Butterfly Releases

There's something truly special about holding a butterfly in your hand and watching it flutter away into a sun-dappled garden. At the Purdy Butterfly House, families can experience this gentle moment together during guided butterfly releases that combine hands-on conservation with pure wonder. The program begins with a short presentation about butterfly life cycles and habitats before participants carefully release live butterflies into the indoor garden, helping restore the resident population while creating memories that stick with kids long after the wings have flown. These 30-minute programs take place on select Saturday mornings throughout the summer at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., running from May through September. Registration is required and space fills quickly, so plan ahead. Pricing varies: Garden members pay $8 per person (including children ages 3-15), while non-members pay $27 for adults and $20 for children. Kids 2 and under get free garden admission but need a ticket only if they'll participate in releasing a butterfly. The program works beautifully for children ages 3 and up who can understand the gentle handling required. Bring your camera—this is one of those rare events where the photo opportunities genuinely live up to the billing. The combination of colorful wings, delighted faces, and the magical moment of release makes for frame-worthy shots. Since the Purdy Butterfly House stays comfortably climate-controlled year-round, there's no need to worry about weather. Just arrive a few minutes early to check in, and prepare for a peaceful, educational outing that teaches kids about conservation through direct, memorable experience.