Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for June 29th-July 5th, 2013
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
Happy 4th of July!
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our “Suggest An Event” bulletin board. 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/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
BET BETS
4th of July Highlights! From the state where the American Revolution began, families can take part in the multitude of 4th of July celebrations happening in Western MA. Check our 4th of July preview of events, parades & fireworks happening to celebrate in Western MA: 2013 Fourth of July Celebrations & Fireworks
Saturday, June 29th from 11am-10pm in Hampden County – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Chicopee Fest-Of-All, a three day celebration, happens all day on Saturday, rain or shine! Held at Szot Park, the festival hosts games, music and food! Largely known as a food festival, there will be local food vendors from around the Pioneer Valley serving up great eats! Fireworks happen Saturday evening. 100 Abby Memorial Drive. Chicopee, MA (FREE)
Saturday, June 29th from 5pm-10:30pm in Hampshire County – FIREWORKS: Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Easthampton Spirit Extravaganza at Galbraith Field. There will be food, music, hot air balloon rides, a rock wall, face painting, a BMX stunt show, fireworks, and more! Please bring blankets and chairs. Rain date 6/30. Taft Avenue. Easthampton, MA. (DONATION)
Sunday, June 30th from 11am-4pm in Berkshire County – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Americana Family Day at The Clark! Families will have the opportunity to go back in time to experience some of the sights and sounds of nineteenth-century America as painted by George Inness and Winslow Homer. Sing along to performances by a troupe of sea shanty men, enter the pie-eating contest, learn to fly-fish, paint with watercolors, stand on the deck of a ship, play lawn games from the 1800s—and much more. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA (FREE)
BULLETIN BOARD
Jul 3-6; Jul 17-20; Jul 31 – Aug 3
PaintBox Theatre is a theatre of improvisation and imagination for the whole family. Start with a children’s classic. Add three actors. Add the Paintbox stage & a screen. Add artwork (by kids). Add lots of audience participation & improvisation. Stir well. There you go: Paintbox! This season: Little Red Riding Hood, July 3-6; Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude, July 17-20; and King Kong, Jr., July 31- August 3. All shows are presented in Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Green Street, on the Smith College Campus in Northampton, MA. Call for more information: 413-585-3220. Or visit online at www.newcenturytheatre.org/paintbox.html.
Host families are needed for exchange students attending the Academy at Charlemont and other area high schools this fall. Hosting is a great way to learn first-hand about another culture and to share your life with an international student. Students from over 70 countries are available. Host families provide a place for the student to sleep, meals, and a warm home environment. Students have their own spending money and medical insurance. Single parents, young couples and empty-nesters are all encouraged to apply. Interested families should contact Ann Newsmith, 802-257-4710, exchangevt@gmail.com. PAX is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing mutual respect among the people of the world. www.pax.org.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your summer event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the Bulletin Board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and in our weekly eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
The 27th annual Green River Festival happens again this year on July 20th & 21st, 2013… and Hilltown Families has a pair of tickets to giveaway for either day! Deadline to enter to win: 6/7/13.
COMMUNITY SERVICE/TEENS: The Amherst Survival Center has volunteer opportunities for teens ages 15yo+ on weekdays (not Wed). Shifts are typically 2 hours/week between 9am-3pm. There are several places for teens & adults to volunteer. In a recent inquire about volunteer opportunities for teens they responded, “We look for a minimum of a two hour/week commitment for a minimum of 8 weeks…If they are able to get here in the morning, we need help organizing and sorting through fresh bread and produce from area markets and farms which we then distribute to about 100 people/day. If they have a super organized closet, they may be a good fit for helping in our Free Store. Certain days we also need help serving lunch and doing dishes. And our Emergency Food Pantry often needs help keeping the shelves stocked and helping folks fill their carts with their monthly food “box.” Strong folks can help pick up furniture from around town in the mornings. And people who like to clean can help clean the place after 2:30PM. Lots and lots of options.” For more information visit their website at www.amherstsurvival.org or email tracey@amherstsurvival.org
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
June 29th-July 5th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets
Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events
Saturday, June 29th, 2013
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. – Keith Terry from Crosspulse Ensemble is our Guest DJ this week! Keith’s program is about World Music AND Music of the World – not only songs from artists around the planet, but sounds of the planet, itself – from the calls made by insects and birds, to atmospheric sounds created by lightening. Plus some found sound — music created by the sounds we don’t always think of as musical, such as fog horns and trains, even bricks. Join Keith in this exploration of some new and unusual ways of creating and listening to music. – Encore of Saturday’s broadcast airs Sunday morning from 7-8am and podcast is posted here on Hilltown Families immediately following Sunday’s broadcast. Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcasts anytime. Click here to choose from 6 years of archived shows.
