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Adults Only Evenings 2025 (18+)

Enjoy the serene beauty of Butterfly Pavilion—just for adults! Our 18+ evenings offer a peaceful, kid-free experience where you can wander through fascinating habitats, get up close with invertebrates, and marvel at free-flying butterflies. This is your chance to explore the exhibits at your own pace, ask our educators deeper questions, and enjoy the calm, immersive environment with like-minded nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a unique date night, solo adventure, or time to unwind with friends, these evenings are perfect for adults who want to connect with nature.

Dates and Times: (all times 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.)

March 20, 2025

May 15, 2025

August 28, 2025

December 18, 2025

Fee: $20 Member $25 Non-Member

Arachnology 101

Arachnology is a 1.5-hour class that delves into the captivating world of spiders. Through a mix of informative teaching and visual aids, students will explore the diversity of spiders, their key characteristics, and their ecological significance. This class aims to offer a foundational understanding of spiders, suitable for those curious about these arachnids without the need for extensive time commitments.

Your Instructor: Arachnologist Jackie Billotte M.S

*This class includes live animals*

Beginner Macro Photography

*This class is geared towards adults but is suitable for 16+ with a parent in attendance*

Whether you’re a paparazzi or can’t figure out your camera or phone, join expert photographer Bob Krugmire for hands-on instruction that will teach you to maximize the potential of your camera! Leave with better skills, knowledge, and tons of fantastic close-up shots. Space is limited! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

Birthday Parties at Butterfly Pavilion

Welcome to the Birthday Parties Booking Page!

Please select the date and time slot you're interested in booking. To review our Parties page online or chek out the FAQ's please click here: https://butterflies.org/birthday-parties/

Birthday Party Details:

All parties include a 2 hour room rental (with 30 additional minutes before the party time to set up), a party host and general admission to Butterfly Pavilion for up to 30 guests (children under 2 don't count towards the total). You can technically have up to 39 guests, but any additional guests over 30 will be charged the group rate of $11/adult, $7/child, and these need to be purchased in advance.

Full payment is due at time of booking. The Birthday Party contract and final guest are due two weeks before the party. 

Supplies are an additional $50 and include tablecloths, plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery.

Caterpillar Package

$360 for members

$400 for non-members 

- Most basic package

- Includes party room rental, party host, and general admission for guests 

- You can request scavenger hunts to be available or for your party host and/or add a story time. Scavenger hunts will not be facilitated by the party host and are for you to do on your own either during or after the party.

Butterfly Package

$405 for members

$450 for non-members 

- Includes everything included with the Caterpillar package.

- This package is a Butterfly-themed party with a personal butterfly release where your party gets a front row seat to watch butterflies that emerged that day being released in our Wings of the Tropics exhibit!

Slime Party Package

$418.50 for members

$465 for non-members

Get ready for a slimy, sensational birthday party where fun meets science! Kids will explore the science behind slime in the invertebrate world through a "Does it Slime?" game, and then they will create their very own batch of color gooey slime to take home!

Bug Hunt Package (available May-September)

$418.50 for members

$465 for non-members

Make your kid’s birthday an adventure! Embark on a guided tour of the gardens and waterways surrounding Butterfly Pavilion, led by your party host, and equipped with a field guide. See how many fascinating invertebrate species you can discover along the way! You might even be able to catch one!

Spiders and Friends Package

$418.50 for members

$465 for non-members

With your birthday kid as their assistant, your party host will show the group different arachnid body parts and how they function using our live arachnid animal ambassadors, preserved specimens, and interactive magnets. Children can assemble magnetic spiders and scorpions while meeting these fascinating creatures and learning all about them!

If a date does not show availability please reach out to us as we may have other spaces available.

