Suggested Events for June 27th-July 3rd, 2015

Posted on June 25, 2015 By Hilltown Families

“Hilltown Families is the first place I check when deciding what to do with a free weekend, day, or even hour! My favorite thing is when they post a question to the community and we can read the opinions and recommendations of our fellow parents – this is true community engagement in the 21st century. This website is an absolute service to our community – not just people with kids but for everyone! I’d be at a total loss most weekends or when guests visit, if not for Hilltown Families, and I think we should support it as it has supported us.” – Lauren W. (Northampton, MA)

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… help us help you! Click HERE to find out more.

Summer Camps in Western MA

Over 60 summer camps & programs, in and around western MA, to choose from!!!

Check out our featured post, 2015 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a comprehensive list of summer camps & programs in the region! 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! — Do you have a summer camp or program you’d like to have included in our comprehensive list? Find out how you can submit your listing HERE.

Bulletin Board

Jun 27

Join us on Saturday, June 27 from 10am-12noon for a meaningful morning volunteering with your family and your community! Free and open to everyone!

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts & Hilltown Families present Family Volunteer Days! Each month, families are invited to attend a monthly volunteer session to help sort food, take part in educational activities, and learn how to take actions to help fight hunger. This is an opportunity for Hilltown Families participating families to volunteer together with their community, engaged in service-based learning while supporting an important local cause! Family Volunteer Days are held once a month and are open to everyone. Our next Family Volunteer Day takes place on Saturday, June 27th, 10am-12noon, Farming with Friends at Mountain View Farm. Families may stay for all or some of the event. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Click here to sign up! Hatfield, MA (VOLUNTEER)

Jun 27

Join us for Franklin Land Trust’s 24th Annual Farm & Garden Tour on Saturday, June 27th from 10am-4pm. This is one day self-guided tour of the secret gardens, working farms and special places in Ashfield & Conway. Some highlights include: an off-the-grid home, bee yard, beautiful rock walls, wattle fence of alder whips, espaliered star magnolia, collection of heirloom roses (dating to the Roman Empire) an edible landscape, permaculture, herbs, habitats for native pollinators; one-of-a-kind barn artistically decorated with glass beads and jewelry, organic fruit farm and a country casual garden with easy care plants. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. $15 for a reserved luncheon. www.franklinlandtrust.org or 413-625-9151

Jun 30-Aug 18

Camp Odyssey Craft Camp: Tuesdays June 30th- August 18th. Camp Odyssey is a once-a-week one hour camp featuring one book and activity for kids every Tuesday afternoon at 3pm. Each week they feature a different activity book and matching activity, ranging from make your own lava lamps and cupcake decorating to making grass hair funny faces! A required $5 supply fee or the purchase of the book featured (per child) to attend. Pre-registration is required (at least 2 days prior to event.) A full list of activates and ages ranges can be found listed at www.odysseybks.com Odyssey Bookshop, 9 College Street, South Hadley, MA. Email kids@odysseybks.com to register.

Jul 6 – Aug 14

Great family entertainment, live animal demos, and fun art and science activities every weekday. It’s the Summer Spectacular Family Series at the Springfield Museums, July 6th through August 14th. Performers this summer include the Akwaaba Drum & Dance Ensemble, Mister G, and The Nields. Plus, don’t miss Curious George: Let’s Get Curious at the Springfield Science Museum through September 6. For more information, visit www.springfieldmuseums.org.

Jul 8-12 & Jul 22-25

Hooray! Hooray! NCTKids is bringing everybody’s favorite first grader to the stage in this lively musical adaptation of Barbara Park’s beloved Junie B. Jones book series. Junie B. (the B. stands for Beatrice only she does not like Beatrice, just B.) sings and dances her way through First Grade with the help of her teacher Mr. Scary, the Cafeteria Lady and friends like Sheldon and Herb and even that tattle-tale, May. Grab your top-secret personal beeswax journal and join us for all the fun. Directed by Cate Damon with musical direction by Mitch Chakour. July 8-12 & July 22-25 at 10:30am in Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Green Street, on the Smith College Campus in Northampton. All seats: $10. Box Office: 413-585-3220

Fall Openings

Amherst Montessori School has Fall 2015 openings for pre-school and Kindergarten. Financial aid available! Amherst Montessori School nurtures the child’s spirit, curiosity, confidence, and leadership, building the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. AMS programs feature thoughtfully-prepared classrooms to support the child’s development, and a curriculum that integrates music, art, practical life, outdoor time, PE, Spanish and more. Young Toddler through Sixth Grade. For more information or to schedule a visit, please call 413-253-3101 or email Shelley Poreda, Director, at sporeda@amherstmontessori.org. www.amherstmontessori.org

All Summer

Rent a summer cottage on the Lower Highland Lake in the heart of the Hilltowns for a relaxing family get-away! Located in Goshen, MA, 3 unique summer cottages are for rent by the week. Ideal for families, artists & reunions, there are many weeks still available this summer. Fondly called the ”Goshen Ocean,” the lake offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, & fishing. A favorite with the kids is the trampoline raft! The lake abuts the 1500 acre DAR State Forest that has miles of marked hiking & mountain bike trails. No need to drive to Maine to get away; Goshen Summer Rentals are only 25 mins from downtown Northampton & across the lake from Camp Howe! Last minute inquiries welcome. www.goshensummerrentals.com 413-695-3874

July

The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children & Teens—a program of Cooley-Dickinson VNA & Hospice provides support to grieving young people & their families, announces Summer in The Garden. This FREE program takes place July 2015. Summer in The Garden is open to grieving youth (ages 5-18) & an adult caregiver. Participants will make projects in small groups, for example an “intention stick” where participants will write messages of intention or inspiration on a stick before embellishing with meaningful colors, ribbons, shells. Summer in The Garden will be on 7/21, 7/23, 7/28 & 7/30 at 168 Industrial Dr. Northampton For more information AND to RSVP call Shelly Bathe Lenn at 413 582 5312. Shelly_Lenn@cooley-dickinson.org

ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your summer camp, class, community event, school, open house, audition, homeschool program, workshop, volunteer opportunity, wellness program, local business, program, after school class, or non-profit 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 while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing us at info@hilltownfamilies.org. Find out more about this targeted marketing opportunity HERE.

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 local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to info@hilltownfamilies.org.

LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
June 27th-July 3rd, 2015

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

Events Happening in the Hilltowns

Saturday, June 27th, 2015

Ongoing Saturday Events

9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. Rocknoceros joins us as our Guest DJ with a Songs About America Episode. The musical trio explore their record collections to find tunes that celebrate, illustrate, and even criticize the Land of the Free. Starting with the Chuck Berry-inspired rock ‘n roll of the 1950s, the selections quickly span the decades that followed and the various styles that continue to thrive today. Join in the fun as the band members discuss the people and places that help make American music what it is, with a few asides about lemonade stands and Irving Berlin. 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 over 8 years!

Saturday, June 27. 9am – 12pm — LIVESTOCK
Have you ever considered raising your own meat or eggs rather than relying on the food industry to provide you with healthy options? Small-scale livestock operations can have less of an impact on our natural resources and helps avoid the problems commonly associated with factory-farmed meat. This introductory workshop from the folks at Just Roots will help participants understand what is involved in raising backyard pigs and chickens, and whether it is an undertaking they are ready to pursue. Pre-registration recommended. 413-325-8969. Greenfield Community Farm, 34 Glenbrook Drive, Greenfield, MA. (SUGGESTED DONATION)

Saturday, June 27. 9am – 3pm —CANOEING
The Housatonic River is one of Western Massachusetts’ many amazing bodies of water, and the stretch that runs through Lenox is considered one of the most beautiful paddles in the state! Folks with canoe experience are invited to join the Housatonic Valley Association for a paddle out to Woods Pond along this stretch of the river. Along the way, you will learn about the environmental threats the river is facing as well as the proposed remediation plan which would return it to a cleaner, healthier state. Families with teenagers welcome. Preregistration required. 413-394-9796. Fred Garner Park, Pomeroy Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 9:30am – 12:30pm — STEM
Renewable energy is a promising component of establishing a sustainable energy future and healthier Earth. Come explore solar and wind power at Holyoke Codes’ Robotics Renewable Energy Workshop, where participants ages 7 and up will use Lego EV3 and renewable energy kits to build renewable energy stations which can power vehicles and houses. Topics addressed during this engaging, hands-on workshop will include energy supply, transfer, conversion, and consumption. Children under 17 should be accompanied by an adult. Registration required via Holyoke Codes website. Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center, 100 Bigelow Street, Holyoke, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 10am — FILM
A shared family film viewing gives adults and children new ways to understand and relate to each other. How old were you when you first saw this movie? What did you like about it? What is your child’s experience of watching the movie? Enjoy a fun film and inspire interesting conversations with your family members at this week’s family film at Amherst Cinema: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (PG)! 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street, Amherst, MA. (<$)

