Amazing and educational! If you like the smaller critters of earth, you will absolutely adore this place!! Im definitely going again

The Philly Insectarium has always been a cool place to have my kids run around, learn about insects, get some cool facts, and see live and dead bugs. We went on a private tour of some of the changes they are making, and can I just say, I thought them to be pretty cool.The second floor was always a favorite with the play area, but it’s being expanded, and I mean expanded. Dr. John as he led us around, has a lot of cool ideas. He has a mind for the fun of kids, and if I’m honest, I had a lot of fun on the outside play area he’s designing. A science/hands on area is in the works as well, and I enjoyed picking up bugs and looking at them. The second floor play area is being redesigned, and the third floor is getting upgrades too.It’s still rough, but I think in a few months, the Insectarium could be the greatest small museum for kids in the city.

This was my first visit after spending many years hearing wonderful stories of people who have gone there. It is a truly wonderful place to bring children of all ages. We went through with a six-year-old and a four-year-old. They had a truly wonderful experience. The staff are top-notch, extremely children friendly and very knowledgeable. The building is clean and inviting and conveniently located on Frankford avenue easily accessible by the route 66. This is an inexpensive jewel in the crown of places to go and things to do in Philadelphia that I highly recommend. Enjoy!

Kids loved it (8 and 3). We all loved looking at the different insects. You can ask to hold anything (I put my big girl pants on and held a tarantula for the first time. She was very calm and I wasnt scared at all). We also loved exploring the butterfly area and spotting different colored butterflies. From out of state so this was a nice stop for the young kids! Price is a little steep for what there is, but fun. Got a deal on Groupon.

Lovely, there were a number of projects under way. The reptiles and butterflies were probably our favorite. Its nice and small, easy to see in an hour or so. 2 decent sized rooms for insects, spiders, reptiles and some water creators. And a large butterfly pavilion.

This place was so awesome! The staff in the insect area are so kind and knowledgeable! They were patient with my daughter and let us see so many of the animals! I would just suggest there be more staff in the Butterfly pavilion because many parents were just allowing their children to run around chasing after the butterflies and oftentimes killing them, which was honestly sad. Otherwise we had a great time!

All the staff was really friendly besides this one worker. I asked her if we could touch any of the spiders and she was very rude and said she was busy. I really like all the variety of bugs and reptiles. I had a great time in the butterfly pavalion. I loved all the plants and the butterflies were beautiful.

This place is amazing. I went with my child for a.class trip. The host was friendly. They let you hold bugs and has a beautiful butterfly sanctuary. I would definitely bring my children here .

The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. There is a great variety of bugs, insects and other critters. The staff happily offered guests the hold the friendlier creatures. The butterfly garden is a separate charge, but absolutely worth experiencing. I hope to go back again soon.

Got a good deal on a hidden gem. Small location with 3 floors of bug themed exhibits. Good for smaller kids. Theres a 7000sf butterfly pavilion that the kids really enjoyed. Free on site parking. Its probably about a 1.5-2 adventure. Theres a cafe, small gift shop and you can host kids parties there. Look for significant discounts on Groupon/ Living social.

Neat place to see butterflies. Also, some spiders and other creepy crawlies

I ME LIKE THE MUSEUM INSECTARIUM BUTTERFLY IS WUNDERFUL BYE

Loved it! Beautiful butterfly pavilion and it was alot of fun to learn different facts.

Awesome party site for all ages

This place is a hidden gem! We got a pass from our local library and there is a free parking lot which is a bonus. My 4 year old twins had so much fun looking at all of the different insects/bugs and we learned a lot. There is a little play area next to the iguana cage which is really cool. The employees are very knowledgeable and will let you look at or hold some of the bugs if you wish. The butterfly room is a cool experience as well. There is a little cafe that makes great smoothies and a gift shop with reasonably priced gifts!

Cannot recommend enough. My 5 year old daughter has a huge interest in insects and both times weve come one of their entomologists has taken the time to show her multiple specimens and answer all her questions. We are recommending this for a potential field trip location for our daughters school.

For being in Philadelphia, its extremely surprising how amazing it is on the inside. From the butterfly sanctuary to who designs the areas for the children to learn. Was a blast for all ages

Such a great time. The kids loved the butterfly pavilion as did the adults. The employees we all super nice and helpful. We got to have one on one experiences with butterflies and a gecko. Will definitely reccomend and re visit!

