Skip to main content

The Wiegand Butterfly House

5.0(1 reviews)$Museum
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers are mesmerized by the colorful butterflies landing nearby, while elementary-aged kids appreciate the educational insect exhibits and interactive learning stations that explain metamorphosis and ecosystems.

About

The Wiegand Butterfly House offers an enchanting indoor garden experience where children can walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a tropical paradise setting. Located within the Audubon facilities in Uptown LA, this immersive nature museum combines the wonder of colorful butterflies with hands-on insect exhibits that transform learning into an unforgettable adventure for curious young minds.

Highlights

  • Walking through a tropical garden with hundreds of exotic butterflies flying freely around you
  • Watching butterflies emerge from chrysalises during scheduled release times
  • Interactive insect exhibits featuring stick insects, beetles, and other fascinating creatures
  • Hands-on learning stations teaching kids about butterfly life cycles and habitats
  • The magical moment when a butterfly lands on a child's shoulder or hand

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Wear bright colors, especially red, pink, or purple,butterflies are more likely to land on you, creating magical photo opportunities
  2. 2.Visit on weekday mornings right when they open at 9:00 AM to avoid field trip groups and enjoy a more peaceful experience
  3. 3.Bring your camera but keep movements slow and gentle inside the butterfly house to avoid startling the delicate creatures
  4. 4.The tropical environment is kept warm and humid (around 80°F), so dress in light layers you can remove
  5. 5.Check if butterflies are being released from chrysalises,staff often announce these special moments that kids absolutely love witnessing

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings between 9:00-11:00 AM are ideal, as butterflies are most active earlier in the day and crowds are lighter. Visit during spring or fall when outdoor temperatures are comfortable, making the transition in and out of the climate-controlled butterfly house more pleasant for little ones.

What to Know

Part of the larger Audubon Nature Institute facilities, which may offer combination tickets for multiple attractions. The warm, humid environment inside the butterfly house means strollers are allowed but can be cumbersome on the winding pathways,baby carriers work better for younger children.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with consistent hours seven days a week. The climate-controlled indoor environment makes this an excellent rainy-day or hot summer activity. Special butterfly releases and educational programs may be offered during spring break and summer months.

Nearby Eats

Being located in Uptown LA, you'll find numerous family-friendly options nearby including casual cafés and restaurants within the larger Audubon complex. Consider packing snacks as young children may get hungry during your visit, though check facility policies about food in the butterfly house itself.

More Activities Near Uptown

Activity

Magazine Street

$

Magazine Street is a six-mile treasure trove stretching through Uptown New Orleans, packed with charming toy stores, independent bookshops, and family-friendly boutiques that make for a delightful day of exploration. Unlike typical shopping districts, this eclectic corridor offers a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere where families can browse unique shops, grab bites at casual eateries, and discover hidden gems that big-box stores simply can't match.

Park

Audubon Park

4.7Free

Audubon Park is a stunning 350-acre urban oasis in New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood that offers families endless opportunities for outdoor fun. With sprawling oak-shaded playgrounds, scenic walking paths around picturesque lagoons, and vast open lawns perfect for running, playing, and picnicking, it's a beloved destination where kids can burn energy while parents enjoy the beautiful Southern landscape.

Park

Audubon Riverview (Butterfly) Park

4.7Free

Audubon Riverview Park, affectionately known as 'The Fly' by locals, is a sprawling riverfront oasis where families can watch massive cargo ships glide along the Mississippi River while kids run free on open green spaces. This beloved Uptown gem combines stunning river views with plenty of room for bikes, picnics, and outdoor play, making it a go-to spot for New Orleans families seeking fresh air and adventure.

Library

Norman Mayer Library

4.6Free

Norman Mayer Library is a welcoming community hub in New Orleans' Gentilly neighborhood that goes beyond just books. With regular story times, hands-on educational activities, and an extensive children's collection, this library creates a fun, enriching environment where kids can discover the joy of reading while parents enjoy free, quality programming.