With more than 20,000 butterflies fluttering about in aviaries and gardens, Butterfly World is a treat for the whole family. Journey through the four-hectare tropical wonderland of exotic flowers and plants as more than 50 species of butterflies glide about, with hummingbirds and lorikeets popping into the picture occasionally.
Butterfly World was founded in 1988 by electrical engineer Robert Boender, who had developed a fascination with butterflies and silk moths when he was growing up on a farm in Illinois. Today, it plays an important role in butterfly research and education.
As you make your way through the park’s themed aviaries and exhibits, soft classical music plays in the background, adding to the calming atmosphere. Begin your visit at the Butterfly Farm and Lab Encounter, where you will see caterpillars grow and cocoons hatch. From here, head on to the Paradise Adventure Aviary where beautiful butterflies from five continents dance all around you. In the ever popular Tropical Rainforest Aviary, thousands of exotic butterflies and free-flying birds roam the nine-metre high area. Walk to the top of the rainforest and admire these tropical beauties from an observation deck. Purchase a tub of nectar and wait as your arm becomes a feeding station for the playful green birds at the Lorikeet Encounter. Cross the swaying Tinalandia Suspension Bridge and visit the Jewel of the Sky enclosure where the air is abuzz with hummingbirds. There is also a Bug Zoo where you can learn about giant water bugs, spiders, wasps and other insects.
Take a break on one of the many benches dotting the park, or grab a bite to eat at the Lakeside Cafe.
Finish off with a visit to the Butterfly Garden Plant Shop. Learn how to create your very own butterfly garden using the seeds and caterpillar cocoons on sale. There is also the Butterfly World Gift Shop where you can buy butterfly-themed gifts.
Butterfly World is open daily excluding Christmas Day. Avoid visiting in wet weather as many of the aviaries close if it is raining. Butterfly World is located within Tradewinds Park at Coconut Creek, just over 20 minutes’ drive north of Fort Lauderdale. Note that Tradewinds Park charges a small fee to enter during weekends or public holidays.
