Butterfly Wonderland is quite a unique place located in Scottsdale, Arizona. There is nothing else like it in the United States. They are the largest butterfly atrium in the country with over 10,000 square feet of lush gardens and 50 different species of butterflies.
Last month, I had the opportunity to visit Butterfly Wonderland with a few friends of mine from college. We met for the weekend in Scottsdale and toured the area including stopping by the butterfly atrium.
Saying that the Butterfly Wonderland is “beautiful” is an under statement. It is more than just beautiful. With over 3,000 butterflies flying around you at one time, I was enamored. I was awe-struck as I gazed upon God’s beautiful creation. The atrium is truly a world of wonder located right in the middle of the desert.
Visiting Butterfly Wonderland was also a very interactive experience. Upon entering the building, we watched a 3D movie called “Flight of the Butterflies.” in the theater. We learned about the life of a butterfly and what makes them so fascinating.
After the movie, we were entered the Butterfly Emergence Gallery, where we feasted our eyes on the largest emergence gallery in the country. We were inches away from live chrysalis, delivered once a week via FedEx, from such places around the world as South East Asia, South America, and Costa Rica.
Then we finally entered the butterfly atrium – the center piece of our visit! Once inside, I observed visitors roaming freely about looking at the beautiful butterflies, friendly volunteers answering folks questions and of course, a lot of people taking pictures.
In fact, many of the butterflies like to sit on your arm to pose!
The price of admission to Butterfly Wonderland is $27.95 for Adults, $19.95 for Children (Ages 3-11), $25.95 for Students/Active Military/Seniors and FREE for Children 2 & under.
Butterfly Wonderland Field Trip Information
Butterfly Wonderland offers field trips for students in grades PreK – 12th.
During a field trip students get to:
- Watch a specially-edited version of the 3D film “Flight of the Butterflies”
- Stop at the Chrysalis Emergence Lab
- Take a self guided tour of the Butterfly Conservatory
- Visit the Ant Colony and Honey Bee exhibits and Rivers of the Amazon Display
- Have a chance to shop at the Butterfly Treasures gift shop
Discounted price for school tours is $8.00 + tax per student; adult chaperones within appropriate ratio are no charge. Additional adults/chaperones are $12.00 + tax each. Required ratio of ADULTS to CHILDREN for preschool, elementary and middle schools is 1:5. There is a 1:10 ratio for high-schools. All field trips must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
Butterfly Wonderland Home School Day Info
Homeschool Days for the 2015–2016 School Year
Mondays and Tuesdays:
- September 21, 2015
- September 22, 2015
- November 9, 2015
- November 10, 2015
- December 7, 2015
- December 8, 2015
- January 25, 2016
- January 26, 2016
Butterfly Wonderland’s flexibly structured Home school Days are designed for families to learn together while exploring Butterfly Wonderland’s exhibits without the crowds of school field trips. While Butterfly Wonderland will be open to the general public, no classroom-based school trips will be booked during these days.
As a home school group, a minimum of 10 people is needed to receive special discounted admission. Cost is $8 per student (two and under are free) and $12 per adult plus 7.95% tax. Tours last 1.5 to 2 hours and can be scheduled at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. For more information, please contact their Education Department at (480) 800-3000, ext. 207.
To learn more about Butterfly Wonderland, visit http://butterflywonderland.com/
Happy Field Tripping!
Jilleen
Disclosure: We were invited to visit Butterfly Wonderland as a member of the media. All points of view and opinions are my own.
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