One Of The Largest Butterfly Conservatories In The U.S. Is In Texas, And It’s Magical

One of the largest butterfly houses in Texas is hiding where you'd least expect to find it: at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Watch over 1,500 butterflies flutter around in a rainforest-like environment, snacking on fruit and landing on lucky visitors. The whole family will enjoy this unique outing!

When you enter the Cockerell Butterfly Center, you'll feel like you're in the rainforest rather than at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

A three-story glass structure built around a 50-foot waterfall, the center is a lush oasis filled with tropical vegetation and - of course - butterflies galore.

Visitors can see over 1,500 butterflies from more than 50 different species at any given time. They come in all sorts of shapes, colors, and sizes, and are absolutely breathtaking to watch.

Observe the tiny winged creatures as they flutter around in a near-exact replica of their natural habitat. You'll see them stop for the occasional snack...

...and perhaps even land on you if you're so lucky!

You'll also get the chance to see other tropical species, such as poison dart frogs, iguanas, turtles, and more.

While the conservatory is the most popular area of the center, there's plenty more to see and do in the Brown Hall of Entomology! Walk-through exhibits feature insects large and small, including giant wasp nests and some of Houston's biggest cockroaches.

In the Chrysalis Corner, you can witness the life cycle of a butterfly from the very beginning. You may even get to see them being released into the conservatory!

There are also plenty of interactive activities to keep the kiddos entertained (but adults love them, too!) Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children - or a flat rate of $6 per person for museum members.

Visit the conservatory's website for more information, including current hours.

Have you ever been to the Cockerell Butterfly Center? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience. Interested in more butterfly houses in Texas? Check out our previous article for one of our favorites.