9am-1pm – NATURE STUDIES: Learn about old growth forests and Civilian Conservation Corps-era plantations on a hike through Monroe State Forest with Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center and the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire. The hike is four miles along the Spruce Hill Trail to the Raycroft Outlook, where there are spectacular views of the Deerfield River Valley. Email aimee@gaiaroots.com to register and to find out the meeting place. Florida, MA. (FREE)
10am-12noon – NATURE STUDIES: Learn about water and ecology at Science in the Parks with science educator Lisa Provencher! This a great chance for kids to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) during the summer months. Students will have the opportunity to collect water samples and run pH tests, identify aquatic plants, and look for insects and amphibians. This program also teaches the importance of environmental stewardship and the value of local parks. 413-499-0692. West Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
10am-11am – NATURE STUDIES: Explore the Mt. Tom State Reservation and the Beau Bridges Trail on this moderate hike. Participants will learn about the ecology of the trail’s stream while hearing a fascinating story about women’s history along the way. 413-534-1186. 125 Reservation Road. Holyoke, MA. (FREE) / >$ FOR PARKING
10am – NATURE STUDIES: Explore Whately’s Great Swamp with the Pioneer Valley Institute and learn about the swamp’s many different tree species, including Black Gum, Pin Oak, and Swamp White Oak. Time will also be spent discussing the swamp’s ecology, geology, and history. The swamp is what is known as a perched swamp, meaning it is not directly connected to the water table, rather it is perched atop layers that prevent drainage as a result of the region’s glacial history. This is a great way to improve your tree identification skills while exploring a truly unique natural area. 413-624-3090. 128 North Street. Whately, MA. >$
10am-4pm – HISTORY/CULINARY ARTS: Interested in learning how the colonists ate? Come to Historic Deerfield for an open hearth cooking demonstration. This month’s theme is “Spring Brings Fresh Food.” Visitors will witness open hearth cooking using traditional seasonal foods that the colonists ate, such as milk, eggs, berries, and asparagus. This exciting experience teaches visitors about settler history as well as culinary arts. 413-775-7214. Old Main Street. Deerfield, MA. $
10:30am-11:30am – ARTS & CRAFTS: Kids can exercise their creativity and art skills at the Ramsdell Library during a story cube activity. Draw illustrations on the cubes, roll them like dice, and create stories as you go! Please register in advance. 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street. Housatonic, MA.
11am – LUNCHEON: Kids are invited to bring their favorite dolls to Chandler’s Restaurant for a Doll’s Day out Luncheon! Sit and eat lunch with your doll, browse and buy doll clothes, and learn about doll makeovers. Mrs. Claus will also be at the event. Please see menu for prices and call to register. 413-665-1277. 25 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.
11am – CHEMISTRY: Be a mad scientist at the Berkshire Museum! Along with the help of the museum’s very own crazy chemist, kids can learn how to do exciting and surprising (and safe!) experiments with regular household materials. Kitchen Kaboom! is totally kid-safe, but adults must accompany participating scientists. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
11am-10pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Chicopee Fest-Of-All, a three day celebration, happens all day on Saturday, rain or shine! Held at Szot Park, the festival hosts games, music and food! Largely known as a food festival, there will be local food vendors from around the Pioneer Valley serving up great eats! Fireworks happen Saturday evening. 100 Abby Memorial Drive. Chicopee, MA (FREE)
11:30am-12:30pm – ARCHAEOLOGY: Are your kids interested in learning about archaeology? Kids ages 5 and up can come to the Mason Library to learn about mummies, write in hieroglyphics, make cave painting, and discover treasures. This event connects nicely with the “Dig Into Reading” summer reading program being held at libraries all over Western Massachusetts. Please register in advance. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA.
