Exploring nature is a great way to experience awe and wonder, so why not take a fun family trip to a local butterfly house, garden or zoo? Here are some destinations and summer library programs to get you started. All destinations are within an hour's drive of the library.
Butterfly Habitats
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Barson’s Greenhouse, Brenda’s Butterfly Habitat, Westland
After you visit the beautiful butterfly habitat, check out the greenhouse to find a pollinator-friendly plant for your garden. -
Butterfly Garden at the Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
The Detroit Zoo’s butterfly garden is connected to the aviary, where you will be amazed by the dozens of unique and beautiful birds. Before you visit, be sure to use your Canton Public Library card to access discounted zoo passes. -
Cranbrook Butterfly Garden, Bloomfield Hills
This official Monarch Waystation features the favorite plants of monarch butterflies. -
Palmer Park Butterfly Garden, Detroit
This park is a great example of what can happen if you plant a native garden for our pollinator friends.
Gardens & Nature Centers
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Belle Isle Nature Center, Belle Isle
See all sorts of local native wildlife including a see-through beehive, birds, amphibians and more. -
Crosswinds Marsh, New Boston
This is the place to be if you want to experience more of Michigan's wetland wildlife. -
Gaffield Children’s Garden, Ann Arbor
Kids are able to explore, build, climb and more at this "Nature Play" children’s garden. -
Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Taylor
This year, the garden has a theme of “From the Heart” and will be full of colorful plant displays.
Zoos & Aquariums
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Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle Isle
Explore fish from around the world—including some you might see in the fish tank at the library! -
Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Butterflies and fish are beautiful, but if you're looking for the full animal experience, you’ll want to visit the mammals at the Detroit Zoo. Before you visit, be sure to use your Canton Public Library card to access discounted zoo passes. -
Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, Auburn Hills
Experience awe and wonder watching the jellyfish in their habitat or when a shark swims by in the underwater tunnel at Sea Life. -
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, Toledo, OH
Want to spend a day learning about animals and plants in one location? Take a trip to the Toledo Zoo!
Library Programs
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STEAM for Everyone: Painting With Nature, July 6, 2023; 10:00-11:00 AM
Patrons of all ages and abilities are invited to explore various textures, shapes and techniques while we use natural items to create paintings with watercolor, tempera, or acrylic paint. -
Bees in the D, July 9, 2023; 2:00-3:00 PM
Local beekeepers will teach you all about bees and what you can do to help them at this program for adults, ages 18+. -
Nature Discovery: Reptile and Amphibian Exhibit, July 26, 2023; 1:00-3:00 PM
Experience the awe and wonder of Michigan wildlife with Nature Discovery at this program open to everyone. -
Teen Citizen Science, July 26, 2023; 6:30-8:00 PM
Aspiring scientists can learn how to become citizen scientists in this bug-based program for teens ages 13-17.
