If you’re a parent searching for ways to help your child succeed in school, build emotional resilience, and explore science in a hands-on way, the Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving Point is the perfect destination. More than just a fun family outing, it’s a space where kids grow stronger and more curious every day.
Plan your visit to the Butterfly Biosphere and spark learning through discovery today!

A Safe Place to Turn Fear into Fascination
Many children feel nervous or even fearful around bugs – but what if you could turn that fear into confidence? The Butterfly Biosphere helps kids overcome those feelings by providing up-close experiences with insects in a safe, exciting, and educational environment.
By encouraging kids to explore instead of avoid, parents are giving them the tools to grow – not just as students, but as confident, resilient, and compassionate people.

Step into a Living Science Lesson
Inside the Butterfly Conservatory, guests walk among more than a thousand live butterflies from around the world. The immersive environment provides a sensory-rich experience that engages all types of learners – visual, tactile, and curious minds alike.
Don’t miss the daily Butterfly Release and Entomologist Chats at 2 pm, Monday through Saturday. Watch butterflies take their first flight in the conservatory while learning from our experts in a way that brings science to life.
Discover all our Daily STEM Discovery Programs and plan your visit
Hands-On Learning in the Discovery Zone
The Discovery Zone is home to hundreds of live insects – including beetles, walking sticks, tarantulas, and more. Many of these insects play essential roles in Earth’s ecosystems, which kids learn about in our Critter Encounters, held daily.
These up-close moments help children move from “ew” to “wow,” encouraging compassion and understanding for even the smallest creatures. It’s also a great way to introduce science topics in a way that feels fun and not forced.
Come meet the bugs for yourself – get tickets to the Butterfly Biosphere today!

New Daily STEM Discovery Programs for Kids
We’ve added two new Daily STEM Discovery programs that are both educational and wildly fun:
Bug Races | Daily at 12 pm and 5 pm
Cheer on your favorite bug as it races down the track. Learn about different species’ strengths and speeds in this fun, fast-paced science showdown.
Butterfly Release & Entomologist Chats | 2 pm, Monday–Saturday
See butterflies take flight and ask questions directly to our in-house entomologists. It’s the perfect combination of observation, education, and awe.
These daily shows are a great way to encourage curiosity and build lasting knowledge – plus, they make every visit to the Biosphere unique.
Explore our Daily STEM Discovery Programs and plan your visit now

A Confidence-Building Experience That Lasts
Helping kids build confidence around bugs does more than ease fears – it builds resilience, curiosity, and empathy, all of which are essential for success in school and in life.
Here’s what your child develops at the Butterfly Biosphere:
- Curiosity– Asking questions, exploring new environments, and observing science firsthand
- Compassion– Understanding the importance of all creatures and learning to care for the planet
- Confidence– Overcoming fears, trying new things, and interacting with real scientists
These are the kinds of life skills that make for strong kids, successful students, and engaged learners – and it all starts with a simple visit.
Help Your Child grow through hands-on discovery.