12:30pm-2:30pm – LOCAL HISTORY: What was it like crossing the Connecticut River before the construction of our modern bridges? Learn about the history of local bridges and the difficulties associated with building them while riding around Turners Falls and Montague City on a leisurely bike tour with the Great Falls Discovery Center. This is a fun and engaging way to learn local history by exploring our towns and villages. Bring a bike and helmet. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
1pm-2pm – NATURE STUDIES: Come to the Mt. Tom State Reservation to learn about spring species around the park. Bring clothes that can get muddy and come prepared to learn about the many different plants and animals that you can observe during the springtime! 413-534-1186. 125 Reservation Road. Holyoke, MA. (FREE) / >$ FOR PARKING
5pm – FIREWORKS: The Ware Lions Club Independence Celebration features live music, food, and of course, fireworks! 73 Church Street. Ware, MA. (FREE)
5pm-10:30pm – FIREWORKS: Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Easthampton Spirit Extravaganza at Galbraith Field. There will be food, music, hot air balloon rides, a rock wall, face painting, a BMX stunt show, fireworks, and more! Please bring blankets and chairs. Rain date 6/30. Taft Avenue. Easthampton, MA. (DONATION)
7pm – LAWN CONCERT: Pack a picnic dinner and bring the whole family to join the Longmeadow Parks and Recreation Department at the Longmeadow Green for an outdoor concert. Mandeville and Raianne Richards, a folk duo from Massachusetts, will perform country and classic Americana-inspired tunes. 413-565-4160. Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA.
8pm-10pm – NATURE STUDIES: The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is hosting a Firefly Hike and Campfire for the whole family at Sheep Hill. Bring blankets and curl up with family near the fire while eating s’mores and listening to stories told by the three-generational Leamon boys. There will also be nature crafts for children and a hike to search for fireflies. 413-458-2494. 671 Cold Spring Road. Williamstown, MA. >$
8:45pm – OUTDOOR FAMILY FILM: Drive-in movies are a fun way to view films in the summer time with your kids! Northfield Drive-In is screening “Monsters University” (G) followed by Star Trek Into Darkness (PG-13) this weekend (Fri-Sun). A great place for families with a playground, consessions, and great flicks! Rain or shine. 603-239-4054. 981 Northfield Road. Hinsdale, NH (just over the board from Northfield, MA) (>$)
9:30pm – FIREWORKS: Chicopee’s Fest-Of-All fireworks are happening tonight! There will be food and entertainment as well. Rain date 6/30. Front Street. Chicopee, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, June 30th, 2013
8:30am-9:30am – NATURE STUDIES/LOCAL HISTORY: The Great Falls Discovery Center is hosting a canal-side nature walk. Participants can gain a deeper understanding of local history and ecology by exploring the Turners Falls Canal and learning about plants, animals, and cultural or industrial history. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
10am-11am – INSECT STUDIES: Contribute to Project Native’s Butterfly House by attending a Summer Butterfly and Bug Safari! Walk the grounds looking for butterflies, caterpillars, and eggs to relocate to the Butterfly House. Learn more about Lepidoptera by gaining skill in finding and even identifying butterflies and by learning to identify host plants. 413-274-3433. 342 North Plain Road. Housatonic, MA.