Saturday, June 27. 10am — MAGIC SHOW
Magic delights both adults and children by presenting us with discrepant events and challenging us to make sense of what we see. Come experience the fun of a magic show by Scott Jameson to celebrate the kickoff of the Westfield Athenaeum‘s summer reading program. Registration required.413-562-6158. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 10am — NUTRITION
One way to help ensure that your family’s meals are nutritious is to make them colorful. “Eat a rainbow” is a great mealtime refrain and can serve as a fun challenge for picky eaters, too! Today Cameron Allshouse, certified health coach and dance instructor/choreographer, will teach workshop participants how to eat a rainbow by making a variety of colorful fruit crisps. 413-822-5697. Pittsfield Farmers Market, The Common, First Street, Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 10am — OUTDOOR GAMES
The Southwick Public Library launches its Suntime Reading Program today, featuring giant games (picture life-size Connect Four!), face painting, popcorn, and more. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road, Southwick, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 10am/12pm/2pm — FARM TOUR/NATIVE FAUNA
Have you tasted one of Bug Hill Farm‘s delicious cordials, syrups, or sauces? Come see where they grow all of the berries with which they create their tasty products, and learn about their important efforts to support honeybees and other native pollinators while you’re at it. Owner/grower Kate Kerivan will be offering three personal walking tours through the property over the course of the day. 413-628-3980. 502 Bug Hill Road, Ashfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 10am – 12pm — NATIVE FAUNA
Tom Ricardi, wildlife rehabilitator, cares for hawks, owls, falcons, an eagle, and a turkey vulture, and he is bringing them to Bartholomew’s Cobble so you can meet them! Learn about these birds through Tom’s interesting stories and extensive knowledge. Sponsored by the Trustees of Reservations and appropriate for all ages. 413-299-8600. 105 Weatogue Road, Sheffield, MA. ($/FREE for children under 12)

Saturday, June 27. 10am – 1pm — HIKE
Cedar wetlands are special natural areas that support stands of cedar trees as well as uncommon and rare plant and animal species. The Wilbraham White Cedar Swamp Trailwalk area is a regionally significant conservation territory and offers the only local glimpse into a cedar swamp which has not been largely disturbed by human activity. Today’s hike, organized by Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, offers participants a unique opportunity to examine this incredibly rich native landscape in depth. Preregistration required. 413-584-3009. McDonald’s Preserve, Washington Road, Wilbraham, MA. ($)

Saturday, June 27. 10am – 2pm — ENTOMOLOGY
Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the order Odonata, meaning “toothed one”. (Yes! These carnivorous insects have serrations on their strong jaws!) While they have many shared characteristics, there are important differences that allow us to tell a dragonfly from a damselfly. Learn all about these beautiful creatures and their ancient origins as you search for them on an outdoor exploration with entomologist Kirsten Martin at Glendale Falls Brook. Organized by the Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee. Registration required. 413-623-2070. Clark Wright Road, Middlefield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 10am – 2:30pm — NATURE WORKSHOPS
What stories does a landscape tell? Do you know how to read the land and learn about its history? Join ecologist Tom Wessels to learn how to look for and interpret evidence that can be found throughout any natural landscape. This program, hosted by the Bidwell House Museum, includes a talk, slideshow, BYO lunch, and exploration of the Bidwell Forest. Reservation required. 413-528-6888. 100 Art School Road, Monterey, MA. ($)

Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. 10am – 4pm — PLANTS/GARDENING
Lavender is known for its wonderful scent, which calms the nerves, and for the delicate flavor it imparts to baked goods like scones and shortbread. Immerse your senses in lavender today at Johnson Hill Farm‘s Lavender Festival, where you can enjoy a lavender labyrinth, a dove release, art and crafts by local artisans, workshops, and demonstrations. No pets, please. 413-522-9068. 51 Hog Hollow Road, Shelburne Falls, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 10am – 4pm — FARM & GARDEN TOUR
Discover all of the “secret” gardens, working farms, and special natural places in Ashfield and Conway at the Franklin Land Trust‘s 24th Annual Farm & Garden Tour. Tours are self-guided and include stops at organic fruit and veggie gardens, edible landscapes, examples of permaculture, a one-of-a-kind decorated barn, and many more delights! 413-625-9151. Locations throughout Ashfield & Conway, MA. ($)

Saturday, June 27. 10am – 4pm — CULINARY ARTS/HISTORY
What was it like in a colonial New England kitchen? What sorts of foods would you expect to find a your breakfast, lunch, and dinner table? Visit Historic Deerfield today to experience open hearth cooking demonstrations featuring seasonal produce and herbs as they would have been used long ago. 413-774-5581. 84B Old Main Street, Deerfield, MA. ($)

Saturday, June 27. 10am – 4pm — SUMMER CELEBRATION
Kids are invited to celebrate the start of summer vacation today at Yankee Candle Village. Activities include painting wooden toys, exploring police cruisers, listening to live music, and hula hooping. There will be a petting zoo, butterfly exhibit, and $1 ice cream cones all day, too! 877-636-7707. 25 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 10am – 4pm — GARDEN TOUR
Do you enjoy studying gardens as you stroll through your neighborhood and town? Don’t miss this great opportunity to tour eight private gardens belonging to members of the Garden Club of Amherst, hosted by the Amherst Historical Society & Museum. 413-256-0678. Strong House, 67 Amity Street, Amherst, MA. ($)

Saturday, June 27. 10:15am — MUSIC
Celebrate the kick off of Wilbraham Public Library‘s summer reading club, “Every Hero has a Story” with a performance for the whole family by special guest Tom “T-Bone” Stankus, a lively musician and entertainer! Pre-registration required. 413-596-6141. 25 Crane Park Drive, Wilbraham, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 10:30am – 12pm — STEAM & LITERACY
Visit the Berkshire Athenaeum today to experience science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) adventures during their “Play and Learn” program. Appropriate for infants through age 12. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Today is also the first day of the library’s summer reading program. People of all ages are encouraged to participate in this year’s program, so stop by to register and pick up a bingo-style incentive card! 413-499-9480. One Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 11am — FAMILY CONCERT:
Alastair Moock celebrates the release of his new album “All Kinds of You and Me” with this show in Northampton. is a 2014 Grammy Nominee, Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner, and three-time National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold Award Winner. The Boston Globe calls him calls him “one of the town’s best and most adventurous songwriters” and Time Out New York calls him “a musical descendant of Woody Guthrie who refreshes the classic brand of acoustic folk with a zany sense of humor.” Parlor Room. Northampton, MA ($)

Saturday, June 27. 11am — STEM
Misconceptions about the Earth-Sun-Moon system abound in young children’s media (e.g., the moon is only out at night), and these can lay foundations that make learning the proper content more challenging later in life. Bring your 2-5 year old to the Gaylord Memorial Library today for the first of a new monthly STEM-based series. Today’s program, “Hey! What’s Up?”, will focus on the concepts of day and night, and the roles that the Sun and Moon play in our daily skies. Registration required. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street, South Hadley, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 11am — MAGIC SHOW
Children often think that heroes can only be adults with superpowers. What they don’t realize is that they possess the abilities to be heroes, too! For an inspiring start to its summer reading program, the Whately Library presents Mike Bent’s entertaining variety show of magic, comedy, puppets, and music to help kids discover the “superpowers” that already exist within them. 413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road, Whately, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 11am — DANCE PERFORMANCE
Journey back through time as you take in a Victorian ballroom dance performance by the Small Planet Dancers, a community-based troupe focused on historically accurate cultural dance. This performance is hosted by and will take place on the lawn of the Amherst Historical Society & Museum. 413-256-0678. 67 Amity Street, Amherst, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 11am — STEM
Kitchen chemistry is a fun and safe way to get children interested in and engaged with scientific thinking and basic science concepts. Think baking soda and vinegar volcanoes and cabbage juice acid/base indicator! The SABIC Innovation Lab at the Berkshire Museum invites kids to try out experiment like these in its Kitchen Ka-Boom program. Reservations requested. 413-443-7171 x 360. 39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA. ($)

Saturday, June 27. 1pm – 2pm — STEM
Explore the differences between static and current electricity using a variety of conductors, insulators, magnets, and a Van de Graaff generator (those big towers which, when you put your hand on them to get “charged”, cause your hair to stick out in wild and crazy ways)! Hosted by the Springfield Science Museum at the Zoo in Forest Park. 413-733-2251. 302 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA. (< $)

