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5:30 - 7:30pm

Explore our exhibits after hours at the unbeatable price of just $5 per person! At our $5 after 5pm events, families can enjoy self-guided activities by exploring themed stations scattered throughout 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

The Beekeeping Bootcamp series comprises five three-hour workshops throughout the year taught by an expert beekeeper. Workshops include instruction and information in the classroom, followed by hands-on practice and observation in the apiary. Workshops will not include hives and beekeeping supplies but will provide informational materials and knowledge on where to get supplies from.

2024 classes and dates, all classes will be 9:00am - 12:00pm:

Workshop 1, Saturday, January 20: Beekeeping Basics

Workshop 2, Saturday, April 20: Package Installation and Early Season Management

Workshop 3, Saturday, June 8: Mid-season Management and Maladies

Workshop 4, Saturday, August 10: Honey Extraction

Workshop 5, Saturday, September 21: Preparing for Winter

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot make it to a class, you will still be able to receive all of the class materials. If you purchase the entire course and desire a refund, cancellations with at least 3 business days  notice will be charged a 10% processing fee, and the remainder will be refunded to the customer.

No refunds are given for classes missed.

A full refund will be given to the customer if the Butterfly Pavilion cancels a workshop for any reason.

The Beekeeping Bootcamp virtual series comprises five two-hour workshops throughout the year taught by an expert beekeeper. Workshops include expert beekeeping instruction from the comfort of your own home. Workshops will not include hives and beekeeping supplies but will provide informational materials and knowledge on where to get supplies from.

2024 classes and dates, all classes will be 5:30pm - 7:30pm:

Workshop 1, Thursday, January 18: Beekeeping Basics

Workshop 2, Thursday, April 18: Package Installation and Early Season Management

Workshop 3, Thursday, June 6: Mid-season Management and Maladies

Workshop 4, Thursday, August 8: Honey Extraction

Workshop 5, Thursday, September 19: Preparing for Winter

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot make it to a class, you will still be able to receive all of the class materials. If you purchase the entire course and desire a refund, cancellations with at least 3 business days  notice will be charged a 10% processing fee, and the remainder will be refunded to the customer.

No refunds are given for classes missed.

A full refund will be given to the customer if the Butterfly Pavilion cancels a workshop for any reason.

*This class 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 Jewel Beetle Specimen.

This class will start off 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 beetle, a mini relaxing chamber, their own pinning board, and their own set of entomology pins.

Location: Food Court at the Denver Premium Outlets, 13801 Grant St Thornton, CO 80023

Escape the holiday rush and unwind with Butterfly Pavilion’s Education team! Join us for an engaging afternoon of Buggy Bingo, where you'll get to meet our ambassador animals and learn fascinating facts about them. Test your newfound knowledge in a thrilling game of bingo and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! It's a delightful way to take a break and enjoy some educational fun this holiday season.

Create your very own magical butterfly miniworld display in a glass dome. Miniworlds are tiny intricate worlds created from elements of nature and sealed in a glass dome. They require no care. All materials incorporated are preserved.

Each participant will receive a variety of materials to really personalize their mini world to their aesthetic. Materials include. 1 2.75x3.14" glass dome with a cork base, adhesive, dried botanicals, dried moss, crystals, 1 pinned for display butterfly specimen, optional bone.

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.

* This class is intended for adults but is suitable for 16+ with an adult present*

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 Morpho 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, accessible 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 morpho, 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.

Are you interested in learning about the fascinating life of butterflies? Look no further than Butterfly Quest, a community science initiative designed to track the lifespans of butterflies in our conservatory. 

Join us for Butterfly Quest After Hours and become a butterfly researcher for the evening! Learn about proper tagging techniques and identify tagged butterflies as they flutter around our beautiful conservatory. 

Butterfly Pavilion educators will guide you through this incredible experience, and provide you with expert knowledge and insight into the world of butterflies. 

Be a community scientist and discover the magical world of butterflies. You can help provide invaluable information for Butterfly Pavilion s butterfly conservation efforts and understanding the lifecycles of these incredible creatures. 

Sign up for Butterfly Quest After Hours and uncover the secrets of the butterfly world.

November 27 and December 18: The Dug Out! Designed specifically for Caregivers and their curious tots, this engaging program offers a unique opportunity to dive into the wonders of the natural world, fostering a love for nature and learning through playful soil exploration.

More topics to come!

