The one thing Florida has in abundance is natural beauty. And heat! As a Canadian visiting in winter, it’s the perfect place to thaw out. Tag-along trips with Steve have brought me to the Sunshine State several times. I always try to seek out a new attraction and this time it was Butterfly World Florida in Coconut Creek. The park supports 20,000 live butterflies surrounded by lush botanical gardens and a few other natural attractions.
Review: Butterfly World Florida
Butterfly Lifecycle on Display
Butterflies live anywhere from three days to three months, so it’s no surprise that Butterfly World Florida has raised more than 1,000,000 of them. Visitors can observe the metamorphosis from egg and larva through to the pupal stage and emerging butterfly.
It’s hard to envision 20,000 butterflies. I wasn’t prepared for the frenzy of them enveloping me upon entering the aviary. They aren’t shy of people. Stand still long enough, and one or two will hang out on your body for a while.
Beware of hitchhikers!
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has strict regulations when it comes to the many international species on display at the park. Visitors can only move in one direction through the various environments and must pass through double doors designed to keep the butterflies in their proper place. Staff check you over for rogue butterflies trying to break out as you leave one area to go on to the next.
Butterflies + Flowers
Beautiful butterflies and beautiful flowers need each other to grow and thrive, and the gardens at Butterfly World Florida are stunning.
Triloba Passion Flower
A backdrop of light classical music makes strolling through the park a relaxing experience as you enjoy an abundance of eye candy. Butterflies and flowers compete for the crown of most colourful.
Other Critters on Display
In addition to the star attraction, other features of the park play strong supporting roles. The Lorikeet Encounter allows visitors to interact with the rainbow-coloured birds. Visitors can purchase a cup of nectar to encourage the lorikeets to come near. Mind you; they came pretty close to me without any food.
There is a macaw aviary that is interactive as well. I didn’t realize how loud macaws are—there is no danger of overlooking this section of the park.
On the Creepier Side
The Bug Zoo and Museum provides a fascinating display of bugs and butterflies from around the world. Be warned; there are live (behind glass) tarantulas and various other creepy crawlies available for close inspection.
Visitor Tips
Butterfly World is located in Tradewinds Park. I had limited time, so I didn’t explore the park, but it looked like a nice place for a run or walk around its central lake.
There are two small outdoor cafes inside Butterfly World with light snacks and ice cream.
I visited just after the park opened at 9:00 a.m. By the time I was leaving shortly after 11 a.m. a couple of elementary school tours were beginning. If you’re keen on a tranquil experience, I recommend going early.
Even the local lizards visit Butterfly World.
Looking for another super Fort Lauderdale area attraction on the natural side? Check out my review of Flamingo Gardens from my visit last year.
Editor’s Note: I visited Butterfly World Florida as its guest.
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We visited butterfly world with our South Florida adventure pass. Amazing how make butterflies and birds we saw. Highlight was feeding the lorikeets. Well maintained. Friendly staff.
There is something about being around a lot of butterflies that makes the heart light. Usually there are also a lot of beautiful flowers too, which helps. I’ve been to a couple of butterfly “gardens”, but not one that has birds too. I’m fascinated with macaws and colourful birds like the Lorikeet. I’m sure I’d enjoy a visit to Butterfly World Florida. (I might skip by the spiders quickly!)
It really does feel magical– especially with the soundtrack Butterfly World plays as you stroll along. It’s like you’re on set of a fantasy movie.