Select An Item

Celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren with a delightful pressed flower lantern workshop! Create beautiful lanterns that will light up your home and serve as a cherished memory of your time together. And, without pollinators like bees, flies, and wasps, we wouldn't have such beautiful flowers to create works of art with!

Supplies included:

- One 10oz glass jar per person

- Pressed flowers

- Supplies to assemble the craft

Instructor: local artist Dani Forsyth!

Homeschoolers and your families, these days are reserved especially for you! Take advantage of these exciting opportunities to explore our engaging exhibits and interact with thousands of invertebrates! Each Homeschool Day incorporates themed activities great for all ages. These include various invertebrate investigations, talks with real scientists, fun crafts, and more.

Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 13, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join us for Butterfly Pavilion's biggest summer event,   Insectival: 30th Anniversary Bug Bash, our weekend-long festival to celebrate Butterfly Pavilion's 30 years of wonder, impact, and collaboration.

Become An Expert In All Things Bumble Bees with Bumble Bee Expert Dr. John Mola.

The Butterfly Pavilion is proud to offer this chance to learn in-person about bumble bee biology, ecology, and conservation from Dr. John Mola, the lead researcher of the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Bee Ecology and Extension Lab at Colorado State University. Participants will acquire the skills to identify the Colorado-native bumble bee species in their backyards and cultivate the key plants that help these bees flourish in Front Range cities. This workshop will include hands-on opportunities to interact with pinned specimens and – weather permitting -- with live specimens as well!

Schedule:

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lecture covering Bumble Bees key characteristics, diversity, life cycles, and ecological roles.

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch break. (Please pack a lunch)

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Field trip or lab activity providing hands-on experience related to the lecture content.

Join us for a special Halloween edition of "Invertebrates and Music Walks" as we explore the rainforest after dark. Guided by naturalist Dave Southerland and accompanied by eerie music, we'll use flashlights to discover orb weavers and other night time creatures. The adventure concludes in the Butterfly Pavilion's Discovery Gardens, where we'll search for nighttime invertebrates amidst the Halloween atmosphere. Don't miss this unique journey into the mysterious world of the night!

Partners:

-Dave Southerland

-Boulder Philharmonic

Details:

- Enjoy easy walks along trails suitable for all levels.

- Walks take place in low-light conditions.

- Dress appropriately for the outdoors with breathable clothing and walking shoes.

Why have composers been fascinated by invertebrates, and how have they tried to capture them in their music? You are invited to ""Invertebrates and Music Walks,"" a collaboration between naturalist Dave Sutherland, Boulder Philharmonic, and Butterfly Pavilion. Join us for a stroll through our tropical rainforest, while listening to classical music selections inspired by the world of invertebrates. Led by Dave, immerse yourself in curated compositions as butterflies flutter around us. Conclude your journey outside in Butterfly Pavilion's Discovery Gardens, where specially crafted music invites exploration of invertebrates' lives. Let curiosity guide you through this fusion of sound and nature, where every step reveals a new melody and every encounter unveils unseen beauty.

Partners:

Dave Southerland

Boulder Philharmonic

Details:

• These walks are of low difficulty but involve trail walking.

• Please dress appropriately for the outdoor environment, including breathable clothes, sturdy walking shoes, and sunscreen

BConnected Colorado is excited to co-host this guided meditation event with the Butterfly Pavilion! Immerse yourself in the serenity of Butterfly Pavilions beautiful space, surrounded by lush tropical plants, a flowing stream, and the gentle presence of live butterflies. In this meditation, we’ll focus on deepening our connection to our bodies, our community, and the earth.

BConnected Colorado is a social club dedicated to building an inclusive, welcoming community for bisexual and queer individuals. This meditation is designed to foster a sense of belonging and connection. Together, we'll explore grounding practices to align with the energy of nature, the support of our community, and the strength of our individual bodies.

Why Attend?

- Reconnect with yourself and the earth in a beautiful natural setting.

- Build a sense of community and belonging with other Bi/Queer individuals.

- Experience a moment of peace and healing during the busy holiday season.

More information:

- Allies are welcome!

- Rainforest temperature varies between 65 and 85 degrees.

- This class is intended for adults, but children over 13 may attend with a parent.

