Day Trip: See Butterflies of the World in Wheaton

The “Wings of Fancy” butterfly exhibit at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD., is a must-see for children and adults and a great opportunity for learning, being outdoors, and spending time together.

My family decided to venture over to Montgomery County on the Fourth of July  to visit this much-acclaimed exhibit and it didn’t disappoint.

You can park at either the Visitor’s Center and take a short stroll to the greenhouse or drive down Glenallan Avenue to the next entrance and park right next to the exhibit. Tickets can be purchased at both the Brookside Garden’s Visitor Center or the Conservatory gift shop adjacent to the butterfly greenhouse.

Adults and children 3-12 are $6, age 2 and under are free.

However, strollers are not allowed into the greenhouse as butterflies are often on the ground. I recommend spending an extra $3 for the exhibit's Identification Guide which provides information on the generic and scientific name of each butterfly, its place of origination, and size.

The guide also highlights those indigenous to Maryland, making it a great resource for identifying butterflies in your own garden.

Bring water into the greenhouse as temperatures exceed those outside. On your day of visitation, check out www.brooksidegardens.org to ensure the exhibit is open. Take note: during days of extreme heat, it will close.

Upon entering the greenhouse, volunteers will show you tiny eggs, colorful caterpillars, and camouflaged chrysalides as you learn about the butterfly life cycle. You’ll even learn the difference between moths and their flying counterparts.

You’ll then be escorted into the main greenhouse where you will be greeted by hundreds of vibrant, fluttering creatures. A wide variety of plants and flowers serve as a landing pad and food to the nearly 100 different types of butterflies from all parts of North America, Costa Rica, and Asia.

You’ll find butterflies on the ceiling, on the ground (so be careful of your step), on trays of fruit, and of course flying all around. It’s not uncommon for them to land on you, especially if you sit down on one of the benches for a rest.

A table is available for you to touch butterfly specimens, examine them with a magnifying glass, and ask the volunteer any questions you might have. Be sure to bring your camera!

Upon exiting, volunteers will look you over to make sure you are butterfly-free. If the weather isn’t too oppressive, you might want to extend your visit and explore the Children’s Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Rose Garden or one of the many others situated within Brookside’s award-winning 50-acre display garden.

“Wings of Fancy” and Brookside Gardens are situated within Wheaton Regional Park, which itself, depending on the season, offers a plethora of fun activity.

The butterfly exhibit runs until Sept. 18 and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.