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Houston, TX

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Cockrell Butterfly Center

4.7 (157 reviews)
Open • 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cockrell Butterfly Center Photos

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Typhanie B.

I had an amazing visit today. Had the opportunity to see butterflies galore. Looking for something peaceful to do in Houston, this is the place to admire nature.

Sheila P.

If you're a sucker for blue monarch butterflies like I am, this is the place to visit. Inside they have three floors, and all of them are worthy of seeing. There are caves and a waterfall, along with humidity to create a nice, warm environment for them to fly around freely.

Tiziana A.

I love it! We took with us my 3 year old godson, so I didn't have as much time to admire the butterflies as I normally would. Despite the brief visit, I plan to return soon to explore more. We purchased the tickets directly from their official website, which made the entire process quick and straightforward during our visit.

Beautiful!
Tracy A.

Love the butterfly center! There is no other place like it. There are so many different types of butterflies. The butterfly area is very peaceful. My grandson really enjoyed the inside before the actual butterflies. He did some interactive things and saw some different types of insects. They even had chrysalis which you can watch butterflies emerge from if you are lucky. My grandson even got to touch a millipede.

Stephanie M.

The museum and the exhibit itself is very cool. Lots of beautiful butterflies and a small educational exhibit on insects which my kids loved. Their staff on the other hand is less than welcoming. Not sure if they are paid poorly but my goodness so RUDE. And multiple of them. We're from out of town and it was sad to think this is an educational opportunity and experience for children and adults and you have these RUDE employees leading the charge.

Andrea H.

The Cockrell Butterfly Center is part of the Natural Museum of Science complex in Houston. Fortunately, you can buy tickets as a bundle to see a variety of things or as a single item to see just one of the building exhibits. When buying tickets, you can go to one of the many kiosks in the lobby or get in the queue to see a human. The Butterfly Center has timed entry, so you may have to wait before you can actually visit the center. We came on a Sunday during February. We parked at Hermann Park and walked around there first before deciding to visit the Butterfly Center. The ticket kiosks were near the doors and there was no line for any of them, so we bought our tickets this way. We couldn't get in right away at 12:30 pm, but fortunately the 12:45 slot was available. During the fifteen minute wait, we visited the snack bar and then sat outside in the sun. The ticket scanner does check your time entry and will ask you to wait if your time slot is not open yet. They can only have a certain number of visitors in the building at one time. The center is small and the pathway is somewhat narrow. For the most enjoyable experience with the butterflies, you don't want a lot of movement or crowds. Before entering, a human will go over the rules. Again, move slowly and don't reach out and touch the butterflies. If they land on you, leave them alone. Be sure to grab a laminated butterfly identification card before entering. It can be useful for spotting the different butterflies. As a group, you will enter into a double door safe room. This prevents the butterflies from escaping outside. Since all of the butterflies are imported from Central America, it is illegal for them to be released outside. Once inside, quickly move around the pathway to allow everyone in your group to enter so the double doors can be closed. It's hot and humid inside, so you may want to leave your extra layers and things back in the vehicle. The pathway meanders through a lot of tropical plants. There are benches along the way where you can rest and enjoy the flutter of activity. There are some food stations for birds and butterflies as well as natural plants that attract them. Some butterflies have a number on them. If you see one with a tag, be sure to take a picture and post it to the center's social media. These are part of a research study. For $20, you can release a butterfly in the center. This seems like a great way for the center to make money and keep the butterfly stock up. There were lots of butterflies. I definitely felt like we got our money's worth from the visit alone, but I'm sure some people would love the ability to do the butterfly release too. In addition to the butterflies, birds, and plants, there was also a large iguana hanging out on the wall. He didn't move while we were there, but he was fun to see. There is also a lovely waterfall and creek. It's a lovely way to spend an hour. There are double doors at the exit too. You will have to wait for your group between the double doors for a few minutes while everyone verifies that they don't have a butterfly on them. This holding room has mirrors everywhere so you can check your backside too. The exhibit beyond the conservatory has interesting facts about insects and butterflies. It's mostly geared for kids, but you can certainly learn something here. In my opinion, this was a very enjoyable experience. I wouldn't have thought about coming here, but since we were in the area, it was worth the visit.

Brandea B.

It's absolutely beautiful in here. I loved seeing the different species & capture their beauty! I went on a Monday afternoon, and it wasn't too busy. Lots of space for little ones to roam around! I would stay in there all day just admire the beauty of this place if I could!

Exhibits at the Natural Science Museum
James A.

