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Get Closer to Nature Than You Ever Imagined

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Years of Wonder

Octo-ber

Celebrate all October long at Butterfly Pavilion with family trick-or-treating, free-roaming spiders, venomous Toxic Terrors, and an exclusive 21+ Bugs & Brews night!

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New Tarantula Encounter

Goldie the Golden Knee Tarantula is one of Butterfly Pavilion’s newest animal ambassadors — and your guide to a private, 30-minute experience that turns everything you thought you knew about tarantulas upside down.

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Visit Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with timed entry.

Plan Your Visit

Getting Here

15 minutes from downtown Denver off Hwy 36 at 104th Ave — 6252 W. 104th Ave, Westminster.

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Upcoming Events

Join us for educational programs, family activities, and special events throughout the year at the Butterfly Pavilion.

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Toxic Terrors
OCT 1 – 31
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Toxic Terrors

Discover the dark side of nature at Butterfly Pavilion’s Toxic Terrors and uncover the fascinating species that use powerful toxins to survive.

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Spider Zone
OCT 1 – 31
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Spider Zone

Get Close, Get Very Close. Butterfly Pavilion invites guests to engage with some new friends in Spider Zone, an exotic enclosure filled with hundreds of free-roaming orb-weaving spiders.

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Toxic Terrors After Dark: An Exclusive Tour with Entomologist Cori Brant
OCT 8
Adult Program 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Toxic Terrors After Dark: An Exclusive Tour with Entomologist Cori Brant

Step into the world of Toxic Terrors After Dark, an adults-only experience led by Butterfly Pavilion entomologist Cori Brant. Go behind the scenes with Cori as she shares fascinating insights about the species featured in the exhibit and gives you an insider’s look at how these incredible displays are designed and brought to life.

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Behind the Web Tarantula Encounter

Meet Goldie, a Golden Knee Tarantula, during a private 30-minute educational encounter at the Butterfly Pavilion, offered Thursday through Sunday at 9:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For $45 per person (general admission included), groups of up to five can get an up-close look at the biology and behaviors of this fascinating creature.

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Explore Our Exhibits

Wings of the Tropics

Wings of the Tropics

Our flagship tropical conservatory is home to more than 1,800 free-flying butterflies year-round, representing over 200 species from around the world.
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Nature Play

Nature Play

This new addition expands children's experiences at Butterfly Pavilion, encouraging them to discover how to play in natural spaces in a safe and engaging way.
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Water’s Edge

Water’s Edge

Our brand-new exhibit is open but still in progress. Butterfly Pavilion has completely renovated and expanded our aquatic exhibit, Water’s Edge, and in keeping to our high standards for animal welfare, we are holding on introducing animals until the water is ready for them. 
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Survival

Survival

Home to Rosie the tarantula and other arthropods, explore dozens of species in their native habitats.
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Chrysalis Chamber

Chrysalis Chamber

Watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises in real time in this intimate viewing gallery.
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Legacies: Invertebrates of Mexico

Legacies: Invertebrates of Mexico

A cultural and scientific exploration of Mexico's incredible invertebrate diversity and their role in art, cuisine, and ecology.
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Outdoor Gardens

Outdoor Gardens

Habitat for native pollinators offering four-season beauty and learning opportunities.
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Colorado Backyard

Colorado Backyard

An immersive indoor playground with play structures and educational displays about Colorado's wildlife.
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Offsite Exhibits

Offsite Exhibits

Educational exhibits at locations throughout Colorado, bringing invertebrate wonder to your community.
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Beekeepers in Tanzania
Colorado Firefly Conservation

Conservation and Scientific Impact

The Science & Conservation work at Butterfly Pavilion protects the small creatures that sustain our planet. Through research, habitat restoration, and global partnerships, we advance real-world solutions that support invertebrate biodiversity.

Colorado Projects Global Projects
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What Visitors Are Saying

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“Absolutely magical! My kids couldn't stop smiling the entire visit. The tropical habitat feels like stepping into another world, and the staff made learning about butterflies so fun and engaging.”

Sarah M. Denver, CO

“We've visited butterfly exhibits around the world, and this one is truly special. The variety of species is remarkable, and the staff went above and beyond to answer our questions about migration and conservation.”

Michael T. Boulder, CO

“Perfect for a date or family outing. The tropical environment is a wonderful escape, especially during Colorado winters. We loved every minute and can't wait to come back in the spring.”

Jennifer & David K. Aurora, CO

“As a biology professor, I bring my students here every semester. The conservation work is incredible — it's a real scientific institution making a difference for pollinators. The behind-the-scenes tour is a must.”

Dr. Rachel P. Fort Collins, CO

Be a Champion for Nature's Smallest Wonders

Your generosity powers conservation, hands-on science education, and habitat protection in Colorado and beyond. Every gift inspires future generations, restores pollinator habitats, and protects biodiversity. Give today and help safeguard nature’s smallest — and most essential — creatures.

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