CRAZY SCIENCE: Classified Critters
2026-05-14 11:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-20 11:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-21 11:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-22 11:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-27 11:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-28 11:30 - 12:00 UTC
CRAZY SCIENCE: Classified Critters
Check for dates below!
This May, agents of all ages are invited to investigate the secret world of arthropods, insects, and scientific classification during our brand-new Crazy Science series at the Disease Vector Education Center.
Showing at 11:30 AM, each mission level is designed for a specific age group and builds deeper into the science of taxonomy, nomenclature, insect diversity, and how scientists classify living organisms, including mosquitoes and other disease vectors.

5/14 — Egg: Bug Briefing
All Ages
Start your training with Arthropods 101. Learn what makes an insect and insect, discover the major arthropod groups, and explore the basics of scientific classification.
5/20 — Larva Instar 1: Invertebrate Intel
Grades 1–2
Young agents will uncover what invertebrates are and investigate how arthropods differ from animals with backbones.
5/21 — Larva Instar 2: Insect Recon
Grades 3–4
Discover the defining traits of insects and compare them to spiders, crustaceans, centipedes, and other arthropods.
5/22 — Larva Instar 3: Operation Orders Decoder
Grades 5–6
Decode the world of insect orders and explore the incredible diversity of insects scientists study around the globe.
5/27 — Larva Instar 4: Taxonomy Files
Grades 7–8
Dive deeper into taxonomy, scientific naming systems, and how organisms are grouped and identified.
5/28 — Pupa: Entomology Ops
Grades 9–12
Advanced agents will investigate phylogeny, nomenclature, classification systems, and the science behind entomological research.

Each Crazy Science session also includes interactive activities, missions, and classification challenges designed to turn guests into official critter investigators.

Join us this May as we crack the case of classified critters together.

Holiday Closure Notice
2026-05-24 10:00 - 17:00
Holiday Closure Notice

The Disease Vector Education Center will be closed on Sunday, May 24,2026 , in observance of Memorial Day.

Regular operations will resume during our next scheduled day of operation.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish everyone a safe holiday weekend.

June 2026 Upcoming Events
2026-06-01 10:00 - 2026-06-30 17:00
🎬 June Is Packed with New Missions, Mysteries, and Critters at DVEC!
Get ready for an exciting month of learning, investigation, and hands-on discovery at the Disease Vector Education Center!
This June, we’re continuing our newly expanded Crazy Science program with Classified Critters, taking guests on a journey through the fascinating world of arthropod classification. From beginner bug detectives to advanced entomology operatives, there’s a level for every age group.
Looking for an extra challenge? Try our Monthly Missions! Continue your classification training with Classified Critters activities after each Crazy Science program, or put your detective skills to the test with our all-new Weekend Whodunits, where a new mystery awaits investigation each month.
Our Feature Creature programs return with some incredible arthropods:
🕷 Ursula the Pink-Toe Tarantula
🪳 The Hissers, our Madagascar Hissing Roaches
Join us for Vector Cravings, where we’ll take a closer look at Culex quinquefasciatus and its connection to West Nile virus. During our live mosquito attraction demonstration, we’ll discover what makes someone a bigger mosquito magnet and explore the factors that can make mosquitoes prefer one person over another, while busting common myths along the way. We’ll also share practical tips to help reduce mosquito bites and protect yourself throughout mosquito season.
Please note that the Disease Vector Education Center will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026- Saturday, June 20, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth. Regular operations will resume on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Whether you’re solving mysteries, meeting live arthropods, learning scientific classification, or exploring mosquito-borne diseases, June is full of opportunities to discover something new.
We look forward to seeing you at DVEC as we continue learning and protecting our community together!
#DVEC #AMCD #ClassifiedCritters #WeekendWhodunit #FeatureCreature #VectorCravings #Entomology #STEMEducation #ScienceEducation #MosquitoControl #WestNileVirus #CulexMosquito #PublicHealth #FamilyActivities #LearnAndExplore #ProtectOurCommunity #StJohnsCounty #DiseaseVectorEducationCenter #MedicalEntomology #CrazyScience

June 2026 Programming Announcement
2026-06-03 10:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00
Our regularly scheduled Crazy Science, Feature Creature, and Vector Cravings programs will be paused from June 3–7, 2026 as our team prepares exciting new experiences for the summer season.

While these programs are on break, guests can still enjoy Fish Frenzy, our scavenger hunts, and monthly self-guided missions throughout the week.

