HMNS Attraction

Cockrell Butterfly Center

Resources

Monarch Butterflies in Houston
Learn about Monarch Butterflies from the HMNS Cockrell Butterfly Center’s extensive resources, covering everything from endangered status to migration and gardening. The site also features a FAQ section to answer your common questions.
Discover Monarch Resources
Pollinator Gardening
Explore the Community Science Garden and the 9 Natives Showcase Garden at the museum grounds to learn about sustainable, pesticide-free habitats for pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Explore Pollinator Gardening

Curious? Review the FAQ Guidelines

View All FAQ

FAQ

Can I take my stroller in to the butterfly center?

Unfortunately strollers and wagons are not allowed in the butterfly center, as they pose an escape risk for butterflies. There is a designated stroller parking area at the entrance to the butterfly center.

Yes, the butterfly center is fully accessible.

We kindly ask that guests refrain from touching the butterflies, plants, and other wildlife in the butterfly center.

Photography and videography are allowed inside the butterfly center. However, tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.

Due to capacity and popularity, we ask that all guests adhere to their ticketed times for entry. However, once you are inside the rainforest, please feel welcome to explore as long as you would like.

Because the butterfly center is a USDA-APHIS facility, federal regulation prohibit bringing in or removing any plant or animal material. However, with our Butterfly Flight School, you can release one of our newly-emerged butterflies for its maiden voyage in the rainforest conservatory! Available for on-site purchase only.

Guidelines

Guidelines for Cockrell Butterfly Center
  • No food or drink allowed inside.
  • No strollers or wagons allowed inside.
  • Please stay on the pathways and refrain from running.
  • Please do not disturb plant beds, butterflies, or other wildlife.
  • Please do not remove any plants or animals from the rainforest.

Meet the Curators

Our curators’ combined expertise ranges from A to Z… from archaeology to zoology!
Lauren Davidson
Associate Curator of Entomology, Manager of Cockrell Butterfly Center
As a kid, Lauren visited the Cockrell Butterfly Center when it first opened in 1994. She instantly fell in love with the butterflies and frequently returned throughout her childhood. She continually became more curious about insects and their relatives during her visits, influencing her to pursue
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