insects and arachnids
- Housing dozens of arthropod species, from leaf-cutter ants and stick insects to tarantulas and scorpions
- Featuring scientifically curated terrariums within a 30-square-meter exhibit space
What is so special about Victoria Bug Zoo for with kids?
- Hands-on tours let kids safely hold live insects under guidance.
- Self-guided exhibits offer a quick 20-minute loop for restless children.
- Children under 5 enter free, making it budget-friendly for families.
- Compact indoor space keeps visits within 1–2 hours, perfect for young kids.
- Audio guide and docent demos add fun facts and interactive learning.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 1-2 hours lets you do both guided and self-guided tours without tiring young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Victoria Bug Zoo
Guided Bug Tour:
Join an hour-long educator-led tour to see and gently handle friendly insects.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to secure front-row spots for small children.
Self-Guided Exhibit:
Walk through two rooms of live terrariums featuring ants, spiders and mantises.
Tip: Use the free audio guide on your phone to keep kids engaged with fun facts.
Hands-On Encounters:
Hold giant cockroaches, millipedes and stick insects under staff supervision.
Tip: Ask the docent when it’s safe for younger kids to touch each insect.
Leaf-Cutter Ant Colony:
Watch ants carry leaf pieces and learn about their teamwork.
Tip: Encourage kids to note how each ant works for the farm to spark questions.
Gift Shop Souvenirs:
Browse insect-themed toys and books at the small gift area.
Tip: Park or fold your stroller here to free up space in the exhibits.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Victoria Bug Zoo
- Arrive Early: Visit at opening to avoid crowds and secure spots on the guided tour.
- Fold or Park Strollers: Keep walkways clear by folding or leaving strollers in the gift shop.
- Combine Downtown: Pair your visit with nearby coffee shops and playgrounds on Courtney St.
Reviews of Victoria Bug Zoo
Lilia Cota Ley
We had a wonderful time at the bug zoo. The staff is super knowledgeable, kind and interesting. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and they were clearly very passionate about the bugs and their care. Would 100% come back just to hear Grey talk more about the bugs. They were fantastic. This zoo is a great short stop and a fun experience in Victoria. The gift shop has very interesting and unique...
Corey Skillman
We had an excellent time! Everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable. We learned new things about some of our favorite insects, and even got to hold a few. Great for kids, but a fun place to go if you're a curious adult.
Annie Isaak
This was definitely a unique experience! Lots of bugs to check out, not for those who fear bugs (such as myself) but still very interesting to learn about them! The staff was very kind and the tour guide was very sweet! This is definitely an attraction for younger kids so there were lots of little kids in there making it a little crowded but not bad! The gift shop had lots of options! I also got t...
Joyce Yuen
We came here on a weekday afternoon in the summer holiday. There was just a little wait at the ticket queue then we could go into the Bug Zoo right away. The Zoo area is not very big so kids can walk around and explore by themselves quite freely. There were 2 staff there in different corners showing and explaining to visitors about different bugs. They are so knowledgeable and delivered detailed a...
MOHAMED BIN HAMAD
The Victoria Bug Zoo was a huge hit with our kids! 🐞 From giant stick bugs to friendly tarantulas, every stop had a “Wow!” moment. The guides were amazing — patient, funny, and full of cool bug facts. The kids loved getting up close (and even holding some bugs!) while learning at the same time. It’s small, easy to explore, and packed with creepy-crawly fun. Perfect for curious little adventurers!...
When is the best time to visit Victoria Bug Zoo (Victoria, Canada)?
Open year-round indoors. Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid school-holiday crowds.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult tickets | CAD 36 |
| 1 child ticket (ages 5–17) | CAD 8 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 44 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Victoria Bug Zoo
Address: 631 Courtney St, Victoria, BC V8W 1B8, Canada
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About Victoria Bug Zoo
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 250-384-284710 BEST nearby Activities
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