Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World
Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World · Edinburgh
Walk through a tropical glasshouse filled with free-flying exotic butterflies and handle stick insects and giant millipedes. A genuinely unique and memorable experience for young children.
Why families love it
- Hundreds of colourful butterflies from around the world fly freely through a warm, humid tropical glasshouse where they might land on you.
- Children can hold giant African land snails, stick insects, and millipedes during handling sessions run by knowledgeable staff throughout the day.
- The compact indoor attraction works brilliantly on rainy days and keeps even young children engaged without overwhelming them with too much walking.
Best for
Families with children under eight who are fascinated by minibeasts and want an interactive experience that's manageable in size and genuinely different from typical attractions.
Good to know
The glasshouse is genuinely tropical so dress in layers you can remove as it gets properly warm and humid inside. Handling sessions run regularly but aren't always advertised, so just ask staff when you arrive. The toilets and café are basic but adequate, and there's a small outdoor play area that's handy if children need to burn off energy afterwards.
Practical info
- Age guidance
- Best suited for toddlers through to around age eight, with under-threes entering free and likely to be mesmerised by the butterflies even if they're wary of handling insects.
- Typical cost
- Family tickets offer better value than individual admission, with prices around £35 for two adults and two children at time of writing.
- How long to allow
- Most families spend around 45 minutes to an hour here, which feels just right before younger children get restless or overheated in the tropical temperature.
- Last checked
- May 2026