Children are natural explorers, full of curiosity and wonder about the world around them. Watching a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis or holding a friendly insect in their hands can be a magical and educational experience, sparking a lifelong appreciation for nature. The Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium is the perfect place for kids to engage in hands-on learning, fostering a sense of curiosity and respect for the tiny creatures that play such an important role in our ecosystem. As a Missoula family photographer, I know how special these moments of discovery are. The excitement in a child’s eyes when they interact with nature is something worth celebrating and remembering. If you’re looking for a unique way to introduce your child to the fascinating world of insects and butterflies, the Missoula Butterfly House offers an unforgettable experience.
1075 South Avenue W., Suite 2, Missoula, MT 59801
The Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium is a one-of-a-kind destination dedicated to educating and inspiring children through direct interaction with live insects and butterflies. Founded initially as the Missoula Insectarium, the facility has expanded to include a breathtaking butterfly house, offering visitors the chance to enter a lush tropical environment filled with butterflies from around the world.
The Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium offers a range of programs designed to make learning fun and interactive. Their field trip programs give children the chance to explore insect life in depth, whether through school visits or group trips to the facility. Educators work closely with students to develop observation skills and introduce concepts like pollination, camouflage, and the role insects play in our environment.
For kids who want an even more immersive experience, the Butterfly House offers seasonal camps during spring and summer breaks. These week-long programs allow children to interact with live insects, learn about their life cycles, and engage in hands-on science activities. Campers explore the Butterfly House daily and participate in nature-based experiments, making it a perfect blend of education and adventure.
What makes the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium special is its ability to transform learning into an adventure. The facility goes beyond traditional museum exhibits, encouraging kids to touch, observe, and interact with insects in a way that sparks curiosity and excitement.
Daily events like butterfly releases allow children to witness the beauty of nature in action, while predator-feeding demonstrations introduce them to the fascinating ways different insects survive in their environments. The facility’s educators are passionate about making science accessible and fun, ensuring that every visit leaves kids with a greater appreciation for the creatures they might otherwise overlook.
The Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium allows kids to learn, explore, and develop a deep love for the natural world. Through hands-on experiences, interactive exhibits, and engaging educational programs, they provide an environment where children can foster curiosity and respect for insects and their role in our ecosystem. Whether your child loves butterflies, enjoys hands-on science, or simply wants to experience something new, this destination is worth visiting.
As a Western Montana birth and motherhood photographer, I love capturing the wonder and excitement of childhood. Seeing children fully immersed in an experience—whether watching a butterfly take flight or laughing as they hold a wiggling insect—is truly special. If you want to preserve these magical moments, I’d love to work with you to create timeless images that celebrate your child’s curiosity and joy. So, let’s connect and capture these beautiful moments together.