Bring your questions, cameras, and curiosity and…

Experience the wonder of live butterflies and exotic reptiles in Jim Thorpe’s unique hands-on education center, featuring an indoor “Flutterarium” live butterfly flight room, Exotic reptile room, Axolotls, turtles, fish, kids’ art space / activity room, interactive programs,and a great, nature-based gift shop.

What extras might happen during your visit: self-guiding activities in the new pavilion ( weather permitting ) , short videos, fascinating and fun educational mini  programs from our knowledgeable staff: butterflies, moths,  axolotl, lizard and turtle feeding, story timesamd crafts for young children. Meet live butterflies up close and personally, create happy memories and a craft to take home.

A visit to the Sanctuary can be a metamorphosing experience!

Lots of indoor fun! Great for a rainy day. 

Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary is permitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and strictly adheres to all regulations, requirements, and safeguards stipulated by such permits.

We are licensed for butterfly and moth species indigenous to Pennsylvania and also Florida.  No tropical species are permitted. As required, proctors will always be in an exhibition space when visitors are present and it is against Federal law for visitors to remove any live species from exhibit areas.

Amenities

  • Indoor “Flutterarium” live butterfly flight room
  • Live Reptile Room
  • Fun educational mini programs
  • Monarch watch way-station
  • Unique nature-based gift shop
  • Outdoor picnic area
  • Outdoor pavilion set up with kids activities
  • Handicap access
  • Walk-in hours 7 days a week (no reservations needed)
  • Weekly specials and events
  • Butterfly releases
  • Free car and bus parking onsite

 

 

Weekly specials and events!

View Calendar of Events

At Bear Mountain Butterflies, You Can…

  • Earn a scout badge
  • Have a unique nature-based shopping experience
  • Meet our knowledgeable, friendly and passionate staff
  • Connect with the natural world
Student and teacher in butterfly room
butterfly on child's nose

Should I bring my toddler to see the butterflies?

We are a hands-on science-based education center and lots of fun, but if your child is too young to go to the movies, we are probably not the appropriate place for a visit. Perhaps you might consider a visit in July or August, bring a picnic, use our tables outside, and explore the native pollinators in the garden in front of the Sanctuary. In the wild, butterflies are not likely to fly in the face of your toddler! We LOVE children and don’t want them to be afraid of bugs.

PLEASE NOTE:

Strollers are not allowed inside the Sanctuary building due to the fire code compliance regulations. With very young children who normally use a stroller, we recommend bringing a backpack or snuggly with you . Thank you for understanding.

What people are saying :

“I wanted to take the time to thank everybody at the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary. My husband and I were there with our two  children . They really enjoyed  the activities, and of course getting up close with the butterflies. We all had a great time and look forward to visiting again! I really liked the posters with all of the facts about different insects. The young man in the butterfly room was very knowledgeable too! Everybody was so friendly and knowledgeable! Thank you so much for the fun, educational experience! Sincerely, Aubrey”

kids exploring the butterfly room