CHANGING LIVES AND INSPIRING LEARNING THROUGH SCIENCE AND WONDER.

Outdoor Science Courtyard

FlutterBy Butterfly Habitat 2025

Every three years, this exhibit sees the Outdoor Science Courtyard transformed into an enchanting butterfly oasis. This year, we are excited to bring you an accessible courtyard for all, regardless of mobility challenges. Don't miss your chance to visit the beloved FlutterBy Butterfly Habitat to learn about the butterfly life cycle at the butterfly nursery. Discover North Carolina Native Butterflies such as Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Fritillaries, and see semitropical species such as Zebra Long Wing, White Peacocks, and Queen Butterflies. Find out what plants attract them as you see a wide array of flowers, shrubs, and vines in many shapes and colors! Members get exclusive access to the habitat one hour before the public each Saturday in May on 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, and 5/31.

Opens May 10th, 2025
Members' One Hour Early Access: 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31

Access to the Flutter-By Butterfly Habitat is included in CSC's general admission fee.

Courtyard Courtesey

  • Capacity: No more than 30 visitors at a time, please.
  • No running, jumping, or roughhousing in the exhibit, or you will be asked to leave.
  • Visitors MUST stay on the path at all times.
  • No grabbing butterflies: A staff member may spray sugar water on your hand/finger to attract the butterflies. Remember, the butterflies can touch you, but you may not touch the butterflies.
  • Visitors must be checked for butterfly “hitchhikers” before leaving the exhibit. There will be mirrors and fans to help you locate any butterflies.
  • NOTE: Fans at the doorway are loud. Visitors who may be sensitive to loud noises should be aware and know that these fans cannot be turned off.
  • Plants/flowers, butterflies, rocks, etc, CANNOT be removed from the exhibit per our permit.
  • Weather & Closure: FlutterBy is closed when it rains, as butterflies will hide to protect themselves.

Accessible Update

We know this exhibit is a fan favorite, so this year we prioritized making the Outdoor Science Courtyard accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. A brand new platform has been installed at the entrance for easy access. Approximately 1/3 of the exhibit has a flat/level surface and is accessible for visitors with wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. CSC wants everyone to experience the butterflies! If you have any suggestions for more ways to accommodate you, please let us know.

FlutterBy Special Events

Butterfly Book Reading!

Saturday, May 17

Join us for a special SPARK event on May 17th. Author Jennifer Owen will be reading her new book Tree of Beautiful Wings in the LAB at 1:15 pm, 2 pm & 2:45 pm. Plus, the book will be available for purchase in the gift shop!

National Pollinator Week!

June 16 – 22

Saturday, June 21: Family Bug Day!
A fun day filled with Beekeeping, Bugs, and Botanicals at the Science Center. Dress like a bug to receive 50% off admission. Kids and adults included. Be sure to tag us in your photos!

   

Souvenirs

Wish you had something to remember us by? Visit CSC's Science Shop to find Flutter-by Butterfly Habitat keepsakes such as...

Magnets & Stickers, Totes, Books, Arm Huggers, & more!
Pics with a butterfly? Tag us and use #CSCButterflies

SPONSORS

Sam H.

This place was great. We have kids from 8 to 1 and they all had a great time. What I really liked is most of the exhibits are hands on and that really kept them occupied.

– Sam H.

Denise G.

Fabulous and I don’t often give praise. We took our grandson and were there for hours. He loved it and so did we.

– Denise G.

Larry W.

Took the kiddos and they loved it. Employees were nice and helpful. If your looking for something to do with the kids give this place a shot.

-Larry W.

Meredith C.

What a wonderful place to visit! Great environment to learn and the staff is very helpful! Hickory is lucky to have great family education and entertainment.

– Meredith C.

Tiffany F.

We love the Science Center! I take my 2 and 4 year old boys weekly to play and enjoy the exhibits. The staff are wonderful and the classes offered are excellent! We are so blessed to have such an amazing resource in our area.

– Tiffany F.

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