What if everything you knew about caterpillars was wrong?
• Caterpillars are one of the foundations of life on Earth.
• Thousands of birds depend on them.
• They help support the plants and ecosystems we rely on.
• Without them, our parks, gardens, and food systems would look very different.
"Some caterpillars hear through vibrations in their skin."
New York Is Wilder Than You Think
• Wildlife exists all around us.
• Every tree is a habitat.
• Every park supports thousands of living creatures.
• What lives in your neighborhood tells a story about environmental health.
"One nest of baby birds can require thousands of caterpillars."
Follow One Life-Changing Transformation
Follow the journey of a tiny caterpillar as it survives predators, finds food, grows, transforms, and emerges as something completely different.
What You'll Experience
Live Caterpillars
Hands-On Exploration
Expert Guides
Interactive Exhibits
Photography Opportunities
Family Activities
Science Demonstrations
Nature Discovery Stations
Things You'll Never Look At The Same Way Again
Before:
A leaf with holes
After:
Evidence of life
Before:
A tree
After:
An entire ecosystem
Before:
A bug
After:
A survivor, builder, and future butterfly
Why Kids Love It
• Discover amazing creatures • Meet scientists and experts • Ask questions • Explore nature • Spark curiosity • Imagine future careers
Your Next Adventure Starts Here
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Event Details
Frequently Asked Questions
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One Tiny Caterpillar.
A Whole New Way of Seeing The World
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Wild City and Our Partners
Wild City is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community-driven, nature-based learning and adventure. While we prioritize education and career mentorship, we believe personal growth thrives when paired with joy, community, and strong social bonds. By transforming nature and urban adventures into our classrooms, we let awe, empathy, and curiosity guide everything we do. We strive to bring these collaborative learning experiences into everyday life—supporting our community’s desire to explore independently while inviting all New Yorkers to discover our wild spaces, protect our wildlife, and bring out the absolute best in ourselves and each other.