11am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Americana Family Day at The Clark! Families will have the opportunity to go back in time to experience some of the sights and sounds of nineteenth-century America as painted by George Inness and Winslow Homer. Sing along to performances by a troupe of sea shanty men, enter the pie-eating contest, learn to fly-fish, paint with watercolors, stand on the deck of a ship, play lawn games from the 1800s—and much more. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA (FREE)
12noon-4:30pm – HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield for Three Bags Full: All About Wool, a special museum presentation on sheep shearing and processing wool for use at home. Families can drop in anytime to see the wool being processed, and to learn about the many uses for wool in early New England life. Families can even try their hand at a few of the processing steps! There will also be open hearth cooking demonstrations, where families can learn about the traditional one-pot cooking style of early New Englanders. 413-775-7214. Old Main Street. Deerfield, MA. ($)
12noon-9pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: The second annual Crystal Hard Hat Canal Street Family Fair is here! Come out to support Shriners Hospitals for Children and find fun for the whole family. There will be games, antique cars and motorcycles, live music, karaoke, vendors, a raffle, and more. 55 Union Street. North Adams, MA. FUNDRAISER
1pm-2:30pm – NATURE STUDIES: Mt. Tom State Reservation’s Bray Lake is a great place to observe wildlife! Come to Life Around the Lake to learn about the different wildlife in and around the lake and to see what creatures you’re able to spot. 413-534-1186. 125 Reservation Road. Holyoke, MA. (FREE) / >$ FOR PARKING
2pm – THEATER: Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts will perform Les Misérables at the Academy of Music Theater. The world’s longest-running musical, this show is about love and destruction in 19th-century France. Enjoy this entertaining tale and the show’s beautiful music while learning about this tumultuous period in French history. 413-584-9032 x102. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. $$
2pm-4pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Join the Kemp-McCarthy Museum for a special celebration as they celebrate their 50th anniversary! Visitors can view the “Childhood Memories” exhibit, which includes antique games and children’s clothing, see the historic hat display, learn about a research project cataloging Rowe’s houses, see the newly refurbished Music Room, study rare documents from the 18th and 19th centuries, and see “The Way We Were,” an exhibit of clothing and artifacts from 1963, the year the Museum opened. There will also be a buffet, treats, and live music. Immerse yourself in local history by experiencing and learning about what life in the Hilltowns was like many years ago. 282 Zoar Road. Rowe, MA. (FREE)
6pm-8pm – LAWN CONCERT: Coop Concerts Summer Concert Series takes place weekly at Greenfield Energy Park. This week’s show features Jennie McAvoy and Michael Nix, Katie Clarke, and Devlin Miles. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic dinner with family and friends while listening to exciting live music. 50 Miles Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
8:45pm – OUTDOOR FAMILY FILM: Drive-in movies are a fun way to view films in the summer time with your kids! Northfield Drive-In is screening “Monsters University” (G) followed by Star Trek Into Darkness (PG-13) this weekend. A great place for families with a playground, consessions, and great flicks! Rain or shine. 603-239-4054. 981 Northfield Road. Hinsdale, NH (just over the board from Northfield, MA) (>$)
Monday, July 1st, 2013
Download a Kindness Calendar for the month
11am-12noon – LEGOS: Build LEGOs with friends at the Sunderland Public Library! Kids 6 and up can exercise creativity and practice their building skills by making their own LEGO creations or by following one of the library’s themes. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA.
