Thanks to our sponsors, presenters, volunteers, and guests for making Discover Reptiles & Other Critters a wonderful success! Check out our flickr account for photos from the event.

November 6-7: Discover Reptiles & Other Critters

What was once Reptile Fest is now Discover Reptiles & Other Critters. Spiders, snakes, toads, bees, bats, skunks, vultures —and other arachnids, reptiles, amphibians, insects, mammals, and birds with strange physical characteristics or dining habits often get a bad rap—but is that reputation really fairly earned? Even if they’re not always cute and cuddly, these creatures play an important role in our ecosystems and even our economy. Get to know the real truth with a weekend of engaging activities, including an unforgettable “Unhuggables” stage show and quite possibly a few live critters roaming around too.

Activities

DFW Turtle & Tortoise Club
Tortoises have taken over the Nature Building! Check out these roaming reptiles and learn all about responsible turtle ownership. Presented by DFW Turtle & Tortoise Club.

Bees in the 'Hood
Here's your chance to learn all about bees and see a live hive. Come see what all the buzz is about! Presented by Texas Honeybee Guild.

Inverts of North Texas
Tarantulas and spiders and scorpions, oh my! Now's your chance to talk to a certified entomologist and get answers to all the questions you've been itching to ask.
Presented by DFW Tarantula & Arachnid Group.

Bug Eyes
Get a bug's-eye view of the world and see some cool 3-D closeups of bugs.

Growing Up Froggy
Stamps and inflatable frogs help teach about the frog lifecycle.

Skunk Masks
Create a skunk mask and learn fun facts about these stinkin' cute critters!

Color-Changing Chameleons
Discover the important role UV light plays in a reptile's life and make a chameleon keychain that changes color in the sunlight.

Rattlin' Rattlers
Learn how snake rattles work and make a snake to take home with you. Don't worry - these rattlers won't bite!

Exploring Exoskeletons
Do bugs have bones? Find out at this interactive station.

Silly Salamanders
Learn how scientists are studying these slimy critters to benefit human health.

Am I Hot or Not?
Unlike mammals, reptiles cannot generate their own body heat. Use our thermal imaging camera to see for yourself.

What Am I?
Can you tell the difference between reptiles, amphibians, and other critters? Test your skills with our matching game.

Vulture Culture
Learn all about nature's clean-up crew and make a vulture to remind you of these important critters.

Batty Finger Puppets
Let your imagination take flight as you create a finger puppet and learn about the world's only flying mammal.

Whose Scat is That?
Everybody poos, and did you know that you can identify which animals have been lurking around by examining their droppings? Test your tracking skills using our rubber replicas.

Member Room: Firefly Friends
You'll discover what gives lightning bugs their spark as you create a lightning bug craft that really glows!

Snakes of Texas
Learn about the natural history of the snakes found in and around the Dallas metroplex. Saturday only, 10am-3pm.

Exploring the Animal Kingdom
Discover mammals, insects, reptiles and more as you learn the facts about these cool creatures!
Presented by the Heard Museum

Shows

Wild Wonders
Join the Fort Worth Zoo for a unique opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation through an up-close-and-personal, educational presentation.
Saturday only, 1:30pm and 2:30 pm (45 minute shows)
Presented by Fort Worth Zoo

Creature Feature
This interactive program features animals from around the world. Learn about the differences between animals from habitats to diets and adaptations to ecosystems.
Sunday only, 1:30pm and 2:30pm
Presented by Dallas Zoo

The Unhuggables
See all the critters you thought you hated in a whole new light. This program includes creepy tarantulas, slithery snakes, and more.
Saturday at 1:30pm-2:15pm
Sunday at 2:00pm-2:45pm
Presented by Wildlife On The Move

Wonders of Wildlife Game Show
Think you're an animal whiz? Test your knowledge during this interactive stage show, complete with live animals.
Saturday at 3-3:45pm
Sunday at 3:30-4:15pm
Presented by Wildlife On The Move

Wildlife On The Move and Special Guests
Take a walk on the wild side and learn about reptiles, birds of prey, wolves, and more. You'll learn what animals make good pets and which ones are better enjoyed in their natural habitat.
Saturday at 11:30am-12:15pm
Sunday at 12:30-1:15pm
Presented by Wildlife On The Move with special guest Erich Newport, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center

*All activities and demonstrations may be subject to change without prior notice.