Butterfly Feeding at Tenafly Nature Center

Butterfly Feeding and Other Summertime Butterfly Events at Tenafly Nature Center

“Just living is not enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” — Hans Christian Andersen

Families can experience those moments up close during Butterfly Feeding at Tenafly Nature Center on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 1:30 to 2:00 pm.

This small-group program takes place inside the Nature Center’s seasonal Butterfly House, a 12-foot by 24-foot outdoor exhibit located near the Visitors’ Center and Native Pollinator Garden. Families with children ages 4 and up will have the opportunity to feed live butterflies nectar and observe native butterflies and moths as they flutter, feed and occasionally land nearby.

Participants can also view chrysalises in different stages of development and learn about the butterfly life cycle through educational displays and guided interpretation.

After visiting the Butterfly House, participants can make a pollinator-friendly seed ball to take home and plant, providing a way to help support butterflies, bees and other pollinators in their own community.

Visitors can also explore the Native Pollinator Garden next to the Butterfly House. The garden features host plants and nectar sources that support local butterflies, bees, beetles, hummingbirds and other wildlife throughout the year.

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

Register for the August 16 Butterfly Feeding program.

Butterfly Feeding Event Details

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: 1:30-2:00 pm
Location: Tenafly Nature Center
Address: 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
Ages: Families with children ages 4 and up
Price: $8
Registration: Space is limited. Advance registration is recommended.

Additional Butterfly Feeding Dates

Tenafly Nature Center is offering additional Butterfly Feeding sessions throughout August:

Saturday, August 15: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Sunday, August 16: 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Saturday, August 22: 1:30 pm
Sunday, August 23: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Saturday, August 29: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm

Before You Go

Participants should arrive 10-15 minutes before their scheduled start time. Late arrivals may not be admitted because Butterfly Feeding programs have timed entry. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Butterfly House is an outdoor exhibit and closes during rain, overcast conditions or when temperatures are below 70°F.

Visitors should observe wildlife without disturbing it, keep voices and noise low, carry out all trash and follow Tenafly Nature Center preserve rules. Visitors who are feeling unwell should stay home.

Trails are open from one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset. Visitors outside those hours must be accompanied by Tenafly Nature Center staff.

If you can no longer attend, contact Tenafly Nature Center at 201-568-6093 or [email protected] so the available space can be offered to someone on the waitlist.

If Tenafly Nature Center cancels or reschedules a program because of weather, low enrollment or another reason, participants may transfer their registration to a future date within three months, subject to availability, or receive a full refund.

For participant cancellations, more than 48 hours’ notice is eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are not refundable. Tenafly Nature Center will also try to transfer registrations to another available date when possible.

Reserve a spot for Butterfly Feeding at Tenafly Nature Center.

Looking for more programs at Tenafly Nature Center? Find more Tenafly Nature Center events, updated regularly on the Mybergen.com Events Calendar.