Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

What says thank you more than flowers? Celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday by taking her to one of the many gorgeous gardens dotted throughout Western Massachusetts. including the Bridge of Flower in Shelburne Falls, one of the Commonwealth’s most unusual and enchanting “gardens” is found in Franklin County. Click on the photo to read recommendations.   (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS: 6TH ANNUAL HILLTOWN SPRING FESTIVAL!

The Hilltown CDC’s 6th Annual Hilltown Spring Festival happens this Saturday, May 12 from 10am-7pm at the Cummington Fairgrounds! Entertainment will include live music, workshops, artists & artisans, local food, family contra-dance, kids-made craft bazaar, Maypole, Morris Dancers, and much more!

Saturday, May 12th from 10am-7pm – SPRING FESTIVAL: Hilltown CDC has a fabulous lineup of local and regional musical favorites to perform again this year at the 6th Annual Hilltown Spring Festival! There will be a family concert with Mister G at 11:15am and Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem at 2pm. Also on the stage will be The Primate Fiasco, Misty Blues, The Boxcar Lilies, AstroBeast, Who’da Funkit, Lui Collins and Tony Vacca! There will also be a Maypole dance, Morris Dancers, Pachamama Puppets on the lawn, kids-made craft bazaar, music workshops, family contra dance, local food vendors, artisans and businesses. Proceeds benefit the social service and elder support programs of Hilltown CDC. 413-296-4536 x112 Cummington Fairgrounds. 97 Fairgrounds Rd. Cummington, MA (>$)

Saturday, May 12th from 1-5pm – MUSIC WORKSHOPS: In addition to a great line up of live music on two stages, the Hilltown Spring Festival will feature four interactive music workshops for all ages. At 1 PM, Aimee Gelinas of Gaia Roots will lead an intergenerational, interactive Afro-Caribbean song and drum workshop featuring music from Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico. At 2 PM, percussionist Tony Vacca will lead a hands-on session. Learn to play a “World Music” percussion composition by listening and playing back what you hear. At 3 PM, singer and teacher Lui Collins will lead a Family Music Jam! And at 4 PM, in a hands-on workshop, families can make a wooden “harmonica” and a wacky, found-object drum set with percussionist Scott Kessel from the band Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. 413-296-4536 x112 Cummington Fairgrounds. 97 Fairgrounds Rd. Cummington, MA (FREE w/festival entrance)

Saturday, May 12th from 5-7pm – FAMILY CONTRA-DANCE: New this year at the Hilltown Spring Festival is a family contra-dance featuring The Gaslight Tinkers, a new group that includes Peter Siegel and Zoe Darrow. They describe their music as “Afrobeat, Caribbean, breakbeat, funk, and Latin grooves meet traditional Northern Fiddle. It’s the future of the music of the past; it’s a live remix; it’ll move your feet and intrigue your mind.” Steve Howland will be the caller. 413-296-4536 x112 Cummington Fairgrounds. 97 Fairgrounds Rd. Cummington, MA (>$, kids 12yo & under FREE)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, May 19th from 10am-1pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: It’s Turtle Day at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary!  Learn all about turtles – kids will get to meet a live turtle, learn about local turtle species, and take a walk along the brook highlighting the area’s natural history.  Call to register.  413-584-3009.  Hampden, MA.  (FREE)

Saturday, May 19th at 10am – ARBORICULTURE: Learn about old growth trees at the Bryant Homestead!  The Trustees of Reservations offer a chance for families to learn about Cummington’s white pine trees.  Supports learning about local ecology!  Call to register.  413-628-4485.  207 Bryant Road.  Cummington, MA.  (FREE)

Sunday, May 20th from 2-4pm – HISTORY: Learn how a Victorian lady dressed – there were layers and layers, and piling them all together could get pretty complicated!  Presented by performance artist Kandie Carle, she will model clothes, and there will be a Victorian tea following the performance.  Great introduction to Victorian-era history and culture for kids of most ages.  413-357-8814.  42 Water Street.  Granville, MA.  ($)

BULLETIN BOARD

SUMMER CAMP: Journey Camp returns to Cummington for Hilltown families this summer. The unique camp offers a supportive atmosphere where it’s easy to make friends as campers explore nature, dramatics, games, music. Inclusiveness and peace building are hallmarks of Journey Camp. Director Sarah Pirtle, founder of Journey Camp, has won numerous awards for her books & music for children. SESSION ONE, boys & girls ages 7-13, July 2-6, 8:45-4, Woolman Hill, Deerfield. HILLTOWN JOURNEY CAMP, boys & girls ages 7-13, July 16-20, 8:45-4, Taproot Common Farm, Cummington. MOONSEED TEEN LEADERSHIP FOR GIRLS, ages 12-18, July 30-Aug. 2, two overnights & campfires, Woolman Hill. GIRLS WEEKS, ages 7-13, Aug. 6-10 & Aug. 13-17, 8:45-4, Woolman Hill. www.sarahpirtle.com.

HOST FAMILIES: Joe Bock writes, “Share your summer with a young person from Spain! Homestaysusa offers Spanish children the opportunity to experience American culture by living with a host family for the month of July.  We match ages, genders & interests to those of the host family. Students come to the area with a supervisor who is nearby & in contact the entire time. Host families receive $600 stipend, the student pays for extra activities, including camps & excursions. Hosting teens are invited to an exciting 2-day New York trip with the group. More info & testimonials at homestaysusa.org.  Personal references available upon request. Become a host family & represent the Hilltown community to students from abroad.  A summer you will always remember. joe@homestaysusa.org.”

CELEBRATING MOTHER’S: Arts Night Out: A Mother’s Day Celebration! Music, art & poetry about motherhood at Northampton Arts Night Out in Thornes Marketplace (2nd Level) on Friday, May 11th from 5-8pm. Come join The Nields as they perform songs from their new CD, The Full Catastrophe. Event to include a curated show of local artists (Donna Estabrooks, Robin Freedenfeld, Katy Schneider and others), poets (Amy Dryansky, Liz Friedman and others) and writers (Avi Nathman, Karen Bayne and others) honoring mothers and their contribution to the arts. Food by Paul & Elizabeth’s. Sponsored by Impish and MotherWoman.

“Hilltown Families continues to be my go to place for family events. I really appreciated the organized list of summer camps.” – Dawn Cordeiro (Holyoke, MA)

SUMMER CAMP: Are you looking for a great summer experience for your kids? Check out our post Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA which highlights opportunities happening throughout the region. With a great variety of themes, there are many summer camp/programs your family can choose, including: farm & gardening, music, art, technology, nature, personal development, science, theater, sports, ballet, preK, college… as well as a good old fashion summer camp! Discover what’s being offered near you, and find out how you can add a camp to this growing list too!

MUSIC/CRAFTS: Join us on Saturday, May 12th at 10am. This month’s Saturday Morning Music Party at Flywheel Arts Collective isn’t only about music this time – but it does have bears (And pancakes.  So many pancakes.)!  The bears are for Easthampton’s Bear Fest, a celebration of local art.  There will be many bear-themed kids’ activities and crafts, and an episode of Pancake Mountain will be shown, followed by a dance party featuring DJ Beartronix.  Fun, furry, bear-y fun for the whole family.  (Plus sticky pancake fingers.  What more does a Saturday need!)  413-527-9800.  43 Main Street.  Easthampton, MA.  (FREE)

SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. See your event, camp, workshop, business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter! Find out more about our Enhanced Publicity options and how we can help with your marketing.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including DIY posts, seasonal cooking, and community-based educational opportunities. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Mayor Alex B. Morse is seeking organizations/groups/individuals to participate in the City  Wide Clean Up scheduled for Saturday, May 19th from 10 – 1 pm. RSVP your organization’s  participation so that we may coordinate our efforts and provide participants with the necessary  equipment needed. Pizza at Heritage State Park to follow!! RSVP to Nilka Ortiz in the Mayor’s  Office at 413-322-5510 or by e-mail at ortizn@ci.holyoke.ma.us.

LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
May 12th-18th, 2012

Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Farmers’ Markets
Weekly eNewsletter | Events for Working Parents | Workshops for Parents

Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events

Saturday, May 12th, 2012

“Hilltown Families is the first place I look for fun activities, music and events in the Hilltowns and the Valley. I love the weekly event calendar- it’s so easy to see what’s going on all in one page. Thanks for all you do!
” Amy Cullen (
Williamsburg, MA)

6-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including the Hilltown Family Variety Show and Spare the Rock. – Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.

9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.   – Alison Faith Levy, formerly “Sippy Alison” from beloved kindie pioneers The Sippy Cups, will be our guest DJ spinning her favorite tunes about WEATHER, joined by her producer Allen Clapp and featuring extreme weather facts presented by her ten-year old son (and weather authority) Henry. – Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you want. Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast too.

7:30am – 1:30pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Shop for locally grown and/or produced foods at the Amherst Farmers’ Market!  Takes place on the Town Common.  Amherst, MA.  (MARKET) ♦

7am-1pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: The Northampton Farmers Market begins today!  Peruse tons of locally grown and produced foods – healthy, delicious, and from a farm very close to you!  Gothic Street.  Northampton, MA.  (MARKET) ♦

8-11am – COMMUNITY BREAKFAST: Enjoy a plate of delicious pancakes al fresco at the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast!  The event takes place in downtown Springfield, where tables will be set up in the middle of the street for hungry visitors to eat at.  Main Street to Bridge Street.  Springfield, MA. (>$)

There are several plant sales happening this weekend! Click here to see our complete list for the spring.

8am-1pm – SALE: The South Hadley Family Center’s Mom-to-Mom Sale takes place today!  Check out the event to find great gently used new-to-you items like strollers, kids’ clothing, books, toys, and more!  The event is a fundraiser for the family center, and takes place at All Saints Episcopal Church.  7 Woodbridge Street.  South Hadley, MA.  (FUNDRAISER)

9-11am – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Families can help Broad Brook Coalition with their annual cleanup at the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation. Help to remove invasive plant species, and tidy up the paths. Meet at the North Farms Road entrance. Bring gloves. 413-584-4176. Florence, MA (VOLUNTEER)

9am-5pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: During the spring, anadromous fish (those who live in rivers but spawn in the ocean) make their way to their Atlantic breeding grounds – watch them make their way down the Connecticut River at the Turners Falls Fishway!  The fishway offers kids a chance to see directly into the river through a special viewing window, an experience that can serve as the foundation for building an understanding of the life cycle of fish and/or river ecosystems.  800-859-2960.  1 Avenue A.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

9:30am-12:30pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/LOCAL HISTORY: Opening of new exhibit at the Hatfield Historical Museum. “Finding Home” celebrates Polish immigrants and their roots in Hatfield. Hatfield, MA (FREE)

9:30am-12:30pm – BIKE ADVENTURES: Bike through Stockbridge on Norman Rockwell’s daily bike route!  The tour is lead by a representative from the Norman Rockwell Museum, and participants will learn about the town’s history and architecture.  Picnic lunch follows.  Bring your own bike and helmet!  It’s a great educational adventure – complete with exercise.  413-298-4100. 9 Route 183.  Stockbridge, MA.  ($$)

9:30am-3pm – TAG SALE: At the Dunphy School!  Hosted by the Meekins Library.  1 Petticoat Hill Road.  Williamsburg, MA.  (SALE)

10am – PETS: Take part in a community dog walk with your beloved family canine!  Strut With Your Mutt takes place today – it’s a dog-walking event that will help to raise money for a leash-free dog park in Westfield!  There will be prizes for best walkers, best attire, and more!  Begins at Whitney Field.  Shepard Street.  Westfield, MA.  (<$)

10am – MUSIC/CRAFTS: This month’s Saturday Morning Music Party at Flywheel Arts Collective isn’t only about music this time – but it does have bears!  (And pancakes.  So many pancakes.)  The bears are for Easthampton’s Bear Fest, a celebration of local art.  There will be tons of bear-themed kids’ activities and crafts, and an episode of Pancake Mountain will be shown, followed by a dance party featuring DJ Beartronix.  Fun, furry, bear-y fun for the whole family.  (Plus sticky pancake fingers.  What more does a Saturday need!)  413-527-9800.  43 Main Street.  Easthampton, MA.  (FREE)

10am-12noon – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Learn about food harvesting and foraging for food in Berkshire County!  Where the Wild Things Are is a series of workshops hosted by Berkshire Farm to Table – each weekend, there are events at different locations throughout the area.  Kids 8 and older can attend to learn about foods native to the area, and how and when to find them.  Registration required 48 hours prior to event.  Today’s adventure takes place at Laura’s Tower/the Ice Glen Trail.  413-458-0123.  Stockbridge, MA.  ($$)

10am – STORYTIME: Stories for kiddos at the West Springfield Library!  There will also be fun music, a craft, and a snack.  Call to register.  413-736-4561.  200 Park Street.  West Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

10am-2pm – FISHING: Learn to fish and learn about fish (and birds that eat fish and live near water, too!) with the US Fish and Wildlife Service!  Kids 14 and under can take part in a derby-style day of fishing – there will be rods and reels to borrow if you don’t have your own.  Barbless hooks only!  There will be prizes for longest fish caught, and chances to learn about fishing and the animals that live near lakes and streams.  Takes place at the National Salmon Station.  413-253-8645.  51 East Plumtree Road.  Sunderland, MA.  (FREE)

10am-2pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Celebrate the groundbreaking of a new community garden at the Guyette Farm!  There will be an introduction to the garden space, a groundbreaking with oxen, opportunities to learn about tool use and maintenance, guided walks around the farm, baby lambs, and a plant sale!  Come to the Hilltown Spring Festival following this event. Gloyd Street.  Plainfield, MA.  (FREE)

10am-7pm – SPRING FESTIVAL: Hilltown CDC has a fabulous lineup of local and regional musical favorites to perform again this year at the 6th Annual Hilltown Spring Festival! There will be a family concert with Mister G at 11:15am and Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem at 2pm. Also on the stage will be The Primate Fiasco, Misty Blues, The Boxcar Lilies, AstroBeast, Who’da Funkit, Lui Collins and Tony Vacca! There will also be a Maypole dance, Morris Dancers, Pachamama Puppets on the lawn, kids-made craft bazaar, music workshops, family contra dance, local food vendors, artisans and businesses. Proceeds benefit the social service and elder support programs of Hilltown CDC. 413-296-4536 x112 Cummington Fairgrounds. 97 Fairgrounds Rd. Cummington, MA (>$)

10:30-11:30 – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: What exactly is an oil spill, and how does it affect the environment? Learn this morning at the Great Falls Discovery Center!  Today’s 2nd Saturday program focuses on teaching kids about sources of water pollution, and will use hands-on activities to teach about the difficulties of cleaning up such contamination.  413-863-3221.  2 Avenue A.  Turners Falls, MA.