7pm – LAWN CONCERT: Monday Night Concerts at the Tilton Library are a great chance to have an exciting family dinner – bring chairs, a blanket, pack a picnic, and bring the whole family! This week’s performers are Bruce King and Doctor Dan. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
ONGOING FOR MONDAY (To add your ongoing event/activity here, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com)
- 11am & 2pm – MUSEUM STUDIES: For the months of July and August, older students and adults interested in learning more about the Clark Art Institute are invited to daily Clark Talks. Learn about the permanent collection, special exhibits, the future of the museum, and more. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
- 2pm-4pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Join the The Westfield Athenaeum for popcorn and a family movie. Runs through 8/5. 413-562-6158 x5. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE)
- 3pm – FILM STUDIES: The Clark Art Institute is holding a film series entitled “Homericana: Films of the Artist’s Times and Places” as part of their Winslow Homer exhibit. Alternating each week, the Clark will screen a film set in Homer’s era or an in-depth documentary on the artist’s life. The screenings run every Monday until August 26. For a full list of the dates and films, please see the museum’s calendar. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
- 6pm – SPORTS: Every Monday in June you can learn to waterski at Oxbow Waterski Show Team’s ski site. All you need is a bathing suit and experienced Show Team members will teach you to waterski. 413-636-2094. Old Springfield Road. Northampton, MA. $$-$$$
- 7:30pm – CESAREAN SUPPORT: International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) will provide mother-to-mother support on the fourth Monday of each month at Grow. These support meetings are to support cesarean recovering, offer info on VBAC’s, and refer mother’s to additional support. 413-341-6882. 3rd Floor, Thornes Market. Northampton, MA (FREE)
- 7:30pm-9pm – LOCAL HISTORY: You may know about Edith Wharton’s home, the Mount, but did you know that it’s considered to be haunted? Come see for yourself on one of the Mount’s ghost tours. The tour will take you through the stables and the main house, where you will learn about and even witness the property’s haunted creaks and footsteps. Please see website for more information and to buy tickets. Runs every Monday until the end of August. Not recommended for children under 12. 413-551-5100. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. $$
Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013
10am – KIDS PERFORMANCE: Ed Popielarczyk will perform an interactive show for the whole family at Look Park’s Pines Theater. He combines magic, comedy, and more to engage kids and adults and keep everyone laughing. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. >$
10:30am-11:30am – NATURE STUDIES: Children ages 3-6 and their parents are invited to the Great Falls Discovery Center’s Kidleidoscope event! Kidleidoscope focuses on teaching young children about the natural world using the theme “we share our home.” Activities include stories, interactive games, and crafts. This week, the program will focus on eagles. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
11am – KIDS CONCERT: Dance, laugh, and sing with Terry A La Berry and Friends at the Lenox Library’s Roche Reading Park! The band will play classic kids songs, folk tunes, and Terry’s own original songs. Kids of all ages (and their parents) are welcome to participate in the fun and even request songs! 413-637-0197 x105. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
11am-12noon – FIRE SAFETY: The East Longmeadow Public Library and the East Longmeadow Fire Department are coming together to present “Firefighters to the Rescue!”, a fire safety presentation featuring Firefighter Ed and his truck. This is a good way for kids to learn the importance and basics of fire safety. Open to kids enrolled in the summer reading program. More information on this event and the summer reading program can be found here. 413-525-5400 x1506. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
11am-12noon – ARCHAEOLOGY: Join storyteller and scientist Paulette Morin at the Hatfield Public Library for a special storytime related to the summer reading program. Kids will learn about fossils and dinosaurs, and even get to do some hands-on exploring with real fossils. 413-237-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE)
11am-12noon – STORYTIME: The Lee Library Association invites children to a special story time to hear author Carol L Levy read her children’s picture book Elphy Grey a story about a little boy who discovers the power of imagination to change his life. The author will also talk about the true life inspiration for writing the book. Ages 2-12. 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA (FREE)
1pm-2pm – ORIGAMI: Learn the art of origami and other paper arts at the Berkshire Museum. This event is held in conjunction with the museum’s PaperWorks exhibit, which focused on the many different things that can be created with paper. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. $
1pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Children ages 5-12 are invited to a craft activity all about worms! The Berkshire Athenaeum is hosting this activity as part of the “Dig Into Reading” summer reading program. It offers a chance for kids to do a craft related to the greater theme of the program. Please call ahead to register. 413-499-9480 x5. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA.
2pm – CRAFTS/FOOD: Teens participating in the summer reading program can come make gummy worms in “dirt” desserts at the Sixteen Acres Library. This event is purely fun and teens will enjoy getting their hands dirty while making a tasty dessert. 413-263-6858. 1187 Parker Street. Springfield, MA.
2pm – HISTORY/ARCHAEOLOGY: Learn about Ancient Egypt at the West Springfield Public Library. Kids 5 and up will have the opportunity to touch artifacts and learn about pyramids, pharaohs, and more. 413-736-4561 x3. 200 Park Street. West Springfield, MA. (FREE)
2pm-6pm – ART: Stop by the Clark Art Institute for an all-ages watercolor workshop. Open to people with all skill levels, this workshop helps you learn the art of watercolor painting while translating the natural beauty of the Clark onto paper. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
3:30pm-4:30pm – PHYSICS/ENGINEERING: Want to know more about rockets? What better way to learn about them than designing and testing your own! The Boston Museum of Science is helping to host this hands-on physics program at the Wheeler Memorial Library. Not only is this event super fun, but kids will also engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)! Registration is required. 978-544-2495. 49 East Main Street. Orange, MA.