Saturday, June 27. 1pm – 3pm — LITERACY
Ignite your child’s excitement about summer reading by attending the Berkshire Athenaeum‘s superhero-themed kick-off party, which includes a mini comic-con, a costume contest, prizes, and other activities for children and teens. 413-499-9489. 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 1pm – 3pm — NAVIGATION WORKSHOP
Older students and adults can learn how to use their iPhones or iPads and inexpensive apps to track their hikes, make simple trail maps, and create a personal database of favorite trails! A Q&A session will follow the workshop. Hosted by the Kestrel Land Trust. Please RSVP for location. 413-549-1097. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 1pm – 4pm — COMICS & CARTOONS
Explore the entertaining comic art of illustrator Roz Chast and create comics of your own at the Norman Rockwell Museum‘s “Tickle your Funny Bone” program. Participants can enjoy tours, performances, and art making to bring the art of humor to life. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge, MA. ($/FREE FOR MEMBERS)

Saturday, June 27. 2pm- 4pm — STORY WALK
Young children will love exploring the forest around Mt. Tom’s Lake Bray and reading a story about the types of animals that live in the area. Special activities will include face painting, games, refreshments, and a book raffle! Bring insect repellant and sturdy shoes. Hosted by the Kestrel Land Trust. 413-549-1097. Lake Bray parking area, 125 Reservation Road, Holyoke, MA. (< $)

Saturday, June 27. 2:30pm — HISTORY WALK
North Adam’s main street actually traces the path of the original Mohawk/Mahican Trail. A walk down this stretch of road with local historian Paul W. Marino offers participants a wealth of information about what this area was like before North Adams was here (not to mention some great exercise and opportunities to meet others in your community!). Wear good walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water. Rain date 6/28. 413-207-1344. West end of Main Street (past Subway), North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27, 3:30pm — CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS: The Ware Lions Club Independence Celebration features live music, food, and of course, fireworks! Grenville Park, Church Street, Ware, MA.

Saturday, June 27, 4pm-11pm — FIREWORKS: There will be fireworks, food, and music at Stanley Park, sponsored by the Westfield Rotary Club. Rain date 6/28. 413-568-9312. 400 Western Avenue. Westfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27. 5pm — HISTORY/FASHION
If you’ve ever seen a photo of Emily Dickinson, chances are she was wearing a dark, high-necked, long-sleeved dress and a ribbonlike adornment around her neck. What else was in Emily’s wardrobe? Patterns and prints? Buttons and pleats? In “Fashioning Emily: Translating Historical Fashion for the Modern Eye”, costume designer Elizabeth Pangburn will answer the question, “How to dress Emily?”, drawing from fashion history. At the close of the talk, the audience will help choose a costume design to be used for Emily’s character in a production later this summer. Co-sponsored by the Emily Dickinson Museum and the TheatreTruck. 413-542-8161. Amherst College Alumni House, 75 Churchill Street, Amherst, MA. (< $)

Saturday, June 27, 5pm – FIREWORKS: Enjoy fireworks, food, music, games, and more at the Northampton Family Fourth Celebration at Look Park. Rain date 6/28. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, June 27, TBA — FIREWORKS: Come to the Quarry Hill Community School for fireworks and food as part of Monson’s Summerfest. Rain date 6/28. 43 Margaret Street. Monson, MA.

Saturday, June 27, 6:35pm – BASEBALL: Spend the evening at the ballpark at a Valley Blue Sox home game! See the schedule for more info. The Blue Sox are a great option for close-to-home baseball games. 500 Beech Street. Holyoke, MA. ($)

Saturday, June 27. 7pm — THEATRE
Love Shakespeare but can’t decide which play you’d like to see? Come to the Sandisfield Arts Center for the Sandisfield Players’ performance of excerpts from King Lear, Macbeth, and As You Like It. Those hankering for even more Shakespeare can attend the abridged Midsummer Night’s Dream on Sunday, June 28, too! Advance ticket purchase recommended. 413-258-4100. 5 Hammertown Road, Sandisfield, MA. ($)

Saturday, June 27. 7:30pm — OPERA/BALLET PERFORMANCE
The Valley Light Opera and Amherst Ballet are excited to present their first-ever collaborative pieces, Pineapple Poll, a comic ballet with music from the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, and The Zoo, a one-act comic opera. Audiences of all ages will enjoy these lively performances by talented local artists. 413-584-9032. Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA. ($$)

Saturday, June 27. 7:30pm – THEATRE: The Hampshire Shakespeare Company will perform Romeo and Juliet at the UMass Center for Renaissance Studies. Theater fans can enjoy seeing Shakespeare’s famous tragedy outdoors this summer. Performances June 17-21 and 24-28. Tickets available in advance. 650 East Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. ($$)

Saturday, June 27. 8pm — PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
The SIlverthorne Theatre Company presents The Skin of our Teeth, a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Thornton Wilder about a not-so-average family facing huge disasters. 413-768-7514. Sloan Theatre at Greenfield Community College. College Drive, Greenfield, MA. ($)

Saturday, June 27. 9:30pm – FIREWORKS: Chicopee Parks & Recreation is hosting a fireworks display at Szot Park. 687 Front Street. Chicopee, MA (FREE)

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Sunday, June 28th, 2015

Ongoing Sunday Events

7-8am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) airs encores the Hilltown Family Variety Show every Sunday morning. commercial-free family radio. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime. Click here to see over 8 years of archived shows.

Sunday, June 28. 9am – 4pm — STORYTELLING
Do you love listening to a great storyteller? Have you wanted to learn how to better captivate an audience with your own stories? Don’t miss this opportunity to join Speak Up founder Matthew Dicks for a daylong storytelling workshop for older students and adults at The Mount. The focus will be on helping practiced storytellers take their skills to the next level. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA. ($$$)

Sunday, June 28. 8am — BENEFIT
Dog lovers won’t want to miss the 20th annual Woofstock to benefit the Berkshire Humane Society. Pancake breakfast at 8am, registration at 10am, dog walk at 11am, and demos, games, activities, vendors, a new car raffle and more throughout the day! 413-447-7878. The Common, First Street, Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, June 28. 10am-11:30am — NATURE STUDIES/LOCAL HISTORY: The Great Falls Discovery Center is hosting a canal-side nature and history walk. Participants can gain a deeper understanding of local history and ecology by exploring the Turners Falls Canal and learning about plants, animals, and mill history. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

Sponsored by Hilltown Tree & Garden

Sunday, June 28. 10am-11:30am — FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts & Hilltown Families present Family Volunteer Days! Each month, families are invited to attend a monthly volunteer session to help sort food, take part in educational activities, and learn how to take actions to help fight hunger. This is an opportunity for Hilltown Families participating families to volunteer together with their community, engaged in service-based learning while supporting an important local cause! Family Volunteer Days are held once a month and are open to everyone. Our next Family Volunteer Day takes place on Saturday, June 27th, 10am-12noon, Farming with Friends at Mountain View Farm. Families may stay for all or some of the event. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Click here to sign up! Hatfield, MA (VOLUNTEER)

Sunday, June 28. 1pm — BOTANY/WILD FOOD
An abundance of delicious, nutritious wild plants surround us, but we must be able to properly identify them! Aidan Hawkowl will lead a wild food walk at the Amethyst Brook Conservation Area today, teaching participants how to identify key plants along the way! Contact the Northampton/Amherst Herbal Group if you would like to participate. Amethyst Brook Conservation Area, Pelham Road, Amherst, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, June 28. 2pm — OPERA/BALLET PERFORMANCE
The Valley Light Opera and Amherst Ballet are excited to present their first-ever collaborative pieces, Pineapple Poll, a comic ballet with music from the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, and The Zoo, a one-act comic opera. Audiences of all ages will enjoy these lively performances by talented local artists. 413-584-9032. Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA. ($$)

Sunday, June 28. 2pm — THEATRE
The SIlverthorne Theatre Company presents The Skin of our Teeth, a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Thornton Wilder about a not-so-average family facing huge disasters. 413-768-7514. Sloan Theatre at Greenfield Community College. College Drive, Greenfield, MA. ($)

Sunday, June 28. 2pm & 3pm — GEOCACHING
Geocaching lets you go on real treasure hunts all across the globe. From “geo”, meaning “Earth”, and “cache”, meaning “hidden goods”, geocaching is an activity in which you can follow clues that lead you to concealed treasures. At the end of a geocache you might find a tupperware container full of glow-in-the-dark plastic lizards (you get to take one!), or a baggie filled with a mishmash of items left by others who found the cache before you (take one and leave something of yours), and — always– a log book in which to enter information about yourself. Today’s Geocache 101 class and potluck supper, hosted by the Becket Athenaeum, highlights Becket’s geocache scene, with activities led by experienced geocachers and a fun supper afterwards to meet others who are interested in this incredibly fun hobby. 413-623-5483. Becket Center Park, Main Street, Becket, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, June 28. 3pm — THEATRE
Love Shakespeare but your kids have trouble sitting through a long performance? Come to the Sandisfield Arts Center for the Sandisfield Players’ performance of the abridged Midsummer Night’s Dream. Advance ticket purchase recommended. 413-258-4100. 5 Hammertown Road, Sandisfield, MA. ($)

