This 10 acre park located in Coconut Creek Florida is one of the most intriguing attractions in the region!!!

Here Butterflies take center stage where life spans average a brief 10 days. That means 10,000 butterflies and 150 species are replenished along with 2,000 imported bugs every 7 to 10 days.

Founder Ron Boender once stated... "Find me a zoo that has to replace their animals each week."

There are six outdoor aviaries and gardens, two indoor museums, an insectarium, a live bug zoo, an in-house laboratory as well as fascinating birds and botanicals.

First, stop at the Butterfly Farm, to observe caterpillars in various stages of development. Then, walk through an archway where classical music plays to thousands of multi-hued butterflies as they flutter among equally brilliant tropical plantings.

The sparkle of iridescent wings will guide you down flower-lined pathways, past waterfalls, and up to a cave from which blossoms and tropical mist descend. The paths are well marked, with benches at nicely spaced and shaded intervals for a rest while capturing glimpses of hummingbirds pausing on a branch or traveling at speeds up to 45 miles per hour.

Butterfly World houses nine hummingbird species including the Jamaican Streamertail and Sunbird of Africa. I was amazed at the Giant Hummingbird of South America at a whopping 8” long. Did you know… hummingbirds cannot walk or turn? Their feet are useless except for perching… Hmm, I didn’t know that!

Head for the Lorikeet Encounter and feed a colorful feathered friend a cup of nectar. It’s a wonderful experience as they’re extremely tame and willing to get up close and personal for their favorite food.

Cross a koi filled pond by suspension bridge to another aviary where more hummingbirds, finches and other feathered friends enjoy another flower-filled space.

Cool off in the museum while admiring some mounted collections of butterflies, moths and other insects from around the world. Then, step into the live bug zoo to observe scorpions, black widows and diving beetles.

Although you can't take butterflies home as souvenirs, you can purchase a butterfly pupa…the post-caterpillar, pre-butterfly stage of development. Watch it emerge from its casing and dry its wings before flight.

For those who want to create their own butterfly world, there are butterfly-attracting plants for sale with FREE Butterfly Gardening Classes held the second Saturday of each month.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Check on-line, tourism brochures and local newspapers for discounts up to $5.00 per ticket. There is a charge on weekends for admission into Tradewinds Park where Butterfly World is located.

Gate Admission Fees to Tradewinds Park
The gate admission fee of $1.50 per person is charged on Saturdays, Sundays, and designated holidays (children 5 and younger are free); $8 maximum charge per car or van (nine or fewer occupants); $20 per commercial school bus. (Verify Fees)

To save a little, I’d recommend packing a picnic lunch. There are picnic tables, playground equipment as well as jogging and biking trails. Just be sure to get your hand stamped if you plan to re-enter Butterfly World later that day.

The best time to visit is when butterflies are most active...that’s in the morning. If it’s raining, I’d recommend you wait till the shower passes or plan for another day. (Overnight Lodging)