Butterfly Wonderland | Scottsdale

Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale, Arizona is the largest indoor butterfly conservatory in the United States. Nestled within the Arizona Boardwalk entertainment complex, this unique attraction blends live rainforest biodiversity with interactive exhibits, education, and gentle immersion into tropical nature. It’s not just for kids-it captivates adults, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a calming, enriching environment.

🦋 Overview

Butterfly Wonderland features a conservatory habitat where thousands of butterflies from around the world fly freely. These butterflies live within a glass atrium designed to simulate a tropical rainforest, complete with waterfalls, blooming exotic plants, and warm humidity. The conservatory is maintained at around 80°F with high humidity (~80%) to match the butterflies’ native environments, such as Southeast Asia, Central America, and South America.

🌿 Main Attractions & Exhibits

1. Butterfly Conservatory

The heart of the experience. This glass-enclosed habitat contains up to 3,000 butterflies, from more than 60 species, all flying freely.

Guests walk along winding paths through flowering plants, vines, trees, and small water features.

Butterflies often land on guests, especially those wearing bright colors such as red, orange, or yellow.

The setting mimics a rainforest with lush, green foliage and tranquil background sounds.

Trained staff and signage help guests identify various species such as Blue Morpho, Monarch, Owl Butterfly, and more.

2. Emergence Gallery

A glass-walled viewing space where visitors can witness live butterflies hatching from chrysalides.

This is where imported pupae are kept safe as they undergo metamorphosis and dry their wings before entering the conservatory.

Educational signage explains the life cycle of a butterfly-from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally adult.

3. 3D Theater Experience

A short 15-minute film, usually titled Flight of the Butterflies, shown in 3D.

It documents the annual migration of the Monarch butterfly, focusing on both the science and wonder of their journey from Canada to Mexico.

Suitable for all ages, and often shown in multiple languages or with captions.

4. Rainforest Reptile Exhibit

A small but engaging section featuring reptiles and amphibians native to tropical ecosystems:

Poison dart frogs, tree frogs, and colorful geckos

Turtles and small dwarf caimans (a type of crocodile)

Designed to show the interconnectedness of rainforest life beyond butterflies.

5. Aquatic Life Gallery

Tanks filled with tropical freshwater and marine species, such as:

Koi fish, often in tranquil ponds

Stingrays, small sharks, and clownfish

Some exhibits are interactive, like touch tanks for stingrays and horseshoe crabs.

6. Spineless Giants Exhibit

A display focused on large invertebrates:

Tarantulas, scorpions, giant beetles, millipedes, and more

Educational and family-friendly, emphasizing the important roles these creatures play in ecosystems.

Interactive kiosks allow guests to learn about the biology, habits, and habitats of each species.

7. Honeybee and Ant Colony Exhibits

Live honeybee hives encased in glass, with tubes leading outside so bees can come and go freely.

An ant colony showcases tunnels and social structures, highlighting how insects build and function in colonies.

8. Edible Insect Station

A small but popular curiosity display offering samples of insects used in cuisine worldwide-such as chocolate-covered crickets and spicy mealworms.

Educational materials highlight entomophagy, the practice of eating insects as a sustainable protein source.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Visitor Features

All Ages Welcome: Attractions are designed for families, couples, and solo travelers.

Accessibility: Entire facility is wheelchair and stroller accessible (though strollers are restricted inside the conservatory).

Rest Areas: Benches are placed throughout for comfort.

Gift Shop: Offers butterfly-themed souvenirs, books, crystals, and educational kits.

On-Site Café: Light refreshments, coffee, and snacks available.

🎟 Admission & Booking

General Admission:

Adults: ~$29.95

Children (2–12): ~$19.95

Seniors and military discounts available.

Combo Tickets: You can combine Butterfly Wonderland with other nearby attractions like:

OdySea Aquarium

Laser + Mirror Maze

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Discounted pricing applies with multi-attraction passes.

Special Guided Tours (optional):

Available on select days.

Includes a butterfly release activity and behind-the-scenes insights.

Small additional fee (~$5–$8).

🧠 Educational Opportunities

Regular school field trips, homeschool days, and science enrichment programs.

Staff educators and naturalists often present live talks or interactive sessions.

Bug Club for kids, featuring crafts, games, and mini-lectures on entomology.

📸 Photography Tips

Photography is encouraged.

Bring a macro lens or smartphone with zoom for close-up butterfly shots.

Flash is not allowed to protect the insects.

Tripods and monopods are permitted only in designated areas during certain times.

Best times for photos are early morning or after a rain mist when butterflies are more still.

🕓 Suggested Duration

Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours for a full experience.

Nature enthusiasts and photographers may spend 2.5 to 3 hours exploring all corners.

Guests may exit and re-enter freely on the same day with a wristband.

📅 Events and Programs

Yoga in the Rainforest: Morning classes held inside the conservatory for a serene fitness experience.

Butterfly Release Ceremonies: Watch new butterflies take flight during scheduled public releases.

Koi Feeding and Shark Feeding Times: Often held in the late morning or early afternoon.

Wine & Wings Nights: Adults-only evening events featuring wine tastings and music amid the butterflies.

🎯 Why Visit Butterfly Wonderland

It’s a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience-the scent of tropical flowers, the feel of warm humidity, the sight of radiant butterfly wings inches from your face.

It offers rare up-close interaction with butterflies in a naturalistic setting, not behind glass.

It’s educational without being heavy-handed, fun for kids while remaining peaceful and intellectually engaging for adults.

Great for photographers, nature lovers, families, tourists, and even those seeking meditative calm in a beautiful space.

Butterfly Wonderland is a botanical oasis in the desert-a fusion of science, wonder, and beauty. Whether you're exploring solo, visiting with family, or looking to immerse yourself in something slow and magical, it offers an unforgettable journey through the vibrant world of butterflies and tropical life.