When programs return, visitors can look forward to:
• New and expanded Crazy Science lessons: We’re continuing Classification Critters topic series into June while we finalize two additional educational themes for later this summer.
• Interactive Feature Creature: Experience a lesson on our live arthropods, meet them in person, and get a chance to test what you learned with a trivia challenge.
• Weekend Whodunit: Our brand-new monthly mystery activity where guests become investigators and solve a different public health entomology-themed case each month.
• Hurricane Season Tips and Information: This month marks the start of hurricane season, stay tuned to our posts on how storms can impact mosquito populations and what families can do before and after severe weather to reduce mosquito breeding around their homes.
• Vector of the Month: This month follows Culex Mosquitoes, with a special focus on West Nile virus, mosquito surveillance, prevention, and how our community can help reduce mosquito-borne disease risks.

We appreciate your patience as we continue improving programs and creating new ways for guests of all ages to learn about vectors, public health, and the important work of mosquito control.

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and program schedules. We can’t wait to share what’s next and continue learning and protecting our community together!

DVEC CLOSED
2026-06-19 10:00 - 2026-06-20 17:00
Just a reminder that the DVEC will be closed June 19–20, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth.
Regular operations will resume Sunday, June 21, 2026. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for more learning, exploration, and discovery at the Disease Vector Education Center.
Have a safe holiday weekend!

July 19th Business Hours Change
2026-06-23 10:00 - 2026-07-19 17:00
DVEC Business Hours Update
The Disease Vector Education Center (DVEC) will be adjusting its public hours beginning July 19. The center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays and Mondays.

New Business Hours
Monday……………………..CLOSED
Tuesday……………………..10 AM – 5PM
Wednesday………………..10 AM – 5PM
Thursday……………………10 AM – 5PM
Friday…………………………10 AM – 5PM
Saturday…………………….10 AM – 5PM
Sunday……………………….CLOSED

Visitors can continue to enjoy our interactive exhibits, scavenger hunts, educational displays, and daily Fish Frenzy programs during regular operating hours.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to welcoming you Tuesday through Saturday for hands-on learning about mosquitoes, disease vectors, and public health!

DVEC CLOSED JULY 3-4, 2026
2026-07-03 10:00 - 2026-07-04 17:00
DVEC Holiday Closure Notice
The Disease Vector Education Center (DVEC) will be CLOSED Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026, in observance of Independence Day.
Regular public hours will resume Sunday, July 5, 2026.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend and look forward to welcoming you back for more hands-on science, discovery, and learning at the DVEC!

July Upcoming Events 2026
2026-07-15 10:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00
🎬 July missions are ready!
Your next adventure at the Disease Vector Education Center is here! This month we’re exploring the mosquito life cycle, mosquito habitats, and how understanding them helps protect public health. Join us throughout July for hands-on activities, live arthropod encounters, and interactive learning for all ages.
Quick Reminder of Business Hours changes on the 19th: https://diseasevectoreducationcenter.org/event/july-19th-business-hours-change/
This Month’s Featured Programs:
Fish Frenzy is still offered at 11:00 AM and at 3:00 PM.
🦟 Vector Cravings: Mosquitoes
Spotlighting: Aedes aegypti
Disease Focus: Yellow Fever and more
Wednesday, July 15 at 3:30 PM
Wednesday, July 29 at 11:30 AM
🔬 Crazy Science: Puddles & Pupae
Investigate the mosquito life cycle, discover where mosquitoes develop, and learn why finding breeding habitats is one of the best ways to stop mosquitoes before they become biting adults.
Thursday, July 16 at 3:30 PM
Thursday, July 30 at 11:30 AM
🦂 Feature Creature: “Kuzco” the Emperor Scorpion
Meet one of our incredible arthropods and learn about scorpion adaptations, behavior, and the important roles they play in nature.
Wednesday, July 22 at 11:30 AM
Wednesday, July 22 at 3:30 PM
🕵️ Monthly Missions
Continue the adventure with self-guided activities throughout the month!
Passport Missions: Thursdays and Fridays, 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
Weekend Whodunits: Saturdays, 10:30 AM–3:30 PM
Planning your visit just got easier! Friday evening, our new Activity Guide will provide an overview of daily offerings, program descriptions, schedules, and participation guidelines. The guide will be updated regularly to reflect current activities. Full activity offerings begin Tuesday, July 21.
Please note:
Printed activity handouts are temporarily unavailable from 12:00 PM–2:00 PM. Digital versions remain available during the designated activity times.
Monthly Missions cannot be started after 3:30 PM to ensure guests have enough time to complete the activities before closing.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Disease Vector Education Center!
#DVEC #DiseaseVectorEducationCenter #CrazyScience #FeatureCreature #VectorCravings #MosquitoLifeCycle #Entomology #STEMEducation #PublicHealth #MosquitoControl #Arthropods #StJohnsCounty

