Visiting
Your visit
How much time should we allow?
We recommend at least two to three hours for a leisurely walk through the park, but many guests stay all day.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Butterfly World is open year-round, with thousands of live butterflies and hundreds of birds on display. You will see the most butterfly activity on bright, sunny days.
Do I need to book tickets online?
No. All admission tickets are bought in person when you arrive — no pre-orders or reservations needed. Gift tickets can be ordered online for mail delivery (USPS, no e-tickets) in the shop.
What discounts do you offer?
- Active or retired military: 25% off for the entire party, with proof of status.
- AAA members: 15% off up to 6 tickets bought together, with a current card.
- Broward, Palm Beach or Miami-Dade educators (public or private school employees): 25% off up to 6 tickets, with a valid school ID.
- Website coupon: $5 off each adult and $3 off each child (3–11), up to 6 people.
There are no senior, student or Florida-resident discounts. Discounts and coupons can’t be combined; you always get the highest one you qualify for.
Can I bring food or drinks?
For the health of the butterflies and birds, outside drinks other than water are not permitted — please finish coffee or other drinks before the entrance. Bottled water and liquids for infant feeding are fine. Two outdoor cafés serve snacks, drinks, ice cream and lunch, and there are picnic areas just outside in Tradewinds Park.
Are pets allowed?
Only service dogs, in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service dogs must be declared at the admissions gate and stay on a short leash. Assistance, comfort and therapy animals are not permitted.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Butterfly World is 100% wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs can be rented for $5.00 plus tax for up to two hours, first come, first served; availability is limited.
What if it rains?
The park is mostly outdoors. In extended bad weather a rain check may be issued at Butterfly World’s discretion; rain checks expire one year after the visit and can’t be replaced if lost. Call 954-977-4434 during business hours if you’re unsure.
Can I upgrade my day pass to an annual pass?
Yes, on the day you bought your tickets: you pay the difference between the day pass and the annual pass. After that day the full annual pass price applies.
What should we wear?
Shoes and shirts are required. Dress comfortably, wear good walking shoes and check the weather before you leave. Butterfly World may refuse entry for inappropriate attire, including costume masks on guests 12 and older, clothing or tattoos with obscene material, excessively torn clothing, or clothing that exposes excessive skin for a family setting.
Can I take photos?
Personal photos and videos are welcome. Photography of any kind (including phones) is not allowed inside the BW Shop, and tripods and monopods are not permitted anywhere. Professional photography and video must be approved in advance — use the photo/video request.
Can we hold a wedding or event here?
Butterfly World doesn’t have facilities for weddings, receptions or special events. Visit Lauderdale keeps a wedding venue guide. Pavilions, sports fields and stables in Tradewinds Park are run by Broward County: (954) 357-8870 x 0.
Do you sell butterflies for release?
No. The BW Shop sells native pupae almost every day; for a larger quantity or particular species call 954-977-4434 in advance. Emergence time can’t be guaranteed.
Do you accept SNAP, EBT or WIC?
Not at this time. Payment accepted: cash, Amex, Mastercard, Visa and Apple Pay. No personal checks.
Butterflies
About the butterflies
How long does a butterfly live?
About fourteen days on average in the aviary, compared with about seven in the wild. Some species, like the zebra longwing, can live up to ten months, and species that feed on rotting fruit, pollen, dung or even carrion can live longer still.
How many butterflies are in the aviaries?
Butterfly World keeps 20,000 butterflies on display — often far more. Being in South Florida, the number isn’t affected by the seasons.
How many species can we see?
Up to fifty species at any one time, and over 150 different species over the course of a year.
What is the difference between a butterfly and a moth?
- Butterflies usually rest with wings folded above the body; moths usually fold them along the body.
- Most butterflies have clubbed antennae; moth antennae are pointed or feathered.
- Butterflies fly by day; most moths fly at night.
- Butterfly caterpillars are very fussy about their food plant; moth caterpillars usually eat many plants.
Pupa, chrysalis or cocoon?
“Pupa” (Latin) and “chrysalis” (Greek) mean the same thing. A cocoon is the silk casing a silk-moth caterpillar spins before it becomes a pupa.
What do butterflies do in winter?
Most butterflies at Butterfly World are tropical species that never face winter in South Florida’s near-tropical climate. Non-tropical butterflies spend several months in “hibernation” at a stage of their life cycle that depends on the species.