I think there must be a little bit of lepidopterist in everyone. I mean, how can you not be captivated by butterflies? It’s just about impossible not to smile when you see one fluttering about, all colorful and free.

My older son called them “booflies” when he was first learning to talk, and that whimsical name seems to perfectly fit the creatures’ helter-skelter, flighty dance from flower to flower. Maybe that’s why I was so entranced by Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, Florida. I paid a visit to the attraction while on a work trip to nearby Fort Lauderdale, and it was the absolute highlight of my trip.

Perhaps I was reliving the joy of watching a young child’s excitement and delight in the moment as a bright-winged butterfly accepts his outstretched hand as a momentary landing site. Or maybe it was the squeal of joy or the picture of absolute wonder on a toddler’s face. Or possibly it was surrendering to the child that is in everyone and just delighting in watching the brilliantly hued butterflies flit about from flower to flower and person to person. I had this insane urge to just find an inconspicuous corner and eavesdrop as visitors first encounter the free-flying beauties amidst the exotic tropical foliage.

Even before you enter the attraction, a sense of what is to come is evident, as vividly blooming plants greet you as you approach the entrance. After paying for your ticket, pick up a self-guiding tour brochure and prepare to be delighted.

You’ll definitely want to stop at the Butterfly Farm, where you can see caterpillars in various stages of development. Then, as you walk through an archway into an aviary, be ready to meet thousands of multi-hued butterflies as they flutter about among equally brilliant tropical plantings. Fountains provide melodic background music as cameras and telephoto lenses are rapidly removed from their cases (by the way, it’s really difficult trying to catch a good up-close snapshot of one of those quick-moving creatures).

A contingent of birds joins the resident butterflies in the Tropical Rain Forest Area, which has its own waterfall and is full of lush tropical foliage. The friendly butterflies are fond of taking a brief rest from all that wing flapping, so don’t be surprised if you find one temporarily perched on your back, shoulder or some other creative spot. Colorful tropical birds and butterflies can also be seen in the garden areas, which are resplendently planted with an assortment of multicolored flowers, including roses and a huge collection of vibrant passion vines.

Not to be missed is the Lorikeet Encounter, where the cheeky little birds have free reign. These noisy, rainbow-colored Australian natives resemble small parrots, and each one proudly wears a profusion of brightly colored red, blue, neon green, orange and iridescent yellow plumage. You can have these sassy creatures eating right out of your hand—literally. Just purchase a cup of nectar from the attendant and you’ll be their new best friend. These guys are definitely not shy. 

Across a suspension bridge is another aviary where hummingbirds, finches and some of their feathered friends enjoy the flower-filled space. See if you can spot a hummingbird looking for its next nectar source. More birds are to be found in Macaw Landing—bet you can guess which kind. Much larger than lorikeets but just as brilliantly colored (and probably noisier), macaws are the comedic jesters of the bird world. Their flamboyant personality and fun-loving nature are readily evident.

The last stop before the gift shop is indoors, and it might not be for everyone. The Museum/Insectarium is just what it sounds like. After seeing all the amazing butterflies fluttering about outside, it’s hard to enjoy looking at them still and mounted in a static museum display. The cases containing beetles, scorpions and other icky things were more acceptable. In addition, a bug zoo shows off some pretty scary looking insects in naturalistic aquarium settings; check out the walking sticks and giant water bugs.

If the attraction has inspired you and you’ve become enamored with the beauty and grace of butterflies, stop by the plant shop on your way out where you can select a variety of flowers guaranteed to turn your own yard (or a portion thereof) into a butterfly haven. Butterfly World claims to be the largest butterfly park in the world—what could be a more perfect spot to discover your inner lepidopterist?