We had a great time here at a birthday party. Our guide, Allison, was wonderful with the kids - very patient and spoke to the kids at their level without being condescending. We loved the butterflies, but also had a great time seeing the test of the museum. Its much cleaner and better kept than it was when I was here 4 years ago. Plus, the parking lot makes things much easier as well! Well definitely be back.

This was an unexpectedly fantastic experience. I was coerced into going with my nephew, and I was prepared for a boring time. However, thanks to Kelvin, the experience was above and beyond what I wouldve ever expected. Kelvin pays particular attention to detail, especially when entertaining both children and adults. His knowledge on all the living things inside (and outside) was indeed the star of the show. Ive been to plenty of zoos but Ive never seen someone so inherently in touch with nature, and all that inhabits it. In addition to beautiful Butterflies on the first-floor pavilion, there is also a crazy cool collection of live reptiles, fish, and even some bugs! I highly recommend this for anyone of all ages. I especially recommend seeking out Kelvin as hell be sure to make the experience even that much better.

The butterfly room is very soothing and interactive. If youre lucky you might even be able to catch and admire some butterflies. The creepy crawly room is not big but has some interesting specimen. Fun trip for an impromptu adventure.

Loved it! We felt spoiled by the staff, learned so much, and have an interactive experience. Thank you!

I would highly recommend this incredible experience. We took our grandchildren and it was amazing. The entire staff is marvelous and were always available to help and answer any questions we had.

Awesome place for children to learn and see and touch. The place is small so prepare for that and public parking while some are metered. They book birthdays!

This place is a good experience for younger children. The workers are outgoing, informative, and helpful. The butterfly pavilion was pretty neat, though the music was a tad loud and not relaxing at all. The insect exhibits were varied and exotic. However, my primary complaint is that the building is old and in need of updating. The painted tires in the parking lot aren’t exactly a nice touch for today’s day and age.

Amazing place cheap admission. All the staff are very nice and has a lot of knowledge of everything there

I love this place. Thats kind of biased since I was an intern here, but its seriously amazing and I didnt know that it existed for a long time. They have so many different animal from reptiles, to insects and arachnids and a ton of butterflies! Its great for young kids and adults. Everyone will find something here that they like. I am away at college, but I still visit every time that I go home.

I went to camp here it was so fun and all the animals are so cool and you can learn a lot there is a playground to go on and lots of fun totally recommend

Fun 2nd grade field trip, the kids loved it. The butterflies were amazing.

Great for kids of all ages. Visited during the butterfly festival. There were a few butterflies flying around in a very warm and humid garden complete with a waterfall and live drum music playing in the background. There is a cafe with very good smoothies and gift shop. On the other floors, you can explore rooms exhibiting different spiders, snakes, and others bugs and insects. The kids seemed to enjoy the various activities and looking at the bugs. Was expecting a little more, especially for the price of admission, but a nice outing.

Absolutely like a hidden gem! Locals I went with lived in Philadelphia for more the 15 years and didn’t know about this place!They host birthday parties or just daily visitors. Fantastic cafe that have fresh smoothies made to order or children’s snacks.If you gave never held butterflies your dream will come true. My children had so much fun that we spent 3 hours inside.

Awesome I have brought all of my grandchildren here.

Amazing place! The butterfly pavilion is magical. The exhibits are very interesting. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.

I still cant believe this is where it is, what a hidden gem !!!! Wonderful exhibits but most importantly wonderful staff who were extremely helpful and answered every question we had with a smile!!! The second floor was closed but worry not! Everything was moved to be viewed on the 3rd floor.

Not bad. Love the butterfly exhibit. Feels like you traveled to the tropics, almost. Like the new dining area (bring your own food) and entrance. Cant wait to see what they are going to put in the 2nd floor. Friendly workers.

My son loved it he loves bug and reptiles. The guy upstairs was so nice and told us thier names and info. The butterfly room was really cool

Lovely place that hosts some cool events. A lot of the exhibits seem to not be fully set up yet but look promising

Fantastic! Blew away expectations. Huge butterfly area with hundreds of them flitting around you. Two packed floors of amazing insects and some small amphibious & reptilian critters. Also a few crawling/climbing spots. Friendly, knowledgeable staff, one of whom took many critters out for us to hold or pet. My kid held a hissing cockroach, a tarantula, a whip scorpion and a gecko. So worth it. Well be back! Maybe for a birthday party.

