Have you ever wanted to take your tots to the Museum of Natural History but haven’t made it to NYC yet? Budding young naturalists will love UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum; our own slice of natural history that’s anchored by the largest blue whale skeleton on display in Canada.  In fact, our tiny tester (age 5) who hit up the Museum of Natural History last summer, spent only a few minutes at the Beaty before declaring, “I’ve been here before…but it was in New York.”

We’ve been to both museums, and while you won’t find any stuffed elephants or cave man dioramas in the Beaty, you will find over 95 percent of their collection on display. See everything from fish, to fauna, to fossils – set in rows and rows of display cases. We also spotted fossils, bones, and even a dinosaur foot embedded in viewing cases set in the floor (the foot belonged to a Lambeosaurus, in case your little one’s a dino-phile).

The museum has a family zone with crafts that echo the theme of the current exhibit, books to peruse, and games to play. And it’s right beside the discovery lab where you can examine specimens up close and personal. They also offer specific family programming, including puppet shows and story times, and kids can partake in an age-appropriate B.C. biodiversity-themed scavenger hunt while they’re exploring.

When we visited the museum with our mini testers (a boy and girl, both aged 5), we thought they might be a little young to appreciate it but they were fascinated, proclaiming it “cool” and “awesome”. So from our view, the Beaty has an all ages, all genders appeal! Just be prepared to do a lot of light (or heavy) lifting depending on your kids’ ages, as they’ll want to see the treasures in the higher up cases.

And since an annual family membership is only $55, we think this is the perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon…especially if you’re undergoing kindergarten gradual entry this fall and looking for ways to keep your little ones amused. Personally, we’re looking forward to spending rainy winter afternoons there as well!

Admittedly, it can be a bit of a trek if you’re not near campus, but we think it’s well worth it. And you can always combine your visit with a trip to the beach to see just how diverse the plants and animals are in our local marine environment.

Beaty Biodiversity Museum: www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca
2212 Main Mall, UBC Point Grey Campus
604.827.4955