Butterfly Rainforest
Butterfly Rainforest
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
About
**The Butterfly Rainforest is open to the public. To ensure a safe environment for all visitors, the Museum has limited entry and masks are recommended.** The Butterfly Rainforest is a 6,400-square-foot screened exhibit exposed to typical Florida weather conditions, resulting in a more natural environment for the butterflies and plants. This living exhibit features hundreds of free-flying butterflies, typically more than 50 species at any given time, birds from around the world and an assortment of other animals including turtles and fish to experience firsthand. The lush landscape is planted in tropical trees and colorful flowering plants amid waterfalls and a walking path. Skilled interpretive staff are available to help answer questions and provide visitors with a personal and highly engaging experience. View the live butterfly spotlight Monday through Friday at 2 p.m., weather permitting.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from ₹1,222.71
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,226 reviews
Excellent
1,026
Very good
178
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Puzzled Traveler
Atlanta, GA61 contributions
Sep 2022
My original activity while on vacation in the area was canceled due to rain so I came to check this out since it was indoors. Paid to park and made my way inside to buy tickets. The girl selling tickets tried to talk me out of buying tickets due to the butterflies not being very active that day. Since I had already driven there and paid to park I opted to buy tickets anyway. I was then told I would have to take my camera “monopod” back to my car as it was not allowed inside. My camera had an 8” long handle on it, not a monopod. She had to call someone on the walkie-talkie to come to the ticket booth and approve my camera handle for entry. There was no wait for entry to the rainforest so I was able to go right in. Not sure what the ticket booth girl was talking about, plenty of butterflies were flying around. The little birds running around that were all making noise in unison were fun too. While leaning over to take a picture of one of the birds a butterfly flew over and landed on my face. That was neat. On my second pass through, a group of kids with their parents came in and started yelling at the little birds running around and chasing them. They were worried about my camera handle but no one put a stop to that behavior? I left to go wander around the rest of the museum. Enjoyed looking at the different labs and butterfly hatching areas. After a while I went back to go through the rainforest again but the kids were going in for another trip through. I sat in a nearby chair to wait for them to come out but gave up. I headed out through the gift shop and noticed they were selling dead butterflies from the exhibit in frames for $60. A little odd. The rainforest itself was great but wasn’t impressed by the people that run the place.
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you for visiting us and for your feedback. We are glad you enjoyed the exhibit but are sorry to hear about your experience. We strive to constantly improve our visitor experience and hope you will visit us again!
Written 17 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bruce Ryser
The Villages, FL1 contribution
Jan 2023
The Butterfly Rain Forest with all the butterflies flying around was without a doubt the highlight of my visit. My grandson accompanied me and it was a good learning experience for him to see the insects up close. I highly recommend it for parents and grandparents to expose their children to the facility. Kudos!
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! We're glad to hear you and your grandson enjoyed your visit to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit and look forward to you visiting us again.
Written 17 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
theresecallahan2002
Brookline, MA123 contributions
Nov 2022
My aunt and I went to this place on Tuesday. Although we were told there were very few butterflies out and about, we did see some. I was concerned about one that right there on the path, fearing that other people would step on it, and kill it. Then one of the staff carefully picked it up, and put it back in the garden, saving its life. I was never more relieved.
Written 25 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! Our Butterfly Rainforest exhibit staff are always keeping an eye on the butterflies to make sure they're safe and happy, we appreciate you acknowledging their efforts. We look forward to you and your family visiting us again!
Written 28 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
haleypercy
Lexington, KY19 contributions
Aug 2022
The butterfly habitat was beautiful and you can tell the staff really care for the butterflies and other wildlife. There's lots to explore just within the butterfly habitat itself and the rest of the museum is nice. The gift shop has lots of local artists!
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit and look forward to you visiting us again.
Written 18 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marisa
Jacksonville, FL2 contributions
Nov 2022
This is by far a magical place! Students with A grade in science get in for free, I printed my son's report card and showed it to them at the entrance. This is a plus! It is not a big place but was worth every penny of the ticket. I was wearing blue and red and it is the butterflies favorite colors, within minutes I had butterflies landing on me big as my hand. There are also small birds around and so cute. You can sit in different places on benches and just relax. Also, there are showcases with butterflies all over inside of the adjacent museum! AMAZING!
Written 3 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! We're glad to hear you and your son enjoyed your visit to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit and look forward to you visiting us again.
Written 18 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellie W.
Lakeland, FL817 contributions
We really enjoyed the experience. It’s very relaxing and beautiful. Lots of beautiful butterflies! They even have a koi pound.
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! We're glad to hear you found your visit to
the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit relaxing and enjoyable and look forward to you visiting us again.
Written 18 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jo M
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
We truly enjoyed the whole museum, displays are beautiful and everything very clean. The Butterfly rainforest was an amazing experience, peaceful and beautiful.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to
the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit and look forward to you visiting us again.
