Spiders, bugs and creepy crawlies

[sherrardk]

My seven year old son is desperate to see some big spiders (the bigger the better). Does anyone know of anywhere that has a large collection of spiders and other creepy crawlies? Thanks.

[welshlibranr]

Sher, sorry I don't, and if I did, I would stay well clear!............sure someone can help though!.........lol...............

[rowanwitch]

/ Where are you? not sure if it is still there but london zoo's insect house had some crackers

[sherrardk]

When I was a teenager there was a massive boom in exotic pet shops in the valley towns around where I lived - they would have suited him down to the ground (I even knew of someone (who already looked menacing enough) who used to take some huge snake into pubs and 'persuade' people to have their photos taken with it).

[sherrardk]

Hi Rowan - we are in Hereford but we do get out and about, although London might be a bit far to see some spiders!

[Answerprancer]

Where are you based ? If southwest of London - Syon House (Isleworth) has a fantastic insect/butterfly house.

[Answerprancer]

..ah.

[steg]

my attic, but yous aren't getting in

[sherrardk]

Sorry AP, should have said where we lived but we would drive some distance for him to see a really good collection of bugs (live ones only!).

[Maydup]

There's an Insect City at the Butterfly Farm - Stratford Upon Avon

http://www.butterflyf...ore.php?id=0000000001

Is that near you at all? My geography's not great tonight!

[Maydup]

Same place also has an Arachnoland - don't look welshi!

http://www.butterflyf...ore.php?id=0000000003

[karenmac60]

Sher - do they do zoolab in your area? We have them come to the library a few times a year and they have cockroaches, giant African slugs, centipedes, tarantulas, snakes, frogs and a few other beasties. The kids get to handle them too, and the folk from zoolab are great with the kids, making it good fun while being informative. Even though we have it regularly it is always fully booked and we have to turn some folk away.

[karenmac60]

Here's a link

http://www.zoolabuk.com/

[sherrardk]

Hi maid up - will have to check with husband as to how far away Stratford is (I am completely clueless on that sort of thing).

Hi Karen - I will mention it to his class teacher and see if she can arrange anything, he can't be the only 7 year old that like bugs.

[grasscarp]

we were living in Egypt when I was around 3 years old. A huge spider came under the toilet door and I can remember my fear to this day. There is such a gap between boys and girls in what they want to see!

[sherrardk]

Totally agree Grasscarp, but the boy is so interested at the moment. If needs be, one of us will just take the ones who want to go.

[pips1]

Stratford isn't that far away from you sherrardk, lot nearer than London! I live in Worcs and often go to Stratford. Also there is Dudley Zoo.

[karenmac60]

Sher - found this too

http://www.wmsp.co.uk...e-discovery-trail.php

[tamborine]

put this on his pc.....

http://www.onemotion.com/flash/spider/

[sherrardk]

Thanks Maidup - went to the butterfly place in Stratford today and it was exactly what we wanted. All of the children actually enjoyed it and it didn't cost an arm and a leg.

[boxtops]

Tambo, that's cool!