6pm – LAWN CONCERT: The Clark Art Institute is hosting concerts on their South Lawn every Tuesday in July! This week’s performer is Red June. Pack a picnic dinner – or purchase barbecue food at the Clark – and enjoy the show while spending time with family. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
6pm-8pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Come by the Sunderland Public Library for a screening of Wreck-It Ralph (PG). 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA.
ONGOING FOR TUESDAYS (The season is changing and we are updating our list with ongoing summer activities! To add your ongoing event/activity here, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com)
- 8:30am-8pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: The Westfield Athenaeum will have a free arts and crafts table open to children of all ages. A special craft will be available for kids to make at the library or take home to complete. Runs every Tuesday through 8/6. 413-562-6158 x5. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE)
- 10am-2pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Drop by the West Springfield Public Library for “Make-It/Take-It” craft day. Kids can do a fun craft to take home. Runs through the summer as part of the summer reading program. 413-736-4561 x3. 200 Park Street. West Springfield, MA. (FREE)
- 11am & 2pm – MUSEUM STUDIES: For the months of July and August, older students and adults interested in learning more about the Clark Art Institute are invited to daily Clark Talks. Learn about the permanent collection, special exhibits, the future of the museum, and more. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
- 1pm – ORIGAMI: Learn some new paper folding skills and techniques at the Berkshire Museum! Held in conjunction with the museum’s PaperWorks exhibit, the event will feature new projects each week in July & August. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
- 8pm – ASTRONOMY: The Milham Planetarium at Williams College will be open to the public for a planetarium show every Tuesday beginning July 9th until August 13th. You can learn about the motions of the planets, the phases of the moon, comets, and much more! Reservations recommended. 413-597-2188. 829 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013
10am – FAMILY MOVIE: Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse has $1 movies for kids and adults, all rated G or PG. This week’s movie is Ice Age: Continental Drift. Buy tickets to all ten movies in advance for $5 or spend $1 on each individual movie. 1-800-326-3264. 327 Russell Street. Hadley, MA. >$
10:30am – FAMILY THEATER: Paintbox Theatre, known for their interactive family-friendly performances, is putting on a production of Little Red Riding Hood. This is the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood vs. the Big Bad Wolf, but with some audience participation worked in. Performance is Theatre 14 in Smith College’s Mendenhall Center. 413-585-3220. Green Street. Northampton, MA. $
1pm – ARCHAEOLOGY: Want to learn more about dinosaurs and fossils? Paulette Morin, a storyteller and scientist, will teach kids all about earth’s exciting prehistoric past at the Berkshire Athenaeum. 413-499-9480 x5. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA.
1:30pm – COMMUNITY GARDEN: Northfield has a new community garden! Kids can come by to hear garden stories, make signs for the garden, get a tour, and learn about the many different fruits and vegetables that grow there. This event is for ages 5 and up and is hosted by the Dickinson Memorial Library. 413-238-2055 x27. Northfield, MA.
2pm – ARTS AND CRAFTS/LANGUAGE ARTS: Join Odyssey Bookshop for Camp Odyssey! This once-a-week camp features a weekly book and activities to go along with it. Recommended for kids age 7 and up, this week’s book/activity is Pop Bottle Science. Come learn about science and do bottle-related projects! Registration is required by June 16th. 514-534-7307. 9 College Street. South Hadley, MA. >$
2pm – CRAFTS/FOOD: Teens participating in the summer reading program can come make gummy worms in “dirt” desserts at the Pine Point Library. This event is purely fun and teens will enjoy getting their hands dirty while making a tasty dessert. 413-263-6855. 204 Boston Road. Springfield, MA.
3pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Teens participating in the summer reading program can contribute to a walking dead/zombie quilt at East Forest Park Library. Markers and fabric paint will be available for teens to design their own quilt patches that fit with the theme. 413-263-6836. 122 Island Pond Road. Springfield, MA.
6:35pm – BASEBALL: Watch the Holyoke Blue Sox take on the Saratoga Brigade at MacKenzie Stadium. This is a great chance to relax and enjoy some summer baseball. If the Sox win, you’ll get a free ticket to their game on 7/4! 500 Beech Street. Holyoke, MA. >$
DUSK – FIREWORKS: South Hadley’s annual fireworks celebration will be held at Michael E. Smith Middle School. There will also be food, games, and music. Rain date 7/5. 100 Mosier Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)
ONGOING FOR WEDNESDAYS (The season is changing and we are updating our list with ongoing summer activities! To add your ongoing event/activity here, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com)
- 9am – HIKING: Mount Greylock State Reservation’s Nice and Easy Hikes are geared toward seniors but are open to all ages. Great opportunity for grandparents to take their grandkids on a morning adventure! Explore the Reservation while learning about things like plants, animals, and natural history. Call for meeting place info. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE)
- 10am – KNITTING: Every Wednesday until the end of the summer, you can stop by Dickinson Memorial Library for an intergenerational knitting and/or other handiwork group. Young knitters can come and learn skills from older knitters and exercise creativity. 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA.
- 11am – STORYTIME: Preschoolers and their caregivers can come to storytime at the Dickinson Memorial Library every Wednesday for stories, music, movement, and crafts. 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA.
- 11am & 2pm – MUSEUM STUDIES: For the months of July and August, older students and adults interested in learning more about the Clark Art Institute are invited to daily Clark Talks. Learn about the permanent collection, special exhibits, the future of the museum, and more. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
- 4-6PM – ENTREPRENEUR: Do your kids like to create jewelry, are they growing their own gardens, do they like to bake or preserve the summer harvest? The Kids’ Market is a venue for kids sell their creations or to provide a service (face-painting, fortune telling, etc.). Held in the parking lot in front of the Ashfield Hardware Store under tents, kids can bring their own tables, set up, and sell/barter with one another and visitors to the market. Happens every Wednesday through the end of August. 413-628-3299. 343 Main Street. Ashfield, MA (FREE)
Thursday, July 4th, 2013
9am-12:30pm – PARADE: Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Monson Summerfest Parade. Watch the floats go by while spending the holiday with family and friends. Main Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)
10am-11am – NATURE STUDIES: Explore Clarksburg State Forest on one of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s “Land, Water, Air” Eye on Nature family walks. Get outside and spend time with the whole family while learning new things about nature. Meet at the Park’s pond. 413-663-6312. 1199 Middle Road. Clarksburg, MA.
10am – PARADE: Celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Pittsfield at their annual parade. This year’s theme is “America the Beautiful – The Land That I Love.” Downtown. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
10am – PARADE: “American Pride” is East Longmeadow’s parade theme this year. Bring the whole family to see the parade go by and hear the marching band. Parade starts at high school, then Maple Street and through the center. See website for full parade route. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
10:30am – FAMILY THEATER: Paintbox Theatre, known for their interactive family-friendly performances, is putting on a production of Little Red Riding Hood. This is the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood vs. the Big Bad Wolf, but with some audience participation worked in. Performance is Theatre 14 in Smith College’s Mendenhall Center. 413-585-3220. Green Street. Northampton, MA. $
11am – PARADE/CELEBRATION: The Williamstown Theatre Festival holds their annual Fourth of July celebration today. There will be a parade at 11am, followed by a hotdog cookout, and then you can hear Williamstown Theatre Festival actors read the Declaration of Independence and the British response, and see Williams College’s Founding Documents collection. 413-597-3400. Spring Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
4pm – FIREWORKS: The Greenfield Independence Day Celebration features live music, dance, food, and fireworks. Fireworks start at 9:35pm. Rain date 7/7. 195 Federal Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
5pm – BASEBALL: Catch a summer baseball game between the Holyoke Blue Sox and the Danbury Westerners. Tonight is Ladies Night, which means $1 tickets for all women! 500 Beech Street. Holyoke, MA. >$
5pm – FIREWORKS: The Amherst LSSE is hosting a Fourth of July celebration at UMass. There will be fireworks, food, hot air balloon rides, entertainment, and more! Fireworks start at 9:30pm. 413-259-3065. Stadium Drive. Amherst, MA. >$ FOR PARKING
6:30pm-8:30pm – LAWN CONCERT: The Wilbraham Nature and Cultural Center’s summer concert series at Fountain Park presents John Brandoli. Brandoli’s repertoire includes rock, folk, and pop, so bring the whole family and sit on the lawn while enjoying entertaining live music. 413-596-2712. 883 Tinkham Road. Wilbraham, MA.