We live close by so its cool to have a place like this in the neighborhood. My 6yo is a huge insect and reptile lover so this just give him a chance to explore them even more. Especially when they let him hold and pet the differant creatures, and the staff are very knowledgable. My toddler thinks hes in a magical place everytime he steps into the butterfly pavilion

Saturday3 admission @ $36 totalReally great place for both adults and children, of all ages!Parking is free in a gated lot situated directly next to the building. If you’re visiting on busier days, on-street metered parking is available too.A little history about this place; it started as a small exterminating business, that evolved into the museum. Exterminating products and services are still available however and interestingly have its own corner for quick purchase in the museum’s gift shop.You’ll be greeted warmly by staff upon entrance. They usually have Groupon deals that are bit less expensive but we decided to pay the full price when we got there. After payment, you’ll be given a brief layout of the Museum, which is home to soooo many specimens, both live and otherwise. There is also a really cool museum exhibit featuring the most beautiful butterflies! The room is humid and the butterflies are not contained, so for those who may have breathing issues in humidity or squeamish with flying insects can sit this one out in the cafe, where they sell snacks, smoothies, coffee and even grilled items. Care prices are decent but typical of others museums.Make your way to the second floor where you’ll find centipedes, scorpions, and cockroaches contained in glass aquariums. In the corner of the 2nd floor, the kids can let out a little energy climbing the enclosed lizard habitat and if they’re lucky, be face to face with it! A small table features specimens that you can view with a special magnifying glass. You’ll also find restrooms on this floor.Head to the 3 led floor where you’ll see double the specimens; all of which are enclosed in aquariums BUT you might be treated to a special visit with one or more of the museum’s residents. Allison, a staff member, was so patient, informative and fun! She spent over an hour removing a scorpion, spider, cockroaches, and snakes from their enclosures so that the kids (and adults) could pet and hold them! All staff were genuinely passionate about the museum and their commitment was very natural.For the price, it’s actually quite interesting and a wonderful way to learn with your children. Highly recommend this unique museum to both local residents and tourists! Great customer service and one-of-a-kind exhibits make this museum a truly remarkable Philadelhia must!

Such a cool place to spend time. With all the different insects to discover and learn something new you get to walk in beautifuly painted theme rooms where kids can actually play around. Definitely coming back.

The insectarium is extremely fun and great for all ages. If you dont know where to take your children for their birthday or maybe you want to learn more about the bugs that live all around us give the insectarium a shot! Its inexpensive too so no need to worry breaking the bank. Hope everyone enjoys.

We love this place! Everyone is wonderful and so are the exhibits. Kevin walked my daughter through all the insects and reptiles and shared fun facts and information on each.

Had a fun time as a family outing. Three different levels of insects, reptiles and a few fish. Wish they did have some more interactive exhibits or staff with reptiles out but we were there early. The butterfly garden was truly amazing tho.

This is a weird place. Kids loved it, though. Ants in cases but also outside of the cages where they shouldn’t be. Cafe is better than it has to be!

We loved learning about insect and reptiles

Very helpful staff! One staff member got out a a gecko and an albino corn snake for us to pet. Another staff member showed us beetles in various stages of the life cycle. Butterfly pavilion is wondrous, but super humid! Wear layers, so you can peel one off when you go into the butterfly room.

Different, loved the different types of butterflys. Be warned only the butterfly garden is wheelchair accessible.

I found this place on Groupon..and i must say it was totally worth it! I road pass here so many time and never knew! Lol Great place to take the kiddos

Kids absolutely loved this place. Couldve spent hours just in the butterfly pavilion. Staff is excellent and knowledgeable. We got there just after opening on a weekday and basically had the place to ourselves. Nice staff member brought out many things for them to touch and hold! Awesome! Used a Groupon so it was a great price too !

My husband and I stopped in here back in November, we were greeted as soon as we walked, the staff was very friendly, nice, and informative. The lobby/storefront was very nicely done, we were directed to the stairs and made our way up to second floor which housed the educational area but mostly it was empty (not many exhibits, looked to be under maintenance and repair), what was there was pretty cool though, there was a live bee hive and a small room with unbelievable, extraordinary animals/insects (alive and dead). Up on the top floor was where most of the exhibits were and we loved almost everything about it, except there were dead frogs in the frog tank and it smelled so awful, there were 2 staff members up there behind the windows, just chilling not really caring about it. Besides the dead frogs, the other exhibits were really cool, lots of spiders, which my husband loved as well as a few reptiles and very cool insects.We made our way to the butterfly pavilion section and upon entering it was beautiful, a few butterflies fluttering around, but as we kept walking there seemed to be a lot of dead ones on the ground, some with wings missing or broken. I did get a kick out of the live display behind the window with active cocoons, some with butterflies emerging. There was also a really cool little path with some pitcher plants and mirrors on the ceiling.All in all, I would go back once they finish fixing the place up, but for the cost Im not really upset about it

Wonderful Venue. Was here with 30 other adults for a wedding shower. Everything was beautiful. The guides were great. The insects awesome! And the butterfly Pavilion was the best Ive ever been to. Multiple different types of butterflies, and many breaking out of their pupae. I look forward to bringing my family back here.