Written 27 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DawnOfTampa
Tampa, FL41 contributions
Oct 2022
Something about the way butterflies fly makes it impossible to be cranky. I wish I could go here every day. Go if you can.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to
the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit and look forward to you and your family visiting us again.
Written 27 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mdmx12
Miami, FL4 contributions
Aug 2022
This is an amazing place well worth the money. Our family enjoyed it very much. The kids loved it we will come back.
Written 2 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit and look forward to you and your family visiting us again.
Written 9 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cubautor
Bradenton, FL48 contributions
cute place to see butterflies, i heve been in other places with more diversity. still a beautiful place you could enjoy the views.
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
floridamuseum
Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit and hope you visit us again.
Written 9 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Safari598908
2 contributions
Are they releasing butterflies every afternoon. If so what time? Thank you.
MMorgan2571
Panama City, FL345 contributions
Can not answer that …. You are able to see all the cocoons & those hatching in their lab. I would presume once hatched & dry they would release them. As to when 🤷♀️No answer.
Rose
2 contributions
Are there any sitting areas in the butterfly encounter for those who cannot walk a long distance?
KFS_386
Gainesville, FL512 contributions
Yes, there are benches inside the butterfly rainforest exhibit.
We suggest bringing a paper towel, however, because when they water the plants, the benches can get wet.
Sightsee424870
Orlando, FL
What exit do we get off
Patti P
The Villages, FL28 contributions
The butterfly rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History is located in Gainesville at 3215 Hull Road SW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611. Exit 384. You can find all the info on their website.
floridamuseum.ufl.edu/exhibits/butterfly-rainforest/
Enjoy!
Patti
Daydream541268
Hampton, VA
Is there an entrance fee?
Deborah C
Wyomissing, PA64 contributions
Yes there is and it depends on age.
BackPacker227019
Lady Lake, FL
Are emotional support dogs allowed – 12 pounds
Florida Museum
Gainesville, FL
Lucian B's answer is correct:
"The Florida Museum of Natural History allows the use of trained service animals by individuals with disabilities in public Museum areas. Comfort animals, emotional support animals and pets are not permitted in the Museum. More information is available on our website under "Plan Your Visit."
WHAT IS THE ADDRESS, HOURS, FEES, etc. What time of year is best for taking photos.
Is there enough room for a small handicap scooter. What days are the least crowded?
Florida Museum
Gainesville, FL
Hi - The Butterfly Rainforest is part of the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the address is 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611. Our hours and admission are listed on our website as others have mentioned. Yes, the Rainforest should accommodate a small scooter. Typically Monday is our slowest day of the week. For photographs, it depends on what types of photos you'd like. Photographs of butterflies feeding can be taken anytime there is activity, which is sunny with temperatures 65 to 70 degrees or higher. If you'd like photos of butterflies sitting still, sunny cooler days with highs in the high 60s or low 70s are best because they will fly into the sun and bask to warm themselves before feeding.
Marty D
Lakewood, CO395 contributions
How much is admission to the Butterfly Rainforest?
Florida Museum
Gainesville, FL
Hi Marty D,
Admission is $13 for adults ($11 for Fla residents and 62+), $6 for ages 3-17 and free for ages 2 and under, Museum members and UF students with a valid Gator 1 card.
We hope to see you soon!
Paul Ramey
blazer2123
McAlester, OK13 contributions
What does it cost to go?
Florida Museum
Gainesville, FL
Hello,
I thought the question was specifically asking about Butterfly Rainforest admission so I provided pricing for that exhibit. General Museum admission is free, though donations are accepted. There is only a change for the Rainforest and featured exhibit, currently “The Scoop on Poop.” All admission pricing is available on our website under Visit>Plan Your Visit. Please let us know if you have other questions and we hope to see you soon.
Paul Ramey
ajbptaylor
Gainesville, FL
Are walkers and wheelchairs permitted?
Florida Museum
Gainesville, FL
Hello,
Yes, and we also have a limited number of wheelchairs available for free visitor use.
We hope to see you soon.
Kind regards,
Paul Ramey
Butterfly Rainforest (Gainesville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Butterfly Rainforest
- Butterfly Rainforest is open:
- Sun - Sun 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Mon - Tue 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Wed - Wed 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thu - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Butterfly Rainforest can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 2 Butterfly Rainforest tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Butterfly Rainforest:
- (0.38 km) Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville
- (2.31 km) Staybridge Suites Gainesville I-75
- (2.12 km) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gainesville I-75
- (0.58 km) LAST MIN DISC! 2BR/2.5BA CONDO BY UF! Walk to campus!
- (2.48 km) Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville
- Restaurants near Butterfly Rainforest:
- (0.08 km) Camellia Court Cafe
- (0.47 km) Metro Diner
- (0.40 km) Shula's
- (0.51 km) Gumby's Pizza
- (0.51 km) Wok N Roll