Adult Programs

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!

- 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 13, 2025, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

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

Join us for a fun and enlightening exploration of plants in pop culture—complete with a glass of wine or beer! From dream-inducing flower fields to crime-fighting vegetables and houseplants with beautiful baritone voices, plants play countless roles in film, poetry, music, and art. But how much of this storytelling is rooted in science? Dive into this interactive class with Butterfly Pavilion’s Horticulturist and Manager of Community Habitats, Ashley White, as we answer some of your most burning botanical questions: Can a willow actually whomp, or a tree really be giving? Do piranha plants exist, and should Mario be ingesting all those mushrooms? Uncover the scientific truths behind your favorite flora fables while enjoying a refreshing drink.

*This call is intended for adults but is suitable for 16+ with an adult in attendance*

Taught by The Terrorium Shop, Denver’s natural history store. In this class, you will learn everything you need to know to mount your very own scorpion specimen.

This class will start with a short lecture discussing the anatomy and lifestyle habits of the selected specimens. You will learn about relaxing chambers, the different types, and how to make a quick, easy relaxing chamber from household items. The last portion of the class will be hands-on pinning of your specimen.

Each person will receive one relaxed scorpion, a mini relaxing chamber, their own pinning board, and their own set of entomology pins. Please note the morphos do not have their thorax as they are removed due to grease of specimens.

The partnership between Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC) Gallery and Butterfly Pavilion is a fantastic blend of art and nature, creating a vibrant cultural and educational experience. This collaboration not only brings our community together but also honors the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos while shining a light on the Monarch butterfly, a powerful symbol of transformation and migration.

At the Monarch Magic Sip and Paint event, you’ll have the chance to celebrate the Day of the Dead by painting your own masterpiece of a Monarch butterfly. This experience is all about embracing the cycles of life and death, the beauty of nature, and the importance of remembrance and renewal, all while enjoying a relaxed and creative atmosphere.

CHAC Gallery and Butterfly Pavilion have crafted an immersive experience that highlights the deep connection between cultural heritage and environmental conservation. This partnership is set to captivate and inspire, offering a truly unique and artistic celebration for our community.

No yard? No Problem! Everyone has the potential to cultivate and relish a stunning garden, while even the smallest outdoor spaces can become havens for pollinators!! Meet some small-space plant powerhouses, learn about providing pollinator food and shelter in container gardens, and get inspired to make big changes in little areas.

Join us for an immersive class that explores the traditions of Día de Muertos through culture, nature, and food. Discover the symbolic connection between Monarch butterflies and the spirits of ancestors and learn how to honor loved ones with edible amaranth skulls. This class is co-taught by an Indigenous Relations Consultant from Harvest of All First Nations and a facilitator from Luna Cultura, who weaves art, science, and culture into the experience. Together, they offer a unique perspective on the holiday’s meaning and its deep ties to nature.

What to Expect:

• Explore the history and significance of Día de Muertos
• Learn how Monarch butterflies connect with the holiday’s traditions
• Create your own amaranth skulls in a hands-on workshop
• Engage with Indigenous perspectives on life, memory, and celebration

Celebrate Día de Muertos in a meaningful way by blending tradition with creativity in this special cultural and culinary experience.