It’s spring (didn’t you know?), and while the weather around here hasn’t gotten the change-of-season memo, the most exciting sign of spring in Cincinnati has arrived: Krohn Conservatory’s 2018 Butterfly Show, Butterflies of Madagascar.
Running daily through June 17, Butterflies of Madagascar is the most delightful way to celebrate spring in Cincinnati.
It’s always such a treat to see how the exhibit room is transformed for each show. For this season’s Butterfly Show, you’ll truly feel like you’ve been transported to Madagascar: you’ll see striking Baobab trees, lots of lemurs and the most lush and vibrant flowers in every color of the rainbow: bold reds, bright oranges, vivid purples. Madagascar is known as the “Island of Rainbows,” and that is exactly what the people at Krohn have created for us here in Cincinnati.
Of course, the real stars of the show are the butterflies – and they are striking. The exhibit room is alive with the fluttering wings of beautiful butterflies. There are two large cages within the exhibit housing the Madagascan butterflies, which are unlike any other butterflies you’ll see around here. (There’s one that’s literally gold; it looks like a beam of light flying around!)
The butterflies cannot be touched; but you’ll get a special card upon entry where the butterflies can land. The cards are bright green (butterflies favor bold colors) and are scratch-and-sniff vanilla (butterflies like sweet smells). Harvey waited patiently for a butterfly to land on his card, and was pleased as punch when one did! Getting an up-close look at these butterflies is such a treat; they really are magnificent.
In addition to the landing cards, there are lots of ways for Cincy kids to interact with Butterflies of Madagascar. Outside of the exhibit room, there is a “Lemur Scavenger Hunt” in the Palm House and a “Critter Hide and Seek” in the Fern House. The Hide and Seek was a lot of fun for my 3 year old, and it was a lot of fun for both of us to learn about the different animals and insects native to Madagascar.
Of course, there are always lots of special, family-friendly events hosted at the Butterfly Show: May’s Family Nights (May 2, 16 and 30) let kids come in their pjs and get to do special crafts; Science Geek Week in June (4-7) features summer games and treats. There are also a few upcoming promotions you’ll want to be aware of: all moms get in half-price on Mother’s Day (May 13) and active military/veterans get free admission on Memorial Day (May 28).
Every season, Cincinnatians are treated to a new experience at Krohn Conservatory. This spring’s Butterflies of Madagascar is a vibrant, dreamy escape from the clouds, the rain (and snow!) and often-dreary Cincinnati weather. Take your kids on a trip to Madagascar with Cincy Parks this spring!
Butterflies of Madagascar is open daily from 10 am-5 pm through June 17. Admission is $7/adults, $4/kids 5-17 and free for kids 4 and under. Visit the website for a coupon for $1 off admission for up to 4 people.