Houston Museum & Butterfly Center: Family-Friendly Exhibits

Experience the wonders of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Explore dinosaur exhibits, gem vaults, and a 3-floor butterfly habitat. Fun for the whole family!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Houston Museum of Natural Science - Upon your arrival at the museum, you’re presented with a variety of permanent displays to explore, including the largest dinosaur exhibit in North America and one of the most comprehensive collections of gems and geodes in the nation. Ideal for families, visitors, and residents alike, the museum also provides a selection of snacks and meals at its cafe. Your admission includes entry to a towering three-level glass conservatory teeming with butterflies, encircling a 50-foot waterfall. This man-made tropical environment is home to an array of rare plants and a multitude of butterflies in flight. Stroll leisurely and enjoy the spectrum of hues from the fluttering butterflies and the vibrant flora. Take in the splendor of this ersatz rain forest before proceeding to the Brown Hall of Entomology, where you can marvel at extraordinary live insects, impressive mounted displays, oversized models, and engaging interactive activities.
What's Included
  • Admission to Houston Museum of Natural Science permanent exhibits
  • Admission to Cockrell Butterfly Center
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Guide
Additional Information

This ticket provides entry to the Houston Museum of Natural Science permanent exhibits as well as the Cockrell Butterfly Center exhibit.

Explore one of the most attended museums in the country at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Visit North America’s largest dinosaur hall, see the beauty of the Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault and many more. The museum is regularly voted one of the top attractions in Houston and this is your chance to find out why.

The Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science provides entertainment and education for the whole family. Walk through a living 3-floor butterfly habitat, marvel at spectacular live and preserved specimens of some of the world’s largest and weirdest arthropods, and enjoy interactive games and quizzes.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Your tickets will be held at the box office in exchange for Viator voucher
  • Please be aware that this is a live animal exhibit, which can be overwhelming to service animals. If your service animal or the animals inside become agitated through vocalization, urination/excretion, or aggressive behavior, we may ask that your service animal step out of this area of the Museum.
  • Strollers are not allowed in the Butterfly Center, but there is stroller parking available nearby.
Location
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Dr,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(103 Ratings)
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Perrx
Jun 24, 2024
Have you seen butterflies up close? - If you are in need of a peaceful setting where you can see numerous beautiful butterflies in the air and landing everywhere (including you if you are lucky) then be sure to come here. It is a separate and extra charge exhibit at the Museum of Natural Science near the zoo area. Look for Mr. Asaud on the middle level to explain what you are seeing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nieceykee
Jun 13, 2024
Hidden find - I love the outdoors and butterflies. This was such a nice tranquil place and I wish we could have just sat there all day. The staff and space were so nice and peaceful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura_k
Feb 20, 2024
Great museum visit, but butterfly exhibit is closed through March 2024 - We had a great day visiting the museum! However the butterfly exhibit is closed through March, so we did not get to use that part of what we purchased. The museum gave us vouchers to do it in the future. I had asked if we could just trade the unused butterfly tickets for something else (like planetarium) but the vouchers for future butterfly entry were what was offered. We had a great time regardless, but we likely won't return any time soon just to visit the butterflies as we live about an hour away.
Review provided by Viator
Sigrids100
Dec 7, 2023
Sit and enjoy the butterflies - Try not to get lost in the expansive exhibits offered. The Butterfly Center is a must. Make sure you slow down while inside. Take a moment to sit. After you've completed your visit, wander across the street to Hermann Park for a stroll.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maranda_m
Jul 18, 2023
Great Time - I’m visiting family in Texas. This was an amazing experience. Daughter had a great time. Had some butterflies land of us.
Review provided by Viator
Amber_l
Jul 14, 2023
The most memorable part... - The most memorable part of the butterfly exhibit was the whimsical atmosphere. I felt like I was in a forest dreamland with gorgeous butterflies all around me. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Ronald_b
Jul 9, 2023
Great time with the grandkids - The exhibits approaching the pyramid were interesting and engaging for the 6 through 9-year olds we took. Inside, there were lots of beautiful butterflies and moths and the girls were delighted!
Review provided by Viator
Miranda_r
Jun 25, 2023
Birthday celebration - It was my daughter’s 14th birthday so we decided to take her here to celebrate. What adventure we were on. We really enjoyed the butterflies, the waterfall and all the plants. It was beautiful.
Review provided by Viator
Trumoniqueh
Jul 30, 2023
Buy at Musuem - Parking $30, and the tickets cheaper at the museum. Had to pay extra to see other parts of the museum; of course the lines are long even with tickets you have to go to the booth.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandy_m
Aug 11, 2023
Horrible experience - I could not get and neither could. Had to buy direct…. Horrible and embarrassing situation!!!!!!!! Will never ever use your services again!!!!!!!!!!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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