Visiting an apiary with children: what they see, how to prepare and the safety rules

Most children know bees as something that stings. After an hour at the oasis, they know them as something that dances, builds hexagons and makes honey. This article is for parents and teachers thinking about a visit to an apiary: what children see and do, from what age a visit makes sense, how to prepare and which rules apply.

What children see and do at the oasis

We adapt each visit to the children’s age, but these are the fixed points:

• Bees behind glass. A display frame with glass sides, where children can safely watch the bees on the comb, look for the queen and see how bees “dance”.
• An open hive with the beekeeper. For older children, wearing a protective hat. Josip opens a hive, shows them the frames and explains who is who in the colony.
• Honey from the comb. Tasting honey straight from the comb, an unforgettable moment for most children.
• Perga in the palm of your hand. Children see what perga (bee bread) looks like and can try it.
• How bees collect pollen. The colourful pellets of bee pollen, where the bees carry them and why.
• The api chamber. A few minutes in the chamber, with a parent, for children who want to. Never forced.
• Woods and meadow. A walk along the edge of the woods where the bees forage; what is in flower and why it matters.

From what age

From around the age of four. By then children can follow short instructions, stand still and understand “don’t wave your arms”. Younger children are welcome at the oasis, but they do not go near open hives; they watch from a safe distance and taste the honey.

For school groups we tailor the visit to the year group: a story for the youngest, questions and concrete details about life in the hive for older pupils.

How to prepare

• Clothing: light-coloured, with long sleeves and long trousers. Bees do not like dark clothing or fur.
• Shoes: closed. You will be walking on grass.
• No perfume or scented lotions, including scented shampoo that morning.
• Protective hats with veils are provided by us, for children and adults.
• Explain in advance what they will see: bees are workers, not monsters, and they only sting to defend themselves.

Safety rules around the hives

We repeat these rules at the start of every visit:

1. Children stay with an adult at all times.
2. No running or arm-waving near open hives.
3. If a bee lands on your hand, don’t swat it; wait for it to leave or gently blow it away.
4. No eating or drinking anything sweet near the hives.
5. Listen to the beekeeper.

With these rules, stings are rare. When one does happen, we have a first-aid kit and know what to do.

Allergies

Children with a known allergy to bee stings do not go near the hives. They can come to the oasis, watch the bees through the glass from a distance and take part in the rest of the programme, but safety comes first. Tell us in advance if anyone in the group has an allergy. There is more in our article on allergies to bee products.

What to take home

Children love taking home something they have seen: a jar of honey or the little pellets of bee pollen. The family box contains exactly that.

How to arrange a visit

Visits are by arrangement, in season from spring to early autumn. For families and small groups, get in touch through the contact form; for school groups, tell us the number of children and their ages and we will tailor the programme. Everything about the oasis is on the oasis page.

Conclusion

A visit to an apiary gives children what no book can: bees behind glass, honey from the comb, perga in the palm of their hand and rules that teach them respect for nature. With light-coloured clothing, a protective hat and a few simple rules, the visit is safe even for pre-schoolers.