The TNC Butterfly House
Experience the Magic of Pollinators at the Tenafly Nature Center
Step into the Butterfly House, a seasonal 12′ x 24′ outdoor exhibit located near the Visitors’ Center and our Native Pollinator Garden. Open during the summer, this immersive space offers a close-up look at native butterflies and moths as they sip nectar, take flight, and emerge from their chrysalises in a special viewing box. Educational displays highlight their fascinating life cycles, and staff or volunteers are often on hand to answer questions and enrich your visit.
Butterfly species vary by season and availability but reflect those naturally found in the Tenafly Nature Center preserve during spring and summer.
Right next door, the Native Pollinator Garden is open year-round and showcases local host plants that attract butterflies, bees, beetles, hummingbirds, and other essential pollinators. The garden changes with the seasons and may even spark ideas for your own pollinator-friendly space at home.
Please note: The Butterfly House is closed during rain, overcast conditions, or when temperatures are below 70°F.
Don’t Miss This Magical Butterfly Experience!
Families with children ages 4 and up are invited to a rare, hands-on opportunity at Tenafly Nature Center—feeding live butterflies!
Step into our Butterfly House for an unforgettable encounter with these delicate, colorful creatures in an intimate small-group setting. Watch them flutter around you and land gently as you offer them nectar, creating the perfect up-close moment for curious kids and nature-loving adults alike.
After your butterfly adventure, get creative and give back to nature by making your own pollinator-friendly seed ball to plant at home and support local wildlife.
Spaces are limited—register now to secure your spot in this enchanting summer experience!
Upcoming Dates & Times
Closed for the season – Join us again in June 2026
Click on the date you are interested in to register.
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August 23 at 1:30 pmAugust 23 at 1:30 pm
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August 23 at 2:30 pmAugust 23 at 2:30 pm
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August 24 at 1:30 pmAugust 24 at 1:30 pm
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August 24 at 2:30 pmAugust 24 at 2:30 pm
Guests who have missed an admission time will be asked to wait until the next time slot.
Interested in encouraging butterflies in your yard?
This document lists nectar and host plants for NJ butterflies and moths.
TNC Members: FREE
Become a member today and visit the Butterfly House all summer!
Non-members: $3/person
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Young children who will be held off the floor by an adult the entire time inside the house are free.
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Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors are encouraged to show off pictures of their visit on social media using the #TNCButterfly #Tenaflynaturecenter
Your sponsorship helps sustain this seasonal favorite, covering the costs of care, educational materials, and access for families and schools. By supporting the Butterfly House, you help create hands-on learning experiences, memorable family outings, and lifelong connections to nature—all while keeping programs affordable and accessible.
Sponsorship Benefits
As a valued sponsor, you’ll receive:
- Recognition in one of our email newsletters (with mention and link)
- Your name or business featured on our Our Partners webpage
- Acknowledgment in printed program materials and publicity
- Shoutouts on our social media platforms
- Verbal recognition at select events
Sponsorships renew annually, and your continued support ensures this beloved exhibit remains a summer tradition for years to come.
Ready to make an impact? Submit the sponsorship form below or contact us at development@TenaflyNC.org to get started.
Together, we can keep the Butterfly House blooming!
Returning Donors or Members
If you’ve donated or been a member before, simply log into your account (top right) and complete the donation form below.
First-Time Donors
If this is your first donation, please fill out the form below to contribute.
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