You listening? This is the last week to catch the Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar Exhibit at the Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.
This beautiful exhibit wraps up this Sunday, September 22. Given the lovely weather we’re expecting this week, it’s the perfect time to surround yourself (and perhaps delight the youngn’s) with brilliant, live butterflies soaring among amazingly colorful flora. Enjoy!
Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly & Caterpillar Exhibit
We checked out the exhibit on a weekday and spent about 20 minutes or so watching amazingly colorful butterflies do their thang. It being a weekday, it wasn’t especially crowded though it was quite warm inside – perfect weather for this week when temps are supposed to be in the mid-seventies.

Butterflies love banana peels. Who knew?!? (Of course you did….)
The kiddos got a kick out of seeing so many butterflies in one place at the same time and followed many around in futile attempts to have the creatures land on them. They definitely got an “A” for effort.

Checking out the many beautiful butterflies!
Budding Entomologists?
Got a budding entomologist in your life?! God love you. This is the perfect place for kids to see metamorphosis in action and learn about the role butterflies play in maintaining and supporting our ecosystem. You’ll all also learn ways to show butterflies some love in our own backyards.

Learn ALL about butterflies at this hands-on exhibit!
There’s a cabinet of sorts which houses caterpillars and butterflies in various states of being. Very sci-fi – at least, for the City gal. 😉

Metamorphosis in action, yo!
Travel Tips for Wings of Fancy
- Strollers are not allowed inside the exhibit. Stroller parking is allowed just outside the exhibit, so keep valuables to a minimum.
- While adults and older kids can spend a while at this exhibit, our youngest tired around the 15-20 minute mark. Know that the Brookside Garden grounds are beautiful, so plan to spend some time exploring and getting some wiggles out after the exhibit.
- It’s warmers inside the conservancy than outside, so light clothing is perfect.
- Park in the lot next to the South Conservatory (not the Visitors Center)
Time, Location, Fees for Wings of Fancy
Time
10am – 5pm daily
Where
Brookside Gardens South Conservatory, 1500 Glenallan Ave,. Wheaton, MD 20902
Admission
$8 ages 13+; $5 ages 3-12; Free ages 0-2. (Tickets may be purchased at the Visitors Center or at the Conservatory gift shops.)
[…] everywhere! Bonus: Burn more energy roaming the beautiful grounds of Brookside Gardens! Our review & travel tips here! When: 10am-5pm Where: Brookside Gardens South Conservatory, Wheaton Cost: Ages 0-2 free; 3-12 are […]