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

Discover the natural world’s top competitors in strength, speed and agility then put yourself to the test to see if you can break these records!

Step into the shoes of a detective and solve mysteries using buggy clues and knowledge through exciting investigations and hands-on activities!

Discover the beautiful world of monarch butterflies and explore their significance through up-close encounters!.

Embark on the epic journey of the monarch butterfly and discover the secrets of this phenomenon!

Celebrate the cultural impact monarchs share through festive activities, vibrant colors, and beautiful monarchs!

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

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

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!

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

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 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*

*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.

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

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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