Kansas State Insect Zoo
Discover the fascinating world of insects at this educational zoo on the K-State campus, featuring interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focused learning
Kansas State Insect Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focused learning
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the fascinating world of insects at this educational zoo on the K-State campus, featuring interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides.
"A very fun insect zoo with interactive exhibits and unique enclosures! Great for kids and adults."
🎯 Book Your Tour Ahead
Visits are by appointment. Book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment! :ticket:
💰 Affordable Admission
Inexpensive entry fee, around $3 per person, making it a great value for families. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cutter Ant Exhibit
Indoor Exhibit
Watch the fascinating world of cutter ants at work in their intricate underground colonies. A truly mesmerizing display!
Interactive Kitchen Exhibit
Indoor Exhibit
Engage with fun, kid-friendly displays that bring the world of insects into a relatable kitchen setting.
Water Exhibit
Entrance Area
A beautiful and captivating water feature at the entrance, often noted for its aesthetic appeal.
Botanical Gardens
Outdoor Adjacent Area
Explore the stunning K-State botanical gardens, a perfect complement to the insect exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Combine with Gardens Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Gameday Parking question
🎯 Book Your Tour Ahead
Visits are by appointment. Book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment! :ticket:
💰 Affordable Admission
Inexpensive entry fee, around $3 per person, making it a great value for families. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful adjacent botanical gardens for a lovely outdoor experience. :seedling:
⏳ Allow an Hour
Plan for about 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and surrounding gardens. :clock:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Tour Ahead
Visits are by appointment. Book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment! :ticket:
💰 Affordable Admission
Inexpensive entry fee, around $3 per person, making it a great value for families. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful adjacent botanical gardens for a lovely outdoor experience. :seedling:
⏳ Allow an Hour
Plan for about 1.5 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and surrounding gardens. :clock:
👨👩👧👦 Great for Kids
Interactive exhibits make it super fun for toddlers and older children alike. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kansas State Insect Zoo for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, engaging exhibits like the cutter ant display, and its incredible affordability. It's a highly recommended spot for families and anyone interested in entomology, offering a delightful educational experience. Some visitors note the building is small, but this is often offset by the quality of the exhibits and the adjacent beautiful gardens.
"The staff here was amazing and so knowledgeable! Very educational and the collection was amazing. Though it is a small building, they have sections that allow you to breathe and take in all of the wonderful specimens. My family truly enjoyed our visit and then after we made our way through the adjoining KState botanical gardens to see the new fountain and watch the bees bumble. Amazing quick afternoon trip!"
Ashlee Baker
"A very fun insect zoo with interactive exhibits and unique enclosures! They have a large variety of species, and the interactive kitchen exhibit was great for kids. The water exhibit at the entrance was absolutely beautiful! This is a great spot to take your kids on a mini museum day."
Sierra K
"Very cool place and only $3/person. The kids loved it but was really interesting for adults too!"
Kristina Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kansas State Insect Zoo is located on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas. It's situated within a beautiful building that's part of the university's grounds. Parking information might be relevant, especially if visiting during a K-State event like a football game, where parking can be competitive.
Parking availability can vary, especially on K-State event days. It's advisable to check the university's parking regulations or contact the zoo directly for the most current parking information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, visits are by appointment only. It's recommended to book your guided tour in advance to ensure you get your preferred time slot. The admission fee is very affordable, around $3 per person.
The zoo operates by appointment, so hours are flexible based on bookings. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly to schedule your visit and confirm availability.
Absolutely! The zoo is designed to be educational and engaging for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Interactive exhibits like the kitchen display are particularly popular with younger visitors.
The zoo primarily operates with guided tours to enhance the educational experience. It's best to inquire about their specific visiting policies when booking your appointment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse collection of insect specimens, including fascinating exhibits like the cutter ant display and interactive elements such as the kitchen exhibit. The entrance also features a beautiful water display.
Most visitors spend about an hour to an hour and a half exploring the exhibits and the adjacent botanical gardens. You can tailor your visit based on your interest level.
Yes, the zoo boasts several interactive exhibits, including a popular kitchen exhibit designed to be fun and educational for kids.
The building is generally accessible, and the exhibits are designed for easy viewing. It's always a good idea to confirm specific accessibility details with the zoo when booking your appointment.
The water exhibit is a visually appealing feature located at the entrance of the zoo, often described as beautiful and a nice way to start or end your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Insect Zoo itself does not typically have food service. However, being on the K-State campus, there are likely dining options available nearby on campus or in the surrounding Manhattan area.
It's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before/after your visit to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the exhibits. Please check with the zoo for their specific policy.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography which can disturb the insects or specimens.
The cutter ant exhibit, the water feature at the entrance, and the diverse insect displays offer great photo opportunities. The surrounding botanical gardens also provide beautiful backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider extending your visit by exploring the adjacent botanical gardens, which offer a beautiful outdoor space for kids to explore and burn off energy. This combination provides a well-rounded and educational experience that children are sure to remember.
💰 Budget Travelers
While booking in advance is recommended, it doesn't typically incur extra costs. This makes it a perfect option for a short, enriching activity that won't break the bank, especially when traveling with family or a group.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Educational Mission of the Insect Zoo
Beyond just showcasing specimens, the zoo emphasizes the ecological importance of insects. Exhibits are designed to highlight their roles in pollination, decomposition, and as a food source for other animals. This focus helps visitors appreciate insects not just as creatures to observe, but as integral components of our natural world. The interactive elements, like the kitchen exhibit, further bridge the gap between scientific concepts and everyday understanding, making the information relatable and memorable for all ages.
The zoo's commitment to education extends to its integration with the surrounding K-State botanical gardens. This allows for a holistic appreciation of nature, where visitors can see insects in their natural habitats within the gardens after learning about them indoors. This dual approach reinforces the interconnectedness of ecosystems and provides a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity.
Planning Your Visit: What Travelers Say
Many reviewers highlight the affordability of the zoo, with a nominal entry fee making it an excellent value.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit