Everything You Need to Know About Butterfly World South Florida
Coconut Creek | Broward County
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Is Butterfly World Worth It? Exploring Butterfly World Coconut Creek
Butterfly World in Coconut Creek is the largest butterfly park in the world and a true hidden gem of South Florida. This lush, outdoor attraction is home to over 20,000 butterflies and exotic birds, offering a serene escape for travelers and locals alike. Located within Tradewinds Park (South), just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Miami, it features a stunning mix of botanical gardens, massive walk through aviaries, and interactive wildlife exhibits. Whether you’re a photographer, a family with kids, or simply seeking a nature based activity, a visit to Butterfly World is the perfect way to experience Florida’s tropical beauty up close.
Planning a Visit to Butterfly World
How to Have the Perfect Day & Make the Most Out of Your Time
Ticket Prices & Hours of Operation
Tickets can only be purchased on site at Butterfly World, they are not available to buy online. Butterfly World is open 7 days a week, except for Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
To find discount tickets for Butterfly World, check their official website or local coupon books. Please note that discounts typically apply only to daily admissions and cannot be combined with annual passes. Each coupon is valid for up to six people in your party.
| Tickets | Prices |
|---|---|
| Day Pass Adults 12+ Kids 3-11 Children <2 | $32.50 + tax $22.50 + tax Free |
| Annual Pass Adults 12+ Kids 3-11 Children <2 | $80 + tax $60 + tax Free |
| Lorikeet Feeding | $2/cup of nectar |
| Area | Hours |
|---|---|
| Main Facility Monday to Saturday Sunday Last Entry to Park | 9AM-5PM 11AM-5PM 4PM |
| Gift Shop Monday to Saturday Sunday | 9AM-4PM 11AM-4PM |
| Last Lorikeet Feeding | 4:15PM |
| Butterfly & Lorikeet Area Closes | 4:30PM |
Getting There
Butterfly World is located in Tradewinds Park (south), in the city of Coconut Creek, a suburb in Fort Lauderdale in Broward County. It is accessible via the three main Florida highways:
- I-95 exit 39/Sample Road
- Florida Turnpike (SR91) exit 69/Sample Road
- Sawgrass Expressway (SR869) exit 19/Lyons Road
The closest airport is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), which is approximately 30 minutes away. Butterfly World is also easily accessible for those staying in Miami (MIA) or Palm Beach (PBI); expect about a one hour drive from either city. Check our South Florida Adventure Map for specific turn by turn directions.
Parking
Parking is free at Butterfly World during the week. However, on weekends and holidays, there is a $3/vehicle entrance fee for Tradewinds Park. Once you pass the park gate, follow the road for about a third of a mile; you’ll see the Butterfly World entrance and its dedicated parking lot at the end of the road on your right.
Dress Code
When deciding what to wear to Butterfly World, we recommend you dress comfortably for a day outdoors. That means, light clothing, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and good walking shoes. Since you’ll be walking through lush, humid aviaries and garden paths, choose shoes with good grip as some areas near the waterfalls can occasionally be slippery. Proper attire is required, meaning no clothing that would be deemed inappropriate in a family-friendly environment. Butterfly World reserves the right to deny entry to anyone dressed inappropriately.
Gift Shop & Souvenirs
If you want to bring a piece of South Florida home with you, the Butterfly World Gift Shop is a must visit. The shop has two entrances, one near the front gate and another at the park’s exit. We recommend browsing at the end of your tour so you don’t have to carry your treasures through the aviaries! They offer everything from jewelry and apparel to unique tchotchkes and collectibles. You can even stop by the adjacent nursery to buy butterfly attracting plants. If you choose a plant as your souvenir, be sure to ask the staff for care instructions to ensure it thrives in your garden!
Food & Drink
There are two outdoor cafes on the Butterfly World premise, The Garden Cafe and The Mariposa Cafe. They offer a small selection of non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, dessert and a few lunch items. No outside food or drinks are allowed in (other than water). If you want to have lunch during your visit, you can do so outside Butterfly World at the Tradewinds Park picnic area. Remember: If you leave the gates to enjoy a picnic at Tradewinds Park, be sure to keep your physical ticket. You will need to show it at the front desk to be allowed back in for the rest of your day.
