Beautiful Butterflies: A Fun Family Experience
Did you know that you can give the children in your life the incredible experience of watching caterpillars become butterflies? In a few short weeks, they can watch as the caterpillars grow, then form a chrysalis, and finally emerge as butterflies. Ultimately, they have the awesome experience of watching them fly off into the world. It is one of the best experiences that a child can have and it can teach them love of the environment and nature, life cycles, metamorphosis, responsibility, and more.
Butterfly Garden Kit
I ordered this kit for my grandchildren from Insect Lore (click here to view). I have ordered from them many times and always been pleased. They have several different butterfly kits from which to choose. I happened to order at a time when they offered a free cup of caterpillars with the order. Instead of 5 caterpillars we had 10. When the kit arrives the caterpillars are tiny. The kit has everything you need to take care of the caterpillars and butterflies except for sugar water or fruit to feed the butterflies. There is a booklet that explains everything in detail so it makes it very easy. Also, the butterfly house pops right up with no assembly.
Important Note!
***Be sure to order your butterfly kit/ caterpillars after the weather across the US is staying above freezing. If mailed during freezing weather the caterpillars can freeze enroute and not survive.***
I ordered these in the middle of April last year and they were fine.
The Caterpillars
For almost two weeks we watch the caterpillars grow. They grow quickly! Everyday they are a little bigger. The container already has the food inside for the caterpillars so there is nothing you need to do except watch. The kit includes a booklet that can be used as a journal to keep a record as the caterpillars grow. There are also other pages included so that everyone can learn more about caterpillars and butterflies.
The Chrysalides
Once the caterpillars are ready they will go to the top of the jar and form the chrysalides. When this happens you take the lid off the jar and move it to the stands provided, placing it inside the butterfly house. Discard the jar. Now we wait for seven to ten days but keep watch!
The Butterflies
The emergence will take time so if you keep watch you will be able to watch them emerge. When they come out of the chrysalides they will look folded, wrinkled, and sick but they are fine. They will begin to pump up their wings. Sometimes they will expel excess meconium after they pump up their wings so if you see a red/pink substance it is not a problem. Soon their wings will dry and will be firm. Then they will start to flutter around in the butterfly house.
Taking care of Butterflies
The butterflies will need food. The kit includes a little dish with a sponge inside. You will need to mix up some sugar water (3 teaspoon sugar to one cup of water) and use the provided dropper to put some mixture on the sponge. Each day you will need to add more sugar water. Butterflies also like fruit. You can put in half a plum, apple, strawberry, banana, watermelon, oranges, etc. as well. Now just enjoy the butterflies for 3 to 4 days. Then it is time to release them into nature.
Time to Let Them Fly Away
One of the most exciting parts of this fun activity is letting the butterflies go. Sometimes you can get them to light on your hand to bring them out. Other times they will fly out on their own. Do not try to pick them up as that can damage their wings. Tell them goodbye and watch them soar.
More Fantastic Family Fun
If you’re looking for more family fun activities then check out our Family Fun section where you will find a variety of family fun ideas.
Here are just a few:
Movie Night Magic with Disney’s Encanto: Snacks, Activities, and More!
It’s a Terrific Day for a Teddy Bear Picnic!
Make Movie Night Memorable with Raya and the Last Dragon
The Best Board Games for Big Family Fun
Easy and Fun Ways to Grow Your Child’s Creativity
Got Bored Kids? Ten Easy Ways to Tell a Story That Will Delight Any Child!
Five Simple Ways to Add Adventure and Excitement to Your Kid’s Lives!
Easy Ways to Add a Little Disney Magic to Your Day!
I hope you enjoy more fun times with your family!
Have a good day!
Karen
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This such a wonderful learning experience.
It is and it was so much fun to do this activity with my grand babies!
I love this idea!! I plan on doing this with my grands when they get a little bit older. They will love it!!
It is a really easy and fun thing to do with kids and it is incredible to watch it all happen. Your grands will love it!