Preschool Butterfly Creek Adventures

The journey to Butterfly Creek was an adventure in itself, with children eagerly pointing out trucks, cranes, buses and aeroplanes as the coach made its way through the city. Faces were pressed to the windows, and every sighting of something big, bright or moving sparked another wave of excitement.

By the time the group stepped off the ‘super-fancy’ bus, energy was high. A quick briefing in our base room and the maps were out. “Let’s find the dinosaurs first!” insisted Yanbo, whose mum and dad “love them too.” The gates of Dinosaur Kingdom obliged, life-sized reptiles rearing up around every corner. For some, the mythical creatures captured their attention. “I love the unicorn and mermaid,” said Evanka. “Because I love them!”

There was a quiet bravery as groups entered the darkened kiwi house, while others marvelled at the cheeky otters, fluffy tamarins, and the chickens with “fabulous hairdos.” Goldie, the enormous crocodile, earned wide eyes and a few wide steps back. “I like the crocodile,” said Ava, “because I like its teeth.”

In the butterfly house, wonder swept over the children as vibrant wings fluttered around them. “I love butterflies,” said Myra, “because I love their wings.” Nearby, Rosie recounted her favourite moment: “The train going into the tunnel.”

Between the playgrounds, Buttermilk Farm, and a double ride around the train tracks, the day was packed with discovery. “I got on a tricky monkey bar all by myself,” said Māia, beaming with pride.

This trip was a fun day out and a rich extension of our ongoing investigation into bugs and the natural world. Thank you to all the parents and teachers who made the visit possible. The joy on the children’s faces, and their own words, say it all.