Bugs & Bonfires
Get ready for a magical evening at the Guard Archaeological Site as the sun sets and the insects come alive! Families are invited to gather around the bonfire to kick off the night with stories, science, and a little bit of sparkle.
What to Expect
- Bonfire Welcome & Storytelling
Begin the evening with tales and teachings from an Indigenous storyteller or educator, sharing the cultural wisdom of bugs—from the builder ants to the transformative butterfly. - Bug Walk & Sky Fishing
Take a guided nighttime stroll with UV lights, white sheets, and bug-catching nets as we search for moths, fireflies, beetles, and other nighttime critters. You’ll even get to see what shows up live on our special insect livestream! - Bug Lab + Touch Table
Explore magnified insect specimens, identify local bugs with ID cards, and dive into the fascinating world of “bug artifacts.” - Make & Take Stations
Create your own buggy masterpiece with popsicle stick crafts or write your own “Bug Story” to take home. - Firefly Finale
End the evening with a firefly-spotting moment, a reflection circle, and s’mores by the fire—complete with fun insect facts in each marshmallow packet.
Whether you’re an aspiring entomologist or just love lightning bugs, Bugs After Dark is a hands-on night your whole family will remember.