Sunday, June 28. 4:30pm – BASEBALL: See the North Adams Steeple Cats play at Joe Wolfe Field for a close-to-home summer baseball game. See their schedule for a full list of games. 310 State Street. North Adams, MA. (>$)

Sunday, June 28. 6pm — OUTDOOR CONCERT
The Boxcar Lilies will be performing their energetic folk/country/bluegrass music tonight at the Greenfield Energy Park, hosted by the Greenfield Recreation Department. 413-772-1553. 50 Miles Street, Greenfield, MA. (SUGGESTED DONATION)

Sunday, June 28. 7pm – 9:30pm — PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
The Palmer Historical & Cultural Center invites you to an open rehearsal of the Jeff Holmes Big Band in Harmony Hall. The band will play music covering a broad range of jazz, R&B, and gospel songs. The hall will be set up cabaret style, where audience members can relax and take in the tunes. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and those who would like food can order from Pinocchio’s Ristorante, who will deliver your order to the show! 413-289-9295. 2072 Main Street, Three Rivers, MA. (SUGGESTED DONATION)

Sunday, June 28. 7:30pm — THEATER: The Hampshire Shakespeare Company will perform Romeo and Juliet at the UMass Center for Renaissance Studies. Theater fans can enjoy seeing Shakespeare’s famous tragedy outdoors this summer. Performances June 17-21 and 24-28. Tickets available in advance. 650 East Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. ($$)

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Monday, June 29th, 2015

Monday, June 29. 1pm – 1:45pm — ARTS & CRAFTS
Children ages 5-12 are invited to the Berkshire Athenaeum to create their own superhero capes. Participants under age 10 must have an adult with them. Registration required. 413-499-9489. 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Monday, June 29. 3pm – 4pm — LITERACY
Did you catch the last magic show by Ed Pop at the Lee Library? It went down in history as one of the most popular events the library has hosted to date! Today offers another chance to see Ed, as he helps launch this year’s summer reading program in a show for all ages. Teens can also enjoy a pizza party at 4:30 followed by a 5pm magic workshop! 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street, Lee, MA. (FREE)

Monday, June 29. 6:30pm —SWORDSMANSHIP
This summer’s reading program theme is “Every Hero has a Story”, so it is not surprising that the theme of swordsmanship might arise in related books! Tonight the Westhampton Public Library invites children ages 10+ to an interactive presentation of sword use by local experts from the Association for Renaissance and Medieval Swordsmanship. 413-527-5386. 1 North Road, Westhampton, MA. (FREE)

Monday, June 29. 7pm — FILM STUDIES
Hampshire College’s Creative Media Institute offers several summer screenings at Amherst Cinema, featuring visiting CMI artists. TonightBreaking a Monster (yet to be released) will be introduced by its creator, filmmaker Luke Meyer. This film focuses on the short and intense period of time in which a band of pre-teens comes of age and leaps into the realm of professional music. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street, Amherst, MA. (< $)

Monday, June 29. 7pm – 7:45pm — OUTDOOR CONCERT
The Tilton Library presents outdoor Monday Night Music performances throughout the summer months, featuring local musicians! This week, UMass jam band, Industrial Waste, brings its old time, Irish, and contradance tunes to the lawn. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street, South Deerfield, MA. (FREE)

ONGOING FOR MONDAY (As we transition into summer, please be sure to double check ongoing events before attending, as always. To add your free ongoing event/activity here, email us at info@hilltownfamilies.org)

9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Parents/caregivers and young children can attend a gym fun group at West Stockbridge Town Hall, held by South Berkshire Kids. This playgroup focuses on social and physical play and meets every Monday through July 2015. 413-464-5095. 21 State Line Road. West Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Northampton Parents Center will have a playgroup every Monday this summer at Safety Village in Florence. 413-582-2636. Bridge Road. Florence, MA.

10am – PLAYGROUP: Children ages 8 and under can attend a playgroup at the Meekins Library the first and third Monday of each month. Enjoy stories, games, crafts, and more at this fun playgroup. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE)

9:30am-12:30pm – PLAYGROUP: The Belchertown Family Center is open during the summer months on Monday and Thursdays for drop-in activities for infants, preschoolers, and their caregivers. 413-283-7594. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE)

10am – KNITTING: The Sunderland Public Library has a knitting group on most Mondays year-round. The group is open to knitters of all levels and ages. Great intergenerational activity to do with young homeschoolers. Runs most Mondays. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)

10am-10:45am – STORYTIME: Kids can come to the Holyoke Public Library every Monday and Wednesday at 10am for stories with Nathan through the end of June! 413-420-8105. 250 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)

10am-11am – PLAYGROUP: Join the Pittsfield CFCE for “Fun on the Farm” every Monday through August 31st at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead. 413-499-4809. 780 Holmes Road. Pittsfield, MA.

10am-11am – STORIES & MUSIC: Visit the M.N. Spear Memorial Library for Tales and Tunes, a fun year-round gathering of young children and their caregivers featuring stories and music. 413-259-1213. 10 Cooleyville Road, Shutesbury, MA. (FREE) (JULY & AUGUST)

10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center‘s Monday Play and Learn Group will meet at Linear Park through the summer months. 413-664-4821. Off of Rt 43/Water Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – STORYTIME: Come to Books and Babies at the East Longmeadow Public Library every Monday. Kids ages 2 and under can hear stories, see fingerplays, and have fun together. 413-525-5400 x1506. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA.

10:30am – MUSIC: Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers can attend Music for Little Ones at the Pelham Library every Monday year-round. 413-253-0657. 2 South Valley Road. Pelham, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – STORYTIME: Kids can come to the Forbes Library for a fun storytime every Monday. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

10:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Storrs Library offers a drop-in playgroup for kids ages 3 and under every Monday morning, ongoing. Come hear a story, sing songs, and enjoy free play. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)

11am-12:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Young kids can come to tummy time at the Forbes Library every Monday. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

11am – LEGOS: Children ages 6 and up are invited to the Sunderland Public Library with a caregiver to build Lego creations through July. Each week features a different theme. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)

12pm — LITERACY: The Springfield City Library is hosting many hero-themed events this summer as a part of its summer reading program. Try out the Superhero Box Car Challenge (East Forest Park branch) which invites families to turn an ordinary cardboard box into an imaginative car. What a great way to practice brainstorming and engineering together! You might try out the Traveling Heroes Paper Dolls program (East Springfield branch) in which you make a paper doll, mail it to someone, and the recipient takes photos of the paper doll tagging along with them for a week. All library locations will also have a rhyming scavenger hunt for children aged 5 and up to complete. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street (central branch), Springfield, MA (FREE)

1pm-2:30pm – PARENTING SUPPORT: Are you helping raise your grandchildren, nieces & nephews, or other family members? Join others who are doing so at a parenting support group every third Monday of the month at the Williamsburg Senior Center. Childcare available if you call in advance. 413-563-1981. 141 Main Street, Haydenville, MA. (FREE)

2pm-4pm – MOVIE: Each Monday through August 3, the Westfield Athenaeum will be showing a different family movie (rated G or PG). 413-562-6158 x 5. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA. (FREE)

4pm — LITERATURE:The Mount hosts its popular literature-related lecture series each Monday through the end of August. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA. ($$)

5pm-6pm – COMMUNITY MEAL: Community supper every Monday at Berkshire South Regional Community Center. Donations accepted, as well as food item donations for local food banks. Ongoing (no suppers on 9/1, 11/24 or 12/29). 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

5:30pm-6:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Child Care of the Berkshires is sponsoring a summer playgroup for children walking through age 6 at Monument Square Playground (Haskins Center). In case of rain, meet in the gym. 413-663-6593. 210 State Street, North Adams, MA. (FREE)

6:30pm-7pm – STORYTIME: Kids can unwind at the end of the day at the Montague Center Library‘s ongoing weekly evening storytime. Kids are welcome to come to the storytime in their pajamas. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street. Montague, MA. (FREE)

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Tuesday, June 30th, 2015

Tuesday, June 30. 8:30am – 5pm — ARTS & CRAFTS
Children of all ages are invited to visit the Westfield Athenaeum to craft to their hearts’ content. Craft table will stay open while supplies last, so plan to arrive early! 413-562-6158 x 5. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, June 30. 10am — MAGIC SHOW
Every Tuesday morning through the summer, Look Park features children’s shows in the beautiful Pines Theater (or the Garden House Tent in case of rain). Today, Ed Popielarczyk will wow the audience with magic and keep everyone laughing with his comedic act. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street, Florence, MA. (< $)

