Weekly Suggested Events for February 19-25, 2022

Home > Suggested Events > Weekly Suggested Events for February 19-25, 2022

Are you looking for things to do in western Massachusetts? Seeking place-based learning ideas? Are you a self-directed, life-long, and/or experiential learner? Are you curious or wanting to support the interests of your family? Our weekly Suggested Events list includes suggested learning ideas, resources, and fun events for all ages, each week!

Scroll down to discover featured events, learning opportunities, and educational videos to support learning from home. And be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter so you never miss out!

Shop February 14-28, 2022, at oakmeadowbookstore.com.

Love your learning! Oak Meadow’s K-12 homeschooling curriculum provides a comprehensive educational experience, delivered with imagination and heart. The curriculum includes weekly lesson plans for an entire year and can be customized to meet your student’s needs and interests. Take 20% off all Oak Meadow’s bookstore items from February 14-28, 2022. Purchase complete curriculum packages for PreK-8 or individual courses for high school, or purchase craft supplies, homeschooling resources, books, and more. Plus, they’re offering free shipping on all orders over $499! Shop February 14-28, 2022, at oakmeadowbookstore.com.

FEATURED EVENT
Paper Airplane Guy at the
New England Air Museum

Windsor Locks, CT

Logo for The Experimentory at Deerfield Academy Periscope program.
Sunday, February 20 @ 11am & 1pm

On Sunday, February 202022, come to the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT, to meet John Collins, the Paper Airplane Guy! Collins holds a Guinness World Record in paper airplane distance and will be teaching visitors of all ages how to build their very own amazing paper airplanes, including the record-breaking “Suzanne” design! Collins will hold performances at 11am and 1pm and will be available for demos and hands-on instruction throughout the day. This event is included with the price of admission. For more information, visit neam.org

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Adventures in Music with
Berkshire Music School

Pittsfield, MA

Six children laying in the grass with text overlay for the Berkshire Music School summer program.
Outdoors. Indoors.

Play outside this summer at the Berkshire Music School! Designed for young music lovers ages 5-9, Adventures in Music gives your budding musician a solid foundation in making music in a fun, engaging atmosphere. Participants will enjoy group classes in introduction to music, chorus, creative movement, and puppetry on the tented lawn of BMS’s historic campus, as well as small group workshops in piano, drama, visual arts, and more! Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Mini Session: June 27-July 1, Session 1: July 11-22, Session 2: July 25-August 5. Contact: 413-442-1411; cpearson@berkshiremusicschool.org; www.BerkshireMusicSchool.org

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp
Deerfield, MA

Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp (DASAC)
Outdoors, Indoors.

Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp (DASAC) is an alternative education community focusing on experimental and traditional arts in a day camp setting for campers ages 11 through 16. DASAC creates space and agency for campers to be their most authentic selves. DASAC is designed to welcome children from the communities that surround Deerfield. Because of this design, they seek camper families rooted in the nearby communities.

Dates: June 28-August 5, 2022. Age Range: 11-16yo; Contact: 413-774-1498; cwelch@deerfield.edu; deerfield.edu/summer-programs/dasac

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Juniper Young Writers Online
Virtual

Logo for The Experimentory at Deerfield Academy Periscope program.

Dates: July 18-29, 2022
Age Range: 14-18yo
Contact: 413-545-8898
♦ juniper@umass.edu
♦ www.umass.edu/juniperyoungwriters

A kind of magic happens when teen writers gather together in a learning community. Juniper Young Writers Online provides such an opportunity in their one- and two-week creative writing programs. Participants engage in morning Craft Sessions, afternoon Writing Labs and early-evening open mics and Writer’s Life talks. The online curriculum is synchronous, dynamic, and participatory. Applications are required for the lab and intensive sessions. Scholarships are available; deadline to apply is March 15. Self-guided Writing Packages will be available for teens who want to engage with the content at their own pace. Enrollment for packages opens May 2022; no application necessary. Community, Wild Invention and the Writer’s Life await!

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Early American Summer Days
West Springfield, MA

Photo of adult and child play with text overlay, Behavioral Health Network Kamp for Kids in Westfield, MA.
Outdoors. Indoors.

Early American Summer Days combines 19th-century history with 21st-century fun! Designed for ages 7-12, all sessions give children who have completed grades 1-5 a glimpse into the museum’s historical spaces and an opportunity to do themed activities and craft projects. Children will have a choice of four themed days to create their own 19th-century adventure. Children will also get to interact with a range of special guests, from farm animals to theater people! Staff and volunteers will aid in hands-on learning with a variety of activities.

Dates: August 2-5, 2022; Age Range: 7-12yo; Contact: 413-205-505; storrow@thebige.com; www.storrowtonvillage.com

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
The Bement School
Deerfield, MA

Photograph of three boys posing on the top of a play structure.
Outdoor. Indoor.