11am – BOOK READING: The beloved characters from I Must Have Bobo! are back in Eileen and Marc Rosenthal’s I’ll Save You Bobo!  Find out what adventures, involving a stuffed monkey, the characters are up to this time!  Takes place at Odyssey Bookshop.  413-534-7307.  9 College Street.  South Hadley, MA.  (FREE)

11am – STORYTIME: Read stories with a llama at the Mason Library!  Select some llama-themed stories, like Is Your Mama a Llama? and Llama, Llama, Red Pajama.  413-528-2403.  231 Main Street.  Great Barrington, MA.  (FREE)

11am-2pm – COMMUNITY WALK: Empty Arms Bereavement Support hosts the annual Mother’s Day Walk today.  The memorial walk is a chance for families and friends to remember and honor lost children, and to come together as a supportive community.  Following the walk will be a picnic lunch.  Meet at the Duck Brook Shelter at Look Park.  300 North Main Street.  Florence, MA.  (DONATION)

11am-3pm – TRUCKS: Kids can check out tractors, fire trucks, logging trucks, big farm equipment, and more at the Touch-A-Vehicle event at Erving Elementary School!  The event is an opportunity for kids to learn more about the vehicles they see around every day, and to learn about the industries that they are used for.  28 Northfield Road.  Erving, MA.  (<$)

11:30am-3:30pm – LAWN GAMES: Pack a picnic lunch and head to Look Park to learn lawn games from all around the world!  Families will also have a chance to learn about green businesses specializing in organic, pesticide free lawn care and landscaping.  The Lawnathon is hosted by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.  978-934-4964.  300 North Main Street.  Florence, MA.  (FREE)

12noon-5pm – PRIDE PARADE: The 31st annual Northampton Pride event is today!  There will be, of course, the LGBT parade, with pre- and post-parade events, including an open mic and dance party.  There will be great local food, kids’ activities, local beverages for parents, live entertainment, and more!  Show your pride and support the LGBTQ community!  Pride is a fun, positive and inclusive event that’s family-friendly.  Takes place at the Three County Fairgrounds.  Fair Street.  Northampton, MA.  (FREE)

1-5pm – MUSIC WORKSHOPS: In addition to a great line up of live music on two stages, the Hilltown Spring Festival will feature four interactive music workshops for all ages. At 1 PM, Aimee Gelinas of Gaia Roots will lead an intergenerational, interactive Afro-Caribbean song and drum workshop featuring music from Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico. At 2 PM, percussionist Tony Vacca will lead a hands-on session. Learn to play a “World Music” percussion composition by listening and playing back what you hear. At 3 PM, singer and teacher Lui Collins will lead a Family Music Jam! And at 4 PM, in a hands-on workshop, families can make a wooden “harmonica” and a wacky, found-object drum set with percussionist Scott Kessel from the band Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. 413-296-4536 x112 Cummington Fairgrounds. 97 Fairgrounds Rd. Cummington, MA (FREE w/festival entrance)

2pm – THEATER: The Ja’Duke Center Center for the Performing Arts presents Thoroughly Modern Millie at Greenfield High School!  The cast is made up of local actors and actresses, and the story features a naive young protagonist who sets herself off on a long chain of adventures after becoming determined to marry her rich boss.  413-863-0001.  141 Davis Street.  Greenfield, MA.

3:30-5:30pm – BALLET: Celebrate Mothers’ Day a day early at a special ballet performance and tea at Ventfort Hall!  Ballet companies from across the Berkshires will perform, and a Victorian tea will follow.  413-627-3206. 104 Walker Street.  Lenox, MA.  ($)

3:30-5:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Do you practice radical parenting? Are you interested in learning more about what it is? Owl and Raven offers a skillshare on radical parenting today! Lead by Jen Hartley, parents can get support from other radical parents, and non-parents (or soon-to-be parents) can learn more about the parenting style. 413-341-3581. 2 Conz Street #42 (Maplewood Shops). Northampton, MA. (DONATION)

5-7pm – FAMILY CONTRA-DANCE: New this year at the Hilltown Spring Festival is a family contra-dance featuring The Gaslight Tinkers, a new group that includes Peter Siegel and Zoe Darrow. They describe their music as “Afrobeat, Caribbean, breakbeat, funk, and Latin grooves meet traditional Northern Fiddle. It’s the future of the music of the past; it’s a live remix; it’ll move your feet and intrigue your mind.” Steve Howland will be the caller. 413-296-4536 x112 Cummington Fairgrounds. 97 Fairgrounds Rd. Cummington, MA (>$, kids 12yo & under FREE)

5-8pm – ART WALK: Easthampton’s Art Walk takes place tonight, and many galleries in town will be featuring artwork from students at the Maple School!  Students in grades K-4 recently finished an art enrichment unit with local artists, and their work, which features many different media and styles, is being shown at the Nash Gallery, White Square Fine Books and Art, Popcorn Noir, the ECA+ Gallery, and the Old Town Hall.  Celebrate the arts in schools, as well as local galleries, and enjoy a night out!  Easthampton, MA.  (FREE)

5-8pm – ART OPENING: Tonight is the opening reception for “Mother and Child,” a multi media art show at the Nash Gallery.  The show features work from local mothers/artists and their talented children’s art work, and is designed to highlight the creative similarities and differences between families’ artwork.  413-529-9393.  40 Cottage Street.  Easthampton, MA.  (FREE)

5 or 6:30pm – COMMUNITY DINNER: It’s the season for Hadley grass, and it’s growing like crazy!  Enjoy some of the local delicacy at the North Hadley Congregational Church’s annual Asparagus Supper!  Delicious and healthy, the meal supports local growers.  413-586-2021.  243 River Drive.  Hadley, MA.  ($)

6-8:30pm – FAMILY NIGHT OUT: The West Springfield Teen Center is hosting a special pre-Mothers’ Day mother-son dance!  There will be fun dance music from a live DJ, snacks, and photo ops.  Enjoy a fun night out together!  Dressed-up attire encouraged.  Call to reserve tickets.  413-454-4047.  357 Piper Road.  West Springfield, MA.  ($$)

7-8pm – CONCERT: Live jazz tonight at the Leverett Congregational Church!  Spring Into Jazz! features local musicians playing jazz standards and favorites.  Benefits the church’s youth group.  4 Montague Road.  Leverett, MA.  ($)

• Return to Top

Sunday, May 13th, 2012

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

“Big cousins are coming to visit- what should we do with them? I know! Let’s look on Hilltown Families! There’s always an amazing list of ideas that I’d never think of otherwise.” – 
Brita Dempsey (
Holyoke. MA)

7-8am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) airs encores the Hilltown Family Variety Show every Sunday morning. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.

8-9am – ANIMAL STUDIES: On Sundays in May, the Forbes Library is hosting community bird walks!  Participants can meet at the front door of the library, and adventure through the Smith College Campus and around Paradise Pond.  Kids can spot birds, and get help identifying their markings and songs.  Bring binoculars!  413-587-1017.  50 West Street.  Northampton, MA.  (FREE)

9am-5pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: During the spring, anadromous fish (those who live in rivers but spawn in the ocean) make their way to their Atlantic breeding grounds – watch them make their way down the Connecticut River at the Turners Falls Fishway!  The fishway offers kids a chance to see directly into the river through a special viewing window, an experience that can serve as the foundation for building an understanding of the life cycle of fish and/or river ecosystems.  800-859-2960.  1 Avenue A.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

9:30am-5pm – HISTORY: Happy Mothers’ Day!  Old Sturbridge Village is offering free admission for moms today, as well as a special free gift. Learn about 19th century life, including special programs focusing on the role of mothers (including a dinner preparation demonstration and a talk on 19th century motherhood).  800-733-1830.  1 Old Sturbridge Village Road.  Sturbridge, MA.  (<$)

10am-12noon – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Learn about food harvesting and foraging for food in Berkshire County!  Where the Wild Things Are is a series of workshops hosted by Berkshire Farm to Table – each weekend, there are events at different locations throughout the area.  Kids 8 and older can attend to learn about foods native to the area, and how and when to find them.  Registration required 48 hours prior to event.  Today’s workshop takes place at Monument Mountain.  413-458-0123.  Great Barrington, MA.  ($$)

10am-1pm – MOTHERS’ DAY: Look Park is offering free rides on the park train for moms today!  413-584-5457.  300 North Main Street.  Florence, MA.  (<$)

10am-6pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURE: Visit the Forest Park Zoo for Mother’s Day!  Moms can ride the train through the zoo for free with a paid children’s ticket.  413-733-2251.  302 Sumner Avenue.  Springfield, MA.  (<$)

11am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: The KidSpace at Mass MoCA is open today- explore an exhibit designed just for young people and make some art of your own!  413-664-4481.  1040 Mass MoCA Way.  North Adams, MA.  (<$) ♦ 

