Butterfly World in Pompano Beach, FL 33073

It's not all about butterflies, though of course these colorful creatures abound. Birds and flowers are also strongly represented at this wonderful park.

The Tropical Rain Forest Aviary is one of Butterfly World's most popular attractions. This mammoth 8,000 square foot screened enclosure is the largest single butterfly habitat in the world, soaring to 30 feet in height and enclosing 240,000 cubic feet of space. Inside, over 5,000 butterflies enjoy a natural rain forest environment, complete with flowers, trees, a waterfall, a cave and a cooling tropical mist. Patient visitors are invariably rewarded by a butterfly or two landing on them at some point.

The extensive outdoor gardens, beginning with the Lakeside Garden walk and continuing on to the English Rose Garden and Secret Garden, offer lovely strolling opportunities. Hundreds of native Florida butterfly species live and fly freely outside in these gardens, and feed on the native nectar and caterpillar food sources that have been planted just for them.

Beyond butterflies, don't forget to cross the Tinalandia suspension bridge to explore the Jewels of the Sky Hummingbird Aviary. Kids especially enjoy the Lorikeet Encounter, where visitors may interact with the "clowns of the bird world" and feed them by hand.

And don't miss the Live Bug Zoo in the Museum/ Insectarium, or the Butterfly Store.

Birthday parties can be arranged on Saturday mornings for $23 per child (birthday child free), which includes a guided tour, lunch, and goody bags. For more information call 954.977.4434.

Annual memberships are available for $40 for adults and $30 for children.