Dates: Summer 2022
Age Range: 4-15yo
Contact: 413-774-7061
♦ summer@bement.org
♦ www.bement.org

The Bement School offers summer programs for children from 4 to 15 years old. Children have the opportunity to enjoy the fun of a traditional day camp and help create their schedule by choosing from Bement’s wide range of unique activities. Digging into Nature at Pine Hill provides outdoor education for ages 6-9. The Junior Camp provides a safe, nurturing camp experience for the youngest campers. The Adventure Day Camp offers activity choices that include sports, nature, arts and crafts, and swimming. The Counselor-in-Training program gives young teenagers experience working with children and developing valuable job skills while still enjoying the fun of summer camp. Prospective families can find summer Programs dates on their website.

FEATURED PRESCHOOL
Prelude Preschool of the Arts
Springfield, MA

Amherst Montessori School
Ages 2.9-5 years

Prelude Preschool of the Arts is now enrolling for summer and fall 2022! Full-day & half-day programming options feature specialized classes taught by expert musicians & artists in the areas of early childhood music, dance, yoga, Suzuki violin, bucket drumming, and visual art. Prelude Preschool’s arts-centered curriculum fosters creativity and a lifelong love for learning while supporting students’ social-emotional development. Flexible before & aftercare is available to meet your scheduling needs, and regularly scheduled family nights facilitate connection & collaboration among students, their families, and their teachers. To learn more or schedule your tour: 
prelude@communitymusicschool.com; 413-750-9560; communitymusicschool.com/prelude

FEATURED SCHOOL
The Common School
Amherst, MA

Accepting applications for Fall 2022

The Common School, located in Amherst, serving children ages 3-12, is currently accepting applications for Fall 2022. The Common School provides strong student/teacher ratios, a diverse and inclusive community, opportunities for experiential learning, a stellar social and emotional curriculum, a rich social and environmental justice program, and significant time spent outdoors amongst 140 acres of conservation land and Bramble Hill farm. To schedule an in-person tour, call 413-256-8989 and visit the website at www.commonschool.org.

FEATURED SCHOOL
The Bement School
Deerfield, MA

Photograph of three boys posing on the top of a play structure.
Applications for Fall 2022

The Bement School, founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield, MA, is a co-educational day and boarding school serving 200 students from kindergarten through grade 9. Applications for Fall 2022 are now being accepted. Bement offers both in-person tours and interviews and online opportunities to connect and learn more about Bement. Contact the admission office at admit@bement.org with questions or schedule a campus tour.

See Your Ad Here

Partner with HIlltown Families!

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2022 Class Directory

Class Directory

Discover virtual & adapted programming in our Class Directory for Western MA

2022 Preschool & Daycare Directory

Preschool Directory

Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA

List of Weekly Suggested Events

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022

FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio) 

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice rink is open at Beacon Field. Greenfield, MA. 

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA. 

ORNITHOLOGY. 10am. Winter Bird Series at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA. 

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 10am. Berkshire Grown Winter Farmers Market 

ORNITHOLOGY/ BIRDS OF PREY. 10am. Winter Raptors of the Connecticut River Valley with Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA. 

TRACKING/ NATURALIST SKILLS.10am. Tracking and Animal Signs at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 789 Main St, Hampden, MA. 

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 10am. Grow Food Northampton Winter Market 

TRACKING/ NATURALIST SKILLS.10am. Beginner Wildlife Tracking, The Boulders. Pittsfield, MA. 

LOCAL FOOD/ FARMERS’ MARKET. 10am. Winter Farmers Market. Pick up supplies for family dinner night! Cooking together with the kids supports learning while strengthening family connections. 310 Appleton St, Holyoke, MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. An indoor adventure with the beloved stories and animals featured in Jan Brett’s books, on view in our featured exhibition Jan Brett: Stories Near & Far. Explore the art on view by going on a Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt. Readings from Jan Brett’s books are scheduled throughout the week, and art activities are available. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Daily activities during school vacation week: Magic with magician Scotty Swan; Black Inventors and their Inventions; Write your own Story; Make a Magician’s Wand. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ SNOWSHOE. 10am-5pm. There’s “snow time” like the present to get outside and shake off those winter cobwebs! Borrow a pair of free snowshoes and head out to explore the wintry landscape at The Clark. Their Project Snowshoe rack is stocked with plenty of snowshoes in adult and kid sizes, so bring the whole family out for a winter adventure. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA. 

ARTS & CRAFTS. 10:30am. Dot Mandala for KIDS! (age 6-12) at LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA. 

ORNITHOLOGY. 11am. Make Pinecone Birdfeeders at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA. 

STEM. 11am. STEAMCraft: Thermometers at the Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES/ FAMILY PERFORMANCE. 11am. Young at Heart: Hey Kids! Unlock your ROCK – