CT Mommy Blog

Disclaimer: My family and I were provided complimentary admission in return for an honest blog post. All opinions expressed are my own.

281 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA

On a recent day off from school I packed the kids up and headed for a day trip to Magic Wings in South Deerfield, MA. Now that my twins are in full day kindergarten our adventures around the state are limited. I’ve heard wonderful things about Magic Wings and always had it on my radar of places to visit. I knew that the calming atmosphere of the indoor butterfly garden would be the perfect destination after a very eventful month.

Magic Wings is a butterfly conservatory full of exotic butterflies, moths, small birds, reptiles and tropical plants. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful with the sounds of water and delicate music in the background. The sun shines in through the windows lining the conservatory. Everything combines together to create a unique experience.

TIP: Strollers are not permitted inside the butterfly room. Plan on bringing a baby carrier for infants.

Times & Dates

Open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Fall, Winter, Spring Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Summer Hours: 9 am – 6 pm

*last admission sold 30 mins before close

2017 Admission

Adults – $16
Seniors – $14 (save $1.50 on Wednesdays)
Students – $10 (with valid school ID)
Children (3-17) – $10
Under 3 – Free

Butterfly Conservatory

When you enter the butterfly conservatory you’re immediately greeted with dozens of butterflies flying overhead. My kids said they reminded them of small birds, and I have to agree. Some of the butterflies were larger than some small birds we have flying around our yard. There were so many different species of butterflies that I have never seen before, or only read of. My favorite was the brightly colored butterfly straight out of the pages of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

There were a few people working around the room answering questions. We were told that if we wanted butterflies to land on us we should stand (or sit) still in a sunny place. Butterflies are attracted to bright colors too so our colorful shirts helped to disguise us as flowers for the butterflies to land on.

I’ve been to butterfly exhibits in the past but this one felt different. The brightly colored tropical plants, music and sights of the butterflies made it a unique experience. There was something incredibly calming about the atmosphere in the room. I noticed people sitting on the benches around the rooms watching the butterflies. Maybe they were examining the butterflies or maybe they just came for the peace in the room. I can now see why so many people recommend the trip from Connecticut to Magic Wings.

Reptile Room

Outside of the the butterfly room was a large collection of unique reptiles and insects. You actually enter this room before visiting the butterflies. There was a video playing that gave an overview of moths and butterflies. as well as dozens of tanks with unique animals. My kids loved visiting each tank to see what was inside. Some of the animals were so well camouflaged that we quickly created a game of who could find it the fastest. While I certainly enjoyed the butterfly room the best, my kids might have had the most fun in this room.

Food Court

Magic Wings holds private events such as birthdays, meetings and even weddings. There is a small cafe with grilled food, snacks, and ice cream. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating in the garden area.

TIP: Outside food is only permitted in the outdoor picnic area

Gardens

We grabbed some ice cream and enjoyed it in the outdoor butterfly garden. Since we visited at the end of the summer many of the butterfly-friendly plants were past their prime. I can only imagine that the outdoor gardens are equally as calming as the indoor rooms in the peak of the summer. There are covered picnic areas, butterfly inspired benches, and beautiful plants throughout.

Other Attractions

It took us about an hour and a half to get to Magic Wings from central Connecticut. On our way back home we stopped at Yankee Candle Village. It was only a few minute drive away from Magic Wings. Combine the two destinations and you have a perfect day trip from Connecticut.

Magic Wings is unlike any place I’ve been to before. It’s serene and beautiful. The care and dedication taken by the family-owned business is evident. It’s a place of wonder. Pair Magic Wings with a trip to Yankee Candle and it makes the perfect day trip from anywhere in Connecticut. The drive up would be especially beautiful in October when the leaves are at their peak.