1pm – FARM ADVENTURE: Tour the Hampshire College Farm Center with Transition Amherst!  Learn about the college’s farm, which serves as both a learning project for students and as an important part of the community through its CSA and community programs.  722 West Street.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE)

1:30pm – THEATER: The Piti Theater Company kicks off their world tour of To Bee or Not to Bee today!  The show will take place at BLOOM: A Springtime Gala (beginning at 10:30), the goal of which is to help raise money for a pollinator sanctuary.  The show uses puppets, dance, music, and more to tell a story of a farmer and his bees, and teaches kids about the important role that bees play in farming.  413-625-6569.  182 Flagg Hill Road.  Heath, MA.  ($) 

• Return to Top

Monday, May 14th, 2012

12:30-1:30pm – FAMILY WELLNESS: The Palmer-Munson Family Network is offering a health and fitness time for families!  The event starts with a 30-minute Zumbatomic class, a fun dance-themed exercise class that’s totally fun.  Afterward, there’s a hands-on healthy snack making activity.  Kids can learn about healthy eating and get some great exercise!  Registration required.  413-238-6246.  4 Springfield Street.  Three Rivers, MA.  (FREE)

1pm – STORYTIME: Join Mary Jo Maichack for Wild about Wabbits story hour at the Montgomery Town Hall!  161 Main Road.  Montgomery, MA.  (FREE)

3:15-4:15pm – CHESS: Afterschool chess club for kids in grades 2 and up at the Storrs Library!  All abilities welcome – learn the game, or practice your skills.  413-565-4182.  693 Longmeadow Street.  Longmeadow, MA.  (FREE) ♦

6pm – LOCAL HISTORY: In 1912, the Great Lowell Textile Strike brought attention to the unfair, unsafe, and unhealthy working conditions suffered by the immigrant and largely female textile workforce.  Learn about how it affected mill towns (like Holyoke!) all over New England at the Wistariahurst Museum!  413-322-5660.  238 Cabot Street.  Holyoke, MA.  (<$)

6pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Take a nice, short, family-friendly hike on the Muddy Brook Trail with Childcare of the Berkshires!  Don’t forget to bring water & bug spray.  Green River Road.  Williamstown, MA.  (FREE)

6-8pm – BIRTH CIRCLE: Share and gather information on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum at a Birth Circle at Shima Boutique.  Open to soon-to-be mamas and their support system(s), the group focuses on birth as a positive experience to inspire growth and change.  Sponsored by Gathered Resources of Women (GROW).  65 North Main Street.  North Adams, MA.  (FREE)

6-10pm – AUDITIONS: Berkshire Theater Group is holding auditions for their production of Oliver! which will take place in September.  Kids in third grade and up are invited to audition for spots as extras (adults are needed, too!) and there are also spots open for musicians, backstage help, ushers, tech support, etc. – great jobs for responsible teens and adults.  Rehearsals begin in July.  Auditions take place at the Colonial Theater, call to schedule a time slot.  413-298-5536.  111 South Street.  Pittsfield, MA.  (FREE)

7-8:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Worried about your kids’ sleep schedule, or trying to get everyone in your household into a healthy, restful routine?  Learn about the health benefits of proper sleep, and tips for creating a family culture that encourages healthy sleep cycles at a workshop hosted by the Collaborative for Educational Services.  Takes place at the Clapp Memorial Library.  Call to register.  413-570-3061.  19 South Main Street.  Belchertown, MA.  (FREE)

MONDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 9:15-11:15am – PLAYGROUP: Playgroup at Berkshire Trail Preschool! Main Street. Cummington, MA. (FREE)
• 9:30-11am: PLAYGROUP – Drop-in playgroups for preK kids at the South Hadley Family Center, located in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge St. South Hadley, MA (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parents Center. Basement of Edwards Church. Snack time at 10:15am. Circle time at 11:20am. 413-582-2636 297 Main St. Northampton, MA (Donation)
• 10am-12Noon – PLAYGROUP: Easthampton Family Center, located at Flywheel Arts in the Old Town Hall. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am-12Noon – PLAYGROUP: The Meekins Library is now offering a facilitate playgroup every 2nd & 4th Monday of the month! The playgroup will include arts & crafts, story time, and other fun activities for kids and their grown-ups! 413-268-7472. 2 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 5:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Childcare of the Berkshires hosts gym group at the Haskins Center! 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦

MONDAY STORYTIMES

• 10-11am – STORYTIME: The Community Network for Children hosts story hour at the MN Spear Memorial Library- kids 0-5 (with caregivers) can enjoy stories, songs, and craft activities! 413-259-1213. 10 Cooleyville Road. Shutesbury, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Bring babies ages 12-14 months to Wee Ones Storytime at the Indian Orchard Branch Library! 413-263-6846. 44 Oak Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Mother Goose on the Loose at the Orange Library! Rhymes, songs, finger play, stories, and more! 978-544-2495. 49 East Main Street. Orange, MA. (FREE)
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Forbes Library hosts Storytime with Ellie this morning. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦

MONDAY ONGOING

• 1-5pm – ART: The Art Garden has drop-in art making every afternoon! Kids can experiment with new mediums and materials- it’s an art adventure! 413-625-2782. 14 Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (<$)

• 2:30-5pm – TEEN/TWEEN: Meekins’ Teen/Tween Scene is this afternoon. Hang out at the library and check out some new books, music, or DVD’s. You can also play a game on the Wii, get help with your homework, or do some arts and crafts. Snacks provided. 413-268-7472. 2 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3pm – LEGOS: Does your kid love LEGOS? Try out LEGO BrikWars, a wargaming system that takes ordinary building blocks and turns them into a game of strategy and destruction. Takes place at Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:15-4:15pm – CHESS: Afterschool chess club for kids in grades 2 and up at the Storrs Library!  All abilities welcome – learn the game, or practice your skills.  413-565-4182.  693 Longmeadow Street.  Longmeadow, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 5:30-6:30pm – LEGOS: The Central Library hosts LEGO Club tonight! Kids in grades 1-5 are invited to experiment with architecture and create a masterpiece. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 6:30pm – SING-A-LONG: Families are invited to the Montague Center Library for a community sing-a-long with librarian/musician Linda Hickman. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street. Montague, MA (FREE)

• Return to Top

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

10am – THEATER: The Piti Theater Company presents To Bee or Not to Bee at Peskeompscut Park!  (In case of rain, it will take place at the Carnegie Library.  The show uses puppets, music, and dance to tell the story of a farmer and his bees, and teaches kids about the important role that bees play in farming.  413-625-6569.  Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

3:30-4:30pm OR 5-7pm – COOKING: The Athol Library is hosting cooking workshops today!  From 3:30-4:30, kids in grades K-5 can make healthy snacks while learning basic cooking skills and kitchen safety.  From 5-7, teens and tweens (grades 6-12) can learn to make fun and healthy food, and will learn some skills to help them with cooking creatively!  Call to register.  978-249-9515.  568 Main Street.  Athol, MA.  (FREE)

6-10pm – AUDITIONS: Berkshire Theater Group is holding auditions for their production of Oliver! which will take place in September.  Kids in third grade and up are invited to audition for spots as extras (adults are needed, too!) and there are also spots open for musicians, backstage help, ushers, tech support, etc. – great jobs for responsible teens and adults.  Rehearsals begin in July.  Auditions take place at the Colonial Theater, call to schedule a time slot.  413-298-5536.  111 South Street.  Pittsfield, MA.  (FREE)

TUESDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 9am-1pm – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse. Use rear entrance. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11am: PLAYGROUP – Drop-in playgroups for preK kids at the South Hadley Family Center, located in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge St. South Hadley, MA (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parents Center. Basement of Edwards Church. Snack time at 10:15am. Circle time at 11:20am. 413-582-2636 297 Main St. Northampton, MA (Donation)♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Interactive Literacy and playtime at the Sunderland Elementary School for preK kids. All welcomed. 413-475-1553. 28 Old Amherst Rd. Sunderland, MA (FREE) ♦
• 10-11am – PLAYGROUP: Childcare of the Berkshires hosts a pre-school play-and-learn group in the after school room at the Haskins Center for kids ages 2.5-5! 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am-12Noon – PLAYGROUP: Easthampton Family Center, located at Flywheel Arts in the Old Town Hall. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA (FREE)♦
• 5:30-6:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Childcare of the Berkshires hosts a gym group at Florida Elementary School! There will be free play, circle time, and a snack. 413-664-4821. 56 North Country Road. Florida, MA. (FREE) ♦

TUESDAY STORYTIME

• 9:30 and 11am – STORYTIME: Westfield Athenaeum hosts Little Ones Library Time. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: Lilly Library hosts Kulp Memorial Storytime- it’s a lap sitting hour for kids newborn-18 months old. 413-587-1500. 19 Meadow Street. Florence, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: Berkshire Athenaeum. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA (FREE) ♦
• 10-11am – STORYTIME: The Greenfield Public Library hosts Pre-School Story Hour. There will be stories, songs, and fingerplay for little ones and they caregivers. 413-587-1011. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Toddler storytime at the North Adams Public Library. 413-662-3133. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: For pre-schoolers and toddlers at the Lanesborough Public Library. 413-442-0222. 83 North Main Street. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Pre-school storytime at the Milne Library! 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Kids ages 3-5 are invited to storytime at the Central Library! There will be stories, songs, and a craft. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Toddler storytime takes place at the North Adams Library this morning! 413-662-3133. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – SINGING: Wendy will lead “Sing with Your Baby” at the Jones Library (large meeting room). 413-259-3090. 43 Amity Street. Amherst, MA (FREE) ♦
• 11am – TODDLER TIME: Lilly Library hosts Toddler Time in the Kids’ Room. Little ones can hear stories, do crafts, sing, and play games. 413-587-1500. 19 Meadow Street. Florence, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30-4:45pm – LIBRARY CLUB: The Millers Falls Library offers a weekly drop-in club for kids of all ages with stories, art and crafts. 413-659-3801. 23 Bridge Street. Millers Falls, MA (FREE)♦

TUESDAY ONGOING

• 9:15-10:30am – YOGA: Drop off the kids at school then come enjoy a yoga class at the library. Yoga teacher Kellie Finn teaches yoga this morning at the Meekins Library. This is a fun class for those at any level. Call beforehand to check on available space. 413-268-7473. 2 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:15 – GRANDPARENTS: Weekly group at the Amherst Family Center for grandparents through June- connect with other grandparents and talk about issues of parenting grandchildren or helping children parent. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:45-11:15am – BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT: Amherst Family Center hosts a breastfeeding group for families. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9am-3pm – BOWLING: Special rates for Homeschool Bowling today! 413-525-7198. 168 Shaker Road. East Longmeadow, MA. (<$)
• 10am – BREASTFEEDINGSUPPORT: Childcare of the Berkshires hosts a breastfeeding group for mothers at the Haskins Center! 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – RHYME TIME: The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School hosts Rhyme Time this morning at Matrushka Toys! Designed for kids who are infants, crawlers, or toddlers, the program involves finger play, fun rhymes, circle games, and puppets and is lead by early childhood teachers. 413-528-4015. 309 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 1-2:30pm – NEW MOTHERS CIRCLE: Cradle hosts a gathering of moms and babies in a comfortable and supportive environment. Share your experiences with other moms and bond over the transformations that come with motherhood. 413-341-5282. Thornes Marketplace, 3rd Floor. Main Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 1-5pm – ART: The Art Garden has drop-in art making every afternoon! Kids can experiment with new mediums and materials- it’s an art adventure! 413-625-2782. 14 Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (<$) [CLOSED ON MAY 1 & 2]
  
• 1:30-6:30pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: The Tuesday Market is today!  It takes place behind Thornes Marketplace, and there are tons of locally grown and produced foods and goods to be had.  Live music, fun for kids, and more!  Armory Street.  Northampton, MA.  (MARKET) ♦
• 2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema has baby-friendly screenings today! Call to confirm as screen times change. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (<$) ♦
• 2:15-4pm – ANIME: The Goodwin Library hosts an afternoon of anime! Kids who are enthusiastic about the Japanese cartoon-style movies and shows can explore all things anime amongst a group of other anime enthusiasts. 413-584-7451. 50 Middle Street. Hadley, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3pm – CRAFTS: Craft Club at the Hatfield Library! There’s a new activity every week. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3-4:30 – CRAFTS: Drop-in crafts at the Liberty Branch Library. 413-263-6849. 773 Liberty Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30-4:30pm – STORYTIME: Read and share stories with Addie, the Lee Library’s visiting therapy dog!  She’s a German Shepherd, and her favorite people are kids – especially ones who read to her.  413-243-0385.  100 Main Street.  Lee, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 4:30-5:30pm – PHYSICS: Learn yo-yo tricks at A2Z this afternoon! Lead by world class pros, Yo-Yo School teaches kids basic yo-yo tricks. Learning to yo-yo is a great supplement to studies of motion and physics! 413-586-1611. 57 King Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 6pm – GAMES: The 4th Tuesday of every month is Scrabble night at the Monson Library! All ages are welcome. Scrabble can help kids practice spelling an work on their vocabulary. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 6:30pm – BINGO: The Hinsdale Lions Club hosts Bingo every Tuesday evening. Though it’s generally an adult game, your kids can come too for a fun intergenerational evening. If they’re learning to count, they can get some great practice matching numbers on your card. Doors open at 5, and dinner is available inexpensively beforehand. 413-655-2973. Maple Street (Route 143). Hinsdale, MA. (<$) ♦
• 7-11pm – CHESS: The Pittsfield Chess Club meets every Tuesday night! Kids of all chess abilities can join for an intergenerational opportunity to learn and practice the game. Meets in the cafeteria at Hillcrest Hospital. 413-448-6165. West Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)♦

• Return to Top

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

9am-5pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: During the spring, anadromous fish (those who live in rivers but spawn in the ocean) make their way to their Atlantic breeding grounds – watch them make their way down the Connecticut River at the Turners Falls Fishway!  The fishway offers kids a chance to see directly into the river through a special viewing window, an experience that can serve as the foundation for building an understanding of the life cycle of fish and/or river ecosystems.  800-859-2960.  1 Avenue A.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

6-8pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: The Gateway Family CEnter is hosting a workshop series for parents where they can learn about strategies and skills for parenting as a team.  Part of a three week series.  Registration requested!  Dinner and childcare provided.  413-667-2203.  9 Russell Road.  Huntington, MA.  (FREE)

6-8:30pm – SUSTAINABILITY – Pizza, coffee, cider, and cookies, with Cyndee Fand at 6pm from Co-op Power  who will lead a discussion on two energy & cost saving programs: MassSave and Neighbor to Neighbor solar installations. Then at 7pm there will be a screening of the 2011 documentary film, “Carbon Nation.” Stay for as much or as little of the evening as you like. Hosted by the Buckland Energy Committee. 413-625-9708. Buckland Public Library. 30 Upper St. Buckland, MA (FREE)

6:30pm – CITIZEN SCIENTISTS: Help local turtle conservation efforts by getting trained to collect data about turtle populations and turtle habitats near you!  Training tonight will take place at the United Methodist Church.  Call to register.  Taking part in the program will help turtles survive, and is an opportunity to learn about conservation, ecology, and local wildlife!  508-389-6366.  6 Holmes Road.  Lenox, MA.  (FREE)

6:30-8:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: The Collaborative for Educational Services presents a workshop on connecting with children tonight at Easthampton High School! “Connecting With Your Child: What’s Easy, What’s Not” teaches parents about the importance of a healthy bond with children, and offers strategies for tackling challenges.  Registration required.  413-586-4998 ex. 102.  70 Williston Avenue.  Easthampton, MA.  (FREE)

WEDNESDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 9am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center- downstairs in the Unitarian Meeting house. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
• 9:30-11am: PLAYGROUP – Drop-in playgroups for preK kids at the South Hadley Family Center, located in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge St. South Hadley, MA (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parents Center. Basement of Edwards Church. Snack time at 10:15am. Circle time at 11:20am. 413-582-2636 297 Main St. Northampton, MA (Donation)
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Cummington Family Center playgroup in the rear of the Cummington Community House. 33 Main St. Cummington, MA (FREE)♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the Westhampton Library, every second and fourth Wednesday. 413-527-5386. 3 South Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Community Network for Children holds playgroup for kids ages 0-5 at Erving Elementary School! There will be activities for gross motor skills, stories, and art activities. 978-544-5157. 28 Northfield Road. Erving, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Wendell Free Library hosts the Community Network for Children’s playgroup for kids ages 0-5. There will be activities for gross motor skills, stories, and art activities. 978-544-5157. 7 Wendell Depot Road. Wendell, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The second Wednesday of every month at the Edwards Library! 413-527-9480. 30 East Street. Southampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am-12Noon: PLAYGROUP – Baby Hour at the South Hadley Family Center, located in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge St. South Hadley, MA (FREE) ♦

WEDNESDAY STORYTIMES

• 9:30 and 11:30 – STORYTIME: Fantastic Fours and Fives at the Westfield Athenaeum! 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: Tales and Tunes at the Northfield Library! 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: At the Westhampton Library! 413-527-4386. 3 South Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: Sunshine Story Time for preK kids at the Greenfield Public Library. Reading, singing and play intertwine as Kay Lyons leds a fun half hour of story time followed by play time. Lover Level in the LeVanway Meeting Room. 413-772-1544 x5. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA (FREE)
• 10am – STORYTIME: The Mason Square Library hosts pre-school storytime! 413-263-6853. 765 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:15am – STORYTIME: Stories, activities, crafts and music at Carnegie Library. 413-863-3214. 201 Avenue “A” Turners Falls, MA (FREE) ♦
• 10:15am: STORYTIME: The Chesterfield Public Library has a children’s story hour. 413-296-4735 Route 143. Chesterfield(FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Pre-school storytime at the North Adams Public Library. 413-662-3133. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30 – STORYTIME: The Meekins Library hosts pre-school storytime this morning. 413-268-7473. 2 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Pre-school storytime at the Milne Library! 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Pre-school storytime is this morning at the North Adams Library! 413-662-3133. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: Visit the Leverett Public Library for the Community Network for Children’s story hour! Kids ages 0-5 can enjoy stories, hands-on science activities, and art projects! 413-548-9220. 75 Montague Road. Leverett, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30 – STORYTIME: Bring your preK kids to the Monson Library for stories, songs, and fun! 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)
• 2pm – STORYTIME: At the Arms Library! Toddlers and pre-school aged children can visit the library with their caregivers for stories, socializing, and a snack! 413-625-6194. Bridge Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 4-5pm – STORYTIME: Visit the North Amherst Library for storytime and crafts! 413-259-3099. 8 Montague Road. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
• 4-5pm – STORYTIME: At the Cushman Library! Stories, crafts, snack. 413-413-648-5402. 28 Church Street. Bernardston, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 6:30pm – STORYTIME: Hop into your pajamas and visit the East Longmeadow Library for Pajama Night Storytime before bed. For kids ages 3-6. 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square #2. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦

WEDNESDAY ONGOING

• 9:30am-12noon – FARM ADVENTURE: Red Gate Farm hosts Homeschool Halfdays on most Wednesdays. The event includes farm exploration both in and out of doors. 413-625-9503. 4 Norman Road. Buckland, MA. (<$) ♦
• 9:45-11:15 – NEW MOTHERS: New and expecting mothers group with MotherWoman at the Amherst Family Center. Share experiences and get help with adjusting to motherhood. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Hike at Mt. Greylock!  Every Wednesday, there’s a “Nice and Easy” family-friendly hike – it’s about two hours long and will cover 1-2 miles of trail.  Call to find out meeting place.  413-499-4262.  Lanesborough, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 12noon – FILM: Pleasant Street Theater has a baby-friendly screening today! Call to confirm, as screening times change. 413-584-5848. 27 Pleasant Street. Northampton, MA. (<$) ♦
• 12noon-3pm – BOWLING: Special rates for Homeschool Bowling today! 413-525-7198. 168 Shaker Road. East Longmeadow, MA. (<$) ♦
• 1-5pm – ART: The Art Garden has drop-in art making every afternoon! Kids can experiment with new mediums and materials- it’s an art adventure! 413-625-2782. 14 Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (<$) [CLOSED ON MAY 1 & 2]
• 1-5pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Visit the Crane Museum of Papermaking to learn about the history of papermaking at Crane since the early 1800’s. Located on the banks of the Housatonic River, the building itself is a museum! This is a great opportunity to learn about local history. If you can’t make it today, the museum is open all weekdays during the same hours. 413-684-2600. 30 South Street. Dalton, MA. (FREE)
• 2-6pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Shop for local food and goods at the Florence Famers’ Market!  Takes place on the lawn at the Florence Civic Center.  North Maple Street.  Florence, MA.  (MARKET) ♦
• 2:30pm – CHESS: Play chess at the Pelham Library! Practice your own skills or teach a friend. 413-253-0657. 2 South Valley Road. Pelham, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3-4:30pm – CRAFTS: Drop-in crafts at the East Springfield Branch Library. 413-263-6840. 21 Osborne Terrace. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:15-4:30pm – LEGOS: Dickinson Memorial Library offers an afterschool LEGO program on the first Wed. of the month for school-age kids. 413-498-2455. 115 Main St. Northfield, MA (FREE)
• 3:30-5pm – CRAFTS: Drop-in crafts at the Indian Orchard Branch Library. 413-263-6846. 44 Oak Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 4:45-6pm – KNITTING: Is your yarn all knotted? Do your needles refuse to behave? Get some help (or, if you’re a skilled knitter, offer support) at Forbes Library’s Knitting Clinic. Knitters of all ages and abilities are welcome- no pattern problem is too big or small. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 6pm – SUPPORT GROUP: Treehouse hosts a New Moms Group where new mothers can connect with other moms and babies can spend time with other babies. Intended for moms with babies 6mos and under. 413-344-4435. 305 North Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 6-9pm – VOLUNTEER: On the first Wednesday of every month, there is a community sew for BagShare! Donate your time to help promote the use of reusable bags and to help sustain a community resource. No experience necessary! Takes place at Eastworks. 413-584-2633. Pleasant Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦

• Return to Top

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

t9am-5pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: During the spring, anadromous fish (those who live in rivers but spawn in the ocean) make their way to their Atlantic breeding grounds – watch them make their way down the Connecticut River at the Turners Falls Fishway!  The fishway offers kids a chance to see directly into the river through a special viewing window, an experience that can serve as the foundation for building an understanding of the life cycle of fish and/or river ecosystems.  800-859-2960.  1 Avenue A.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

2-3:30pm – BOOK READING: Meet Toto the tornado kitten, then hear a book about him read aloud by author Jonathan Hall!  413-267-3866.  2 High Street.  Monson, MA.  (FREE)

5-8pm – ART WALK: Third Thursday starts back up for the season today.  The streets in downtown Pittsfield will come alive with music, entertainment and afterhours shopping.  This Thursday is Celebrating Youth, and will have performance by many Berkshire youth and youth groups. 413-499-9348. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)

5:30-6:30pm – ORNITHOLOGY: Visit the Mason Library for a talk on birds and birds’ nests with Allen Timmons!  The event will focus on birdwatching in the Berkshires – learn about the best spots to find birds, and what species you’ll need to be able to identify.  413-248-2403.  231 Main Street.  Great Barrington, MA.  (FREE)

