Butterfly House
Looking for a nature-experience for all ages? Enjoy time among the free-flying native butterflies and moths of the Tenafly Nature Center Butterfly House! Take a peek in our chrysalis box and observe how various butterflies create delicate chrysalises; with patience and good timing you may be able to see a butterfly emerge!
Want to see more pollinators in action? Visit our Native Pollinator Garden and observe the diversity of native pollinators such as bees, beetles, and if you’re lucky, hummingbirds!
Butterflies are less active when temperatures are cool (below 70° F) or if it is overcast and/or raining.
In the event of rain the butterfly house will be closed.
The Butterfly House is a 12′ x 24′ structure located outside near our Native Pollinator garden and Visitors’ Center. Open only in the summer, a visit to the Butterfly House offers guests an immersive experience and an introduction to the wonders of metamorphosis. Educational displays help guests understand the life cycles of butterflies and moths, supporting observation of a variety of native species of live butterflies and moths. Observe these winged jewels sipping nectar and taking flight. While you are visiting, chat with staff or volunteers, ask questions, or simply relax and enjoy the space while butterflies flit and fly about.
Species vary by season and supplier availability. All species in the Butterfly House represent what can be found in the Tenafly Nature Center preserve during the spring and summer months.
Our Native Pollinator Garden is filled with local species of host plants that naturally attract and support butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and along with a variety of other pollinators. You may even find a few ideas to try in your own garden!
While the Butterfly House is only available in the summer months, the Native Pollinator Garden is accessible year-round. As with any natural space, plant life and inhabitants vary seasonally, so check back often to see changes over the seasons.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
TNC depends on sponsors to cover the cost of this fun and educational seasonal exhibit to ensure its continuation in providing meaningful opportunities for education and community engagement.
With your help, TNC can continue to build unique nature-based, community traditions that connect people to the outdoors while keeping costs affordable.
Your generosity makes this possible!
Butterfly House Sponsorship
| Caterpillar Level | Chrysalis Level | Butterfly Level |
|---|---|---|
| $250 – $499 | $500 – $999 | $1000+ |
| Cover the cost of fruit and non-plant nectar sources | Cover the cost of host plants necessary for a butterfly-friendly environment | Cover the cost of obtaining native chrysalises and adult butterflies housed in the exhibit |
Sponsorship Benefits are as follows:
- Mention and Link in one email newsletter
- Link on Our Partners website page
- Logo or Name on Our Partners website page
- Mention in publicity materials, such as programs & other printed materials
- Social media mention
- Verbal recognition
Sponsorship can be renewed annually. Please submit the form below or reach out to development@TenaflyNC.org to learn more.
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If you have been a member or donated in the past:
You are already in our database so please log into your account (upper right hand corner) and then complete the donation form below. -
If this is your first contribution:
Fill out the form below.
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Butterfly House Hours of Operation
Closed for the season
Check back again in June for the 2025 season
Guests who have missed an admission time will be asked to wait until the next time slot.
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.
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Butterfly house admission does not include trails.
The Butterfly House is a 12′ x 24′ structure located outside near our Native Pollinator garden and Visitors’ Center. Open only in the summer, a visit to the Butterfly House offers guests an immersive experience and an introduction to the wonders of metamorphosis. Educational displays help guests understand the life cycles of butterflies and moths, supporting observation of a variety of native species of live butterflies and moths. Observe these winged jewels sipping nectar and taking flight. While you are visiting, chat with staff or volunteers, ask questions, or simply relax and enjoy the space while butterflies flit and fly about.
Species vary by season and supplier availability. All species in the Butterfly House represent what can be found in the Tenafly Nature Center preserve during the spring and summer months.
Our Native Pollinator Garden is filled with local species of host plants that naturally attract and support butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and along with a variety of other pollinators. You may even find a few ideas to try in your own garden!
While the Butterfly House is only available in the summer months, the Native Pollinator Garden is accessible year-round. As with any natural space, plant life and inhabitants vary seasonally, so check back often to see changes over the seasons.
Butterfly Feeding Programs
Families with children 4 and up can enjoy this limited chance to feed butterflies at TNC! Spend time in our Butterfly House enjoying up close opportunities with our winged jewels in a small group setting. After feeding the butterflies, spend time creating your own seed ball to help pollinators near you.
Upcoming Dates & Times
Check back in June for the 2025 season
Click on the date you are interested in to register.
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August 23, 2024 at 1:30 pmAugust 23, 2024 at 1:30 pm
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August 23, 2024 at 2:30 pmAugust 23, 2024 at 2:30 pm
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August 24, 2024 at 1:30 pmAugust 24, 2024 at 1:30 pm
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August 24, 2024 at 2:30 pmAugust 24, 2024 at 2:30 pm
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August 25, 2024 at 1:30 pmAugust 25, 2024 at 1:30 pm
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August 25, 2024 at 2:30 pmAugust 25, 2024 at 2:30 pm
Visitors are encouraged to show off pictures of their visit on social media using the #TNCButterfly #Tenaflynaturecenter
This document lists nectar and host plants for NJ butterflies and moths.