Butterfly Releases

There's something genuinely magical about gently cupping a butterfly in your hands and watching it take flight into the warm air of the Purdy Butterfly House. This hands-on program gives families the chance to help restore the indoor butterfly population while learning about these delicate creatures and their habitats. Kids become mini-conservationists for the day, and the experience of releasing a living butterfly creates the kind of memory that sticks with children long after the flutter of wings fades into the garden's lush greenery. The program takes place on select Saturday mornings throughout late spring and summer, with two release times available at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Each session lasts about 30 minutes and begins with a brief educational presentation before participants receive their butterflies to release. Pricing varies depending on membership status: Garden members pay $8 per person, while non-members pay $27 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-15. Children two and under attend free but need a ticket if they'll be releasing a butterfly themselves. Registration is required and space is limited, so plan ahead to secure your spot. Bring your camera or smartphone — you'll want to capture the moment when your child's butterfly companion spreads its wings for the first time. The Purdy Butterfly House provides a beautiful backdrop with its tropical plants and free-flying residents. Younger children may need help holding their butterflies gently, but even preschoolers typically find the experience enchanting. Since you'll already have Garden admission, plan extra time to explore the grounds before or after your scheduled release.