6pm – GARDENING: The Trustees of Reservations present a gardening workshop for families at the Bullitt Reservation!  Families can learn about what seeds are best to plant in their garden, and how to care for what they’ve planted throughout the summer.  Kids can plant their own pizza gardens!  Tips for successfully incorporating kids into gardening projects will be offered, too, to help make the process encompass your whole family.  Call to register.  413-628-4485.  332 Bullitt Road.  Ashfield, MA.  (FREE)

6-8pm – FUNDRAISER: Students from the Hadley Preschool are performing a play tonight! Accompanying the show (which is sure to be adorable) is the Friends of Hadley Preschool’s annual silent auction, where visitors can bid on great items and help raise money to keep the school running!  Takes place in the gym at Hadley Elementary School.  413-549-4309.  21 River Drive.  Hadley, MA.  (FUNDRAISER)

6:30pm – STORYTIME: Pajama storytime is tonight at the Monson Library!  Get dressed for bed, then head to the library for stories.  Bring your favorite cuddle buddy or blanket, too.  413-267-3866.  2 High Street.  Monson, MA.  (FREE)

7-8:30pm – OUTDOOR CONCERT: The city of West Springfield’s summer concert series begins today!  The Gene Bartley Dixie All-Stars will perform southern jazz at the Gazebo at Storrowton Village – enjoy great music outdoors in the beautiful spring weather!  In case of rain, the event will take place in the auditorium at West Springfield Middle School.  413-739-9065.  1305 Memorial Avenue.  Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

7:30pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/LOCAL HISTORY: Illustrated talk tonight on Polish history in Hatfield with Hatfield Historical Museum Curator Kathie Gow. Older students can learn about the work of Polish immigrants and their roots in early 20th century here in Western MA. Ice cream social follows. In conjunction with the new exhibit “Finding Home” at the museum. Congregational Church Parlor. Hatfield, MA (FREE)

THURSDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 9am-1pm – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse. Use rear entrance. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parents Center. Basement of Edwards Church. Music class starts at 11am most Thursdays. 413-582-2636 297 Main St. Northampton, MA (Donation) ♦
• 10am-12Noon – PLAYGROUP: Baby playgroup for pre-walking children with the Cummington Family Center. Located in the rear of the Cummington Community House. 3 Main Street. Cummington, MA (FREE)
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Every third Thursday for adoptive families with kids 4 and under! RSVP required. 413-320-4680. 28 North Maple Street. Florence, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The Goshen Library hosts facilitated playgroup every 1st and 3rd Thursday. 413-230-8552. 42 Main Street. Goshen, MA. (FREE) ♦

THURSDAY STORYTIME

• 9:30 and 11am – STORYTIME: Terrific Twos and Threes at the Westfield Athenaeum! 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:45am – STORYTIME: The Central Library hosts toddler storytime this morning! 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: Visit the Sixteen Acres Library for pre-school storytime! 413-263-6858. 1187 Parker Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: The Greenfield Public Library hosts Pre-School Story Hour! There will be stories, songs, and fingerplay for little ones and they caregivers. 413-587-1011. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The fourth Thursday of every month at the Edwards Library! 413-527-9480. 30 East Street. Southampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: Come and enjoy stories and songs with Julie Stepanek at the New Salem Library on Thurs. through January 26. 978-544-5157. 21 South Main St. New Salem., MA (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Williston Memorial Library hosts storytime! With each month comes a new seasonal theme. 413-529-1605. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Meekins Library with Rochelle. 413-268-7473. 2 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Lilly Library with Lisa. 413-587-1500. 19 Meadow Street. Florence, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Take kids to storytime this morning at the Emily Williston Memorial Library! 413-529-1605. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Jones Library in the Children’s Room. 413-259-3090. 43 Amity Street. Amherst, MA (FREE)♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Pre-school storytime is today at the Lilly Library! 413-587-1500. 19 Meadow Street. Florence, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: Come and enjoy stories and songs with facilitator, Julie Stepanek, at the New Salem Library on Thurs. through Dec. 15th. 978-544-5157. 21 South Main St. New Salem., MA (FREE)
• 11am-12noon – STORYTIME: Visit the Hatfield Library for story hour! 39 Main Street. 413-247-9097. Hatfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30-4:30pm – STORYTIME: Special afternoon storytime at the Lee Library! Walk-in is OK but registration is encouraged. 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30pm – STORYTIME: Martha Speaks storytime takes place today at the Brightwood Branch Library- kids can learn about the power of words through stories about dogs, crafts, and more! 413-263-6805. 359 Plainfield Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦

THURSDAY ONGOING

• 9:30-11:15 – GRANDPARENTS: Weekly group at the Amherst Family Center for grandparents through June- connect with other grandparents and talk about issues of parenting grandchildren or helping children parent. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – MUSIC: Montague Center Library hosts a music and movement class for kids! 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street. Montague, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11am – SUPPORT GROUP: New mothers support group meets at the Greenwood Center today! 413-794-5515. 231 Maple Road. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 1-3pm – FATHERS’ GROUP: Amherst Family Center hosts a fathers’ group!  413-256-1145.  121 North Pleasant Street.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE) ♦
• 1-5pm – ART: The Art Garden has drop-in art making every afternoon! Kids can experiment with new mediums and materials- it’s an art adventure! 413-625-2782. 14 Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (<$)
• 2:30-4pm – LIBRARY CLUB: Hatfield Library hosts library club! Each week, kids will explore a new topic and do hands-on activities relating to it. Registration required. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30-5pm – CRAFTS: Drop-in crafts at the Brightwood Branch Library. 413-263-6805. 359 Plainfield Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 4:30-5:30pm – PHYSICS: Learn yo-yo tricks at A2Z this afternoon! Lead by world class pros, Yo-Yo School teaches kids basic yo-yo tricks. Learning to yo-yo is a great supplement to studies of motion and physics! 413-586-1611. 57 King Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 5-7pm – KNITTING: Dottie’s Coffee Lounge host a beginner’s knitting group every Thursday. All ages and experiences welcomed. 444 North Street. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
• 5:30-7pm – CHESS: The Monson Library’s chess club meets on the 4th Thursday of every month. Kids in middle school and older can participate! 413-287-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE) ♦

• Return to Top

Friday, May 18th, 2012

9am-5pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: During the spring, anadromous fish (those who live in rivers but spawn in the ocean) make their way to their Atlantic breeding grounds – watch them make their way down the Connecticut River at the Turners Falls Fishway!  The fishway offers kids a chance to see directly into the river through a special viewing window, an experience that can serve as the foundation for building an understanding of the life cycle of fish and/or river ecosystems.  800-859-2960.  1 Avenue A.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

11am-7pm – EDUCATION RESOURCES/FIELD TRIP: Get great deals on gently used education materials today at the Voyagers’ Learning Resources Fair!  The sale will feature all sorts of learning materials, from musical instruments to science DVD’s, series of fiction books to math manipulatives, for all ages, subjects, and learning styles!  All of the materials will be donated and/or consigned by homeschool families, so materials will definitely be appropriate for homeschooling/unschooling families.  530 Main Street.  Acton, MA.  (SALE)

11am- PARENT WORKSHOP: Learn about wellness and nutrition for pregnancy and birth with Jennifer Rush at the Haskins Center!  Sponsored by Childcare of the Berkshires, the workshop will focus on healthy foods for new mothers, as well as first foods for babies.  413-664-4821.  210 State Street.  North Adams, MA.  (FREE)

3pm – HISTORY: May is National Preservation Month!  Historic Deerfield is hosting tours focused on the architecture of the buildings that make up the museum, paired with a discussion of the buildings’ locations and important history.  Learn about early New England architecture, and how the style reflected the culture of the time!  413-775-7127. 80 Old Main Street.  Deerfield, MA.  ($)

