Butterflies are one of nature’s most enchanting creatures, fluttering gracefully through gardens and bringing a splash of vibrant color to any outdoor space.
Beyond their beauty, butterflies play a crucial role in pollination and the overall health of our ecosystems, and are an animal that bring so much joy to kids and all of us when we see them fluttering past.
Unfortunately, many butterfly species are endangered due to habitat loss and declining food sources.
By creating a butterfly garden at home with the kids, you can provide a sanctuary for these delicate insects, offering them a safe place to feed, rest, and thrive.
This activity is inspired by the wonderful book “Bird, Bee and Bug Houses,” illustrated by Esther Coombs and written by Susie Behar.
After this tutorial, we will share more about this lovely book, which is filled with creative and educational projects for nature lovers.
Making the butterfly garden will be made up of two parts, making a butterfly feeder, and making a butterfly puddling area. You can also check more about plants butterflies like here.
When I was young, Budlia was always the one we had in our garden to attract the butterflies.
Make a Butterfly Garden
Butterflies have been around for more than 200 million years and co-existed with dinosaurs. Today many species are endangered as their habitats and food sources disappear.
You can attract them into your outside space by planting flowers that they like and providing food. Butterflies are attracted to flowers with lots of nectar and colored white, red, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. Caterpillars will feed on lots of things like grasses, moss, and even ants.
Super Senses
Did you know that butterflies can smell nectar with sensors on their legs, feet, and antennae?
Make a Puddling Area for Butterflies
Butterflies need more than just nectar from flowers; they also require water and minerals to stay healthy. Creating a butterfly puddling area in your garden provides them with a perfect spot to sip from puddles and moist dirt, ensuring they get the essential nutrients they need.
Make a Puddling Area for Butterflies
Butterflies sip from puddles and moist dirt to take in water and important minerals. You can make a butterfly puddling area.
Materials
- Shallow dish or container, 12–18in (30–46cm) wide
- Sand
- Salt
Instructions
- Add sand to the container.
- Add a few pebbles and rocks that can be used for the butterflies to rest on.
- Sprinkle salt on top to provide minerals. Keep the sand slightly moist.
Make a Butterfly Feeder
Butterflies are attracted to sweet treats like nectar and sugar from fruits. By making a butterfly feeder from a simple jam jar, you can offer them a reliable source of nourishment. This easy project is a great way to observe these beautiful insects up close while helping them thrive.
You can make this at home with just a few simple materials
DIY Butterfly Feeder
Butterflies mainly eat nectar but they can also feed on sugar from other sources, such as from rotting fruit and honey water. You can make a feeder from a jam jar and fill it with honey water.
Materials
- Honey
- Warm water
- Jam jar
- Hammer
- Nail
- Strip of sponge 3in (7.5cm) long
- Flowers or paper flowers (to attract butterflies)
- 2 long lengths and 1 short length of string
Instructions
- Dissolve one part honey in four parts warm water. When cool, pour the solution into the jar.
- Ask an adult helper to use the nail and hammer to make a hole in the center of the lid.
- Thread the strip of sponge through the hole. Put on the lid.
- Tie string around the jar neck. Tie 2 more lengths to the neck string to make 2 loops.
- Decorate the jar with paper flowers or real flowers. Hang on a tree branch in a sunny spot.
By following these simple steps, you can create a haven for butterflies in your garden. Not only will you be helping to conserve these beautiful creatures, but you’ll also enjoy the added beauty and serenity they bring to your outdoor space.
About the Book
This butterfly activity is featured from the book Bird, Bee and Bug Houses illustrated by Esther Coombs, written by Susie Behar, Button Books, RRP £12.99, available online & from all good bookshops
This book is a treasure trove of fun and educational projects that encourage readers to engage with nature and support local wildlife.
From building birdhouses to creating bug hotels, each project is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
More from the book…. make a simple bird bath with kids.
More engaging butterfly activities…. 7 Hands on Butterfly Activities for Wild Kids
More Nature Activities for Kids
Engaging kids in nature activities is a fantastic way to spark their curiosity, teach them about the environment, and instill a love for the outdoors. From creating butterfly gardens to building birdhouses, there are countless projects that can turn any backyard into a thriving ecosystem teeming with life.
- Butterfly Nature Art Frame Outdoor Activity
- Make An Ant Farm Science Project For Kids
- How To Make A Simple Bird Bath With Kids
- DIY Forest School Campfire Popcorn Maker
- Butterfly Nature Art Frame
- Stick Cobweb Nature Craft
- Easy Forest School Activity: Building Mini Rafts with Kids
If you enjoyed this butterfly garden project, please share this blog post with friends and family! Let’s inspire more young nature enthusiasts and help protect our precious wildlife.
I’ve been wanting to do a butterfly garden near my secret garden. I think it would be so peaceful!