Butterfly Releases

There's something magical about watching a butterfly flutter from your fingertips into a sunlit garden, and that's exactly what families can experience at the Purdy Butterfly House. This hands-on program begins with a short educational presentation about butterflies and their habitats before participants help safely release live butterflies into the indoor habitat. It's a gentle, memorable introduction to conservation that works beautifully for younger children who might feel nervous handling insects, since butterflies are delicate and non-threatening. The entire experience lasts about 30 minutes, making it ideal for shorter attention spans while still leaving time to explore the rest of the Botanical Garden. Butterfly releases happen on select Saturday mornings throughout the summer season, with two sessions at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. For this July 11th session, registration is required and space is limited, so families should book ahead. Pricing varies depending on membership status: Garden members pay $8 per person regardless of age, while non-members pay $27 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-15. Children two and under get free garden admission but will need a ticket if they're actively participating in the release. Bring your camera or smartphone—these photo opportunities capture childhood wonder in ways few other experiences can. The combination of delicate wings, children's delighted expressions, and the lush greenhouse setting creates keepsake moments worth documenting. Kids curious about nature and comfortable with gentle hands-on activities will find this program especially rewarding.