The new Railway Garden, a G-gauge model railway running through a 2.5 acre site, opens April 30. Visitors enter through a 1920s-era railway depot to see trains running through a garden of miniature plants, water features and a variety of landscapes. May 1 through October.

Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the conservatory's Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden to plant an imaginary garden, build a tropical habitat, help water the plants, or read a book under the tropical canopy. Runs through entire 2012.

Learn about the phenomenon that affects our lives from a guest speaker from the meteorology department at Valparaiso University. Fulfills most requirements for Boy Scouts' Weather Merit badge.

Exhibit features native nocturnal animals and their adaptations for survival at night.  Feel for your food, listen to your nocturnal neighbors, play in the bat cave, look for skunks and more.

Enjoy nature-inspired stories, crafts and activities for kids 3-5 with an adult. Nature Story Time is held year 'round, on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Navy Pier's Family Pavilion is transformed into a town filled with numerous interactive characters, live music, games and more. Watch Mother Goose and her friends act out our favorite stories, take family photos with Bonny Bunny (through April 8), and listen to The Chicken or the Egg Orchestra.

Make a bug friend, design bug bling, complete bug challenges, take part in a bug flash mob, learn fun facts about bugs or maybe even snack on one.

Children can immerse themselves in backstage preparation, perform routines in center ring or manage the behind-the-scenes action of lights and sound. Plus, try making a circus balance toy or dress up like a clown.

A special exhibit on the history of Girl Scouting, with special focus on Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA.

Exhibit tells the story of Girl Scouting and Boy Scouting in America.