Butterfly Releases

There's something truly magical about holding a delicate butterfly in your hands and watching it take flight into a lush garden habitat. At the Purdy Butterfly House, families can participate in a guided butterfly release that combines hands-on conservation with unforgettable photo opportunities. The experience begins with an educational presentation about butterfly life cycles and habitats, helping kids ages 3 and up understand the important role these pollinators play in our ecosystem. Then comes the best part: each participant gets to gently release a live butterfly into the climate-controlled conservatory, where hundreds of native and tropical species flutter among flowering plants. These special Saturday morning releases happen throughout the summer season, with sessions at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on select dates from May through September. Each program lasts about 30 minutes, making it perfect for younger attention spans while still providing meaningful engagement for older elementary-aged children. Advance registration is required since space is limited. Pricing varies depending on membership status, with Garden members paying $8 per person and non-members paying $27 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-15. Children two and under enter free but need a ticket only if they'll be releasing a butterfly themselves. Bring your camera or smartphone because you'll want to capture the moment when your butterfly spreads its wings for the first time in its new home. The indoor butterfly house provides a controlled environment that's comfortable for visitors while mimicking the tropical conditions these creatures need to thrive. Your participation directly supports the Garden's conservation work and educational mission, making this more than just a fun outing—it's a chance to contribute to important environmental efforts while creating lasting family memories.