Butterfly Feeding 8/16/2026 1:30 pm

Step into the Butterfly House, a seasonal 12′ x 24′ outdoor exhibit located near the Visitors’ Center and our Native Pollinator Garden, for a rare hands-on encounter with native butterflies and moths.

In this immersive small-group experience, families with children ages 4 and up will have the opportunity to feed live butterflies nectar and observe these delicate creatures up close as they flutter, sip, and occasionally land gently nearby. You'll also have the chance to view chrysalises in various stages of development and learn about the fascinating life cycle of butterflies through educational displays and guided interpretation.

After your butterfly adventure, get creative and give back to nature by making a pollinator-friendly seed ball to take home and plant, helping support butterflies, bees, and other essential pollinators in your own community.

Butterfly species vary by season and availability but reflect those naturally found in the Tenafly Nature Center preserve during spring and summer.

Be sure to explore the Native Pollinator Garden next door, which showcases the host plants and nectar sources that support local butterflies, bees, beetles, hummingbirds, and other wildlife throughout the year.

Please note: The Butterfly House is closed during rain, overcast conditions, or when temperatures are below 70°F.

Spaces are limited. Register now to reserve your spot for this enchanting summer experience.

Respect for Nature & Other Visitors

• Observe wildlife without disturbing them — take only pictures, leave only footprints.
• Keep voices and noise low to preserve the tranquility of the trails.
• Carry in, carry out: please take all trash with you.
• Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.

Arrival & Attendance

• Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled start time. Late arrivals may not be admitted, and timed-entry programs cannot accommodate late participants.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• If you can no longer attend, please contact us at 201-568-6093 or info@tenaflynaturecenter.org so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.
• If TNC cancels or reschedules a program (e.g., due to low enrollment or weather), you may transfer your registration to a future date within three months (pending availability) or receive a full refund (no credits).
• If you’re unable to attend, please contact us, we’ll do our best to transfer your registration to a future date. If a transfer isn’t possible, the following refund policy applies:
  • More than 48 hours’ notice: 50% refund
  • Less than 48 hours’ notice: No refund

Trail & Preserve Rules

• Trails are open from one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset. Visitors outside these hours must be accompanied by TNC staff.
• All visitors must follow TNC’s rules and regulations as outlined in our lease agreement with the Borough of Tenafly. Please ensure everyone in your group, including children, understands and follows these guidelines.