Butterfly Pavilion
Wander through a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of vibrant butterflies and fascinating invertebrates. A magical escape for all ages!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more butterfly activity
Butterfly Pavilion
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more butterfly activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wander through a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of vibrant butterflies and fascinating invertebrates. A magical escape for all ages!
"A dream to walk among the butterflies, a truly magical and educational experience for everyone!"
🦋 Butterfly Attraction Trick
Buy fake flowers with sugar water to attract butterflies.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The outdoor garden is perfect for stunning photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Butterfly Conservatory
Indoor exhibit
Wander through a lush environment with hundreds of butterflies fluttering around you. A truly magical experience!

Tarantula Encounters
Invertebrate exhibits
Get up close with Rosie the Tarantula and other fascinating arachnids. A thrilling experience for the brave!

Outdoor Garden
Exterior grounds
A beautiful, well-maintained garden area perfect for photos and a peaceful stroll. Great for picnics too!

Aquatic Life
Various exhibits
Discover a variety of aquatic creatures, from colorful fish to marine invertebrates.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Butterflies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦋 Butterfly Attraction Trick
Buy fake flowers with sugar water to attract butterflies.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The outdoor garden is perfect for stunning photos.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Docents are knowledgeable and welcoming, happy to answer questions.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Especially for LA's Natural History Museum location, reservations are often required.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦋 Butterfly Attraction Trick
Buy fake flowers with sugar water to attract butterflies.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The outdoor garden is perfect for stunning photos.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Docents are knowledgeable and welcoming, happy to answer questions.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Especially for LA's Natural History Museum location, reservations are often required.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Butterfly Pavilion for its enchanting atmosphere and the magical experience of being surrounded by hundreds of butterflies. The opportunity to hold a tarantula and the well-maintained outdoor gardens are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects. While some find it a bit small or pricey, most agree it's a worthwhile and memorable visit, especially for families.
"This was always a fun place to visit as a kid, but as a parent now I love it even more. There are so many things to see and learn and the docents were very friendly. The play area for kids was a nice surprise too! We’ll be back for sure."
Kara W
"We were planning to do some hiking in a canyon on our last afternoon in Colorado, but the day was so hot and the sun was so bright so we looked for something to do inside and found this place. We were very glad we did! We enjoyed all the butterflies, and the children especially enjoyed the VR headset experience. The huge play area for young children was a huge hit as well. A little expensive, but we really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for something to do inside or to break the pace from exploring Colorado’s beautiful scenery."
Kevin Horst
"Pretty small, but not too expensive! There’s lots of opportunities to learn, and would be perfect for younger kids! The outdoor butterfly area is beautiful, and full of great photo moments. The staff are friendly and welcoming. It has the cutest little souvenir shop to finish your visit with. I’d recommend for a short activity for anyone, especially families with young kids :)"
Kora Barnett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main Butterfly Pavilion is located in Westminster, Colorado, near Denver.
For specific locations like the one at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, check their website.Directions vary by location. For the Westminster, CO location, it's easily accessible by car.
If visiting the LA Natural History Museum's exhibit, public transport or ride-sharing are good options.Yes, ample parking is generally available at the Westminster location.
Parking at museum locations will follow the museum's policies.Yes, depending on the location. The LA Natural History Museum exhibit is accessible via public transport.
For Westminster, CO, ride-sharing services are an option.Hours can vary by season and location. The Westminster, CO location is typically open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with entry closing at 4:15 pm.
Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary by location. The LA Natural History Museum exhibit is around $10, with members free but still requiring a reservation.
Check the official website for the most current pricing for any location.It's highly recommended, especially for the LA Natural History Museum exhibit which requires reservations.
Booking online can also save you time and guarantee entry.Keep an eye on their website or local deal sites for potential discounts. Membership often provides free or discounted entry.
Admission typically grants access to the main butterfly conservatory, invertebrate exhibits, and sometimes outdoor garden areas.
Yes, memberships are often available and can offer benefits like free admission and discounts.
🎫 🦋 Onsite Experience
You'll see thousands of butterflies, tarantulas, spiders, fish, and other fascinating invertebrates.
Some locations also feature aquatic exhibits.Yes, it's a common and magical experience! Butterflies may land on you, especially if you stand still.
Absolutely! Kids love the interactive exhibits, the chance to see so many butterflies, and holding tarantulas.
Rosie is a well-known and friendly tarantula that visitors can often hold.
Yes, the Butterfly Pavilion is an invertebrate zoo, so expect to see spiders, insects, and aquatic life.
📸 📸 Photography
The indoor conservatory with lush plants and the outdoor garden offer beautiful backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of flash photography, which can disturb the butterflies.
Yes, you can take photos of the tarantulas, but always follow staff instructions for safe viewing.
Mornings often offer softer light and more active butterflies.
Avoid using flash photography inside the conservatory to protect the butterflies' delicate eyesight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing sugar water-dipped flowers to attract butterflies for even more magical interactions. The outdoor garden is also a great spot for kids to explore and burn off energy. It's an educational and fun experience that will leave kids buzzing with excitement.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save on costs inside. The outdoor garden areas are often free to explore and provide beautiful photo opportunities without an additional charge.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of lighting conditions; mornings often provide softer, more flattering light. While flash is generally discouraged to protect the butterflies, experiment with natural light and macro lenses to capture the intricate details of the insects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Butterflies
Some species, like the Atlas Moth, have incredibly short lifespans, living only a week or two after emerging from their cocoons. This emphasizes the ephemeral beauty of these insects and the importance of conservation efforts. The educational aspect is significant, with staff and signage providing insights into butterfly behavior, migration, and their role in the ecosystem.
Beyond Butterflies: A World of Invertebrates
Beyond arachnids, the pavilion often features exhibits on other invertebrates like ants, beetles, and even aquatic life. These displays provide a broader understanding of the insect world and its importance. The attention to detail in creating habitats for each species ensures a realistic and educational viewing experience, making it more than just a butterfly house.
Conservation and Education
Educational programs and interactive exhibits are designed to engage visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. From understanding the life cycle of a butterfly to learning about the ecological roles of various invertebrates, the pavilion offers valuable learning opportunities that extend beyond the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit