Step away from TCU campus and into a tropical butterfly retreat at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. 

Butterflies in the Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden encourages guests to come and experience both local and exotic butterflies from the backyard of Fort Worth and the lush habitats of Africa and Asia. 

Located just 10 minutes away from campus, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden showcases its own ecosystem. 

“Experience nature firsthand and really develop emotional souvenirs that we carry with us throughout the rest of our life,” Patrick Newman, president and CEO of Fort Worth Botanic Garden, said in a press conference. 

The garden hatches anywhere from 30 to 70 species of butterflies for the event, according to public relations and branding manager Dina Lewis. 

Species range from the Giant Swallowtail, native to Fort Worth, to the Blue Morpho from the tropics of Central and South America. 

The garden employs two entomologists to nurture the butterflies from their hatching and into their life at the conservatory, Lewis said.

Butterflies such as the Blue Morpho, a spectator favorite, flit through the conservatory and into the delighted hands of young children. 

The rainforest conservatory is filled with lush tropical plants such as the Brazilian Red Cloak, native to Venezuela and Suriname.

Volunteers in red shirts circulate throughout the conservatory, available to answer questions and help visitors spot butterflies tucked away in the tropical plants. 

Students are welcome to join the volunteer program, Lewis said. 

Although the event is branded as perfect for kids, guests of all ages are invited to interact with the butterflies and snap pictures.  

“Any way you want to come, it’s a magical experience,” Lewis said. “You can come out and have your own adventure.” 

Tickets start at $12 for guests ages 16 to 65. 

Butterflies in the Garden, sponsored by Central Market, runs from March 1 to April 30.