Kohl butterfly exhibit captures kids' interest

For the third year in a row, kids can get a close-up look at Illinois' state insect at Kohl Children's Museum's “Watch Us Grow: Monarch Butterflies” exhibit, which runs through Sept. 4.

The exhibit was inspired by the success of Kohl's annual “Eggs to Chicks” exhibit and occupies the same large display area connected to the museum's program studio.

Nestled inside the exhibit is a mesh box that contains eight monarch chrysalises at all times. As the caterpillar inside progresses in its metamorphosis, the outer shell turns from bright green to dark brown. When the butterflies finally emerge, they are released into the larger space, spending the rest of their brief life span on display.

“It's so great to watch the kids have the ability to see them close up,” said Maria Berg-Stark, director of marketing and sales.

Museum staff worked hard to design the butterfly space, doing extensive research into the temperature, humidity and room the insects would need. The exhibit has changed little in the past few years, but is still a huge draw, with nearly 100 kids gathering for this year's grand opening.

“The families look forward to it,” said Sheridan Turner, president and CEO. “Our age group loves repetition. They love coming back for it, and the more they do, the more they learn.”

Parents are encouraged to take cues from notes around the exhibit, pointing out different butterfly behaviors like basking with their wings open, perching on branches or drinking nectar from hanging apple slices or pieces of orange and watermelon on plates in the enclosure.

Another sign provides tips on how to tell the difference between male and female monarchs, something that would be tricky if visitors didn't have such a close-up view. A display traces the seven steps involved in a caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly from emerging from an egg laid on milkweed plants to shedding skin as it eats and grows to eventually forming a chrysalis.

It's hard to predict when a butterfly will emerge from the chrysalises on display, but kids love watching a 30-second video showing the whole process sped up.

“Even if they don't happen to be present when it actually happens, they can still have the experience,” Berg-Stark said.

The museum also offers plenty of ways to use the exhibit as a way to learn and do more. Inside the program room, parents and children can sit on a giant beanbag chair and read books on butterflies. The museum's store is packed with butterfly-themed items including butterfly nets.

Turner said she hopes the exhibit will inspire more kids to spend time outdoors looking for the insects. The exhibit features information on how to bring monarchs to your garden by planting milkweed and nectar-rich plants.

“We always do things that parents can replicate at home,” Turner said.

<b>“Watch Us Grow: Monarch Butterflies” </b>

Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, (847) 832-6600, <a href="http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org" target="_blank">kohlchildrensmuseum.org</a>

<b>Hours: </b>9:30 a.m. to noon Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 4

<b>Prices:</b> $7.50; $6.50 for seniors