Right in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, a lush tropical rainforest is very much alive — and it’s filled with thousands of free-flying butterflies. Butterfly Wonderland is the largest indoor butterfly conservatory in America, and it delivers an experience that feels genuinely otherworldly. The attraction transports guests of all ages to the rainforest by immersing them in the world of butterflies and other rainforest animals.
Located at Arizona Boardwalk, Scottsdale’s one-of-a-kind entertainment destination that features eight marquee attractions in addition to multiple dining, shopping, and amusement venues, Butterfly Wonderland is the kind of place that surprises you — whether you’re a curious kid, a nature-loving adult, or someone who just needs a peaceful escape from the outside world.
Highlights & Exhibits
Setting the stage before you enter the conservatory is a 3D movie chronicling the amazing journey of the monarch butterfly, followed by a tour through the Emergence Gallery where you’ll be inches away from live chrysalis as they emerge into beautiful butterflies. The movie is a great introduction, and in 3D it is stunning. It’s one of those rare moments where education and entertainment genuinely blur together.
You then enter the huge greenhouse-type enclosure, with several pathways to stroll through as you observe the many species of butterflies freely flying in the habitat. The variety is impressive, and the greenery is lush and vibrant. There is signage throughout that gives information about the different species and the many countries from which they come. The experience takes visitors up close and personal with thousands of butterflies from 70 different species.
Watching butterflies land on your shoulder while soft music plays is unforgettable. A little patience goes a long way here — if you stay patient and still, butterflies might land on you, making for a truly magical experience. Wearing bright colors can help attract them — the butterflies love vibrant hues.
Along with the butterflies, you’ll have the chance to see other rainforest animals such as insects and spiders in the Spineless Giants Gallery, colorful and exotic fish in the Tropical Waters Gallery, and unique reptiles and amphibians in the Rainforest Reptiles Gallery. There’s genuinely more to discover here than most first-time visitors expect.
At 1:00 PM daily in the Tropical Waters gallery, you can experience an engaging aquarist talk and live feeding, with expert insights on venomous round stingrays as well as Agatha, the remarkable horn shark, at the Observation Pool. This unique opportunity is free with admission.
Every morning at 9:30 AM, you can enjoy koi fish feeding in the Conservatory as aquatic experts share their knowledge about this unique and beautiful species — including a chance to meet “Hoover,” and learn the important role he plays in the pond that takes center stage in the Conservatory.
You can also join a Butterfly Wonderland expert “bug specialist” for a close-up look at some of the world’s most incredible insects — like walking sticks, blue death-feigning beetles, katydids, and more — and it’s totally free with admission. Education specialists also release exquisite tropical butterflies into the Conservatory, and you can capture the enchanting moment on camera as these graceful insects take their inaugural flight.
Atmosphere & Setting
The magnificent glass conservatory provides the ideal tropical rainforest habitat for thousands of butterflies from around the world to fly freely. The moment you step inside, the temperature shifts, the air becomes warm and humid, and the ambient sounds of a rainforest surround you. It is such a beautiful, peaceful respite from the outside world.
Live exhibits connect people to nature through a sensory experience that educates, entertains, and provides a refuge from the outside world. The design of the space feels intentional — lush plantings, flowing water features, and natural lighting all work together to make you feel genuinely transported. There is also a koi pond with several large, colorful fish that serves as a beautiful centerpiece inside the conservatory.
Butterfly Wonderland even offers yoga sessions in the peaceful and magical surroundings of the Butterfly Conservatory, featuring thousands of beautiful fluttering butterflies. It’s a testament to just how serene the space truly feels — tranquil enough that it doubles as a wellness destination.
Other Considerations
What does admission cost? Tickets start around $33 for adults and $23 for kids. Your ticket purchase also helps support rainforest conservation and butterfly farmers around the world, which adds a feel-good layer to the experience. Some visitors do note that admission can feel a bit steep for larger families, though the sheer number of included activities helps justify the cost.
Are there ways to save money? Look for combo tickets with OdySea Aquarium or other Arizona Boardwalk attractions to save money. An annual pass also offers unlimited visits for one year, a 10% discount at the gift shop and café, invitations to exclusive passholder-only events, and reduced pricing on birthday party packages. The annual pass pays for itself after just two visits.
Is it good for families and kids? Absolutely. It’s an awesome attraction, especially if you have kids — a fun mixture of entertainment and education. Butterfly Wonderland is also an officially designated Pal Place, meaning they’ve taken steps to be more inclusive for guests with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, including a video social story with insider tips and a sensory scale to help plan your visit.
What about strollers and accessibility? Butterfly Wonderland is a fully wheelchair-accessible facility, though strollers are allowed throughout the building with the exception of the Conservatory, due to fire and USDA code compliance issues. Using a backpack or snuggly carrier for very young children is recommended.
When is the best time to visit? Arriving right at opening is the best way to experience the magic before it gets too busy. It’s quite peaceful if you go early in the day on weekends or on weekdays. Plan for about 90 minutes to two hours to see everything comfortably. Also keep in mind that the conservatory is kept hot and humid for the butterflies, so dressing in light clothing is a smart move.
Is parking easy? Parking is free and no admission is required to enter Arizona Boardwalk. Arizona Boardwalk is located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and is part of the Talking Stick Entertainment District, making it a convenient stop that pairs naturally with other nearby attractions.
Butterfly Wonderland
📍 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Website: https://www.butterflywonderland.com
