Butterfly Releases

There's something truly special about watching a butterfly flutter from your hand into the open air, and at the Purdy Butterfly House, families can experience this gentle moment together. These guided butterfly releases combine hands-on learning with the simple joy of helping restore the Garden's indoor butterfly population. The program starts with a short educational presentation about butterflies and their natural habitat before each participant gets the chance to safely release a live butterfly into the lush greenhouse environment. It's an intimate way to connect with nature that resonates with children and parents alike. The releases happen on select Saturdays from May through September at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Located at the Huntsville Botanical Garden on Bob Wallace Avenue, admission pricing varies: 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 enter the Garden free but need a ticket if they'll be participating in the release. Registration is required since space is limited, so families should plan ahead and reserve their preferred time slot. This experience works beautifully for children ages 3-15, though younger ones may need a parent's steady hand during the actual release. Bring your camera—the lighting inside the butterfly house creates naturally beautiful photo opportunities, and you'll want to capture that look of wonder when the butterfly takes flight. As a bonus, your participation directly supports the Garden's conservation work and educational mission.