Want to host your special event at the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium? MBHI provides options for everyone; from small get-togethers to bug birthday blowouts. Our packages start with a basic classroom rental (equipped with refrigerator, freezer, sink and family restroom) and admission to the museum for your guests. Programs are available to add-on if you want to bring your bug experience to the next level! Read on for rates, program descriptions and policies.
Small Group Rental (Up to 15 Guests)
Caterpillar Package
Saturday- 10:30am-12:30pm OR 2:00pm-4:00pm.
Sunday- 12:00pm-2:00pm
Includes
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Classroom rental for 2 hours
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Rental time includes time for set-up and clean-up
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Admission to the museum for up to 15 guests (including adults and children) *Adult-to-child ratio should be one adult for every five children. Children may not enter the museum unaccompanied.
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The party host will be provided with 15 wristbands for admission to the museum. Up to 15 additional guests can be added to the party total at the general admission rate or pay for their own admission at our front desk.
Medium Group Rental (Up to 30 Guests)
Chrysalis Package
Saturday- 10:30am-12:30pm OR 2:00pm-4:00pm
Sunday- 12:00pm-2:00pm
Includes
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Classroom rental for 2 hours
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Includes time for set-up and clean-up.
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Admission to the museum for up to 30 guests (including adults and children) *Adult-to-child ratio should be one adult for every five children. Children may not enter the museum unaccompanied.
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PLEASE NOTE: Our classroom cannot accommodate more than 30 guests. Additional guests may not be added to the 30-person party package.
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The party host will be provided with 30 wristbands for admission to the museum.
Program Add-Ons
Want to amp your bug party up to the next level? For an additional $75, you can add a program to your party. Programs include one-on-one time with our bug ambassadors, a predator feeding and theme-related activity. Programs occur in the classroom during your rental time slot.
Scorpions, Centipedes, Spiders, oh my! If your young entomologist has a love of the creepiest of crawlies, then this birthday is perfect! We’ll start by holding some of our friendly Bug Ambassadors before we observe some of our more fierce predators (eyes only!). This program includes a discussion of how our predators use different mechanisms to capture their prey and multiple demonstrations of those mechanisms in action! This party is a great option for any age group.
Tap into your inner artist when we combine art and arthropods for this birthday celebration! We will start by holding our friendly Bug Ambassadors and making observations about them: color, number of legs, whether they have wings, etc. Then, we will dive into crafting and creating our own bugs based on our observations. We will cap off the program with an exciting predator-feeding demonstration! This party option can be tailored to any age group.
Does your birthday kid have a knack for science and observation? During this birthday celebration, we will be exploring some of the same questions that professional scientists are asking about the bug world! What influences the length of a rhinoceros beetle horn? What is “crypsis” and how do insects use it? We will begin by holding and observing some of the same animals scientists use to study these questions, and then we’ll move into a creative craft utilizing the knowledge we gain! The party will conclude with a predator-feeding demonstration. This party is a great option for older kids who have an interest in science and natural history!
Additional Add-Ons
Additional Time
Guests may purchase additional time to rent the party space; $50 per each half hour. Additional time must be purchased at least two weeks in advance in order to accommodate schedules.
Additional Guests
Additional guests may be added to the party itinerary at the non-member museum rate. PLEASE NOTE: Additional guests MUST be added prior to the party date. Any extra guests outside of the anticipated amount may be asked to wait to enter the museum when we are at capacity. Additional guests may NOT be added to the 30-person party package.
Party Supplies
Don’t have time to pick up decorations? MBHI will provide bug-themed plates, cups, and cutlery for an additional $25.
Event Policies and Guidelines
A $50 deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. The remainder of the party fee may be paid any time before the party date or in person on the day of the party.
Payment cannot be split between parties.
Adult-to-child ratio should be one adult for every five children. Children may not enter the museum unaccompanied.
Glitter, piñatas, confetti, and silly string are NOT allowed, and bringing them may result in a $75.00 damages fee.
Setup and cleanup time are included in your 2 hour time slot. Guests are expected to have all party supplies packed and out of the classroom by the end of their reservation. Additional time may be purchased.
All party guests over the age of 2, including anyone who is a member, will be included in the attendance count and must be paid for. We offer a member discount on party package pricing at booking if you are a member.
Party organizers will be provided with wrist bands for their guests to enter the museum, based on the size of party package they purchase. MBHI cannot offer refunds for any unused wristbands.
Due to the schedules of the parties, we recommend waiting to visit exhibits until after your reservation time. Guests are welcome to stay in the museum until we close at 5:00pm (4:00pm on Sundays).
Our facility is unable to host wedding ceremonies or receptions at this time.
Guests are expected to agree to Terms and Conditions at time of reservation.