Adult Programs

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.

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.

This October, step into a world where invertebrates take center stage in an afternoon of suspenseful storytelling. You'll be drawn into chilling tales that explore the dark and mysterious ways these creatures interact with our lives. Prepare to be entertained, educated, and maybe even a little spooked as you enjoy themed teas and delectable treats.

What You’ll Experience:

Thrilling Stories: Experience gripping narratives that delve into mystery, murder, and scientific discovery, all centered around the strange and unexpected behavior of invertebrates.

Highlights include:

On the northern coast of Australia, where beauty meets danger, robust defenses protect against local predators. But when a mysterious killer starts bypassing these safeguards, scientists must race against time to save lives from an unseen threat.

In Southern California, a family of five is found brutally murdered, leaving detectives with few clues and countless dead ends. Desperate, they turn to an unlikely ally to track down the cunning murderer.

Tasty Teas and Treats: Savor a selection of teas and cookies that complement the eerie atmosphere.

Halloween Fun: Embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your favorite costume and adding to the festive and spooky vibe.

Engaging Education: Learn fascinating facts about invertebrates in a way that’s both entertaining and enlightening. Reserve your spot now for a night of suspense, learning, and Halloween-themed fun!

Please note: This program contains content that may be disturbing to some participants. Viewer discretion is advised.

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.

It is well known that stick insects are the masters of camouflage, but did you know that some of them can also spray acid or simulate a leaf swaying with the wind? If you are interested in learning more about these fascinating insects, please come and join this talk by Target Species Manager, Fransico Garcia Bulle Bueno on November 3rd.

Bio: Francisco completed a B.S. in Biology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2017. He then completed a PhD on Entomology at the University of Sydney, Australia in 2021. Francisco’s main areas of research have been breeding, husbandry, reproductive behavior, and management of bees. He has successfully published six scientific papers on bee’s biology on peer reviewed journals. During his PhD, Francisco also worked with schools, universities, refugees, beekeepers and senior adults delivering science communication workshops with the aim of promoting environmental and sustainability in urban environments by teaching the importance of insects and their habitats in Australia. He was also the manager of a stingless bee program run by tone of the councils in Sydney where he managed and propagated over 100 colonies of stingless bees every year. After finishing his PhD and before the Butterfly Pavilion, Francisco worked on developing conservation projects in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico working with local people and raising awareness about the importance of bees and general biodiversity.

Webinar overview: This one-hour webinar will introduce attendees to the fascinating world of forensic entomology: the use of insects in investigations. Attendees will learn about the diversity of forensically relevant insects, how insects are collected from crime scenes, and analyzed for cases. Case examples will be discussed to explain how forensic entomology is used in criminal investigations, from the crime scene to the courtroom. Join us to learn more about Forensic Flies and the use of maggots to solve murders.

*Zoom link will be sent to you 24 hours prior to the class*

Speaker bio: Dr. Krystal Hans is a board-certified forensic entomologist and serves as the Director of Forensic Science and an Assistant Professor of Forensic Entomology at Purdue University. She received her master’s degree from Cleveland State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. Before arriving at Purdue in 2019, she held the Director of Forensic Biology position at Delaware State University and served on the Delaware Commission on Forensic Science from 2016-2018. At Purdue, she has instructed more than 2000 undergraduate students in courses on forensic entomology and forensic science and has a research lab that mentors graduate and undergraduate students' experiments on the behavior and development of forensically relevant insects. Dr. Hans is currently the president-elect for the North American Forensic Entomology Association and is a forensic consultant for investigations in states across the Midwest. She is an instructor at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and provides training in forensic entomology for law enforcement, pathologists, and coroners in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

* This webinar may contain content that is sensitive to some viewers, viewer discretion is advised*

Explore Butterfly Pavilion in the dark after-hours during our Adults Only Flashlight Tours! Dress up, solve mysteries in each exhibit led by a tour guide, and discover the secrets of our invertebrates at night. This tour will end in our Wings of the Tropics exhibit where we will search for hidden residents amongst the butterflies and plants! Secure your spot and reserve tickets now!

