Photo: Harold Eastman
Photo: Christopher Dantzler
Photo: David Sutphin
Butterfly Pavilion
★4.7(3,609 reviews)$$Zoo
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers are mesmerized by the colorful butterflies landing nearby, while elementary-aged kids love the hands-on encounters and educational components. Even teens interested in biology find the research institute aspect engaging.🧡 Saved by 250+ families
About
Butterfly Pavilion offers an enchanting hands-on experience where kids can walk among thousands of free-flying butterflies in a tropical conservatory, get up close with tarantulas (including the famous Rosie the Tarantula!), and explore interactive marine touch tanks. This isn't your typical zoo,it's an invertebrate wonderland where children can actually touch and interact with fascinating creatures under expert guidance.
Highlights
- ✓Walking through the tropical conservatory with 1,600+ free-flying butterflies from around the world
- ✓Holding Rosie the Tarantula during scheduled encounter sessions
- ✓Interactive marine touch tanks where kids can feel sea stars, sea urchins, and sea anemones
- ✓Bug Zoo featuring exotic insects like walking sticks and giant cockroaches
- ✓Crawl-A-See-Um play area designed for toddlers and preschoolers
Pro Tips
- 1.Wear bright colors to attract butterflies,they're more likely to land on you! Avoid wearing butterfly patterns though, as staff recommend solid bright colors work best.
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings right when they open at 9 AM for the most peaceful butterfly experience and best photo opportunities without crowds.
- 3.Don't miss Rosie the Tarantula encounter,check the daily schedule upon arrival as encounter times vary and this is often the highlight for brave kids.
- 4.Bring a light jacket even in summer,the butterfly conservatory is kept warm and humid (around 80°F), but other exhibits are climate-controlled.
- 5.Allow time for the Water's Edge exhibit with touch tanks,kids can spend 30+ minutes here touching sea stars and anemones.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) offer the smallest crowds and most active butterflies. Butterflies are most active earlier in the day, and you'll have better opportunities for interactions before school groups arrive mid-morning.
What to Know
Admission prices vary by age with discounts for children; check their website for current rates and combination ticket deals. Free parking is available on-site, and while there's no full restaurant, they have a small café with snacks,consider eating before or after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours (9 AM - 5 PM daily), making it perfect for cold Colorado winters when indoor activities are needed. They host special seasonal events including Butterflies & Brews for adults and holiday-themed educational programs.
Nearby Eats
Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread are less than 5 minutes away on Wadsworth Boulevard, offering quick kid-friendly options before or after your visit.
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