For centuries, invertebrates have held significant cultural importance for people across the globe. During this workshop, you'll not only listen to captivating stories but also get the chance to craft your own narrative. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to create your own unique invertebrate companion using materials sourced from the outdoors. Take your crafted invertebrate home and delight your friends by sharing its story with them.

What to expect:

• Listen to interactive stories with live invertebrate friends
• Scavenger walk outside to gather materials
• Craft your own invertebrate inspired by your imagination
• Create and tell a story about your creation

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

Unwind after hours with evening rainforest yoga at Butterfly Pavilion. Take a moment for yourself to reflect and rejuvenate after a long day and enjoy the calming greenery and beautiful butterflies that will join you on your evening yoga experience. We can't wait to see you!

*This program is geared towards adults but is suitable for 16+ with an adult in attendance*

Delve into 'Alien Worlds' with author Steve Nicholls, a compelling August 2023 release from the University of Princeton Press, offering a captivating exploration of the incredible success of insects, spotlighting the captivating universe of butterflies and moths. Discover their astonishing mimicry techniques, cooperative behaviors, and crucial roles in diverse ecosystems worldwide.

Join us on this virtual journey and expect to learn:

- The intricate survival strategies of butterflies and moths, from mimicry to cooperative societies

- Astonishing migratory tales spanning continents and ecosystems

- Unique ecological relationships, including their interactions with various animal species and plant life

- Invaluable insights into the enduring mysteries surrounding these captivating insects

- Uncover the remarkable allure and resilience of these delicate yet formidable creatures as we venture into the enthralling world of butterflies and moths.

*Zoom link will be sent to you 24 hours before the program*

Tickets only valid for the date selected. Tickets are non-refundable.

Front Doors lock at 4:15 p.m.

Tickets must be reserved for children under 2.

EBT/SNAP recipients can receive discounted tickets by showing their card to the front desk when purchasing tickets. EBT/SNAP discounts are not available online.

Please see Visitor Information or FAQ page for more information.

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

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.

January 11, 2024: Tiny Transformations

Discover how invertebrates grow by exploring their life cycles! Learn how these animals transform through engaging classes, crafts, and activities.

February 13, 2024: Buggy Be Mine

Join us this February to express your buggy love for our invertebrate friends! Discover the importance of these fascinating animals through hands-on activities and classes from Butterfly Pavilion educators.

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

"Intimate Webs: Unraveling the Intricacies of Spider Romance" is a captivating lecture that delves into the fascinating world of spider courtship and mating behaviors. Participants will explore the intricate web of rituals, strategies, and adaptations spiders employ to ensure successful reproduction. From elaborate courtship dances to complex mating behaviors, this lecture sheds light on the diverse and often surprising aspects of spider sexuality. With a blend of scientific insights and captivating storytelling, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary significance and ecological implications of spider sex, providing a unique perspective on the complexities of the natural world.

Instructor:

Arachnologist Jackie Billotte M.S

Check out her research: https://jackiebillotte.weebly.com/

*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.

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

Join us on a transformative one-hour journey with ""Mindfulness Butterflies,"" a unique program designed to nurture your inner self and cultivate mindfulness while in nature. Each session will guide you through intentional breathing exercises, meditative visualizations, and a profound connection with your physical being.

Instructor: Siarra Sweet with Sweet Massage

Program highlights:

Explore Intentional Breathing: Learn to harness the power of your breath as we delve into intentional breathing exercises, grounding you in the rhythm of nature. Discover how the simple act of breathing can become a powerful tool for relaxation, stress reduction, and inner peace, aligning your spirit with the natural world.

Meditative Visualizations: Immerse yourself in the beauty of guided meditative visualizations that transport you to serene and tranquil natural settings. Experience the soothing embrace of nature's embrace as you let your mind wander through peaceful landscapes, fostering a deeper connection with the world around you.

Connect with Your Inner Self: In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to lose touch with ourselves and our connection to nature. ""Mindfulness with Butterflies"" provides a safe space to reconnect with your inner self while nurturing a profound connection with the natural world. This journey promotes self-awareness and self-compassion, anchoring you to the rhythms of nature.

Personal and Transformative: Every session is a unique opportunity to embark on a personal and transformative journey, guided by experienced facilitators who adapt each session to cater to your individual needs. Leave each session feeling refreshed, renewed, and inspired, with a heightened sense of harmony with both yourself and the world of nature.

Discover the giant bugs and cascading effects of the Paleozoic Era!