Butterfly World | Fort Lauderdale

Butterfly World, located at 3600 West Sample Road in Coconut Creek, Florida, within Tradewinds Park, is the largest butterfly park in the world. Since its opening in 1988, it has grown into a major botanical and zoological destination, drawing visitors of all ages to explore its immersive tropical environments filled with butterflies, birds, flowers, and exotic insects. It spans roughly 10 acres and houses up to 20,000 live butterflies at any given time.

Founding and Purpose

Butterfly World was founded by Ronald Boender, an electrical engineer-turned-butterfly breeder. His original interest was in breeding butterflies for research and butterfly farming. After partnering with British lepidopterist Clive Farrell, Boender expanded his dream to create a full-scale public attraction focused on butterflies and butterfly gardening.

The park was the first butterfly house in the Western Hemisphere, and it pioneered techniques in captive breeding, conservation, and public education about butterflies and related insects.

Main Attractions and Zones

1. Paradise Adventure Aviary

A massive walk-through structure where thousands of butterflies fly freely among tropical flowers, vines, and cascading waterfalls.

Visitors can see butterflies feeding on nectar and fruit and often landing on guests, offering up-close interactions.

The lush vegetation mimics South American and Asian rainforests, creating a realistic and humid tropical habitat.

2. Tropical Rain Forest Aviary

This 8,000-square-foot area replicates a dense rainforest environment.

It features a 30-foot waterfall, misting systems, and a variety of tropical birds and butterflies.

Plant life includes orchids, bromeliads, and passionflower vines—many of which support butterfly species like the zebra longwing or Julia butterfly.

3. Hanging Garden & Butterfly Emerging Area

One of the most educational sections, this area showcases the butterfly lifecycle.

Visitors can observe live pupae (chrysalises) in glass enclosures as butterflies emerge.

Staff monitor the conditions carefully to support healthy development, and newly emerged butterflies are released into the aviaries daily.

4. Grace Gardens

A beautifully landscaped outdoor garden filled with flowering tropical plants.

Designed to attract local butterflies and hummingbirds, it demonstrates butterfly-friendly gardening techniques.

A great place for nature photography or a peaceful stroll.

5. Wings of the World Secret Garden

Home to the largest collection of passionflower vines in the world, which serve as host plants for many butterfly species.

The garden is a key part of Butterfly World’s conservation initiatives.

It’s a quiet, shaded area with benches and educational signs about butterfly ecology.

6. Jewels of the Sky Aviary

A small but dazzling aviary housing tiny jewel-toned birds, especially hummingbirds.

The exhibit offers close-up views of these high-energy birds flitting among nectar feeders and tropical flowers.

7. Lorikeet Encounter

A hands-on aviary where guests can feed lorikeets (brightly colored parrots from Australia) using small cups of nectar.

Lorikeets are known for their playful and social behavior, often landing on visitors’ arms and heads.

8. Museum / Insectarium

Displays hundreds of preserved specimens, including butterflies, beetles, moths, spiders, and other exotic insects.

Highlights the diversity of the insect world with large mounted collections from across the globe.

The area includes educational panels on classification, anatomy, and behaviors.

9. Bug Zoo

Features live exotic insects such as:

Giant water bugs

Praying mantises

Walking sticks

Tarantulas and scorpions

Ants and wasps

Designed for both entertainment and education, this space helps demystify commonly feared creatures.

Conservation and Research

Butterfly World is not only a tourist destination but also a major contributor to butterfly conservation:

Helped fund the Boender Endangered Species Laboratory at the University of Florida, which works on breeding endangered butterflies like the Schaus’ swallowtail.

Founded the Passiflora Society International, promoting the study and conservation of passionflowers, which are critical to many butterfly lifecycles.

Actively supports native butterfly gardening by selling host and nectar plants to the public.

Educational Programs

Butterfly World offers:

School tours and field trips with guided lessons about insect life cycles, biodiversity, and ecology.

Gardening workshops focused on creating butterfly habitats at home.

Lectures and special events with botanists and entomologists.

Printable educational materials for classroom use and family learning.

Visitor Information

Operating Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Last Entry: 4:00 PM

Lorikeet Feeding Closes: 4:15 PM

Butterfly & Lorikeet Areas Close: 4:30 PM

Admission Prices:

Adults (12+): $32.50

Children (3–11): $22.50

Children under 3: Free

Group and membership rates are available.

Parking and Park Entry:

Located within Tradewinds Park—on weekends and holidays, a Broward County park entry fee applies:

$3 per vehicle (1–8 passengers)

$20 for larger groups or vans

On-Site Amenities

Gift Shop: Sells butterfly-themed clothing, toys, books, jewelry, and live butterfly kits.

Outdoor Café: Offers snacks and refreshments with shaded seating near the aviaries.

Garden Center: Carries nectar plants, host plants (like milkweed and passionflower), and gardening supplies for creating butterfly habitats.

Summary

Butterfly World is a unique combination of zoo, botanical garden, science center, and museum. With its mix of live exhibits, hands-on experiences, and educational programming, it serves as a top destination for families, gardeners, educators, and anyone fascinated by the beauty and science of butterflies and insects. It stands as a rare place where conservation, education, and entertainment coexist in one immersive, tropical environment.