Butterfly World photo
ParkFlorida, US

Butterfly World

Butterfly World is the largest butterfly park in the world, a truly enchanting South Florida escape.

About

Butterfly World is the largest butterfly park in the world, a truly enchanting South Florida escape. This lush, outdoor attraction offers a serene and vibrant immersion into the world of butterflies, birds, and botanical wonders, setting it apart as the first park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

Guests can explore a stunning array of environments, including massive walk-through aviaries, intricately designed botanical gardens, and interactive exhibits. Key highlights include the Paradise Adventure Aviary, the Tropical Rainforest Aviary with its captivating waterfall, and the unique Hanging Garden where visitors can observe butterflies emerging from their pupae. Beyond butterflies, the Jewels of the Sky Aviary showcases exotic birds, while the interactive Lorikeet Encounter allows for hand-feeding these colorful parrots.

A visit to Butterfly World promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, families, and photographers alike, offering a unique opportunity to connect with tropical beauty up close. The diverse collections, from the world's most extensive passion flower collection in the Wings of the World Secret Garden to the fascinating Live Bug Zoo, make it a memorable destination that educates and delights at every turn. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.

Butterfly World was founded by Ronald Boender, an electrical engineer who, after retiring, developed a passion for raising butterflies and their host plants. In 1984, he established MetaScience to supply farmed butterflies to zoos and universities. After visiting England in 1985 and meeting Clive Farrell (founder of the London Butterfly House), Boender decided to create a similar facility in Florida. Butterfly World officially opened its doors on March 28, 1988, conceived as a public attraction, a research facility, and a butterfly farm. Since its inception, it has expanded to include the largest free-flight hummingbird aviary in the United States, a Lorikeet Encounter, and an aviculture research center, and has championed conservation efforts like the "Bring Back the Butterflies" campaign.

What to do here

Observe thousands of free-flying butterflies and exotic birds. Witness the butterfly life cycle in the Research Lab and Butterfly Emerging Area. Hand-feed lorikeets for an up-close interaction. Explore lush botanical gardens and discover unique plants and insects in the Bug Zoo.

Seasonal info

While open year-round, heavy rain or thunderstorms can lead to temporary closures of outdoor aviaries for animal safety. Rain checks may be issued if your visit is cut short due to weather.

Accessibility

Butterfly World is 100% wheelchair accessible, with smooth flooring and step-free entrances. Wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis for $5 plus tax for up to two hours. Service dogs are permitted but must be declared at admission and kept on a short leash.

Don't miss

1

Don't miss the Paradise Adventure Aviary, the Tropical Rainforest Aviary, the Hanging Garden & Butterfly Emerging Area, the interactive Lorikeet Encounter, and the Tinalandia Suspension Bridge. The Bug Zoo and the Wings of the World Secret Garden, home to a vast passion flower collection, are also must-sees.

Wildlife you might spot

12

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

Loading map…

Good to know before you go

Dress in bright colors

Wearing bright, solid colors like red, orange, yellow, pink, or purple can attract butterflies, as these colors mimic their favorite flowers.

Avoid strong scents

Skip perfumes and colognes, as heavy scents can deter butterflies.

Stay hydrated

Bring a bottle of water, as the Florida heat can be intense, especially in the outdoor aviaries.

Arrive early

Visiting right after opening allows for a more tranquil experience before larger crowds and school tours arrive.

Plan for re-entry if dining outside

If you plan to use the picnic areas in Tradewinds Park (outside Butterfly World), remember to keep your ticket for same-day re-entry.

Don't forget your camera

With thousands of butterflies, exotic birds, and lush gardens, there are countless photo opportunities.

Frequently asked questions

Butterfly World typically remains open during light rain or overcast skies. However, the outdoor aviaries may close temporarily during heavy South Florida thunderstorms or high winds for the safety of the animals. If the weather is questionable, it's recommended to call the park for real-time updates. Rain checks may be issued at management's discretion if your visit is significantly impacted.
Butterfly World houses over 20,000 butterflies on display, representing up to fifty different species at any given time. Over the course of a year, visitors might encounter more than 150 different species.
Visitors are not permitted to touch or hold the butterflies. However, these delicate creatures often land on visitors naturally, especially if you wear bright colors, offering wonderful photo opportunities.

Recent snaps at this place

View all