Family Programs

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Experience Butterfly Pavilion After-Hours at a discounted admission rate! Join us on the first Tuesday of every month to explore our exhibits after hours and enjoy self-guided activities! As a bonus, upon completing all activities, each family member earns a fun invertebrate sticker!

Registration is required. Ticket sales and event admission close at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the event. Don’t miss this affordable and educational after-hours experience!

Every month there is a new theme, check the list below and pre-register tickets for the nights you want to attend!

2025 Dates and Themes:

June 3rd – Pollinator Protectors

July 8th – Bug Birthdays

August 5th - The Patterns of Nature

September 2nd - Invertebrate Creations

October 7th – Not-So-Spooky Spiders!

November 4th – Monarch Mysteries

December 2nd - Bugs in Winter

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 member adults/$14 kids
• $20 per project for non-members/$16 kids
• 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

Celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren with a delightful pressed flower lantern workshop! Create beautiful lanterns that will light up your home and serve as a cherished memory of your time together. And, without pollinators like bees, flies, and wasps, we wouldn't have such beautiful flowers to create works of art with!

Supplies included:

- One 10oz glass jar per person

- Pressed flowers

- Supplies to assemble the craft

Instructor: local artist Dani Forsyth!

Here at Butterfly Pavilion, we know that things can get pretty hectic with busy butterflies, bees and bodies buzzing around during the day. Join us for a low-sensory afternoon that meets the needs of families that need to experience the Pavilion in a different way. With natural lighting, quiet tones, and limited admission - this experience offers your little one an enjoyable, low-key experience just for them.

Each Sensory Friendly Afternoon offers guided interpretation in each exhibit and an interactive Storytime program.