This event is 18+ only

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

(*This program is educational and is a theatrical experience conveyed by an actor in costume*)

Years of horror films and monster movies have drawn inspiration from the mind-controlling parasites of the invertebrate world. Now, Butterfly Pavilion offers you a glimpse into the misunderstood lives of these parasitic puppeteers. Our on-staff necromancer will guide you through nature’s myriad methods of mental mastery while they attempt to brew their own potion of mind control. The program also discusses why such grotesque survival strategies develop, while examining our society’s negative views about parasitic organisms.

Join us for a special Halloween edition of "Invertebrates and Music Walks" as we explore the rainforest after dark. Guided by naturalist Dave Southerland and accompanied by eerie music, we'll use flashlights to discover orb weavers and other night time creatures. The adventure concludes in the Butterfly Pavilion's Discovery Gardens, where we'll search for nighttime invertebrates amidst the Halloween atmosphere. Don't miss this unique journey into the mysterious world of the night!

Partners:

-Dave Southerland

-Boulder Philharmonic

Details:

- Enjoy easy walks along trails suitable for all levels.

- Walks take place in low-light conditions.

- Dress appropriately for the outdoors with breathable clothing and walking shoes.

*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.

This October, step into a world where invertebrates take center stage in an afternoon of suspenseful storytelling. You'll be drawn into chilling tales that explore the dark and mysterious ways these creatures interact with our lives. Prepare to be entertained, educated, and maybe even a little spooked as you enjoy themed teas and delectable treats.

What You’ll Experience:

Thrilling Stories: Experience gripping narratives that delve into mystery, murder, and scientific discovery, all centered around the strange and unexpected behavior of invertebrates.

Highlights include:

On the northern coast of Australia, where beauty meets danger, robust defenses protect against local predators. But when a mysterious killer starts bypassing these safeguards, scientists must race against time to save lives from an unseen threat.

In Southern California, a family of five is found brutally murdered, leaving detectives with few clues and countless dead ends. Desperate, they turn to an unlikely ally to track down the cunning murderer.

Tasty Teas and Treats: Savor a selection of teas and cookies that complement the eerie atmosphere.

Halloween Fun: Embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your favorite costume and adding to the festive and spooky vibe.

Engaging Education: Learn fascinating facts about invertebrates in a way that’s both entertaining and enlightening.

Reserve your spot now for a night of suspense, learning, and Halloween-themed fun!

Please note: This program contains content that may be disturbing to some participants. Viewer discretion is advised.

Relish a quiet hour of morning light photography in the tropical rainforest before open our doors to the public. Snap photos of beautiful butterflies and exotic tropical flowers in the morning light. Sessions are offered monthly and begin at 8:00am.

Cost:  $10 for non-members, $8.00 for members. Note: This session is self-guided. Participants supply own equipment.

Flowers are more than fine, but which plants truly serve the needs of pollinators? Meet some plant powerhouses, how to choose the right ones for the right spaces, and how to get your hands on the best material.

What looks good to human and insect eyes? Design your own habitat garden! Explore principles of aesthetic design, tool use, and what a truly pollinator-friendly design should include.

What does it take to have a garden space that is truly pollinator-friendly? Explore techniques and approaches in encouraging your garden to thrive as it’s own mini-ecosystem, and reap the benefits of less money, time, and resources spent on your space. Learn the do’s and don’ts of clean up, the signs and symptoms of different visitors to your garden, and the magic in embracing a little bit of “mess”.

So you want a pollinator garden... but how do you make it a reality? Creating a healthy garden goes beyond pretty plant choices and where to place them. Learn the practical pieces of installation and habitat-friendly practices and approaches – explore planting techniques, soil health, irrigation and groundcover choices and more.

Why should we garden with the natural world in mind? Get a strong introduction to pollinators, their needs, their connections to planetary health, and how we can provide in the garden through our own choices and actions.