For your upcoming Key West family vacation, you’re probably trying to find fun activities that everyone can get in on. It can be difficult to find vacation activities that entertain both the tiniest tots to the older adults, but luckily, there are countless fun things to do in Key West, so your group will never be bored. Of all the great activities in this area, one of the most unique and fascinating places is the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. There’s no doubt that this attraction is one of the best things to do in Key West with kids!
History
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory traces its roots back to the childhood of Sam Trophia, who first fell in love with butterflies at the age of nine. By age 15, he was raising Monarchs of his own at his home in upstate New York. Then, Trophia worked on a collaborative research project about Monarchs’ migration patterns from the eastern portion of North America to Mexico.
Trophia opened The Butterfly Gallery, a stunning destination where gorgeous butterflies are displayed in all their glory, in 1992. In 2003, he and his partner George Fernandez expanded the space with the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory opening. This butterfly museum in Key West has now been one of the area’s most popular attractions for nearly 20 years!
Plan Your Key West Vacation
We’re happy to help you plan your dream getaway to the shores of Key West. Just contact us today to learn more about our Key West rentals and all the best things to do in Key West!
Plan Your Visit
Visitors are welcomed into the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory 365 days a year. The conservatory is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and the gift shop and gallery stay open a bit later, not closing until 5:30 p.m. Adult admission costs $15 per person, child admission for ages 4-12 costs $11 per person, and children three and younger get in for free.
The Experience/Special Events
When you enter this butterfly house in Key West, you’ll first head into the Learning Center, where you can watch a 15-minute film about the life cycle of the butterfly and some other basic facts. Throughout the Learning Center, you’ll also see live caterpillars up close and personal! Then, make your way through the conservatory, where you’ll see 50-60 species of butterflies who have been bred right here in the area, ensuring that Key West’s local conditions are ideal for the creatures. Of course, you can get a unique souvenir in the gift shop and see the stunning butterflies on display in the gallery as well!
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory also holds special events throughout the year, which are by far some of the most popular Key West tourist attractions. Get to know the resident flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett, at the daily “Flamingle” events, or schedule a Twilight Tour to get a unique look at the conservatory as the sun starts to go down! If you’re looking for the best things to do in Key West for your group, they also offer group tours and are happy to host weddings, commitment ceremonies, and reception.
Where to Stay
After you’re done exploring the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and all the other incredible Key West attractions, like the Key West’s Old Town or Dry Tortugas National Park, it will be time to head back to your rental to relax for the evening. Luckily, our properties are located just minutes away from this attraction and many other amazing things to do in Key West, Florida!
