Chapter 1: A Warm Escape

Sometimes, it’s essential to venture into the city, leaving the suburbs behind to experience a different world.

Photo by Melissa Herzog

Having visited this captivating place before, I find the Butterfly House at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle to be one of my favorite destinations. While the outside temperature hovers around 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the rain falls steadily under a gray sky, inside the Butterfly House, the atmosphere is a warm 80 degrees, filled with a vibrant Kaleidoscope of butterflies—a term that aptly describes a group of these beautiful creatures.

Photo by Melissa Herzog

Their vividly colored wings flit gracefully around the pathways and foliage, as if they own the space. The Science Center sources their pupae from sustainable farms worldwide, ensuring that no butterflies are extracted from their natural habitats.

Photo by Melissa Herzog

A fascinating exhibit features live pupae, or chrysalises—unique cocoons that butterflies emerge from. Visitors of all ages, from toddlers to centenarians, are entranced as they observe the butterflies fluttering and feeding on the fruits provided by the caretakers.

Photo by Melissa Herzog

Children tread carefully as butterflies land on pathways and stone walls. They are reminded to admire these delicate creatures without touching their fragile wings. Some kids remain mesmerized, wishing for a butterfly to alight on them, knowing they pose no harm. The lush tropical foliage, adorned with vibrant greens and flowers, provides the perfect backdrop for the butterflies to rest and feed, featuring cacao trees, cinnamon trees, and coffee plants.

Photo by Melissa Herzog

Access to the Butterfly House is included with your admission, and it remains open year-round. If you find yourself in Seattle visiting the iconic Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center is just a short walk away. It’s a mesmerizing, educational, and beautiful destination, perfect for an afternoon spent surrounded by enchanting, colorful butterflies.

Chapter 2: Discovering the Kaleidoscope

Explore the wonders of the Butterfly House and see the colorful creatures in action as they flutter gracefully among the tropical plants.

Get creative with butterflies! This video showcases a unique die-cut project for card making and crafts inspired by the beauty of butterflies.