Formally known as the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum's "butterfly room" never fails to awe even the most jaded adult. Who can resist outstretching an arm to coax a butterfly to alight on a fingertip? Who wouldn't marvel at the colorful little wings fluttering about the bright flowers and lush greenery?

Key Stats for the Butterfly Haven

Open since: 1999

Number of species: around 40 mostly tropical species not native to the Midwest, including South America's Blue Morphos and Asia's Rice Paper butterflies

Number of butterflies: around 1,000

First flight: at 2pm every day, museums staffers release butterflies who've newly emerged from their chrysalises for their first flight in open air

Other species: birds, turtles, and tropical flowers and trees

Habitat: a 2,700 sf greenhouse filled with lush greenery

Temperature in the room: a balmy 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit

Humidity: 20%–30%

Before you go: check the mirror to make sure no winged creatures have hitched a ride. Also the window into the chrysalis room allows visitors to examine butterflies in various states of metamorphosis.

If You Want to Visit the Butterflies with No Kids Around

The museum hosts a yoga class in the butterfly room every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m.

If Your Kids Keep Trying to Climb the Trees

Take them to the Hands-On Habitat where they can crawl through an underground cave and climb an enormous spiderweb.

For a deal on admission to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, click here.

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