Courses

Location: Denver Botanic Gardens

We are excited to announce our 8th Annual Colorado Pollinator Summit.  Each year we bring together nationally and regionally recognized pollinator experts to discuss strategies for protecting and managing pollinators in Colorado. The Summit is designed for organizations, agencies, businesses, professionals, educators, growers, land managers, researchers and volunteers actively working to conserve and protect pollinators and their habitats.

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

Arachnology is a 1.5-hour class that delves into the captivating world of spiders. Through a mix of informative instruction 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.

* This course includes live animals*

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.

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.

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

Spend your morning on an educational and fun walk through Butterfly Pavilion’s, Wings of the Tropics exhibit, with our resident Lepidopterist. This program offers you a hour-long experience where you'll explore the wonders of our butterfly room like never before, guided by an expert who has devoted their life to the study of butterflies.

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

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

This workshop will teach participants how to participate in the community science project called iNaturalist. Participants will learn how to use the iNaturalist app to identify and document local flora and fauna. The workshop will cover basic identification skills, camera techniques, and data entry. Participants will also learn how to contribute to scientific research by submitting their findings to the iNaturalist database. Whether you are an experienced naturalist or just curious about the world around you, this workshop will provide you with the tools to become a community scientist and contribute to our understanding of biodiversity.

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

Webinar Overview: This 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, and 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.

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 to Purdue in 2019, she held a position as the Director of Forensic Biology 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 serves as 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.

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

October 23rd: 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!

*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!

Grab your flashlight and get ready for a special guided tour like no other. Whether you're a curious kid or an adventurous adult, this after-hours experience is perfect for you. Explore the exhibits in a whole new light and become a detective as you solve mysteries of invertebrates from around the world. Get ready to dive into their fascinating stories and learn about the challenges they face in the real world.

Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Dates: 

Oct. 20th

Oct. 21st

Oct. 22nd

Oct. 28th

Oct. 29th

Pricing:

Members: $12 for adults, $5 for kids

Non-members: $15 for adults, $9 for kids

For adults only: No kids? No problem! Whether after your little ones have gone to bed, or at the start of a unique date night, adult guests can experience Butterfly Pavilion through a one-of-a-kind, after-hours, guided flashlight tour! Explore our exhibits and solve the mysteries in each to uncover real world truths.

Let the fun begin, purchase tickets now!

This event is 18+ only

Date: Oct. 27th

Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Pricing:

Members: $12

Non-members: $15

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

Welcome to the enchanting Halloween Tea Time program at the Butterfly Pavilion! Join us for a spine-tingling afternoon of delightful treats and fascinating knowledge on Arachnids.

During this special event, guests will be treated to a selection of delicious teas and scrumptious cookies, creating the perfect ambiance for a spooky and enjoyable tea time. But beware, as lurking beneath the surface, we have a captivating hour-long lecture on Arachnids.

Discover the mysterious world of spiders, scorpions, and other arachnids as you unravel the myths and truths surrounding these incredible creatures. Learn about their unique adaptations, impressive hunting techniques, and vital roles in the ecosystem.

Whether you're a curious arachnid enthusiast or simply seeking a bewitching Halloween experience, our Halloween Tea Time program at Butterfly Pavilion promises an unforgettable journey into the realm of arachnids. Come dressed in your favorite Halloween attire, and prepare to be both amazed and spooked!

Don't miss out on this eerie and educational celebration at the Butterfly Pavilion. Reserve your spot now for a tea time filled with chills, thrills, and a newfound appreciation for the fascinating world of Arachnids. Happy Halloween!

Mark your calendars for a night of laughter, learning, and fun at Butterfly Pavilion’s Inverta-brainiacs Trivia Night.

Whether you're a seasoned trivia pro or a newcomer seeking an unforgettable experience, this event promises an evening that will leave you enlightened and inspired. Get ready to spread your wings of wisdom and let your knowledge soar!

Location:

Satire Brewing at Denver Premium Outlets

13801 Grant St.

Thornton, CO 80050

*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, 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*

Learn the delicate art of insect pinning in our hands-on workshop, "Mastering Insect Pinning: The Art of Wing Spreading." This workshop focuses on a fundamental aspect of insect preservation - the precise technique of spreading an insect's wings.

What you'll get:

- 1 large butterfly specimen to pin

- 1 take-home spreading board

* Because wing spreading is a time-consuming process, participants will not pin a finished product in this class but will be able to take their butterfly home to finish the process.*

*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 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 with the Monarchs,"" a unique program designed to nurture your inner self and cultivate mindfulness. In each session, we will guide you through intentional breathing exercises, meditative visualizations, and a profound connection with your physical being.

Instructor: Siarra Sweet with Sweet Massage

Date/Time: November 8th 5 –6 pm

Program highlights:

Explore Intentional Breathing: Learn to harness the power of your breath as we delve into intentional breathing exercises. Discover how the simple act of breathing can become a powerful tool for relaxation, stress reduction, and inner peace.

Meditative Visualizations: Immerse yourself in the beauty of guided meditative visualizations that transport you to serene and tranquil settings. Experience the soothing embrace of our indoor rainforest and let your mind wander through peaceful landscapes.

Connect with Your Inner Self: In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to lose touch with ourselves. ""Mindfulness with the Monarchs"" provides a safe space to reconnect with your inner self, promoting self-awareness and self-compassion.

Personal and Transformative: Every session is a unique opportunity to embark on a personal and transformative journey. Our experienced facilitators will adapt each session to cater to your individual needs, ensuring that you leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and inspired.

Relish a quiet hour of evening light/golden hour photography in the tropical rainforest after we close our doors to the public. Snap photos of beautiful butterflies and exotic tropical flowers in the evening light. Sessions are offered monthly and begin at 5:00pm.

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

If you are experiencing trouble with online registration, please email registrar@butterflies.org to sign up.

Bring your pressed flowers (we can also provide some for you) and turn them into beautiful scientific art by mounting the flowers on herbarium paper and learning how to label the parts! Build your skills and make something beautiful!

Pricing details:

Non-member pricing for this class is $12/adult and $10/child and is for the class only and does not include admission to the exhibits. Group rate pricing is available for access to all exhibits. Pricing is listed separately below.