Tuesday, June 30. 10:30am – 11:30am — NATIVE FAUNA
Children who come to understand and value nature often carry that perspective into adulthood. Give the children in your life a strong, early connection to the world around them through activities like Kidleidoscope Tuesdays at the Great Falls Discovery Center! Children ages 3-6 and their caregivers are invited to visit for a story, game, and craft related to the natural world. Today’s topic will be eagles! 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, June 30. 1pm — MUSIC
Sara Gardner presents her Kids Dig It! Jazz Heroes musical program at the Berkshire Athenaeum. Adults and children alike will have a great time participating in the interactive jam session and soaking in the sounds of traditional New Orleans dixieland. 413-499-9489. 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, June 30. 2pm – 3pm — ANIMAL STUDIES
How can a tiny sugar glider or a slow-as-molasses box turtle defend itself against predators? Explore interesting animal adaptations at the Teaching Creatures program hosted by the Whately Library413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road, Whately, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, June 30. 3pm – 4pm — ARTS & CRAFTS
Sometimes it is nice to shake things up over the summer by trying out a new activity while spending time with new people. If you’re looking to add some pizazz to your child’s days, try the Odyssey Bookshop‘s Camp Odyssey Craft Camp. This is a unique once-a-week, hour-long camp that features a book and related activity. This week, participants will create name banners. What a great way to get in touch with one’s own life story! How did this come to be the child’s name? What does the name mean? What role has this name played in the child’s family history? Participants will be able to reflect on and celebrate their own names while learning about the names of other children in the program, building new social connections and enhancing appreciation for the breadth of human differences. Older children may attend on their own; children as young as 3 are welcome if a caretaker accompanies them. Pre-registration required. 413-534-7307. 9 College Street, South Hadley, MA. (< $)

Tuesday, June 30. 4pm — HISTORY
Paris was full of vibrant characters at the start of the 20th century. Historian Mary McAuliffe will transport you back to those days as she shares tales of Debussy, Stravinsky, Marie Curie, Gertrude Stein, and others in a talk at Ventfort Hall. A social tea will take place on the property immediately afterwards. Reservations recommended. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street, Lenox, MA. ($$)

Tuesday, June 30. 5:30pm — MOVIE
The Jones Library launches its new series of movie showings, “Murder at the Movies”, with To Catch a Thief(PG, 1955), a Hitchcock classic starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. The program will be introduced by local author and blogger Lisa Lieberman, whose new mystery, All the Wrong Places, picks up on scenes from tonight’s feature. 413-259-3223. 43 Amity Street, Amherst, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, June 30. 6pm – 7pm — HISTORY
Older students and adults can gain a greater understanding of life in New England during the Civil War through Storrowton Village‘s interactive tour. Participants will meet “townspeople” and hear their personal stories which lends a powerful impact to the historical facts being delivered. Please note that the program’s content is historically accurate and vivid, and includes depictions of wartime violence and injury that may not be suitable for some visitors. Reservations required. 413-205-5051. Eastern States Expo, 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA. (< $)

Tuesday, June 30. 7pm – 8:30pm — GARDENING
Herbs add great depth of flavor to many dishes, can provide health benefits, and provide nourishment and habitat for our pollinators. Visit the Westhampton Public Library today for “Grown in Westhampton: A Celebration of Herbs” to learn more about how to grow, use, and store a variety of these delicious herbal plants. 413-527-5386. 1 North Road, Westhampton, MA. (FREE)

ONGOING FOR TUESDAY (As we transition into summer, please be sure to double check ongoing events before attending, as always. To add your free ongoing event/activity here, email us at info@hilltownfamilies.org)

9am-12pm – DROP-IN PLAYTIME: The Amherst Family Center will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays in the month of July for visitors to enjoy a drop-in playspace. Appropriate for young children with a caregiver. 413-256-1145. 1200 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA. (FREE)

9:30am-11am – PLAYGROUP: Playgroup for young kids ages birth-preK at the Dickinson Memorial Library with Deb Wood features fun toys and more! Every Tuesday. 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA. (FREE)

9:30am-11:30am – OUTDOOR PLAYTIME: The Ware Family Center organizes a Tuesday outdoor playgroup for children and their caregivers through the summer months at Beauregard Park (the “pool park”). 413-967-8127. Ware, MA. (FREE)

10am-11am – STORYTIME: Join the Greenfield Public Library for a weekly storytime year-round! This event includes stories, songs, fingerplays, and crafts for kids age five and under. 413-772-1544 x5. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)

10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Play and Learn Group for preschoolers every Tuesday. During the summer months this group will meet at the Kemp Park playground off of East Main Street in North Adams. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

10am-12pm – PLAYGROUP: The Westhampton Public Library will have a baby and toddler play time every Tuesday at 11am. They also offer a playgroup for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month which begins at 10am. Kids can come play with toys, do a craft, read a book, and make new friends at this fun playgroup, year-round. 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE)

10am-11:30am – LITERACY: Kids ages 2-5 can attend a literacy group at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield. Come with a parent or caregiver and practice reading skills! Runs every Tuesday. 413-568-5242. 28 West Silver Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE)

10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Through the summer months, Easthampton Family Center families can meet up this summer at the outdoor playgroup Tuesdays at Nonotuck Park Playground (1 Daley Field Rd, Easthampton). 413-527-5496. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – STORYTIME: Preschoolers can attend a fun storytime at the Chicopee Public Library the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Come for songs, finger plays, movement, stories, activities, and crafts. 413-594-1800 x107. 449 Front Street. Chicopee, MA. (FREE)

10:30am-11am – MUSIC: The Hubbard Library is offering a music program for preschoolers every Tuesday. Come for singing, clapping, and dancing. 413-583-5646. 24 Center Street. Ludlow, MA. (FREE)

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. Runs every Tuesday through October 6. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

11am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The Westhampton Public Library is holding a baby and toddler playtime every Tuesday. Come to the library and meet other kids and parents. 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE)

1:30pm-6:30pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Northampton’s Tuesday Market runs through the summer and fall. Tuesday Market features delicious local fruits, vegetables, bread, syrup, fish, honey, and much more! Come each Tuesday for food, community, and entertainment. Takes place between Thornes Market and the parking garage. Downtown. Northampton, MA.

2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema offers weekly matinees on Tuesdays especially for people with babies! This is a great chance to get out and see a movie without having to worry about finding a sitter. Check their website to see what’s playing each week. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. >$

3pm-4:30pm – VIDEO GAMES: Teens and tweens can drop into the Brightwood Library‘s video games event. Come play Wii games with friends and enjoy snacks. 413-263-6805. 359 Plainfield Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)

3pm-5pm – GAMES: Kids can play Magic the Gathering every Tuesday at Comics N’ More. A great chance for kids to make new friends with similar interests and learn how to play this fun card game! 413-529-0800. 31 Union Street. Easthampton, MA.

3:30pm-4:30pm – LEGOS: The Family Resource Center is offering a LEGO group for ages 4-8 the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. 413-664-4821. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

6pm – MOVIE: Families are invited to watch a G- or PG-rated movie at the Sunderland Public Library through July. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)

6pm – LITERACY/GAMES: Meet up with other community members at the Monson Library each Tuesday for a game of Scrabble! 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)

6:30pm – STORYTIME: It’s Pajama Storytime at the Monson Free Library! Wear your pajamas and enjoy stories and fun. Happens the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)

6:30pm – STORYTIME: Kids can come to the Holyoke Public Library every Tuesday evening for storytime with Jason. This program includes stories, songs, fingerplays, and more. 413-420-8105. 250 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)

8pm – ASTRONOMY: The Milham Planetarium at Williams College will be open to the public for a planetarium viewing every Tuesday and Thursday through August 11. 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)

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Wednesday, July 1st, 2015

Wednesday, July 1. 10am — BUILDING CLUB
Children age 6 and up are invited to participate in the Building Blocks Club at the Westfield Athenaeum. Registration required. 413-562-6158 x 5. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, July 1. (TBA) — COMMUNITY FOOD RESOURCES
The Amherst Survival Center has organized a field trip to the Food for All Garden, a local farm operation that produces organically grown vegetables, herbs, and flowers for local relief organizations. Participants will take a tour of the property, learn about accessibility to healthy food, connect with nature, and enjoy lunch there as well. Reservations recommended. 413-549-3968. 138 Sunderland Road, Amherst, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, July 1. 3pm — LOCAL HISTORY
Many people enjoy visiting historic buildings and locales, but what is it that draws us to these special places? Thompson Mayes of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and composer Eric Nathan will address this in their lecture, “Why Old Places Matter.” Come to Chesterwood for the talk and stay for a reception on the studio piazza. Preregistration recommended. 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road, Stockbridge, MA. ($)

