The Big Squish

The Big Squish is a free, family-friendly event at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo designed to tackle an environmental challenge together. During this hands-on afternoon, you and your kids will learn to identify spotted lanternflies in all their life stages—from egg masses to nymphs to adults—and participate in removing them from the zoo grounds. It's a practical way to contribute to pest management while spending time outdoors as a family. This event combines education with action, making it ideal for families interested in conservation and nature. There's no cost to attend, and the zoo provides the opportunity to learn about an invasive species that affects the region. Kids get to be active problem-solvers while parents gain knowledge they can apply at home. It's a short, focused program that works well for families with varying schedules.