Bugs, snakes invade Springs Preserve

All summer long, the Springs Preserve is an adventure, with an array of new special activities and exhibits offered every day - live animal shows, interactive exhibits, summer camps, classes, demonstrations and tours.

Kick off June with "Venom!" a live show that features some of Nevada's most toxic - and awe-inspiring - reptiles. Visitors will learn how and why slitherers and crawlers such as western diamondbacks, Mojave sidewinders, Great Basin rattlesnakes, speckled rattlesnakes, desert night snakes and Gila monsters use their venom. There are two live indoor shows daily June 1-July 15 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Desert tarantulas, bark scorpions and centipedes aren't exactly the most charming creatures, but the Spring Preserve's live animal show "Bugs!" may change your mind as you learn how our desert cannot do without them. Two live indoor shows are presented daily July 15-Aug. 31. Visit springspreserve.org for showtimes.

The exhibit "Envenomators: The Venomous Snakes of North America" presents the surprising secret lives of venomous snakes whose reputations are based more on fear than fact. "Envenomators" tells the story of four venomous snakes indigenous to North America: copperhead, cottonmouth, coral and rattlesnake. The exhibit will be created by Wonderworks Exhibit Company and will be open daily June 3-Sept. 16 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

"Venom!" "Bugs!" and "Envenomators" are free for Springs Preserve members and included with paid general admission. Nevada resident admission is $4.95-$9.95 (kids under 5 are free). A family annual membership starts at $65 and offers unlimited visits all year long.

If these indoor animal shows and exhibits has young explorers ready for the ultimate adventure, they'll love the Springs Preserve's Summer Adventure Camps. Kids will have a chance to come face to face with a Gila monster, unearth hidden treasures on an archaeology dig, act up on our stage or go for a swim .

New activities each week examine desert life through nature, archaeology, animals, plants, history, drama, crafts, and even swimming at the nearby YMCA. Kids come home knowing more about the world around them. Education experts lead the fun.

Springs Preserve Summer Adventure Camps are for ages 6-12 and presented in partnership with Drama Kids International and the YMCA. New sessions are offered weekly Monday-Friday, June 11-Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Cost is $180 for members and $200 for nonmembers per week.