Weather & What To Do if it Rains
Since most of the park is outdoors, the weather plays a big role in your experience. If conditions become unsafe, Butterfly World staff may close the aviaries temporarily or close the park early for the day. If you happen to get rained out, you can request a non-transferable raincheck at Guest Services. These are valid for one year from the date of issue and require a photo ID to claim. Before you head out on a cloudy day, it’s always a good idea to call (954) 977-4434 to check the current status of the outdoor aviaries.
Top Insider Tips from Local Floridians
Our top insider tip for Butterfly World: if you want butterflies to land on you, dress the part! Wear bright, solid colors like red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. Since butterflies see ultraviolet light, these colors mimic their favorite flowers and make you look like a giant nectar source. Just remember to skip the perfume and cologne; heavy scents can actually deter them. Stick to unscented products to ensure you’re as inviting as possible!
Our next tip is all about food! Since Butterfly World does not allow outside food or drinks and the on-site cafe menu is fairly limited, we always recommend fueling up beforehand. A local favorite move is grabbing a Publix sub and enjoying it at the beautiful picnic areas in Tradewinds Park right before you head inside. Most importantly: bring a bottle of water! The Florida heat can be intense, and staying hydrated is key to enjoying your walk through the aviaries.
Along with staying hydrated, our next tip is to help you stay cool. Take advantage of the indoor areas that have air conditioning to catch your breath. Areas like the Butterfly Museum, Bug Zoo, and the gift shop offer a nice relief from the Florida humidity. You can even plan your “cool down” breaks ahead of time by looking at this map prior to your visit.
Our last tip is specifically for Florida locals. Since Butterfly World is such a great activity, consider buying an annual pass. If you visit more than twice in a year, it’s well worth it! You’ll be able to visit as many times as you’d like with no blackout dates to worry about. Love outdoor activities? Next time check out Green Cay Wetlands for more Florida wildlife.
Butterfly World Photo Gallery & Exhibit Details
Butterflies, Birds, Gardens, Aviaries & More
Butterfly Exhibit
The main attraction at Butterfly World is, of course, the butterfly park! Within the screened in aviaries, butterflies fly freely, giving visitors the chance to observe them in a lush, natural environment. Your journey begins at the Research Lab, where you can see the fascinating life cycle of caterpillars and pupae. From there, you’ll enter the Paradise Adventure Aviary, wind through the Hanging Butterfly Garden, and finish in the Tropical Rainforest. As you exit the atrium, staff members will be on hand to perform a quick ‘butterfly check’ to ensure no hitchhikers are tagging along on your clothes or bags!
Vine Maze, Gardens & Outdoor Areas
Once you exit the butterfly atrium, you’ll emerge into the beautiful Grace Gardens. If you head to the right, you’ll find the outdoor vine maze that leads you directly toward the tropical bird aviaries. Along the winding path, keep an eye out for signs that help you identify the various exotic flowers and plants. With lush greenery and vibrant blooms at every turn, this is a fantastic spot for a photo op!
Birds & Aviary Exhibits
Butterfly World is home to over 150 bird species across six massive, open air aviaries. The collection specifically features birds that share a nectar based diet with butterflies, such as honeycreepers and hummingbirds. As you explore, be sure to look up into the canopy to spot vibrant Gouldian finches, blue waxbills, and mosaic canaries nesting in the trees! To keep the inhabitants safe, just remember to double check that the double entry doors are securely closed as you move between the different enclosures.
Macaw Landing
As you leave the vine garden and aviaries, you’ll find a suspension bridge leading to more exhibits across the water. On your way, you’ll meet two large, vibrant Macaws perched right out in the open! These beautiful birds are rescues that call Butterfly World home, and you can get surprisingly close to interact with them. Just keep in mind that since they are uncaged, the staff will bring them safely inside if the weather gets too stormy or windy (as you can see pictured below!).
