Flutter into Fall

Join us for our annual celebration of our beloved butterflies as the monarchs begin their migration! It will be a day full of activities for the whole family to honor our fluttering friends and their annual migration to the Oyamel fir forest in Mexico.

Take part in a craft presented by the National Museum of Mexican Art, join our entomologist for Monarch Butterfly tagging, explore our outdoor butterfly garden and other nature trails, see a special performance by Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance company, and witness our daily release of newly emerged tropical butterflies into the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven inside the museum on the second floor!

Museum members can even start the fun an hour early! Members can flutter in starting at 9am.

Scheduled Activities:

Member Exclusive Butterfly Garden Sensory Exploration - 9:30am
Monarch Tagging in the Ravine - 10:30am, 12pm, 1pm
Nature Walk: Pollinator Gardening - 11am
Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance Performance - 11:15am
Nature Walk: Butterfly Garden Sensory Exploration - 12:30pm
First Flight Butterfly Release - 11:30 am, 2pm
Nature Walk: Monarch Migration - 1:30pm
All Day:

Color a butterfly and add it to our virtual prairie in our interactive exhibit “By a Thread: Nature's Resilience”

Create a craft with the National Museum of Mexican Art

Meet our partners from Trickster Cultural Center for some programming

Make a craft with Nature Museum volunteers

Learn about the Chicago Conservation Corps (C3)

Learn about butterflies all around the museum in facilitated Exhibit Experiences. 
Ticket price includes museum admission. All ages are welcome – this event is designed for families. Museums for all pricing available upon request. Email programs@naturemuseum.org