6pm – FIREWORKS/CELEBRATION: Old Sturbridge Village is holding an Independence Day celebration. There will be music, food, entertainment, games, and fireworks. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. $$
6:30pm – FIREWORKS: Following a Steeplecats game against Laconia, there will be fireworks at Joe Wolfe Field. 310 State Street. North Adams, MA.
DUSK – FIREWORKS: Star Spangled Springfield, the city of Springfield’s annual fireworks show, happens at Riverfront Park. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
DUSK – FIREWORKS: Celebrate the Fourth of July at Six Flags New England! 413-786-9300. 1623 Main Street. Agawam, MA. $$
9:15pm – FIREWORKS: The city of West Springfield fireworks are tonight, following a day of food, activities, and music. Wendell Road. West Springfield, MA. (FREE)
Friday, July 5th, 2013
10:30am – FAMILY THEATER: Paintbox Theatre, known for their interactive family-friendly performances, is putting on a production of Little Red Riding Hood. This is the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood vs. the Big Bad Wolf, but with some audience participation worked in. Performance is Theatre 14 in Smith College’s Mendenhall Center. 413-585-3220. Green Street. Northampton, MA. $
10:30am-11:30am – STORYTIME: “Shake, Rattle, and Read” with your baby at the East Longmeadow Public Library! This storytime is geared toward babies and young children and is filled with finger plays, music, bubbles, movement, and more. Parents can also learn tips for reading with young children. Please go here for more information on this event and the summer reading program. 413-525-5400 x1506. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
11am – STORYTIME/ARTS AND CRAFTS: The Sunderland Public Library is offering a story and craft time for kids ages 3-6. Kids can come hear a story while doing an arts and crafts project. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)
6pm – OUTDOOR FAMILY FILM: As part of their Summer of Fun in Our Town film series, there will be a screening of “E.T” on the town hall lawn. Raindate: 7/6. Adams, MA (FREE)
6:30-8pm – LAWN CONCERT: Arts in the Park Summer Concert Series happens at Millside Park. Pack a picnic dinner, bring the family, and enjoy an evening of live music outdoors on a Friday evening! 2 Ferry Street. Easthampton, MA (FREE)
7:30-9pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: Bats are the only flying mammals and among the most misunderstood animals. Join Rene Laubach to learn about bats found in our region at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The program will begin indoors for an overview of the ecology and diversity of bats, and will conclude outdoors with a search for bats, weather permitting. A bat detector will be used to eavesdrop on the bats as they hunt for food. Best for kids ages 5yo and older. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA (>$)
ONGOING FOR FRIDAYS (The season is changing and we are updating our list with ongoing summer activities! To add your ongoing event/activity here, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com)
- 10am-8pm – NATURE STUDIES: The Great Falls Discovery Center has extended their summer hours until 8pm. The Center is a great place to learn about the history and ecology of the Connecticut River watershed. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
- 11am & 2pm – MUSEUM STUDIES: For the months of July and August, older students and adults interested in learning more about the Clark Art Institute are invited to daily Clark Talks. Learn about the permanent collection, special exhibits, the future of the museum, and more. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
- 5pm-8pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Enjoy exciting live music, wine, and light fare while spending date night at The Mount’s “Music After Hours” free weekly concerts. Runs every Friday until the end of August. Please see website for more information, including each week’s musical act. 413-551-5100. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
