Tickets for The Butterfly Experience will go on sale on Tuesday, February 17 at 10 am.
April 1 – September 7, 2026 | 9 am – 3 pm
Step into a world bursting with color and wonder! Visitors to this seasonal exhibit will enjoy an up-close encounter with hundreds of live butterflies from across North America, Central America, South America, Africa and Asia. Watch as they glide, swoop and flutter among vibrant blooms throughout Brookside Gardens’ South Conservatory.
Our staff and volunteers are eager to answer questions as visitor make their way through the captivating universe of lepidoptera. Learn about the stages of metamorphosis, the important role butterflies play in healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens.
Below, find helpful details about visiting the exhibit, bringing groups, opportunities to learn more about butterflies, and how to get involved in this extraordinary experience.
TICKETS
Everyone must have a ticket. Ticket prices are as follows:
- Under age 3: Free
- Ages 3 to 12: $10.99 (ticket fee $9 plus $1.99 service charge)
- Ages 13+: $15.99 (ticket fee $14 plus $1.99 service charge)
Advance ticket purchase through the website below is recommended as same-day tickets are limited. Tickets are purchased for a specific date and time to enter The Butterfly Experience. Tickets are non-refundable, however, can be exchanged for an alternative date or time (see instructions below).
ENTRANCE
The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens is located at the Brookside Gardens Conservatory. The Conservatory is a 10-minute walk through the gardens from the Visitor Center.
PARKING
Parking is available at the Brookside Gardens Visitor Center (1800 Glenallan Ave.) or at the Conservatory (1500 Glenallan Ave.). Parking at the Conservatory is limited and fills quickly. Accessible parking is available at both locations, however, parking at the Conservatory is often preferred by visitors with mobility aids. Please note, The Butterfly Experience is a 10-minute walk through the gardens from the Visitor Center.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
- Tickets are purchased for a specific date and time to enter The Butterfly Experience. Early/late admission is not guaranteed; however, we will work to accommodate based on capactiy.
- Arrive at the Conservatory a few minutes before your scheduled entrance time and have your QR code/digital ticket ready to be scanned. Each entry time allows for a 20-minute experience which ends at the listed time on each ticket. Therefore, it is important to be on time.
- Strollers are not permitted inside the Conservatory. There is a designated area outside the Conservatory where strollers may be left, however this area is not monitored by staff and Brookside Gardens is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not permitted in The Butterfly Experience during regular business hours. Tripods and monopods are only allowed in during the special Focus on Butterflies program.
- Do not bring large bags or backpacks with you as they are not permitted inside The Butterfly Experience.
- The Conservatory is warmer and more humid than the outside air. We encourage visitors to stay hydrated. Water bottles are available for purchase at the Gift Shop in the Visitor Center and can be filled at the fill station there. Open containers (such as cups of coffee) are not permitted inside The Butterfly Experience.
- Re-entry is not permitted, however visitors may purchase additional tickets to later timeslots to visit again.