This month at the Natural History Museum -

REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN APPRECIATION DAY
Saturday, July 11, noon-4:45 pm
Toads and turtles! Snakes and Skinks! And that’s to say nothing of the pair of American alligators, the 13-foot python, all of California's native rattlesnakes, Indian cobras and poison arrow frogs. We’ll have special live animal presentations, rarely-seen specimens from the NHM Herpetology Collection (herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians), and special guests (animal and human) from the California Herpetological Association and the California Turtle and Tortoise Society.


CRITTER CLUB: SLIME AND SCALES!
Saturday, July 11, 10 am
Celebrate the slimy and the scaly critters. We'll tell stories, play games, and make a scaly craft to take home. Critter Clubs are for 3-5 year olds and a participating adult. All programs are free with paid Museum admission. Check in at the Dueling Dinosaurs just inside the main entrance.

CURATOR’S CUPBOARD AND JUNIOR SCIENTIST
Saturday, July 18, 9:30 am-3 pm
Our curators and researchers are examining the more than 35 million objects. Today, see water-related curiosities from our Anthropology and Ichthyology departments, and take part in a grunion activity from Cabrillo Aquarium. Children ages 6-9 and their families are invited to participate in the Junior Scientist program, which will explore the science side of water.

B-MOVIES AND BAD SCIENCE
Sunday, July 26, 2 pm
Join members of the Museum’s history and science departments for a lighthearted exploration of the “science” behind Hollywood’s creature features. You’ll discover what makes these creatures and plots implausible off screen, and see some of their “real life” counterparts from the Museum’s collection. On July 26, you’ll bear witness to Aztec god Quetzalcoatl wreaking havoc after he’s resuscitated by an evil archaeologist in “The Flying Serpent” (1946).

PAVILION OF WINGS
Open through Sept.7, 2009
In this enclosed, lush habitat, hundreds of butterflies fly through the air and amid flowering plants. And when not fluttering, they’re known to land on visitors’ brightly-colored shirts and hats. More than 30 species — including giant swallowtails, monarchs and the American Painted Lady — can be seen. The Pavilion is located outside the Museum, near the south doors. Separate admission ticketing applies; members are always free.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is at 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007, in Exposition Park. Open seven days a week 9:30 am-5 pm. Tickets $9 for adults, $6.50 for children. Admission is free the first Tuesday of every month. For more information, call (213) 763-DINO.