4-5pm – TEEN: Revive your wardrobe and learn creative ways to recycle your t-shirts at the Mason Library this afternoon!  Trade shirts with others, then learn tricks to make big t-shirts fit perfectly, or to re-use them to make pillows, quilts, computer or ipod cases, and more!  Great way to keep t-shirts from important events, places, etc. even if they’re no longer wearable.  Call to register.  413-528-2403.  231 Main Street.  Great Barrington, MA.  (FREE)

7-10pm – FILM: Memorial Hall is hosting a Three Stooges festival!  Enjoy a selection of the classic comedy group’s finest work!  Movie begins at 7:30, with live music from Daniel Hales and the Frost Heaves at 7.  413-625-3052.  51 Bridge Street.  Shelburne Falls, MA.  (<$)

7pm – HISTORY/CULTURAL STUDIES: The Westhampton Library hosts storyteller Janina Stankiewicz, who will share with visitors her family’s story of moving as displaced persons throughout Europe during World War II (from Communist Russia to Hitler’s Germany), then finally to post-war America.  The event can serve as a supplement or introduction to studies of World War II, the role of communism in world history, and immigration in the United States.  413-527-5386.  1 North Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE)

FRIDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 9-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: Visit Shutesbury Elementary School for the Community Network for Children’s playgroup! Kids ages 0-5 can take part in stories, motor skills play, and art activities! 413-259-1212. 23 West Pelham Road. Shutesbury, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center- downstairs in the Unitarian Meeting house. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
• 9:30-11am – PLAYGROUP: Playgroup at Whole Children! 413-587-1471. 41 Russell Street. Hadley, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Gross motor activities at the Sunderland Elementary School gym for preK kids. All welcomed. 413-475-1553. 28 Old Amherst Rd. Sunderland, MA (FREE) ♦
• 10am – PLAYGROUP: At Lanesborough Elementary School! 413-443-0027. Summer Street. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – PLAYGROUP: Infants, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited to Crawl Talk at the East Longmeadow Library. 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square #2. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Greenfield YMCA hosts an indoor obstacle course playgroup for kids 7 and under! Kids can play and move throughout a series of play-obstacles (tunnels, foam blocks, etc.). 413-475-1543. 451 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
• 10:30am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Bring the kids for a morning playgroup at the Chesterfield Senior Center. Held on the second and fourth Friday of the month. Route 143. Chesterfield, MA (FREE)
• 10am-12Noon – PLAYGROUP: Easthampton Family Center, located at Flywheel Arts in the Old Town Hall. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA (FREE)♦
• 10-11am – PLAYGROUP: Visit Lanesborough Elementary School for gym group! 413-443-0027. Summer Street. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
• FRIDAY – 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Greenfield YMCA hosts an indoor obstacle course playgroup for kids 7 and under! Kids can play and move throughout a series of play-obstacles (tunnels, foam blocks, etc.). Takes place on the first and third Fridays of each month. 413-475-1543. 451 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am- BABY GROUP: Childcare of the Berkshires hosts at the Haskins Center. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦

FRIDAY STORYTIMES

• 9:30am – SPANISH STORYTIME: Forbes Library hosts Spanish storytime- great for Spanish speaking families or kids learning the language. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORY/CRAFT: Stories, songs and crafts for preK kids and their guardians. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA (FREE) ♦
• 10-10:45am – SIGN LANGUAGE STORYTIME: The Westfield Athenaeum hosts sign language storytime this morning. Kids can sign, sign, and read along to stories- there will be lots of movement, music, and of course, American Sign Language. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:15am – STORYTIME: Kids 2-3.5 years old can go to storytime at the East Forest Park Branch Library! 413-263-6836. 122 Island Pond Road. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Brightwood Branch Library hosts storytime for kids ages 2-3.5. 413-23-6805. 359 Plainfield Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30 – STORYTIME: Baby storytime. Bring littlest ones to the Monson Library for stories, songs, and fun! 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: Great Falls Discover Center hosts a story hour for kids 3-6yo. Held the 4th Friday of every month. 413-863-3221 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA (FREE)
• 11am – STORY/CRAFT: Preschoolers can take part in story/craft time this morning at the Sunderland Public Library. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am – STORYTIME: PreK story hour with snack and crafts at the Griswold Memorial Library. 413-624-3619. 12 Main Road. Colrain, MA (FREE) ♦
• 11am – STORYTIME: Lap-sit story hour for kids 3yo and younger at the Greenfield Public Library for Mother Goose on the Loose. Kay Lyons leads a half hour of structured story time, followed by 15 mins of visiting time. Kids will enjoy movement games, rhythm and song as Kay reads and leads the group with puppets and hand rhymes. Lower Level in the LeVanway Meeting Room. 413-772-1544 x5. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA (FREE) ♦

FRIDAY ONGOING

• 10-10:30am – ART: Visit the Eric Carle Museum for Materials Play in the Morning, a program where kids can experiment with art making in new and nontraditional mediums that are not only great for creativity but are fun to play with! 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (<$) ♦
• 10am – MOVIE: Pre-school movies at the Berkshire Ahtenaeum! Usually 20-30 minutes. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:15am – ESL: Amherst Family Center hosts an ESL group- families can connect withother ESL families and work on language acquisition and parenting skills together. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am-5pm – CRAFTS: Drop-in crafts at the Pine Point Branch Library. 413-263-6855. 204 Boston Road. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: The KidSpace at Mass MoCA is open today- explore an exhibit designed just for young people and make some art of your own! 413-664-4481. 1040 Mass MoCA Way. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 1-5pm – ART: The Art Garden has drop-in art making every afternoon! Kids can experiment with new mediums and materials- it’s an art adventure! 413-625-2782. 14 Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (<$)
• 3:15-4:45pm – KNITTING: Drop-In Stitches knitting group at the Storrs Library. Grades 4+, all abilities welcome. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 4-4:45pm – FARM ADVENTURE: Red Gate Farm hosts Young Farmers- a chance help out with afternoon chores including egg collection! 413-625-9503. 4 Norman Road. Buckland, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 5-8pm – ART WALK: First Fridays Artswalk happens in the Upstreet Cultural District.  First Friday of the month. 413-281-6665. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
• 6-7pm – BABY SIGN LANGUAGE: Sign Loud and Clear presents an info session on the benefits of baby sign language! Babies are sometimes able to begin communicating via sign language before they are able to communicate verbally- learn how to start signing with your baby! Takes place at Baystate Medical Center. Springfield Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
• 6:30-9pm – COFFEEHOUSE: Hilltown Coffeehouse happens every Friday night at the Village Church. Bring the family to enjoy and participate in music and games. An excellent intergenerational opportunity for families in the Hilltowns to meet their neighbors in a casual and creative environment. BYOB. 413-563-1981. Cummington, MA (FREE)
• 6:30-8:30pm – SUPPORT GROUP: GROW and MotherWoman host a postpartum support group for mothers in need of a supportive space to share, receive help, and grow. The group takes place at the Community Room. 413-822-6043. 48 Elizabeth Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 7-9pm – YO-YOS: A2Z’s Dogbite Yo-Yo club meets on the second Friday of each month for a night of yo-yo skill sharing and learning. Meets at the College Church. 48 Pomeroy Terrace. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 7-10pm – TWEEN: Friday nights at the Greenwood Center are just for tweens! Kids in grades 6-8 can enjoy a supervised night of dancing, games, and DJ music! 413-565-4163. 231 Maple Road. Longmeadow, MA. (<$) ♦
• 7:30pm – ASTRONOMY: Milham Planetarium at Williams College hosts an observatory show tonight! The planetarium’s Zeiss Skymaster can show phases of the moon, retrograde motions of planets, temperatures of planets and stars, the location of nearby galaxies, and more! The show is entertaining and also a great learning opportunity. 413-597-2188. 829 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 8:30pm-12:30am – COMMUNITY DANCE: Dance Spree is a community family-friendly (and barefoot!) dance event – kids of all ages are welcome to attend with guardians. Great way to get moving! 25 Main Street, 4th Floor (above Fitzwilly’s). Northampton, MA. (<$) ♦

• Return to Top