Interested in booking a Birthday Party for more than 30 people? Please email education@butterflies.org

Bugs & Brews: Monarch Magic – A Día de los Muertos Experience

Join us for a special edition of Bugs and Brews this November, celebrating Día de los Muertos and the magnificent Monarch butterfly! This exclusive 21+ event offers guests the chance to explore Butterfly Pavilion after hours, completely kid-free. Enjoy two complimentary drinks of beer or wine as you stroll through the exhibits and learn from special educational booths highlighting the cultural significance of Monarchs in Día de los Muertos traditions.

As a highlight of the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of a live performance by Aztec dancers. This unique event blends culture, conservation, and celebration—don’t miss out on this extraordinary night!

What’s included:

Two hours of adult only exhibit exploration.

Two glasses of beer or wine of your choice. Non-alcoholic beverages available.

Event Partners:

Monarch Researcher – Liz Goehering Denver

Museum of Nature and Science Community Outreach Booth

Chicano Humanities and Arts Council Pricing:

Member: $40

Non-Member: $45

Butterfly Pavilion Rainforest Yoga

Experience a rejuvenating yoga class in our tropical rainforest. Led by one of our rotating instructors, classes provide an amazing opportunity to transcend the hustle and bustle of daily life as you practice amongst the butterflies in our conservatory.

 

Due to this program being in high demand no refunds or date change requests can be made for this program. All tickets are final purchase.

Butterfly Pinning with the Terrorium Shop

Learn to Mount Your Own Owl Butterfly with The Terrorium Shop!

In this one-hour class, you'll master the art of butterfly pinning from start to finish. The session kicks off with a brief lecture exploring the anatomy, behaviors, and fascinating lifestyle of the Owl Butterfly. 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 Owl Butterfly

- 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 butterfly!

Butterfly Shadow Box Workshop with the Terrorium Shop

Create a Stunning Shadow Box Display with The Terrorium Shop!

Design your own beautiful shadow box featuring a butterfly and thoughtfully preserved natural elements.

This class is led by The Terrorium Shop, Denver’s premier natural history store specializing in natural preservation. Each participant will receive:

- One 8x10 black square shadow box

- Dried florals

- Preserved moss

- Crystals

- A pinned butterfly specimen, ready for display

Join us for a creative experience that blends art and nature into a unique and elegant keepsake!

Cobweb Christmas Craft Time

Join us for a cozy winter family program where we’ll share the heartwarming tale of Cobweb Christmas by Shirley Climo, a story about kindness, wonder, and the magic of unexpected guests. After the story, families will create their own nature-inspired ornaments using wood slices, painted with trees and tiny spiders, and decorated with a touch of tinsel to hang them with. Perfect for all ages, this event combines storytelling and creativity in a festive atmosphere that celebrates nature’s beauty and winter surprises.

Instructor: Local artist Dani Forsyth

Pricing:

  • $18 per project for members
  • $20 per project for non-members
  • Pricing includes materials for one (1) decorated ornament. Additional ornaments may be purchased at ticket cost

What’s included:

  • Storytime
  • Wood slice ornament and decorations/paint
  • Tinsel to hang the ornament

December 23 - Beetle Mania

Come explore the diverse world of beetles and how they make up the majority of the animals in the world!

 

December 26 - Mysteries of the Deep

Embark on a journey to the depths of the ocean, where we will explore the extraordinary lives of deep-sea animals!

December 27 Creatures of the Night: Nocturnal Invertebrates

Join us for an exciting adventure into the world of nocturnal critters, where we'll discover the hidden lives of creatures that come alive after dark!

December 30 - Spineless Stories

Dive into the enchanting world of buggy storytelling, where imagination meets science!

Dioramas and Bug Teachings with Luna Cultura

In this workshop we will make dioramas inspired by the teachings of insects of Colorado, and you will learn about their habitat and contributions to all life on earth. Let's explore the interesting and enigmatic world of invertebrate insects through storytelling and by creating tiny dioramas to take with you. The program will be conducted in English and Spanish.

