Reserve your spot through the booking link; availability and any fees are shown on the event page.

Park in Reiman Gardens or nearby campus lots; arrive early to find preferred spots and check the gardens' directions for parking.

Is the event suitable for young kids?

Yes—crafts and arthropod stations are family-oriented, though supervision is recommended at hands-on tables.

What happens if it rains?

Organizers will move activities indoors if needed; check the booking page for real-time updates.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes—guests are welcome to bring picnics; popcorn, ice cream, and beverages are also available for purchase.

How does this support Reiman Gardens?

Proceeds support the gardens' education programs; the event is presented by the Garden Guild with community sponsors.

Family Movie Night at Reiman Gardens: Outdoor Screening of A Bug's Life in Ames

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa opens its South Field for a family-friendly outdoor screening of Disney's A Bug's Life, blending evening cinema with hands-on entomology, crafts, and garden views. The event centers on the Bald Cypress Allee and the garden's live invertebrate collection, offering kids and adults a chance to meet arthropods and learn about pollinators before the film. Arrive as the sun softens to enjoy crafting stations - origami butterflies, build-a-bug projects - and arthropod exploration hosted by the Reiman Gardens Entomology department. Between 7:00 and 8:00 PM volunteers and staff run interactive tables where you can examine specimens and, for some species, hold them under supervision. When the lawn settles, organizers herd blankets and chairs toward the South Field; the movie screen rises around 8:00 PM, and the feature runs until about 9:55 PM. Popcorn, ice cream, and beverages are available for purchase on site. The setting is what makes this event unique: Bald cypress trees rim the field, their distinctive flared trunks and feathery foliage framing the outdoor screen and casting long shadows as evening falls. Garden beds around the lawn include native prairie plantings that attract monarchs, bees, and other pollinators - an ideal live classroom for a family film about small lives with big impact. The Garden Guild presents the event with support from Fareway Stores; proceeds support Reiman Gardens' education programs, turning a night out into community-backed learning. Practical notes: bring a low blanket or lawn chair, a flashlight for the walk back to parking, and insect-friendly clothing if you plan to visit exploration tables. Rain plans move activities indoors, and staff communicate changes via the booking page. The event is designed for broad family appeal; age limits are not specified, and accessibility details should be confirmed with the gardens. Why book it: this isn't just a movie night - it's a sensory dip into garden ecology. Kids get hands-on time with real creatures, parents get a peaceful summer evening in a cultivated landscape, and everyone leaves with a better sense of local pollinators and the educational work Reiman Gardens supports. For travelers staying in Ames, the event is an easy, budget-friendly evening activity that connects you to the campus-adjacent green space and the seasonal life that animates Iowa's public gardens. Check the booking link to reserve spots and confirm start times; the South Field fills quickly on warm August nights. Bring bug spray for comfort, but choose lotion or repellent that is pollinator-safe. Arrive early to catch crafts and the entomology demonstrations, and linger afterward to walk the Bald Cypress Allee under stars; evenings at Reiman Gardens here balance relaxed family entertainment with a clear conservation message that leaves a quiet impression long after the credits roll. See the booking page.

About Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT.

Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability.

Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.