Lorikeet Encounter
One of the most interactive highlights of your visit is the Lorikeet Encounter. Inside this aviary, you can get up close with these friendly, rainbow colored birds for some hands on fun. For just $2, you can purchase a small cup of nectar, and the lorikeets will fly down to perch on your arms or shoulders to eat right from your hands! It is a fantastic photo opportunity and an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Butterfly Museum & Bug Zoo
For those looking to dive deeper, the Butterfly Museum and Bug Zoo add a great educational layer to your visit. The Museum features detailed displays on butterfly anatomy, migration patterns, and life cycles, while the Bug Zoo houses live insects that are critical to the Florida ecosystem. Both exhibits are fully air conditioned, making them a perfect, kid-friendly escape to explore the science behind the beauty you see outdoors.
Gift Shop
Before you leave, be sure to stop by the Gift Shop, which is packed with nature themed treasures like jewelry, apparel, and toys. If you’re inspired to bring the magic home, visit the adjacent nursery. It offers a massive selection of butterfly friendly plants, including milkweed and nectar rich flowers, providing everything you need to start your own backyard sanctuary!
Frequently Asked Questions about Butterfly World South Florida
Is Butterfly World worth it?
Yes! Butterfly World is one of the most unique attractions in South Florida, especially for nature lovers, photographers, and garden enthusiasts. It offers a peaceful, educational alternative to the usual Florida beaches and malls, making it a perfect day trip for families and couples looking for a calm outdoor experience in Coconut Creek.
What is the best time to visit Butterfly World?
The best time to visit Butterfly World in Coconut Creek is late morning on a warm, sunny day. Because butterflies are cold blooded and rely on the sun to regulate their body temperature, you’ll see the most flight activity when it’s bright and warm. Arriving before the early afternoon is also a great way to beat the peak crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Is Butterfly World open when it rains?
Butterfly World typically remains open during light rain or overcast skies. however, the outdoor aviaries may close temporarily during heavy South Florida thunderstorms or high winds for the safety of the animals. If the weather looks questionable, we recommend calling the park at (954) 977-4434 for real time updates. Rain checks may be issued at management’s discretion if your visit is cut short by a storm.
Where is Butterfly World located?
Butterfly World is located at 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, inside Tradewinds Park in Broward County. It is conveniently situated about 30 minutes north of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Important Tip: Tradewinds Park has entrances on both sides of Sample Road, so make sure you enter the South Side to find the Butterfly World entrance!
How long does it take to go through Butterfly World?
Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours exploring the various aviaries and gardens. If you are a photography enthusiast or plan on participating in the Lorikeet Encounter, you should lean toward the 3-hour mark. We recommend planning your visit as a half day South Florida activity to ensure you have plenty of time to see everything.
Can you buy Butterfly World tickets online?
No, Butterfly World tickets must be purchased in person at the front gate upon arrival. There is currently no online ticketing or advance reservation system. Before you head out, it’s a good idea to check for a Butterfly World coupon or local discount flyers often found in South Florida hotel lobbies or tourism guides.
Is Butterfly World wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the park is 100% wheelchair accessible with ramped, paved paths throughout the aviaries and gardens. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for rent at the front desk for a $5 fee (2 hour limit) on a first come, first served basis. Every exhibit, including the indoor museums, is designed to be easy to navigate for all guests.
Does Butterfly World have food?
Butterfly World offers two outdoor dining spots, The Garden Cafe and The Mariposa Cafe, which serve a limited selection of snacks and beverages. Because no outside food or drinks (except bottled water) are allowed inside the gates, many visitors choose to enjoy a picnic at the adjacent Tradewinds Park pavilions before or after their tour.
Is Butterly World Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! As the largest butterfly park in the world, it is a must see destination for anyone visiting South Florida. With over 20,000 live butterflies representing species from every corner of the globe, the sheer scale of the park is breathtaking. It offers a peaceful and educational escape that appeals to everyone, from families with young children to professional photographers and nature enthusiasts. If you are looking for a unique, “old Florida” experience that feels worlds away from the crowded beaches and busy shopping malls, Butterfly World is well worth the trip.
