June 7, 10:00 am - August 3, 4:00 pm
Cost: Included with admission
Adults – $20
Seniors 62+ – $18
Students 13+ – $18
Children 3-12 – $9.50
Children 2 & Under – Free, but must have ticket
Members – Free, but must have ticket
Flutter down to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and immerse yourself in the winged world of butterflies right here in Buffalo! Step into our brand-new Tropical Orchard, which will be home to hundreds of live butterflies from June 7 to August 3. For the first time ever, visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with a kaleidoscope of butterflies for an unforgettable experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Western New York.
This summer, hundreds of butterflies will make their debut in our Tropical Orchard soaring high, low, here, and there! See the vibrant colors of species native to the U.S. like swallowtails, monarchs, painted ladies, red admirals, and so many more. Capture the magic of this special encounter with selfies and photos of these beautiful creatures, all while learning about the important role that these pollinators play in our ecosystem along the way.
The Butterfly Experience is expected to sell out quickly, and pre-purchased tickets are required to maintain a safe and comfortable capacity. The experience is free for Botanical Gardens Members but all attendees must have a ticket. Don’t miss out on this mesmerizing opportunity!
What to expect:
- Please arrive with your E-tickets pulled up on your phone or printed and ready to be scanned.
- Once you’ve been scanned in, you will be instructed to follow the arrows throughout the conservatory to make your way into the Butterfly Experience.
- Before entering the butterfly exhibit, you will be given a brief introduction reviewing our guidelines and expectations.
- As you enter the space, you will find yourself in a 10’x5’ vestibule, which serves as a safety zone to ensure that the butterflies remain in their designated greenhouse.
- You will be led into the greenhouse, a 1200 square foot space filled with hundreds of butterflies, winding pathways, and tropical plants and fruits. Visitors are encouraged to take photos and selfies and capture the magic of the Butterfly Experience. Remember to move mindfully around the butterflies, and do not touch or hold them.
- Once you’ve made your way through the space, you will exit through another vestibule to be checked for hitchhiking butterflies.
- Visitors are encouraged to explore all 12 of our greenhouses and enjoy the beauty of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.
Do’s and Don’ts when visiting the Butterfly Experience!
Do:
- Read our FAQ and policies for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Bring a water bottle. Our greenhouse will be very warm, and it is important to stay hydrated!
- Park in our free parking lot. There is additional parking along the Ring Road. Follow the signs!
- Arrive at the time listed on your e-ticket and have your bar codes ready to be scanned.
- Only purchase e-tickets directly from our website. You will be redirected to blackbaudhosting.com for an authentic ticket. Beware of scams and unauthorized ticket sales online.
- Respect others. The Botanical Gardens is a public place, and while this is an exciting experience, it is important to be mindful of others and create the most enjoyable visit for everyone possible. Please review our Visitor Guidelines for more helpful information.
- Take photos! Visitors are encouraged to take photos and selfies with the butterflies. Don’t forget to tag us @buffalobotanicalgardens!
Don’t:
- Arrive late. If you arrive late to your scheduled ticket time, you may be asked to wait and return at another time.
- Touch, feed, harm, catch or remove any butterflies from the exhibit. Removal of Butterflies and Moths is a Violation of USDA Regulations and may result in Civil or Criminal Penalties.
- Disturb the plants, flowers, or food sources for the butterflies.
- Run or move swiftly. Please walk carefully through the exhibit and refrain from running.
- Forget to check your belongings and clothing for butterflies before you leave the exhibit!
Thanks for visiting!