Butterfly Wonderland boasts that it is "America's Largest Butterfly Atrium," home to thousands of butterflies. But be patient -- there are things to do before you even get to the atrium.
First, be sure to watch the 3D film, "Flight of the Butterflies." This version has been edited from 44 minutes to about 15 minutes, so even most adults will be patient enough to sit through the film. Try to fight the desire to reach out and touch the butterflies in the film.
After you watch the film, you'll enter the Butterfly Emergence Gallery. Here you will see the third stage of butterfly metamorphosis in action. Some people in the room thought it was a staged or fake exhibit, but it is not. If you are observant, you might see a butterfly hatching right before your eyes.
The butterfly conservatory, the highlight of any visit to Butterfly Wonderland, is 10,000 square feet of rainforest, complete with koi pond and a butterfly bench for family photo opportunities.
Here is where you'll spend the most time during your visit - there will be plenty of little ones, squealing with delight as they spot butterflies resting in the foliage, eating from fruit bowls, or even landing on their heads. Keep the camera at the ready!
See more photos that I took at Butterfly Wonderland.
After you've enjoyed the conservatory, stop in the cafe for a snack or beverage, and then continue on to see a bee colony, ant farms, some desert creatures, fish from the Amazon and a stingray touch tank.