Visit to the Monarch Butterfly Program

Leyton's Prospect Preschool had a field trip to the Monarch Butterfly Program in Encinitas, CA today. They were able to learn in detail about the Monarch butterfly as well as observe them in their live natural habitat. Lincoln was able to come along and enjoy as well. With some help, Leyton was able to get a butterfly to stay on his piece of cantaloupe, so he could observe it more closely. The program shows you the different stages of the life of a Monarch butterfly, from egg to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to butterfly. They also have a semi-classroom that you can watch a video and slide show about the butterflies.

Leyton's favorite part of the trip was the magic trick that the speaker performed in the classroom, which turned a butterfly sticker into a live butterfly that end up flying out the roof vent. He also loved the caterpillar races, even though only one caterpillar actually was racing, the rest were trying to get out. He did not want to smell the "stinky" butterfly, you can't blame him, it smelt like a stinky diaper.

It's a nice program, nothing too fancy and nothing like a museum. The program is run out of a little building and outdoor vivarium that is a part of a bunch of greenhouses in the middle of residential houses. You could easily miss the place driving by because it seems so unlikely to be where it's located. It's open to the public on Saturdays for around $3-5. If your child is really into butterflies, it would be worth the trip. It's great for our boys, it helps get them warmed up for their backyard "Bugs" birthday party in early June.

Monarch Butterfly