The Cockrell Butterfly Conservatory located at the Houston Museum of Natural Science has 1,500 live butterflies living in a 3 story biodome. The last time we were in Houston, we noticed this conservatory but didn't have time to visit. So this time, we made it a point to visit in the late morning. It is one of the parts of the Houston Natural Science Museum, each of which has their own admission price and entrance. It costs $12 for an adult, $10 for senior/child. It wasn't so busy, so were able to get an immediate entrance time for 11 am. The first part is an air-conditioned exhibit, with educational areas about butterflies (e.g. what is the difference between butterflies and moths?). It also contains small terrariums throughout with various beetles, flying insects, and small reptiles. Some interesting exhibits was seeing very large nests of wasps and hornets and an actual Hercules beetle. Once done, you get in line to enter the 3 story dome from the top floor. A guide provides information about what to-do and not to-do once inside. Once inside, you slowly make your way down to the ground level, stopping to admire whatever interests you (including various tropical plants). There were plenty of stops where super ripe fruit was left out to attract the butterflies for observation. It was busy enough to make quiet observation not possible, but everyone was mostly polite and respectful...you just have to keep moving slowly. There were cases where butterflies of the same species were flying/chasing together. There was one section where you could donate to release a newly emerged butterfly. And we learned that they are able to tag a butterfly, to help with understanding longevity. The center of the biodome is dominated by a 3 story tree, that looks real. On closer inspection, it was tagged as from the species (Replica artificialis). It's main job is to house the ventilation system that circulates fresh air throughout the rainforest. Before you exit, an employee will make sure you don't have any inadvertent passengers on your body. We were probably in the garden for about an hour, which we felt was enough time.

Beetles
Gary W.

Cockrell Butterfly Center is not just butterfly centric, but provides a world of information on arthropods, reptiles, and unique species of the world in addition to information specifically focusing on Texas and the surrounding areas. If you are squirmy do not fret, you are safe in front of some security glass and screens. (Well, technically not because the areas do need to be cleaned, right? Just kidding) If you opt for the butterfly experience you will have an assigned time. Once you go to the queue they will check your ticket and at this time you can go straight to the lepidopterarium or chose to wonder in learning about the birth and development stages of crawly things near and far. Before you enter the butterfly house the guide will give you some brief instructions and provide you with a double sided placard with the different species that are housed. The butterfly house is a comfortable temperature but high in humidity. As you walk around and observe the butterflies do not be surprised if one lands on you. If you have a keen eye, you might see a couple of lizards sunbathing in the most peculiar places. Side note: Upon exiting you have to go through a double-door that provides negative pressure to keep the happy butterflies in and you will have to inspect yourself to ensure no stranglers are hitching a ride outside.

Gabby S.

We loved this place!! For the price of $12 a person, this was so worth it! They have lots of insects to see and the garden with the butterflies is breathtaking! I could've stayed in there all day!! Would definitely recommend!

Caim S.

This felt like the kind of place Professor Sprout would've run during her Herbology office hours at Hogwarts, LOL! Super green, super peaceful, and just full of quiet little magical moments. I went on a Saturday and was honestly surprised by how chill it was. It wasn't crowded at all. I got to wander at my own pace, which made the whole thing feel even more calming. Obviously, the butterflies are the main event, but what I didn't expect was how much I'd enjoy the rest of the exhibit too. There's A LOT of ifo on other bugs and their role in our ecosystem, bees especially. It was one of those learning experiences that doesn't feel like a lecture. It reminded me of the kind of place Luna Lovegood, would absolutely vibe in. if you're looking for something lowkey and beautiful enough without the chaotic attention of a huge audience, then this is a good one. Whether you're taking the kids, need a cute date idea, or just want somewhere to relax after a long week, this is the perfect place. Super underrated if you're into nature, chill adventures, or just need a little magic without the chaos.

Walter M.

This is located inside a bio-dome next to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, so visitors could easily spend a day seeing several different exhibits. The Cockrell Butterfly Center can be visited with a separate ticket, and plant to spend at least 1-2 hours enjoying all things about butterflies. A pleasant park is located just across the street to round out a block of 3-4 hours if time allows.

Monica R.

Came here for a weekend trip with some friends and we happen to pass by the museum and got to see the beautiful butterfly garden . It was huge with so many species to learn from and the beauty to see them in their natural habitat.

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Ask the Community - Cockrell Butterfly Center

Do they require mask for vaccinated people?

Mask's are not required at this exhibit. They do not check nor ask if you are vaccinated.

Is there room to walk comfortably with a stroller?

Yes it's pretty big but there are a few steps

The exhibit is outside, so if it's 90 degrees out, will it be 90 degrees inside?

Yes on the outside. Outside is seasonal.. Some of the exhibit is inside though..

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Cockrell Butterfly Center

“The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a peaceful, beautiful escape right inside the Museum of Natural Science.”

Mentioned in 19 reviews

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How can you live in Houston and not take advantage of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston? I honestly…read morewish I could go even more often than I already do with my membership. I love supporting the arts, and visiting the museum has become something of an annual tradition for me, especially during June and July. I usually go with friends or family, and it's always such a nice experience. I love the atmosphere. There's something about walking around, taking your time with the artwork, and just enjoying the space. I've also randomly met some of the greatest and most interesting people while we're all just there checking out the art. Whether you're really into art or just looking for something enjoyable to do in Houston, MFAH is absolutely worth visiting. It's one of those places that reminds me how much Houston has to offer.

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Cockrell Butterfly Center - museums - Updated October 2026

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