Wednesday, July 1. 3pm — TEEN ADVISORY BOARD
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in the Teen Advisory Board at the Westfield Athenaeum.. 413-562-6158 x 5. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, July 1. 6pm — PUPPET SHOW
Heroic characters from literature will arrive in puppet form at the Sunderland Public Library this evening! Caravan’s HEROES uses its beautiful puppets, humor, and audience engagement to teach children what a hero is, where we can find heroes every day, and how they can be real heroes, too. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, July 1. 6:30pm — OUTDOOR CONCERT
The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum‘s Wednesday Folk Traditions concert welcomes Grammy-winning saxophonist, Charles Neville, and Grammy-nominated kora player, Youssoupha Sidibe, to its grounds tonight to share their music inspired by traditions of New Orleans, Jamaica, and Africa. Concertgoers are welcome to bring a picnic and arrive as early as 5pm to find a spot on the lawn. 413-584-4699. 130 River Drive, Hadley, MA. ($)

Wednesday, July 1, 7pm – BASEBALL: Head to the Wahconah Park this summer for a Pittsfield Suns home game! See the schedule for more info. 413-445-7867. Wahconah Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)

ONGOING FOR WEDNESDAY (As we transition into summer, please be sure to double check ongoing events before attending, as always. To add your free ongoing event/activity here, email us at info@hilltownfamilies.org)

ALL DAY – GAMES/RIDES: Every Wednesday at Look Park all attractions are half price! Bring the family and have some outdoor summer fun. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. ($)

10am – STORYTIME: Parents and their preschoolers can come to the Westhampton Public Library for coffee and storytime every Wednesday. 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE)

10am – PLAYGROUP: Stop by the Westhampton Public Library on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month for playgroup. Storytime, games, and arts and crafts are featured. For kids 8 and under. 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA.

10am-10:45am – STORYTIME: Kids can come to the Holyoke Public Library every Monday and Wednesday at 10am for stories with Nathan! 413-420-8105. 250 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)

10am-11am – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Play and Learn Group for toddlers at the Haskins Center. For ages 1-2.5. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

10am – 11:30am – STORYTIME: Young children and their caregivers can visit the Leverett Library on Wednesdays through the summer for storytime with Julie Stepanek. 413-548-9220. 75 Montague Road, Leverett, MA. (FREE) (JULY & AUGUST)

10am – 11:30am – STORYTIME: Young children and their caregivers can visit the Wendell Free Library on Wednesdays through the summer for storytime with Sylvia Wetherby. 978-544-3559. 7 Wendell Depot Road, Wendell, MA. (FREE)

10:15am – STORYTIME: The Wilbraham Public Library holds a weekly storytime for ages 2-3 ½ every Wednesday OR Thursday. There will be fun stories and crafts. 413-596-6141. 25 Crane Park Drive. Wilbraham, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – STORYTIME: Meekins Library librarian, Rochelle Wildfong, will host a story time in the children’s department every Wednesday, all year round. Fingerplays, songs, picture books, and circle games for pre-schoolers and their caregivers. After story hour, take the kids sledding behind the school, then head down to Bread Euphoria for a warm something to eat & drink! A delightful way to spend a Wednesday morning in the Hilltowns with your preK kids! 413-268-7472. 2 Williams Street. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

10:30am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Stop by the Edwards Library on the first and third Wednesday of each month for playgroup. Storytime, games, and arts and crafts are featured. For kids 8 and under. 30 East Street. Southampton, MA.

10:30am – STORYTIME: Storytime for ages 3-8 at the Mason Square Branch Library. Come every Wednesday for stories, songs, and crafts. 413-263-6853. 765 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – STORYTIME: It’s storytime at the Monson Free Library for kids ages 2-5! During the summer, the group will meet at various locations throughout the community to learn about and celebrate our local heroes. Please check the library schedule in advance for location information! 413-267-3866. Monson, MA. (FREE)

10:30am-11am – STEM: The Berkshire Museum is offering a Parent/Child STEM Session the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Come explore science, technology, engineering, and math through books, hands-on activities, and play. Registration is required. 413-443-7171 x21. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

10:30am-11:30am – STORYTIME: The Community Network for Children offers a story hour every Wednesday at the Leverett Library. Children ages 5 and under can come for music, movement, books, and hands-on activities. 978-544-5157. 75 Montague Road. Leverett, MA. (FREE)

11am-12noon – STORYTIME: Preschool storyhour every Wednesday at the Dickinson Memorial Library with Ruthanne Paulson includes stories, music, movement, crafts, and a snack. 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA. (FREE)

12noon-1:30pm – PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: Every Wednesday there will be a support group for pregnant and postpartum mothers of children ages 0-5 at Square One’s Family Square, facilitated by MotherWoman. This group is a great place to talk about motherhood in a safe and confidential space. Childcare provided. 413-858-3122. 1095 Main Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)

1pm-2:30pm – MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP: There will be a MotherWoman support group every Wednesday at Midwifery Care of Holyoke. Expectant mothers and moms of babies under age 1 can come discuss all aspects of motherhood. 413-534-2700. 230 Maple Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)

1pm-2:30pm – PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: Parents, caregivers, and grandparents are invited to attend a Parents Supporting Parents Support Group every Wednesday at the Salasin Center. 413-775-0010. 474 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)

1:30pm – NATURE STUDIES: Preschool-aged kids can attend Kidleidoscope every Wednesday at Natural Bridge State Park. This weekly program features forest-themed educational activities. 413-663-6392. McCauley Road. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

3pm-5:30pm – MAKER SPACE: Every Wednesday, Amherst Media hosts a drop-in group for makers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re working on computer programming, tech projects, knitting, other projects, or are just curious, stop by and check it out! 413-259-3300. 246 College Street. Amherst, MA.

4:15pm-5:15pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Visit the Mason Library for afternoon crafting sessions designed for children ages 8 and up during the month of July. Younger children may participate if an adult accompanies them. Preregistration encouraged. 231 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

5pm-6pm – SHORT STORIES: Edith Wharton’s stories will be read aloud at The Mount by professional actors, highlighting her gift for social satire through the end of August. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA. (< $)

6:15pm — DANCE PERFORMANCE: People of all ages will enjoy the amazing variety of dance performances at Jacob’s Pillow’s Inside/Out series this summer. These outdoor performances will be held Wednesday through Saturday nights through August 29, and feature a great diversity of dance styles and companies. 413-243-0745. 358 George Carter Road, Becket, MA. (FREE)

6:30pm – STORYTIME: Pajama storytime for kids ages 3-6 at the East Longmeadow Library. Runs every Wednesday evening. 413-525-5400 x1506. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)

7pm-9pm – PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: There will be a MotherWoman support group the fourth Wednesday of each month in Conference Room D at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. This is a bereavement group for infant and pregnancy loss. Please contact emptyarmsbereavement@gmail.com for more information. 413-387-0703. 30 Locust Street. Northampton, MA.

7pm-9pm – PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: There will be a MotherWoman support group the second Wednesday of each month in the Owl and Raven Community Space. The group is for mothers and partners who have experience the loss of a baby through miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Please email lexi.walters@gmail.com for more information. 413-387-0703. 2 Conz Street, Unit 42. Northampton, MA.

7:30pm – GHOST TOUR: Tour the most haunted parts of Edith Wharton’s estate at The Mount. Content is scary/spooky and not suitable for children under 12 through end of August. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA. ($$)

7:30pm-10:30pm – DANCE: Beginners and people of all skill levels can come dance the night away at Downtown Amherst Contra! This is a great way to have fun and meet new people in a low-pressure environment. Beginners can show up at 7 for a learning session. Best for teens and adults. Every Wednesday except the second Wednesday of each month. 99 Main Street. Amherst, MA. $

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Thursday, July 2nd, 2015

Thursday, July 2. 10am — MOVIE
A $1 movie in an air-conditioned theatre on a hot summer day? Yes, please! Cinemark‘s Summer Movie Clubhouse shows G- and PG-rated movies on Thursdays throughout the summer. Today’s movie is Penguins of Madagascar (PG, 2004). 413-587-4237. Hampshire Mall, 367 Russell Street, Hadley, MA. (< $)

Thursday, July 2. 10:30am — MUSIC & STORIES
Children age 3 and up are invited to Mary Jo Maichack’s program, “The Itsy Bitsy Spiderman: A Heroic Climb” at the West Springfield Public Library. There will be stories, music, dancing, and drama! 413-736-4581 x 3. 511 Main Street, West Springfield, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, July 2. 6pm — OUTDOOR CONCERT
Every Thursday through the summer, the Angel Park Quiet Reflections Garden will host concerts for all to enjoy on its peaceful grounds. A wide array of talented local musicians will be featured. 413-575-9707. 23 Main Street, Williamsburg, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, July 2. 6pm-8pm – OUTDOOR CONCERT: Coop Concerts Summer Concert Series takes place weekly at Greenfield Energy Park. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic dinner with family and friends while listening to exciting live music. 50 Miles Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, July 2. 6:30pm – 8pm — OUTDOOR CONCERT
Take your family, a friend, or a neighbor to a concert at the gazebo on South Hadley‘s town common this summer and enjoy a variety of music from local artists. Tonight’s performance features Cottonwood. Rain date 7/5. 413-538-5017. Route 47 & Route 116, South Hadley, MA. (FREE)