We visited here with our kids and it was OK experience for all of us. Its worth a couple of hours on a lazy day to get out of the house if you love bugs.Pros:- Small interactive museum at multiple levels with a lot of bugs on display in glass cases with some having a magnifying glasses so kids can explore deeper- Free parking- Butterfly pavilion is the only place worth spending some time with butterflies flying all around you which fascinated the kids and parents alike :)- Very friendly and knowledgeable staff- Cute gift shop with a small selection of interesting objects.Cons:- Building need renovation- Petting and some interactive hands on activities for kids would have been nice to have

Cool place. Butterfly area is amazing. Upstairs is a tad underwhelming, but still cool. Tons of critters.

Fun place, a little small for the price. The parking lot was blocked off the day we visited so we had to park on the street. The kids got to hold a tarantula. It was a neat place to spend a couple of hours.

Very sweet and worth the trip. It was awesome. Butterflies flew around you and that had an excellent selection of information and real animal/insects to look at. They need to add information to the activities so children know how to use all of them.

Great affordable fun for the whole family. Very cool butterfly exhibit.

Great place for kids. Fantastic butterfly garden.

Great place to check out some cool critters and learn a thing or two about some really interesting insects. Every single member of the staff were super friendly and helpful!

Very nice good for kids an the family!!

Great place. You can walk among the butterflies and hold small lizards. Kids have a good time here while learning about nature.

I used to work here and thoroughly enjoyed every second I spent there. Such a beautiful pavilion with knowledgeable staff and a delicious cafe! Truly worth the trip and will go back at any opportunity.

The indoor butterfly pavilion was a really cool experience; I could hang out there all day. We went on a Thursday afternoon, and we had the whole place to ourselves. While I enjoyed having so much privacy, more people definitely need to hear about this place so they can expand and improve the butterfly pavilion!They have other insect exhibits too in some rooms upstairs, but definitely not the main attraction in my opinion.There’s also a cafe inside which smelt amazing, but we didn’t eat there so I can’t rate the food at all.

I drove by this place a dozen times and never thought it was a planetarium. I found it on Groupon and decided to check it out. It looks small but has enough to enjoy with your kids. Other than butterflies they have spiders, fish and frogs. We had lots of fun. We’ll be back

Visited on a Saturday with my son who is very interested in insects.There is plenty of free parking right next to their building and it is easy to see as you drive up with a huge mural on the side of the building facing the parking lot.We stopped in the butterfly room first. There were large numbers of them flying around. There are lots of opportunities for pictures. They have 2 displays of chrysalis and each type is noted with signage so you know what is going to emerge.After spending about 15 minutes in the butterfly room we walked through the museum which is on two floors. Im not sure if they have an elevator between floors or not. The 2nd floor has a few displays of different insects but there is a lot of empty space in this room.The third floor has a much larger set of displays. Having my son along to explain each of the insects was nice and almost like getting a private tour. There was a group of girl scouts there and the staff was showing them tarantulas and other insects. They also have a few reptiles a had them out as well. My son had me take a picture of him with a snake around his neck.The gift shop is not outrageous. They have a small area with food for sale but I cant imagine eating there due to the overwhelming odor. Be prepared, this smell of this place hits you right in the face when you walk in the door. After being there for an hour you wont notice it so maybe wait till the end to eat.All said, if you have an hour or two and a person with a lot of interest in insects then this is the place for you.

A.maz ing. Absolutely love it

Great place to visit and learn

Love the place. The kids had alot of fun

Best birthday party venue. Cheap rates. They expanded and renovated their facility. Nice staff. I highly recommend it here!!!

This place is awesome for kids

Really cool place to see amazing insects, arthropods and reptiles! The butterfly pavilion is beautiful.

We ate some bugs and learned a lot of coo facts. It was definitely a good time. I just wish parents paid better attention to their children in the butterfly room. :)

Such a beautifully informative place. The staff are really friendly and are very educated in the likes of reptiles, insects,etc thus giving you all the facts and tid bits on their little friends.