Fee: - $10 Member - $12 Non-Member

Discover the Front Range’s Fantastic Diversity of Native Bees with Certified Naturalist Ryan Bartlett.

This class will highlight the origins, diversity, and preferred plants of the over 1000 different species of bees that call the Rocky Mountains home. Certified arborist, naturalist and plant pathologist Ryan Bartlett of Colorado Native Bee will provide an engaging lecture on the conservation of these vital pollinators. Weather permitting, participants will also head outdoors to catch some of the colorful bees that frequent Butterfly Pavilion’s beautiful Discovery Garden.

Relish a quiet hour of morning light photography in the tropical rainforest before open our doors to the public. Snap photos of beautiful butterflies and exotic tropical flowers in the morning light. Sessions are offered monthly and begin at 8:00am.

Cost:  $10 for non-members, $8.00 for members. Note: This session is self-guided. Participants supply own equipment.

What does it take to have a garden space that is truly pollinator-friendly? Explore techniques and approaches in encouraging your garden to thrive as it’s own mini-ecosystem, and reap the benefits of less money, time, and resources spent on your space. Learn the do’s and don’ts of clean up, the signs and symptoms of different visitors to your garden, and the magic in embracing a little bit of “mess”.

Get empowered and equipped to transform outdoor spaces into pollinator habitat havens with Butterfly Pavilion's Pollinator Gardening Bootcamp workshop series! Workshops include educational lectures, interactive participation, hands-on outdoor activities, and personalized instruction. Join other curious and passionate pollinator supporters and gardening enthusiasts through the planning, design, implementation, and upkeep involved in gardening for pollinators.

*To obtain your certification, you must complete the 5 classes and pass the comprehensive final exam (open-book, research encouraged) with a 70% or better. *

Cost:

Member Package Pricing: $140 for all classes

Non-member Package Pricing: $160 for all classes

2025 class dates:

Sunday, February 23: Pollinator Gardening 101 - 9:30am - 12:30pm

Sunday, March 30: Plants for Pollinators - 10:00am-1:00pm

Sunday, April27: Pollinator Garden Design - 10:00am-1:00pm

Sunday, May 18: Pollinator Garden Preparation and Planting - 10:00am-1:00pm

Sunday, July 27: Pollinator Garden Maintenance and Care - 10:00am-1:00pm

Winter Tropical Plant Tour: February 2, 2025, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Spring Tour: April 20, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Summer Tour: July 27, 2025, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Fall Tour: September 21, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Experience the beauty and diversity of the Butterfly Pavilion's outdoor gardens throughout the year with our exclusive seasonal garden tours led by Senior Director of Horticulture, Amy Yarger. Join us in spring, summer, and fall to explore the evolving landscapes of our habitat gardens, discovering the plants that support native butterflies, bees, and other pollinators at each stage of their life cycle. Amy will share insights on plant selection, garden design, and the unique challenges and successes of creating thriving pollinator habitats.

In winter, escape the cold with a special tropical plant tour in our lush, tropical butterfly room. Learn about the exotic plants that provide food and shelter for butterflies from around the world and discover the fascinating connections between tropical plants and pollinators.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore our gardens in every season and gain inspiration for your own pollinator-friendly garden!

Get an exclusive, insider’s look into the incredible world of venom, nature’s most effective chemical tool, with arachnologist Jackie Billotte. This fascinating talk will take you behind the scenes of venom’s evolution across spiders, snakes, insects, and other animals. Discover how these venoms have developed as powerful tools for survival, from hunting and defense to shaping ecosystems. You’ll learn how venom works, the diverse chemical compounds it contains, and how scientists are unlocking its potential for groundbreaking medical research and treatments.

As you sip your drink, be captivated by Jackie’s expert insights into the hidden wonders of the natural world. This is more than just a talk—it’s an opportunity to explore the mysteries behind nature’s most potent substances in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Your instructor: Arachnologist Jackie Billotte M.S

Please note that this event is for adults 21 years and older.

What’s included:

- One serving of beer or wine during the presentation

- Non-Alcoholic options available

Join us for a special day dedicated to our senior community!

Enjoy a discounted admission rate and explore the wonders of invertebrates and pollinators through engaging activities designed just for you.

