• Location: Wooster Science Building, 1600 Wilson Rd, Wooster, OH 44691
  • Self-guided visits: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. when the building is open
  • Best for: Families, school groups, scouts, educators and curious community members

What can I do at the Bug Zoo?

A girl looks at a walking stick during a visit to the Bug Zoo

Visit the Bug Zoo

Stop by for a self-guided visit, explore displays and learn at your own pace.
Carrie Elvey shows a table of students some insects from the collection

Book a hands-on program

Schedule a field trip, private tour, scout program or community group visit.
A Madagascar hissing cockroach perches on a young woman's hand

Meet the collection

Get to know insects and other arthropods that help us teach, explore and spark curiosity.
Brutus stands outside the BUGmobile at We Grow Scientists

Looking for the Columbus BUGmobile?

Meet our insects on the move. Our BUGmobile brings live arthropods, hands-on learning and myth-busting insect education to children of all ages across the mid-Ohio region.

A friendly place to meet misunderstood creatures

Not sure how you feel about bugs? That’s okay. The Bug Zoo is a safe, welcoming place to look closely, ask questions and learn at your own pace. You never have to hold an insect to have a great visit. 

Programs for every kind of learner

We welcome: 

  • school field trips
  • homeschool groups
  • scouts
  • families and private tours
  • adult and community groups
  • virtual visits
An American Giant Millipede walks on a girl's hand
An Asian millipede
  • 9,552 visitors served in 2025
  • 1,000 walk-in visitors
  • 24% free programs thanks to Entomology and CFAES

Question
Where is the United Titanium Bug Zoo?

Answer
The United Titanium Bug Zoo is located on the CFAES Wooster campus. The Columbus BUGmobile is a separate mobile outreach program based on Ohio State’s Columbus campus.

Question
When can I visit the Bug Zoo?

Answer
Self-guided walk-in visits are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. when the building is open. Live insects are not available for handling during self-guided visits.

Question
Do I need to schedule a visit?

Answer
You do not need to schedule a self-guided walk-in visit. Groups, school field trips, scout programs, private tours and hands-on programs should be scheduled in advance.

Question
What can we see and do during a visit?

Answer
Visitors can explore displays, learn about arthropods and discover why insects matter. Scheduled programs may include hands-on encounters, live insect demonstrations, microscope stations, feeding activities and time to ask questions.

Question
Can visitors hold or touch insects?

Answer
Hands-on encounters are part of many scheduled programs and open houses, but you never have to hold an insect to enjoy your visit. Visitors can look, ask questions and participate at their own comfort level.

Question
What if I have questions?

Answer
Contact us with your questions or to talk through your concerns at utbz@osu.edu or call (330) 263-8033.