The Gentle Jungle

Our Buttery Bits of Wisdom about this film:

• Why this Film is Worth It: Made fifteen years ago, this film might feel simplistic to parents accustomed to the latest animated bonanzas offered in theatres, but kids under seven will appreciate its sweetness. The animation of the rainforest plants is quite beautiful, even moving. Your kids will grow up believers!
• Red Flags: Tim Curry is the voice of an evil spirit, Hexxus, who gets released from a tree by the logging crew. This part of the film is louder and scarier than the rest, so fast forward for kids under four.
  
• Music: Songs include selections by Elton John, Thomas Dolby and Jimmy Buffett but our favorite is "If I'm Gonna Eat Somebody (It Might as Well be You)," performed by Tone-Loc.
• COOL FACT: Adults will quickly identify the voices of Robin Williams (as a crazy bat who has lost his radar) and Tim Curry. Remember how fun it was to wait until a film's credits to see if you guessed correctly which actor voiced a character? Those days are gone. Pixars' Cars was the first film to list star's names on the posters of the films.

Our Buttery Bits of Wisdom about this Popcorn Adventure:

• What Worked for Us: Let your kids loose. Think of the area as a playground rather than a learning lab. Most gardens are usually just big enough for kids to wander out of sight, but not so large that they could get lost.
  
• Maps: You may find a map helpful, especially if your garden is large, however, we've found it's easier and more fun to stick to the less formal plan of wandering. Trees and shrubs have tags with latin names and the country of origin if your botanical interest is piqued.
• How to Learn More: If you've got some junior environmentalists in your family, here are a few worthy organizations who protect the rain forest. The Rainforest Action Network is an environmental activism group based in San Francisco and Tokyo that seeks to protect the forests and their inhabitants by transforming the global marketplace. The Rainforest Alliance is a worldwide organization that helps advocate, fundraise and protect forests. Their site has an interesting section advocating that conusmers buy goods from sustainable markets. For a good current dose of what's happening in rain forests around the world, check out The Rainforest Portal, an informative, catch-all site.

Our City Editors' tips for enjoying this Popcorn Adventure around the USA:

• Anywhere: Google your city + botanical garden; gardens or check Botanical Gardens in the USA.
  
• Boston: Lacking an authentic botanical garden or rainforest (unless you include The Rainforest Café in the Burlington Mall), Boston has one of the oldest parks in the US. The Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain has over 15,000 ornamental trees on its 265 acres of land. Younger kids might prefer the Public Gardens located between Arlington and Tremont Streets, where they can also ride the bronze ducklings or the swan boats. Spring and fall are best. 
  
• Chicago: Located in Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a respite for nature-starved city folk. The garden features 365 acres of lush grounds to explore. There are 23 different gardens (including a waterfall garden your littlest ones will love). Set your kids off to ramble along the trails in the three different habitat areas (woodland, prairie and riverscape). Trams run through the grounds every thirty minutes through the end of October. Mark your calendars for the "Trains, Tricks & Treats" in the model railroad garden October 27-28. There will be candy, prizes, and costume contest.
  
• Houston: Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is located just north of Houston in Humble, Texas.  Let the experienced staff and volunteer horticulturists, botanists and naturalists assist you in learning about the region’s collection of native and cultivated plants. Mercer showcases over 20 acres of developed gardens, endangered species collections and extensive walking trails.  Don’t miss the Arboretum, which includes an outdoor classroom and picnic area.
  
• New York: The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is open year-round. The new Everett Children's Adventure Garden has lots of hands-on activities, mazes, and of course, larger-than life flowers. Through October in the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden you can spend the afternoon digging in the dirt and learning about foods grown on the other side of the world. At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden enjoy the colors of Fall from the Overlook, or tour the Japanese gardens. Check the website for special events and to see what's in bloom.
  
• San Francisco, CA: The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park has amazing aquatic and lowland plants. Check hours and fee.  The San Francisco Botanical Gardens, also in Golden Gate Park is free and open every day. Walk through outside climate gardens and head to the duck pond for a great picnicking spot.
• Washington, DC: Visit the U.S. Botanical Gardens Conservatory and the National Gardens at the Capitol. October 13th is the HerbDay! Festival, celebrating the importance of herbs.  Throughout the Conservatory you will find demonstrations, children's activities, and exhibits.  For a pure rainforest experience head over to the Amazonia Habitat at the National Zoo. Walk among living kapok, avocado, and cocoa trees in this enclosed tropical habitat.