En este taller crearemos dioramas inspirados en las enseñanzas de los insectos de Colorado, aprenderemos sobre su hábitat y sus aportes a la vida. Vamos a explorar el interesante y enigmático mundo de los insectos invertebrados a través de la narración de historias y la creación de pequeños dioramas para llevar a casa. El programa se llevará a cabo en inglés y español

Discover the Deadly Side of Plants: A Tropical Butterfly Conservatory Tour

Join Butterfly Pavilion’s Senior Horticulture Director, Amy Yarger, for an unforgettable exploration of the darker side of the plant kingdom. As you stroll through our tropical butterfly conservatory, you’ll encounter the world’s most intriguing and roguish plants. Learn how carnivorous plants trap their prey, discover the deceptive strategies of orchids, and delve into the world of toxic plant compounds that can affect insects—and sometimes even humans!

About Amy Yarger: Amy Yarger has worked in public horticulture since 1996. She holds a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of California, Irvine, and studied plant-animal interactions at the University of Michigan. Amy leads Butterfly Pavilion’s pollinator habitat initiatives, including the Baseline Pollinator District, Manitou Springs Pollinator District, and the Urban Prairies Project, which focuses on restoring habitats in urban and suburban areas.

Date and Time: October 23rd, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Fee: $25 per non-member $20 member.

Family Science Night

5:30 - 7:30pm

Experience Family Science Nights at Butterfly Pavilion for the unbeatable price of $5 per person! At these events, you can explore our exhibits after hours and enjoy self guided activities at themed stations scattered through the exhibits! As a bonus, upon completing all activities, each family member earns a special sticker and enjoys a 10% discount in our gift shop! Make your family nights memorable with our affordable and educational after-hours experience! Registration required!

January: Metamorphosis

February: What do invertebrate families look like?

March: Women in STEM!

April: Biomimicry

May: Spring

June: Pollinators

Fluttering Hearts Escape: A Couples Massage Adventure

Experience the Fluttering Hearts Escape at Butterfly Pavilion! Join certified massage therapist Siara Sweet from Sweet Wellness for a unique couples massage workshop amidst the enchanting tropical rainforest at Butterfly Pavilion. Immerse yourself in the delicate beauty of thousands of butterflies as Siara guides you and yourpartner through the art of massage. This special workshop goes beyond relaxation – you'll not only learn expert massage techniques but also engage in effective couples communication. Siara Sweet's expertise will ensure you leave with newfound skills to create moments of connection and relaxation at home. Amidst the fluttering wonders, she'll share fascinating information about the butterflies, adding a touch of magic to your unforgettable experience. Elevate your bond and revel in the joy of togetherness with the Fluttering Hearts Escape – a truly special couples massage adventure.

Your Therapist: Siara Sweet

Pricing (Per Couple):

$200 Non-Member

$180 Member

General Admission Timed Entry Tickets

Get your tickets online & save! Admission at the door is $1 more than online.

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!

Homeschool Day

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.

August: Ocean Odyssey

Dive deep under the waves and discover the incredible invertebrates that call our oceans home. Interactive classes, activities, and crafts will explore our important marine wildlife.

September: Buzzing About Bees

Discover the fascinating world of bees and their crucial role in our ecosystems during this special homeschool day. Participate in interactive classes and activities led by Butterfly Pavilion educators and learn all about these vital pollinators.

November: Career Crossroads: Critters, Conservation, and Causes

Explore various careers related to invertebrates, animal care, education, and nonprofits in our Career Exploration Day. Meet professionals, learn about their journeys, and discover exciting opportunities for your future path!

December: Living Lights

Discover the mesmerizing world of bioluminescent and biofluorescent invertebrates and their amazing ability to glow. This event will include engaging classes, hands-on crafts, and exciting activities that illuminate the science behind these radiant creatures.

January 2 - Record Breaking Bugs: Giants of the Buggy World

Uncover the secrets of the largest creatures of the buggy world and create your own award-winning creature!

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