Family Programs

Ever wondered what that pretty yellow flower was on your daily walk? Or heard a lazy buzzing sound and wondered if it was a bumblebee? Spend a morning learning about the incredible creatures that live all around us at a free bioblitz event with City of Lafayette! Bring out your inner naturalist as we document and observe the plants and animals at an important natural area - Kneebone Open Space. All the information we collect through this bioblitz will be used by staff to foster healthy habitat at this space and others like it. This event is open to all, no experience required. Come prepared with weather appropriate clothing, water, and the iNaturalist app (free!). All other monitoring equipment will be provided.

Open to all - children and adults!

Location: Kneebone Open Space, Lafayette - 11218 Arapahoe Rd. 

Questions? Please reach out to Ashley White, awhite@butterflies.org

When the sun goes down, the adventure begins. Whether you're planning a unique date night, a fun outing with friends, or a solo mission of curiosity, Flashlight Tours invite you to explore Butterfly Pavilion like never before — in the dark.

Armed with a flashlight, unravel the secrets of the Pavilion, working as a team to solve puzzles throughout the zoo. Join our expert guides for a one-of-a-kind, after-hours experience that weaves together storytelling, real science, and live animals. Do you have what it takes to escape the Pavilion?

Slow down, move together, and experience the magic of family yoga surrounded by hundreds of free-flying butterflies in our tropical rainforest. This playful, all-levels class invites children and their grown-ups to explore movement through partner poses, breathing games, mindful moments, storytelling, and nature-inspired yoga.

Together, we'll stretch like caterpillars, balance like butterflies, sway with the trees, and pause to notice the incredible life all around us. Rather than focusing on perfect poses, this class celebrates connection, curiosity, and joyful movement. Families will leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and with a deeper appreciation for one another and the natural world.

Perfect for families with children ages 4 10 (siblings welcome), no yoga experience is needed just bring your sense of wonder.

Come create memories, share laughter, and discover how slowing down together helps us notice the beauty that's always been around us. The warm rainforest, filled with tropical plants and butterflies, offers a truly one-of-a-kind setting for mindful family connection.

Calling all Girl Scouts! Join us at Butterfly Pavilion for Girl Scouts Day: Badge Blitz, an exciting day of hands-on learning, exploration, and adventure designed for Daisy and Brownie scouts.

Scouts will explore the world of invertebrates and conservation while completing a check-off booklet filled with interactive activities that help fulfill badge requirements. Through engaging, educational experiences, scouts will discover the connections between nature, science, and conservation while earning progress toward their badges.

We are so excited to invite you to a very special Grandparent Day Craft Event at the Butterfly Pavilion!

This heartwarming experience is designed for kids and grandparents to create together, making memories and a beautiful keepsake to take home.

Participants will create an 8-inch solar mason jar lantern decorated with pressed flowers and soft fairy lights. Each lantern includes:

- Solar-powered lid
- Fairy lights
- Hanging handle
- Pressed floral designs
- Glass mason jar lantern (8-inch size)

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.

February 10, 2026: Ecosystems

Join us as we explore the interconnected networks of plants and animals that sustain life on our planet. We'll examine the diverse ecosystems found around the world, how invertebrates support our natural habitats, and how we can support them in turn.

March 11, 2026: Baby Bugs

Baby animals are the cutest, and baby bugs are no exception! Join us as we examine the unique life cycles of insects, arachnids, and more through classes, activities, and crafts. We'll also look at baby pics of some of our favorite Butterfly Pavilion residents!

April 15, 2026: Conservation in Action

Conservation is a big topic but even the smallest actions can help our natural world! We'll explore different conservation initiatives that Butterfly Pavilion is leading and strategies anyone can implement to help protect our planet.

September 17, 2026: Backyard Buddies

Butterfly Pavilion showcases amazing invertebrates from all over the planet, but there are also plenty of awesome animals to be found in our own backyards! We'll explore our state's incredible biodiversity and learn more about the invertebrates that call Colorado home through classes, activities, and crafts.

October 15, 2026: Masters of Disguise

Many invertebrates utilize camouflage to help them survive, making them the ultimate masters of disguise! We will explore how different colors, patterns, and behaviors help invertebrates survive and thrive through classes, activities, and crafts.

November 12, 2026: Adaptations are the ultimate secret to survival!

Join us as we dive into the diverse world of invertebrate adaptations and learn how these unique animals survive in ecosystems all over the planet.

At Butterfly Pavilion, we know that things can get hectic with busy butterflies and bodies buzzing around. During quiet afternoons, come experience our exhibits in a unique way that meets the needs of your family. With natural lighting, quiet tones, and limited admission, this event provides an enjoyable, low-key experience just for them. We also have a Quiet Room sponsored by SOAR Autism, which is a space for any guests experiencing sensory overload to go to and relax in a comfortable and low sensory environment. Each Sensory Friendly Afternoon offers guided interpretation in each exhibit, optional activity guides, and access to our playroom.