What to Expect:

Interactive Booths - Stop by throughout the day to meet fascinating invertebrates, chat with experts, and participate in hands-on demonstrations.

Pollinator Walks - Guided garden walks will take place at set times (schedule TBD). Join a naturalist to explore the vital role of pollinators in our ecosystem. A finalized schedule will be provided closer to the event.

Mini Guest Lectures - Short talks from entomologists and conservation experts will be scheduled throughout the day (schedule TBD). These sessions are open to all guests and cover a range of intriguing topics.

General Admission Details:

This event is open to all visitors. Seniors will receive special pricing and exclusive activities, but Butterfly Pavilion remains open to the public.

Activities like the guest lectures and guided walks will run on a posted schedule, so you can plan your visit around what interests you most.

The full activity schedule will be announced closer to the event and shared with attendees.

No need to register for individual activities just join in when they start!

Whether you're a lifelong nature enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and relaxing day out, Senior Celebration Day is the perfect chance to connect with nature and our vibrant community.

If you have a group of 10 or more seniors please contact Oksanna Wildrick (owildrick@butterflies.org) for group pricing.

Here at Butterfly Pavilion, we know that things can get pretty hectic with busy butterflies, bees and bodies buzzing around during the day. Join us for a low-sensory afternoon that meets the needs of families that need to experience the Pavilion in a different way. With natural lighting, quiet tones, and limited admission - this experience offers your little one an enjoyable, low-key experience just for them.

Each Sensory Friendly Afternoon offers guided interpretation in each exhibit and an interactive Storytime program.

Are you terrified of spiders but strangely captivated by them? Or maybe you’re the "odd one" in your friend group because of your spider obsession? Either way, this class is for you!

Led by Dr. Paula Cushing, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, you’ll discover:

-The evolutionary relationships between spiders and their closest relatives

- Insights into spider biology, behavior, and ecological importance

- Techniques to identify different spider families

- Certification to participate in the Colorado Spider Survey

As a seasoned expert, Dr. Cushing brings decades of research experience, having served as President of both the American Arachnological Society and the International Society of Arachnology. Her passion for spiders runs deep—she even gave her first public lecture on spiders while still in high school!

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the world’s foremost arachnologists and transform your curiosity (or fear) into knowledge.

Schedule:

Tuesday, September 30, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion

Thursday, October 2, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion

Saturday, October 4, 2025: Collection Day from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion (pack a lunch!)

Tuesday, October 7, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion

Thursday, October 9, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Butterfly Pavilion

Tuesday, October 14, 2025: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Denver Museum of Nature and Science (2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver)

Enter the world of spiders this exclusive, adults-only after-hours tour led by Butterfly Pavilion entomologist Cori Brant. The curator of our Spiders Around the World exhibit, Cori will take you behind the scenes of the fascinating species on display and reveal the process behind designing these incredible exhibits.

This experience includes a private, after-dark tour of our free-hanging orb weaver exhibit, where you’ll witness these arachnid architects at work. With Cori as your guide, you’ll gain insider knowledge about the spiders’ behaviors, adaptations, and the critical roles they play in ecosystems across the globe.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore the world of spiders with an expert—spaces are extremely limited!

Learn to Mount Your Own Tarantula with The Terrorium Shop!

In this class, you'll master the art of tarantula pinning from start to finish. The session kicks off with a brief lecture exploring the anatomy, behaviors, and fascinating lifestyle of the tarantula. You’ll also discover how to create a relaxing chamber, including a quick and easy version using household items.

The second half of the class is hands-on, where you’ll pin your own specimen with expert guidance from The Terrorium Shop.

Each participant will receive:

- A fully relaxed tarantula

- A mini relaxing chamber

- A pinning board

- A set of professional entomology pins

Join us for this unique opportunity to learn a new skill and take home a beautifully mounted tarantula!

Tickets only valid for the date selected.

Front Doors lock at 4:15 p.m.

Tickets must be reserved for children under 2.

Please see Visitor Information or FAQ page for more information.

Looking for the best time to visit Butterfly Pavilion? View our live occupancy tracker!

Butterfly Pavilion membership is your all-access pass to discovery! Individual membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for one adult
• Two one-time use guest passes
• $2 off guest admission