Tropical Butterfly House

Is it right for my child?

• Animals: the park map lists tropical butterflies, leafcutter ants and caiman. It also shows Lemur Heights, Meerkat Mansion, Otter Springs, owls, wallabies and a farm barn.
• Bug House: the What’s Changed page says the bugs and reptiles are off show while a new home is built. No reopening date is given.
• Shows: the What’s Changed page says the Animal Antics show runs at 12.30pm on weekdays, and 12.30pm and 2.30pm at weekends, weather permitting.
• Play: the park lists the Realms of Camelot playground, a Dino Trail and a play park. There is also a splash zone and a wildlife nature trail.
• Winter play: the FAQ says the play park, sandpits and splash zone are open throughout spring and summer. It does not say whether they open in winter.
• Sensory notes: the accessibility statement mentions motion or button activated water sprinklers around the park. Staff can show you the motion-sensor ones on arrival.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Book online before you go. The FAQ asks everyone to book online if they can. It may allow some walk-up entry at non-busy times.
• Pick an arrival time when you book. The park says it cannot guarantee entry if you arrive outside it.
• Add animal feed to your booking. The park says numbers are limited, so it cannot promise any will be on sale on the day.
• Bring a card. Card payments are preferred, with a £5 minimum spend.
• Leave dogs at home. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed in the park.

Prices and tickets

Day admission on the opening times page, each plus a 30p online booking fee:

• Adult £17.95. Child (2 to 15) £16.95. Under 2s free. On 12 November the ticket shop listed a free Under 2s ticket to add to your booking.
• Students and senior citizens aged 65 and over: £16.95, with ID. Children under 16 must be with a responsible adult over 18.
• Explorer Family Day Pass: £63 for 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children.
• Ranger Family Day Pass: £78 for 2 adults and 3 children, or 1 adult and 4 children.
• Carers: £9.45. One reduced-rate carer ticket per full-paying child or adult, with ID. Extra carers pay normal admission.
• Refunds: none. With 48 hours’ notice you can move to a new date, for an administration fee.

Animal experiences (extra cost): the Meerkat Experience and the Armadillo Experience each cost £40 for up to two people. Each lasts 15 minutes and is for ages 6 and over. Available experiences appear as options at checkout when you buy admission; if none show, they are sold out for that date. For the meerkats, cover your legs and wear sensible shoes, not open-toed sandals. On 12 November the ticket shop showed experience times only at checkout. Ask about any member prices or carer tickets for experiences when booking.

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

• Baby changing: in the play park, the activity centre and Lottie’s Coffee Lounge. There is bottle and food heating, and breastfeeding is welcome.
• Paths: the accessibility statement says the main path follows a circular route. It is mostly flat, and may slope gently in some areas.
• Bird House: on 12 November the ticket shop said pushchairs must be left in a marked area outside, for bird flu biosecurity. Everyone must use the disinfectant foot mats.
• Toilets: three accessible unisex toilets with baby change, at the activity centre, the play park and Lottie’s.

Food and drink

• Lottie’s Coffee Lounge: closed Monday and Tuesday in winter hours. Park entry is not needed to visit it.
• Butterfly Café: the eateries page says it opens at weekends and in school holidays, and closes in term time. On 12 November the ticket shop added that weekends are seasonal.
• Allergies: the kitchens handle all known allergens, so the park cannot guarantee any food is allergen free. Tell the café team before ordering.
• Animal feed may contain nuts, shellfish and other allergens, and traces may be found around the park. The park can provide disposable gloves.

Getting there and parking

• Address: Woodsetts Road, North Anston, S25 4EQ. It is 5 minutes from M1 junction 31.
• Parking: free, first come, first served. Booking does not guarantee a space, and demand can be higher during events and bank holidays.
• Blue Badge: accessible parking is at the park entrance, by Lottie’s.
• Bus: the X5 runs from Sheffield. The nearest stop is on Woodsetts Road, a 15-minute walk away.

When to visit

• Winter hours: closed Monday and Tuesday from 2 November, except in school holidays. Wednesday to Friday 11am to 3.30pm, weekends 10am to 4pm.
• Christmas closures: the park information page says the park is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On 12 November the booking calendar still offered 26 December, so check first.

Magical Christmas Experience: on 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 to 24 December 2026, including Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 December. On those dates the park opens 10am to 4pm, and normal admission prices apply.

• Santa’s Woodland Grotto: 10am to 3pm on event dates, with breaks shown on signs. Every child can see Santa as part of admission.
• Santa gift (extra cost): £8.50, online or on the day. On 12 November the ticket shop sold a Child with Santa Gift ticket for £25.45, plus 30p.
• Elf Workshop: 11am to 3pm, and some activities may be charged for. It is recommended for ages 3 and over, because of small parts. Adults must supervise at all times.

Additional needs and disability support

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tropical Butterfly House in Sheffield?

No. It is at North Anston, although its postal address says Sheffield. The park gives a 28-minute drive from Sheffield.

Is the Tropical Butterfly House open on Mondays?

Not in winter term time. From 2 November it is closed Monday and Tuesday, except in school holidays. Christmas event days on 21 and 22 December are open.

Is seeing Santa included in the ticket?

Yes. On Magical Christmas Experience dates every child can see Santa with normal admission. A Santa gift costs £8.50 extra.

Is it safe for toddlers?

The park asks adults to supervise children at all times, especially near vehicles, open ponds, play equipment and footbridges. Its leaflet warns that stepping stones are slippery when wet. Wash hands with soap and water, because gels and wipes alone do not remove germs.

Can I take a dog?

Only registered assistance dogs are allowed in the park. Dogs are welcome on Lottie’s outdoor patio, and Lottie’s page says well-behaved dogs may go in its downstairs area.

Checked on 12 November 2026 against the official Tropical Butterfly House pages for opening times and prices, facilities and accessibility, park information, animal experiences, the Magical Christmas Experience and the ticket shop. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.