Thursday, July 2, 6:35pm – BASEBALL: Spend the evening at the ballpark at a Valley Blue Sox home game! See the schedule for more info. The Blue Sox are a great option for close-to-home baseball games. 500 Beech Street. Holyoke, MA. ($)

Thursday, July 2. 7:30pm — PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
The Silverthorne Theatre Company presents The Skin of our Teeth, a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Thornton Wilder about a not-so-average family facing huge disasters. 413-768-7514. Sloan Theatre at Greenfield Community College. College Drive, Greenfield, MA. ($)

Thursday, July 2. 7pm – 8pm — BOTANY
Invasive species can quickly transform entire ecosystems and wreak havoc on food webs. Tonight, sculptor Karen Jean Smith will address the ecological issues of Eurasian water chestnut, an invasive plant that exists in our watershed. Biologist Cynthia Boettner will share information about this plant as well, including encouraging news about the effects volunteers have had on mitigating its presence and impact. Hosted by the Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

ONGOING FOR THURSDAYS (As we transition into summer, please be sure to double check ongoing events before attending, as always. To add your free ongoing event/activity here, email us at info@hilltownfamilies.org)

9am-12pm – DROP-IN PLAYTIME: The Amherst Family Center will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays in the month of July for visitors to enjoy a drop-in playspace. Appropriate for young children with a caregiver. 413-256-1145. 1200 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA. (FREE)

9:30am-12:30pm – PLAYGROUP: The Belchertown Family Center is open during the summer months on Mondays and Thursdays for drop-in activities for infants, preschoolers, and their caregivers. 413-283-7594. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE)

10am-11am – PLAYGROUP: Join the Pittsfield CFCE at the Berkshire Athenaeum for a weekly Play and Learn group. 413-499-4809. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Playgroup every Thursday in Goshen Town Hall. There will be storytime, crafts, projects, and more. 42 Main Street. Goshen, MA.

10:15am – STORYTIME: The Wilbraham Public Library holds a weekly storytime for ages 2-3 ½ every Wednesday OR Thursday. There will be fun stories and crafts. 413-596-6141. 25 Crane Park Drive. Wilbraham, MA. (FREE)

10:30am-11:15am – STORYTIME: Storytime for toddlers (ages 2-5) every Thursday at the Ramsdell Library. 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street. Housatonic, MA. (FREE)

10:30am-11:30am – STORYTIME: Join the Emily Williston Memorial Library for storytime every Thursday! There will be snacks, stories, and crafts. 413-529-1605. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – MUSIC: The Jones Library will offer a preschool storytime every Thursday. 413-259-3090. 43 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – STORYTIME: The Hatfield Public Library holds a storytime for kids 5 and under every Thursday! Come to the library for stories and fun. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE)

11am – STORY & CRAFT TIME: Children ages 3-6 are invited to the Sunderland Public Library with a caregiver to listen to stories and do a fun craft. Through July. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)

11:15am – STORYTIME: The Wilbraham Public Library holds a weekly storytime for ages 3 ½-5 every Thursday. There will be fun stories and crafts. 413-596-6141. 25 Crane Park Drive. Wilbraham, MA. (FREE)

11:30am-12:30pm – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Gym Group for ages walking to 5 every Thursday at the Haskins Center. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

12:30pm-2:30pm – MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP: There will be a MotherWoman support group every third Thursday at Scantic Valley YMCA. Mothers of babies 12 months and under can come talk about motherhood at this monthly program. 413-583-3527. 45 Post Office Park. Wilbraham, MA. (FREE)

1pm-3pm – PLAYGROUP: Babies can have fun and make friends at the Forbes Library‘s weekly baby playgroup. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

1:30pm-2:30pm – STORYTIME/BILINGUAL: Little ones can come to the Brightwood Library every Thursday for a bilingual story club (English and Spanish). Come sing, dance, play, hear stories in English and Spanish, and meet new friends. 413-263-6805. 359 Plainfield Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)

2:30pm-4:30pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: The Hatfield Public Library holds a weekly Crafting Club for ages 5 and up every Thursday! Come to the library and get creative at this fun program. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE)

3:30pm-4:45pm – MINECRAFT: Tweens and teens can attend Minecraft Club at the Indian Orchard Branch Library every Thursday. Come make new friends and trade Minecraft tips and tricks! 413-263-6846. 44 Oak Street. Indian Orchard, MA. (FREE)

3:30pm-5pm – CHESS: Every second and fourth Thursday, kids are invited to the Mason Library for chess. There will be no instruction provided, so this event is best for kids who already have an understanding of the game. This is a great place to come play with peers, make new friends, and improve your chess skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

4pm-5pm – STORYTIME: The Hubbard Library is offering a storytime for students ages 5-8. Every Thursday. 413-583-5646. 24 Center Street. Ludlow, MA. (FREE)

4pm-8pm – GAMES/LEGOS: Families can have fun every Thursday at Gaylord Memorial Library‘s game and LEGO night! Stop by for board games, puzzles, LEGOs, and more. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)

4:30-6pm – COMMUNITY MEAL/MOVIE: The Amherst Survival Center serves a free community meal every Thursday and screens a film for the community to enjoy together. Bring your family and come enjoy an evening with your community while learning about the work of the ASC! 413-549-3968. 138 Sunderland Road. North Amherst, MA. (FREE)

5pm-6:30pm – LEGO: Kids ages 6 and up can have fun and get creative with LEGOs at the Mason Square Branch Library‘s LEGO Club every Thursday. Call to sign up. 413-263-6853. 765 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)

5:30pm – SKILLSHARE/CRAFT GROUP: The Haberdashery holds a Chat ‘n Do every Thursday at 5:30pm. Bring a project you are working on and chat with others, hash out ideas, ask advice, offer tips, and more. This is a good opportunity for intergenerational skill sharing! 413-527-1638. 52 Union Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)

6pm-8pm – KNITTING: Spruce up your knitting skills and spend time with community members of all ages at the Dickinson Memorial Library‘s knitting group every Thursday evening. All skill levels are welcome. 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA. (FREE)

6:15pm — DANCE PERFORMANCE: People of all ages will enjoy the amazing variety of dance performances at Jacob’s Pillow’s Inside/Out series this summer. These outdoor performances will be held Wednesday through Saturday nights through August 29, and feature a great diversity of dance styles and companies. 413-243-0745. 358 George Carter Road, Becket, MA. (FREE)

7pm-7:30pm – STORYTIME: The Hubbard Library will have a “Tuck Me In” storytime for ages 3-7 the first Thursday of each month. Kids can come to the library in pajamas and enjoy this bedtime-themed storytime. Registration is required. 413-583-5646. 24 Center Street. Ludlow, MA. (FREE)

8pm – ASTRONOMY: The Milham Planetarium at Williams College will be open to the public for a planetarium viewing every Tuesday and Thursday from through August 11. 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)

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Friday, July 3rd, 2015

Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, , 9:30am – 5pm CELEBRATION: Old Sturbridge Village is holding an Independence Day celebration with festive music, food, entertainment, games, and dancing. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($$)

Friday, July 3. 5pm – 8pm — OUTDOOR CONCERT & BBQ
Enjoy BBQ and music by the Wanda Houston Band at The Mount‘s special holiday weekend kickoff celebration. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA. (FREE)

Friday, July 3, 6:30pm – BASEBALL: See the North Adams Steeple Cats play at Joe Wolfe Field for a close-to-home summer baseball game. See their schedule for a full list of games. 310 State Street. North Adams, MA. (>$)

Friday, July 3. 8pm — PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
The SIlverthorne Theatre Company presents The Skin of our Teeth, a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Thornton Wilder about a not-so-average family facing huge disasters. 413-768-7514. Sloan Theatre at Greenfield Community College. College Drive, Greenfield, MA. ($)

Friday, July 3rd. 8:30 pm — OUTDOOR MOVIE
Mass MoCA has a great idea to get you in the Fourth of July spirit: an outdoor screening of Top Gun (PG, 1986), projected on the side of an airplane hangar! BBQ food, popcorn, and beverages will be available for purchase; just bring your own lawnchair(s). The first 100 kids get free gliders. Gates open at 7pm. Raindate is 7/5. 413-662-2111. Harriman-West Airport, 836 State Road, North Adams, MA. ($)

Friday, July 3, dusk — FIREWORKS: : South Hadley’s annual fireworks celebration. Rain date 7/5. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)

Friday, July 3, 10pm — FIREWORKS: Spend time with family, friends, and community members at East Longmeadow’s fireworks celebration! The fireworks take place at East Longmeadow High School. 180 Maple Street. East Longmeadow, MA.

