Butterfly Pavilion tickets near Denver cost $19.45 for adults, $14.45 for kids 2–12, and use hourly timed entry.
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Buy Butterfly Pavilion Denver tickets before your visit because the Westminster attraction uses hourly timed entry, and the 4:15 p.m. last-admission cutoff makes late arrivals risky. The visit is easy once you know three things: pick the right hour, bring any discount ID, and plan enough time for the humid butterfly conservatory plus the hands-on exhibits.
Butterfly Pavilion is not in downtown Denver. Butterfly Pavilion is in Westminster, north of the city, so the smartest plan is to reserve tickets for a window that fits your drive and then leave room for parking, check-in, and photos without flash.
Denver Butterfly Pavilion Tickets: What You Get
Butterfly Pavilion general admission covers the tropical butterfly conservatory, indoor exhibits, outdoor gardens, and Colorado Backyard play area. The ticket is timed for entry, but re-entry is allowed until exhibits close at 5 p.m.
The main reason to go is Wings of the Tropics, a warm conservatory with more than 1,800 free-flying butterflies representing over 200 species. General admission also covers Water’s Edge, Survival, the Chrysalis Chamber, Outdoor Gardens, and indoor play space for younger kids.
If your date is fixed, reserve the timed entry slot first and adjust the rest of your Denver day around it:
Plan for a slower pace inside Wings of the Tropics. The room is humid, butterflies can land near guests, and flash photography is not allowed because it can disturb the animals.
How Much Do Butterfly Pavilion Tickets Cost?
Butterfly Pavilion ticket prices currently run $19.45 for adults, $14.45 for children ages 2–12, and $17.45 for seniors. Children under 2 and members enter free, but under-2 tickets still need to be reserved.
The table below shows the main ticket choices and the proof rules that matter at check-in.
| Ticket Type | What It Includes | Current Price Or Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, 13–64 | Timed general admission | $19.45 |
| Child, 2–12 | Timed general admission | $14.45 |
| Senior, 65+ | Timed general admission | $17.45 |
| Child Under 2 | Free entry with reserved ticket | $0 |
| Member | Free admission with active membership | $0 |
| SNAP Or EBT | Discounted admission for up to four guests per card | $5 per eligible ticket |
| Military | Adult admission discount with valid military or veteran ID | $2 off adult admission |
| Westminster Resident | Reduced admission with proof of Westminster address | Reduced rate at checkout or front desk |
| Library Pass | Free or discounted pass through participating library districts | Varies by library program |
Butterfly Pavilion lists current hours, prices, timed-entry rules, and discounts on its official hours and admission page.
When To Book And What Time To Arrive
Butterfly Pavilion timed entry runs on hourly windows, and guests can arrive any time during their selected hour. Afternoon slots after 1 p.m. are usually calmer because school field trips typically run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Front doors lock at 4:15 p.m., so the 4 p.m. entry window is tight unless you only want a short look. A late-morning slot works well for families who want lunch afterward, while a 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. slot is better for a quieter visit.
- Arrive within your selected hour, not before the hour begins.
- Leave extra time if you need a discount verified at the front desk.
- Use the afternoon if you want fewer school-group crowds.
- Call ahead if you need to reschedule a general admission ticket.
Good timing rule: pick 1 p.m. or later for a calmer visit, but do not rely on the last entry window if Butterfly Pavilion is the main stop of your day.
Discounts, Free Passes, And ID Rules
Butterfly Pavilion discounts are strongest for SNAP or EBT cardholders, Westminster residents, military guests, and visitors using library passes. Bring proof because discounted tickets can be charged at full price if the qualifying card or ID is missing.
SNAP and EBT visitors can receive $5 admission for adults, seniors, and children, with up to four tickets per card. Military visitors need a valid military or veteran ID for the adult admission discount, and Westminster residents need a valid ID showing a Westminster address.
Library passes can be a strong value if your local library district participates. Reserve the pass through the library first, then follow its redemption rules for the date you plan to visit.
Getting There From Denver
Butterfly Pavilion sits at 6252 W. 104th Avenue in Westminster, north of downtown Denver. Driving is the simplest option for most visitors, and free parking is available in the main lot.
Overflow parking is available at the Westin Westminster and the Armed Forces Tribute Garden when the main lot fills. The site is accessible by RTD public transit via Route 104, which connects with Westminster Center Park-n-Ride and Flatiron Flyer service from Denver and Boulder.
Families with strollers or wheelchairs should have an easier day here than at many older attractions. Butterfly Pavilion says the facility is wheelchair accessible, with elevators to all levels, sensory bags, noise-reducing headphones, and quiet spaces available.
Inside Butterfly Pavilion After Entry
Butterfly Pavilion works best as a 90-minute to two-hour stop unless you add a program or linger with kids. Wings of the Tropics is the core attraction, but the smaller exhibits are what make the ticket feel worthwhile for families.
Start with the conservatory while everyone has fresh energy. Warm air, narrow paths, and photo stops can slow the room down, so rushing through it misses the point.
After the conservatory, move through these areas based on your group:
- Water’s Edge: hands-on marine invertebrates, including touch-tank encounters.
- Survival: arthropods, spiders, and Rosie the tarantula on display.
- Chrysalis Chamber: butterflies emerging from chrysalises when timing lines up.
- Colorado Backyard: indoor play and learning space for younger children.
- Outdoor Gardens: native pollinator habitat when weather is pleasant.
Rosie and Goldie are on display rather than handled by guests. Staff are nearby for questions, which is better for kids who want the tarantula moment without needing to touch one.
Where To Stay Near Butterfly Pavilion
Denver is the better overnight base if Butterfly Pavilion is one stop on a longer city trip. Westminster works better if you want a shorter drive to the attraction, Boulder, or the US-36 corridor.
For a one-night family stop, look near Westminster or Broomfield to reduce driving. For museums, restaurants, sports, and a broader Denver plan, stay closer to downtown Denver and treat Butterfly Pavilion as a half-day trip.
Compare Denver-area hotel locations before locking in a room, especially if you plan to pair Butterfly Pavilion with Boulder or north-side suburbs:
Which Butterfly Pavilion Ticket Should You Buy?
Most visitors should buy standard timed general admission online, then aim for an afternoon window if they want a calmer visit. Families using SNAP or EBT should choose the discount ticket and bring the card to avoid paying the full price at check-in.
Use this simple decision list:
- First-time visitor: choose general admission and give yourself about two hours.
- Family with young kids: choose a late morning or early afternoon slot, then leave time for Colorado Backyard.
- SNAP or EBT cardholder: use the $5 admission option and bring the card.
- Westminster resident: use the resident discount only if your ID shows the address.
- Late-day visitor: avoid the final window unless a short visit is enough.
If your preferred hour is limited, check the ticket calendar before planning the rest of the day:
References & Sources
- Butterfly Pavilion.“Hours & Admission.”Supports current ticket prices, timed-entry rules, hours, last admission, and discount details.