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Step right up to explore garden critters, uncover their underground secrets, and enjoy hands-on activities that bring nature's carnival to life!

Step right up to explore garden critters, uncover their underground secrets, and enjoy hands-on activities that bring nature's carnival to life!

Immerse yourself in the world of a zookeeper and experience what they do every day at Butterfly Pavilion!

Immerse yourself in the world of a zookeeper and experience what they do every day at Butterfly Pavilion!

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 - SOLD OUT

May 15, 2025

August 28, 2025

December 18, 2025

Fee: $20 Member $25 Non-Member

Join us for this month’s Invertebrate Investigation as we dive into the incredible world of insect biodiversity! Insects are some of the most diverse animals on the planet, and that diversity has led to some fascinating adaptations. We’ll explore bizarre beetles, wacky weevils, and more as we learn about what makes an insect an insect and how they’ve adapted to live in almost every ecosystem on Earth.

*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.

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

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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

Whether you’re new to photography, looking to sharpen your skills, or just love capturing the big world of tiny creatures, this class is perfect for you! Professional insect macro photographer Bob Krugmire will guide you through the essentials and share tips and tricks to elevate your photos. This 2-hour-long outdoor adventure will take place in the vibrant Allison Community Gardens at Semper Farms and covers both traditional cameras and cell phone photography.

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!

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.

Become An Expert In All Things Bumble Bees with Bumble Bee Expert Dr. John Mola.

The Butterfly Pavilion is proud to offer this chance to learn in-person about bumble bee biology, ecology, and conservation from Dr. John Mola, the lead researcher of the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Bee Ecology and Extension Lab at Colorado State University. Participants will acquire the skills to identify the Colorado-native bumble bee species in their backyards and cultivate the key plants that help these bees flourish in Front Range cities. This workshop will include hands-on opportunities to interact with pinned specimens and – weather permitting -- with live specimens as well!

Schedule:

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lecture covering Bumble Bees key characteristics, diversity, life cycles, and ecological roles.

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch break. (Please pack a lunch)

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Field trip or lab activity providing hands-on experience related to the lecture content.

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.