ONGOING FOR FRIDAY (As we transition into summer, please be sure to double check ongoing events before attending, as always. To add your free ongoing event/activity here, email us at info@hilltownfamilies.org)

(varies) – MUSEUMS: The Highland Street Foundation will once again sponsor Free Fun Fridays, a program which offers free admission to museums and cultural venues throughout our area. Seventy institutions are participating over the course of the summer! How many will you visit? From art to science to history to music, there’s something for everyone in the family on their calendar through August. 617-969-8900. Locations vary. (FREE)

8am – FRENCH: Parlez-vous français? If so, join others to share pastries and conversation on The Mount‘s terrace this summer through August. RSVP en français á petit.dejeuner.francais@gmail.com. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA. (<$)

9:30am – WRITING: The Edwards Public Library‘s Writing Group meets every Friday. Older students with a passion for writing of any style can attend this supportive intergenerational group. 413-527-9480. 30 East Street. Southampton, MA. (FREE)

9:30am – 11am – PLAYGROUP: Drop in to play at the Bridge Street School to enjoy their toys, playspace, new friends, and air conditioning this summer, sponsored in part by the Northampton Parents Center! No group on 7/3 nor 8/28. 413-587-1471. Preschool classroom, 2 Parsons Street, Northampton, MA. (FREE) (JULY & AUGUST)

9:30am-12:30pm – OUTDOOR PLAYGROUP: The Belchertown Family Center will host summer meet-ups at the town beach each Friday for infants, preschoolers, and their caregivers. 413-283-7594. Town Beach Road (Route 9 & Federal Street) Belchertown, MA. (FREE)

10am – STORYTIME: Preschool-aged kids can come to the Stockbridge Library for StoryCraft, a storytime and craft time with Miss Vicky! Siblings are welcome. 413-298-5501. 2 Depot Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

10am & 2pm – GEOLOGY: Learn about the fascinating geology of Natural Bridge State Park at their Marvelous Marble Tour every Friday at 10am & 2pm. Join a park interpreter for an easy walk around the park exploring its geologic history and the remains of the 19th- and 20th-century marble quarry that once operated on the grounds. All ages will enjoy exploring the park and learning some interesting local geology. 413-663-6392. McCauley Road. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

10am-11am – STORYTIME: The Hubbard Library is offering a storytime for young children to help them learn the letters of the alphabet using stories, flash cards, and fun activities. Please register for each week individually. 413-583-5646. 24 Center Street. Ludlow, MA. (FREE)

10am-11am – PLAYGROUP: Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc. is offering a free baby group for babies and caretakers at the Williamstown Youth Center the first Friday of every month. 413-663-6593. School Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

10am-11am – PLAYGROUP: The Family Resource Center is offering a Play and Learn Group for ages walking to 5 every Friday. During the summer months, this group meets at Russell Field in Adams (500 Harmony Street). 413-664-4821. East Street. Adams, MA. (FREE)

10am-12noon – MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP: There will be a MotherWoman support group every Friday at the Community Action Family Center. Expectant mothers and moms of infants can attend this group to discuss adjustment to motherhood. Childcare provided; babies in arms welcome. 413-387-0703. 220 Russell Street. Hadley, MA. (FREE)

10am-12noon – MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP: There will be a MotherWoman support group every Friday at the MotherWoman Office. Expectant mothers and moms of infants through preschoolers can attend this group to discuss all aspects of motherhood. Childcare provided for ages 4 and under. 413-256-1145. 1200 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

10am-12noon – COMPUTER TECH: Learn about computers and get help with basic programs at the Carnegie Library on Fridays. Call the library to sign up for a 30-minute time slot. 413-863-3214. 1 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

10am-12pm – OUTDOOR PLAYGROUP: The Community Network for Children will host nature-based outdoor playgroups this summer, each week featuring a different STEAM-related activity and free book! Appropriate for children 8 and younger. Meets rain or shine at the Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental Center. 978-544-5157. 99 Millers Falls Road (Route 63), Northfield, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – STORYTIME: Every Friday is Bounce and Rhyme Storytime at the Monson Free Library! Kids 2 ½ and younger can come enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – MOVEMENT: The Chicopee Public Library holds a weekly Music and Movement program for kids ages 5 and under every Friday. Come have fun moving, singing, and dancing. 413-594-1800. 449 Front Street. Chicopee, MA. (FREE)

10:30am – STORYTIME: Families can attend the “Family Frolic Storytime” every Friday at Gaylord Memorial Library! Enjoy stories, musical plays, and crafts. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)

10:30am-11:30am – STORYTIME: Young kids can attend a weekly storyhour at the Pelham Library every Friday. Come enjoy stories and crafts. 413-253-0657. 2 South Valley Road. Pelham, MA. (FREE)

11am-11:30am – MUSEUM-BASED PLAY: Visit the Berkshire Museum for WeeMuse Adventures, a weekly program that will feature songs, stories, scavenger hunts, playtime, and more. Intended audience is children 18 months – 3 years with a caregiver; siblings welcome. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA. ($)

11am-11:45am – STORYTIME: Join the Greenfield Public Library for “Mother Goose on the Loose,” a program for ages 3 and under that features hands-on fun with songs, rhymes, and activities. 413-772-1544 x5. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)

11:30am-1:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Parents/caregivers and their babies, ages 0-15 months, can come to “Welcome Baby” every Friday at the Storrs Library. This program, run by Pathways for Parents, is all about the importance of reading, music, and interactive play. Call to sign up. 413-565-4182. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)

11am – STORYTIME: Kids ages 3-6 can come to the Sunderland Public Library for stories, songs, finger plays, and crafts every Friday morning. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)

11am-11:30am – STORYTIME: The Berkshire Museum’s weekly Museum Adventures program features stories, songs, dancing, play time, scavenger hunts, and more, and is open to kids 18 months to 3 years. It’s a great way for young kids to explore some of what the museum has to offer! Free with museum admission. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)

3:30pm-4:30pm – MINECRAFT: The Storrs Library has a Minecraft Club for kids in grades 3 and up every Friday. Call to sign up. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)

5:30pm-6:30pm – BOOK GROUP: 2nd and 3rd graders who love reading can attend the Hatfield Public Library‘s Kid Book Club every Friday. Kids can hang out together, recommend books to one another, do book-related activities, and enjoy a pizza dinner. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE)

5:30pm-6:30pm – BOOK GROUP: Tweens in grades 4-6 can attend the Hatfield Public Library‘s B-Tween the Lines Book Club every Friday. Kids can hang out together, recommend books to one another, do book-related activities, write reviews, interview authors, and enjoy a pizza dinner. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE)

5:30pm-8pm – GAMES: Game night happens at A2Z Science and Learning Store. Stop by on a Friday night to meet up with others and try out new games. Suitable for older children and teens. Ongoing. 413-586-1611. 57 King Street, Northampton, MA. (FREE)

6pm-8:30pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Parents/caregivers can drop off kids ages 3-12 at Berkshire South Regional Community Center while you enjoy date night! Kids will enjoy swimming, activities, pizza, and stories. Cost includes pizza dinner. Reservations required at least 48 hours in advance. 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA. ($)

6pm-9pm – MUSIC/ARTS & CRAFTS: ArtALIVE will host Concerts, Crafts, and Conversation every Friday night. Local musicians will perform and there will be open crafts. 413-222-5366. 35 South Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. ($)

6:15pm — DANCE PERFORMANCE: People of all ages will enjoy the amazing variety of dance performances at Jacob’s Pillow’s Inside/Out series this summer. These outdoor performances will be held Wednesday through Saturday nights through August 29, and feature a great diversity of dance styles and companies. 413-243-0745. 358 George Carter Road, Becket, MA. (FREE)

8:30pm – MOVIE: The Northfield Drive-In is open every Friday and Saturday night this summer! Come see summer blockbusters in a classic setting at the Drive-In, which is one of New England’s few remaining drive-in theaters. See their website for the summer movie schedule. 603-239-4054. 981 Northfield Road. Hinsdale, NH. ($)

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Hilltown Families’ list of Weekly Suggested Events is supported in part by a grant from the Amherst, Ashfield, Bernardston, Chesterfield, Conway, Erving, Goshen, Heath, Holyoke, Leyden, Pelham, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Warwick, Williamsburg and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Category: Hilltown Families, Suggested Events, Western MA Events, Western Massachusetts Events Tags: Community Based Education, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Western MA, western massachusetts

Hilltown Families

Hilltown Families