No Scheduled Programs
2026-08-04 10:00 - 2026-08-08 17:00
The Disease Vector Education Center (DVEC) will be pausing select scheduled programs from August 4–8, 2026, as our team focuses on planning, preparation, and the setup of upcoming events and educational experiences.
Programs Paused (August 4–8):

Crazy Science
Feature Creature
Weekend Whodunits
Passport Missions
Vector Cravings

Still Available:

Scavenger Hunts will continue to be distributed during their normal pickup times:

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Fish Frenzy will continue at its regular program times:

11:00 AM
3:00 PM

While our scheduled programming is taking a brief pause, the center will remain open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and all exhibits will continue to be available for self-guided exploration.
This short programming pause will allow us to prepare exciting new educational experiences while getting ready for World Mosquito Day on August 20. We’re looking forward to celebrating with engaging learning opportunities, special activities, and educational content that highlights the importance of mosquito-borne disease prevention, mosquito control, and the science behind public health.
Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work to enhance the visitor experience. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more hands-on learning and to share everything we have planned for World Mosquito Day and beyond.

August 2026 Upcoming Events
2026-08-11 10:00 - 2026-08-31 17:00
August 2026 Upcoming Events!
This month, we’re continuing to explore the world of mosquitoes, disease vectors, arthropods, and the science behind protecting public health through hands-on activities, interactive missions, and up-close learning experiences.

August also brings one of our biggest mosquito education days of the year: World Mosquito Day on August 20!

Vector Cravings and Crazy Science will be offered once this month to accommodate the additional special programming planned for World Mosquito Day.

Feature Creature
This month’s Feature Creature will highlight mosquitoes in recognition of World Mosquito Day! Join us for mosquito trivia, our Mosquito Magnet demo, and a unique hands-on learning experience as we take a closer look at mosquito biology and behavior.

World Mosquito Day | August 20
Join us for special events during World Mosquito Day! We’ll have additional opportunities to explore mosquito science, history, disease prevention, mosquito control, and the discoveries that have shaped our understanding of mosquito-borne disease.
Special World Mosquito Day flyers will be posted separately with event details, activities, and schedules. Stay tuned as we get closer to August 20!

Planning Your Visit
Our pinned Activity Flyers provide more information about our daily offerings, activity availability, program descriptions, schedules, and participation guidelines. Be sure to check them when planning your visit, as activity availability may vary.
Please note that activities cannot be started after 3:30 PM to ensure guests have enough time to complete them before the center closes.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Disease Vector Education Center for another month of exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning!

Can you find Meep?
2026-08-20 10:30 - 2026-08-22 15:30
Where in the World is Meep?
Tomorrow is World Mosquito Day and Meep is hiding around the Disease Vector Education Center for World Mosquito Day!

As part of the American Mosquito Control Association’s “Where in the World is Meep?” World Mosquito Day initiative, we’re turning Meep’s visit into a scavenger hunt.

Search the DVEC exhibits for the hidden Meeps, but don’t just find them and move on! Each Meep highlights important information about mosquitoes, malaria, mosquito control, and medical entomology.

Pay attention to what you discover because those clues may come in handy during our Feature Creature: Mosquito Edition trivia and World Mosquito Day Jeopardy! Find all the hidden Meeps to earn a special World Mosquito Day sticker, then stop by and snap a photo with one of our Meep cutouts!

Join us August 20-22, 2026 @ 10:30 AM-3:30 PM and see how many Meeps you can find while putting your mosquito knowledge to the test.

Feature Creature: Mosquito Edition
2026-08-20 11:30 - 15:30
Feature Creature is getting a special World Mosquito Day edition!

Join us on Thursday, August 20 in our classroom for an up-close look at the creature at the center of World Mosquito Day!

Test your knowledge with fun mosquito trivia, see live mosquitoes during our mosquito cage demonstration, take a closer look at their biology and behavior, and learn how we can protect ourselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease.

Come discover why understanding mosquitoes is an important part of protecting public health!

Show times: 11:30 AM & 3:30 PM

Jeopardy! World Mosquito Day Edition
2026-08-22 15:30 - 16:00
What is… World Mosquito Day!

Join us for a special World Mosquito Day event and put your mosquito knowledge to the test with some good old-fashioned Jeopardy!

From mosquito biology and disease to history, control, and prevention, see how much you know while learning a few new facts along the way.

Bring your family and friends, pick a category, and get ready to play!
Saturday, August 22 Show time: 3:30 PM

Come celebrate World Mosquito Day with a little friendly competition, mosquito science, and plenty of fun!