Really cool. The upstairs is more family geared but if you like bugs its cool. The rear area is the butterfly exhibit. Open space with smooth jazz and free flying butterflies. Super chill vibe out there.

It should be a great educational trip for children during the school year. Kids just want to have fun after learning throughout the school year. Kids were losing interest sitting down learning about bugs. They enjoyed roaming around and a few even touched but it was okay.

First off, let me say I am not a big fan of insects and crawly things. That said, I loved the Insectarium and Butterfly Museum. My 10-year-old daughter loved it and Connor was an absolutely incredible guide. He was very patient with my daughter and her endless questions and was incredibly knowledgeable about all the insects and other animals. He was happy to bring all the animals out and explain what they were and everything about them. He answered countless questions all with a smile. When you go, please make sure to say hello to Trash the bearded dragon. You will be glad you did.

Very fun place. People who work there are knowledgeable and kind. Packed during the oddities event.

We were only there about an hour for my birthday, but it was awesome and beautiful. Like a mini paradise

Amazing owners and lots of hard work and dedication into this place. lovely place too visit and would love to come again!!!!

This place is so cool. Great place to take the little ones in the weekend

Awesome experience. Not a huge place but definitely worth it. It was really cool to be the room with the butterflies around you. They had a wall with cocoons and staff available to answer questions. Upstairs there were other insects, reptiles and even a small beehive. There is a small climb up play area. Great educational experience. This is not a playground though. It is a quiet small place with gift shop. Kids cannot just run around. Please let se be aware the butterfly area is very warm and humid inside. Think rainforest humidity.

Three levels. First level has the butterflies it is warm in room around 80. Second and third floors have reptiles, fish and what not. Note there is no elevator to second and third floor. For little kids it is a lot of fun. Will visit again.

Great place. My kids loved it. Would definitely go back again. The staff is extremely friendly.

Very interesting place... my son and my dad loved the place... dont miss it.2 hrs of good learning time

Its fun but there is not enough to do they should expand it into the empty lot

IF you love butterflies or have an insect/rodent issue, this is the place, the butterflies pavilion is awesome

Great place to bring the kids for an afternoon of exploring and learning. Not expensive at all and well worth the looks youll get on their faces.

Beautiful place, had a good time. Took my family here, they had fun. Its not an all day activity, we spent an hour here. Besides that, it was lovely.

Our kids love this place. They could spend every weekend there id they could.

Smaller than I thought but the place had knowledgable and friendly staff that really helped the experience.

Been seeing this place since it was Steves...finally took grandkid. Butterfly exhibit is so nice! Feel the price may be too high. But the curiosity got the best of us. Nice staff that showed us some bugs and frogs up close was very informative. Souvenirs prices werent too bad. But do not buy any insecticides. I found the same item I bought, online for more than half off.

Wonderful insectarium with plenty of reptiles as well. The curator was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and let us interact with lots of creatures. Highly recommend!

Such a randomly wondeful place. I am offically in love with the butterfly room. The staff is sweet. There is a little cafe inside and a gift shop. No elevator so if u cant do stairs you will be limited to just the bottom floor but thata where the butterflies, party room, cafe, bathrooms and gift shop are so its still worth a visit.There is a decent sized parking lot sp you shouldnt have trouble finding a spot even if you have to drive to the back. There is another huge section of parking you cant see from the street.

Such a cool place for kids and adults. Creepy crawly while educational. The Butterfly house is amazing and peaceful.

This was a fun trip... the butterfly exhibit was a mind-trip. Also check out the tarantulas

The butterfly pavilion was the only thing open but it was cool, lots of butterflies I havent seen before.

Very educational experience for kiddos, staff is knowledgeable and friendly!!!

This was the first time weve been here since they redid it and added the butterflies. My daughter loved it. The people that worked there were so friendly and let my daughter touch and learn about some new creatures.

Beautiful butterfly exhibit! Helpful staff. Affordable family activity using Groupon.

This place is absolutely amazing! The staff is very knowledgeable and were exceptionally patient and kind with all six kids we brought with us. They allowed our kids to touch and hold all sorts of creatures! The all loved the experience. A couple of them were helped to overcome their fears after watching the other kids.This is our second visit. They have really updated things. I was allergic to the carpet they had last time, but they replaced it. I didnt have any reaction this time.They also have free parking! Thats a huge plus for a large family.You must go and experience it. Its addictive. Holding a tarantula was always on my bucket list.If you hold a gecko, I warn you, youll want one.... just go.. You wont regret it!