Bug lovers and the insect curious should head to The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Not only can one frolic with arthropods, which includes insects, spiders, centipedes, crabs and barnacles in water (to name a few), but learn all about them at the same time.
The non-profit zoo has been running since July 1995, and while it’s changed over the years the institution still holds a lot of joy for insect fans. Programing changes often, so even if favorite residents remain, there’s something new to see too.
One of the thousands of butterflies. Photo by Linnea Covington.
Overall a stroll through the venue takes about an 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how long you and/or your family like to linger.
Don’t be surprised if certain spots become mesmerizing, like where the honey bees come in and out of their indoor hive, or where ants travel across in a chaotic order.
A tarantula at The Butterfly Pavilion. Photo by Linnea Covington.
It’s best to start at the beginning. The first room in the exhibit, dubbed Survival, features enclosed glass display of various bugs. Sometimes this means seeing a group of hissing Madagascar cockroaches, spiders and praying mantis, as well as the bees who always live in this spot.
Often, during the month of October, various tarantulas from around the world take up residence.
Hold Rosie the tarantula at The Butterfly Pavilions. Photo by Linnea Covington.
Speaking of tarantulas, the brave can spend a moment with Rosie, The Butterfly Pavilion’s Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula. Under the guidance of a keeper, guests over the age of 3 are invited to hold Rosie in their hand and get a sticker to prove you did it.
From here it’s best to wander the hall and get a peek at the next exhibit, which starts with a tank full of glowing water and sea creatures.
Yes, this is the Water’s Edge, where The Butterfly Pavilion celebrates the incredible diversity of underwater invertebrates.
There are also sea creatures at The Butterfly Pavilion! Photo by Linnea Covington.
In this shallow water ecosystem, peek at sea urchins, mantis shrimp and anemones, and then head over to the touch station to literally get your hands (or in this case two fingers) on a sea star, spider crab and horseshoe crab.
After the sea comes the name sake of this unique zoo, the butterflies of The Butterfly Pavilion. In this exhibit live butterflies zip around, feeding on sugar stations, balancing on flowers, and hovering inches away from eager faces.
Butterflies are everywhere, but don’t touch! Photo by Linnea Covington.
With over 1,600 free-flying tropical butterflies, don’t be surprised if one lands on you, though make sure not to actually touch the delicate creatures.
Pro tip, butterflies are attracted to colors similar to the flowers they frequent, which include white, pink, red, orange and yellow.
Watching all the butterflies. Photo by Linnea Covington.
Finally, visit the Colorado Backyard for some run-around time for the kids, and a sit down for adults. Here there’s a play structure perfect for climbing, sliding and pretending on. It’s best for ages 3 to to 8, and the venue provides spots to store your shoes.
There’s also a 2 and under area for littles to crawl around on, with its own boarder to keep wild older kids out.
The play area at The Butterfly Pavilion. Photo by Linnea Covington.
Also in this area kid events are held. Daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. there’s a story time geared for the young ones.
At 1:30 p.m. staff also hosts What Animal Is This? where kids and their adults can learn about the difference between a vertebrate and an invertebrate.
It’s here you’ll also find rotating exhibits. Recently this included a show about pollinators and how they shape the world.
An orb weaver, part of one of the special exhibits. Photo by Linnea Covington.
Right across from the Colorado Backyard is one of the best gift shops around, full of stuffed bugs, jewelry, toys, games, pretty trinkets and more. Bonus, if you have a membership you get 10% off all merchandise.
Don’t skip the outdoor component either. When the weather is nice, wander around the gardens. Each has been planted with native pollinators in mind and to showcase Colorado plant life.
It’s here the giant praying mantis sculpture lives, the perfect non-moving critter to take a photo with.
6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, 303-469-5441
Venue Hours
Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day and Thanksgiving
Late opening on New Years Day at 11 a.m.; closes early Christmas Eve at 1 p.m. and New Year’s Eve at 3 p.m.
Admission Prices
Adults: $14.95
Child (2-12) $9.95
Senior (65+) $12.95
Children under 2: FREE
Members: FREE
Ways to Save
Becoming a member is always a great way to save, especially if you want to return often. Occasionally The Butterfly Pavilion offers 25% off memberships, usually starting around Thanksgiving time and running until the end of the year.
Look for special deals. Running December 18 to January 2, if you come dressed in pajamas and buy tickets at the pavilion, you’ll get $2 off admission. The 25% off memberships is going on right now too, you just have to buy or renew online to get the deal (in person purchases only get 20% off).