Aw Yuck, that's gross!
Explore the world of insects and bugs at Elizabeth Bay House in this hands-on workshop for children. Through playful activities, kids will learn about insect life cycles, the natural environment they’ll even get to the chance to eat them!
There are three different interactive experiences, children will be guided from curiosity to discovery and creative reflection. The encounters include Edible Insect Tasting, Live Butterfly House and a guided tour of Elizabeth Bay House, and are all part of the 40-minute workshop.
Ticket includes one complimentary adult. Adults are required to supervise participating children.
Members get more: Members enjoy pre-sale access and a 20% discount on tickets.
Edible Insect Tasting
Feeling brave? Curious about the future of food? Children and families are invited to take part in an optional edible insect tasting experience that introduces insects as a sustainable and nutritious food source. Guided by expert educators, participants will learn why edible insects are rich in protein, vitamins, and environmental benefits before sampling 2–3 insect-based treats. Tastings may include crunchy cricket protein corn chips, cinnamon-coated mealworm churros, and other surprisingly delicious bites. This stage is fun, informative, and completely optional at every step — perfect for adventurous eaters and curious observers alike.
Live Butterfly House
Step into a world of fluttering wings and wonder! Our Live Butterfly House Experience invites children and families to get up close with real Australian butterflies in a magical walk-enclosure set within the beautiful building of Elizabeth Bay House.
In small, guided groups, visitors will learn about the incredible butterfly life cycle and enjoy the unforgettable moment of hand-feeding these delicate creatures. It’s a truly immersive experience that blends nature, learning, and awe — perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Each child also receives a butterfly symmetry colouring activity to take home, extending the magic beyond the visit.
Elizabeth Bay House Guided Tour
The experience will include a short guided tour alongside a creative activity inspired by Elizabeth Bay House, providing a calm moment of reflection.
About Skye Blackburn
Skye Blackburn is an entomologist, food scientist, and one of Australia’s leading voices in edible insects and insect-based education. With nearly two decades of experience working with insects, Skye has dedicated her career to helping people better understand (and appreciate) the tiny creatures that play a big role in our world.
In 2007, Skye founded Australia’s first insect protein farm, pioneering the development of edible insect farming in Australia. Since then, she has led the industry in creating safe, nutritious and great-tasting insect-based foods designed for Western diets, proving that bugs can be delicious, sustainable and surprisingly familiar.
Alongside food innovation, education has always been at the heart of Skye’s work. She delivers hands-on science and food education programs for schools, families and professionals, combining live insects, edible insect tastings and real-world sustainability concepts. Her sessions are designed to spark curiosity, reduce fear, and replace the “yuck” factor with understanding, confidence and a sense of wonder.
Skye is also deeply passionate about butterflies and insect life cycles. Through live butterfly experiences, she helps children and adults witness metamorphosis up close, using butterflies as a powerful gateway to learning about biodiversity, ecosystems and our connection to nature.
Whether she’s guiding students through a butterfly emergence, cooking with insects on stage, or talking about the future of food, Skye’s approach is practical, playful and science-based. Her mission is simple: to educate, inspire and empower people to see insects not as something to fear, but as something to learn from.
Related
Workshop
Spooky mini-zine workshop
Celebrate all things spooky by making your own haunted house mini-zine with author Lucie Stevens
Wednesday 15 April 10.30am–12pm