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There are some places you visit once… and instantly know you’ll be back. For our family, the Butterfly Atrium is one of those places. Tucked inside the beautiful Hershey Gardens in Hershey, this hidden gem feels like stepping into another world—one filled with color, calm, and a little bit of magic.
The moment you walk inside, everything changes.
Warm, humid air wraps around you. Lush greenery fills every corner. And then—fluttering all around you—hundreds of butterflies from across the globe.
It’s not just something you look at… it’s something you experience.
Butterflies aren’t kept behind glass here. They fly freely, sometimes landing right on your shoulder… or even your head! During our visit, every single one of us had a butterfly land on us at some point. One of my kids had to be extra patient (standing still isn’t always easy!), but when it finally happened, the joy on his face was absolutely priceless.
One of the most exciting parts is spotting all the different species.
Some you may see include:
Blue Morphos (with their stunning bright blue wings)
Owl Butterflies (huge and fascinating!)
Monarchs
Swallowtails
Painted Ladies
Each one is unique, and watching them glide through the air is both relaxing and mesmerizing.
✨ Fun Fact: Butterflies taste with their feet!
One of my favorite parts of the visit was watching the butterflies eat.
The staff places trays of fresh fruit—like sliced oranges—throughout the atrium. You can stand nearby and watch as butterflies gather and feed. It’s such a simple thing, but there’s something so peaceful and fascinating about it.
Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments that leave the biggest impression.
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
🎟️ Admission to the atrium is included with your Hershey Gardens ticket
💲 Approximate pricing:
Adults: around $15
Kids (3–12): around $11
Under 2: Free
🕘 Hours: Typically 9 AM – 5 PM (always check ahead for updates)
We spent about 45 minutes to an hour inside the atrium, and it felt just right—enough time to explore, take photos, and truly soak it all in.
One of the best things about visiting this area is how much there is to do nearby.
After the atrium, you can enjoy:
A peaceful stroll through Hershey Gardens
Thrills and fun at Hersheypark
Chocolate-filled adventures at Hershey's Chocolate World
Wildlife encounters at ZooAmerica
Everything is close together, making it perfect for a day trip or even a weekend getaway.
Hi, I’m Mary Ellen, the creator of the YouTube channel "Life is Messy but I'm Learning as I Grow." I’m thrilled you’re here, joining me on this journey of discovery and creativity! As a mother of two, married to my high school sweetheart, and with a career background in childcare, my life is wonderfully busy and, yes, a little messy—but that's part of the fun.
On this site, I share my favorite things: plant-based cooking, crafting and DIY projects, family-friendly travel tips, gardening advice, and the occasional antics of my two adorable cats. I'm always eager to learn something new and love sharing my discoveries with anyone who will listen—so I’m glad you’re here to listen!
Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical tips, or just a place to connect, I hope you'll find something here that sparks joy and encourages you to learn and grow along with me.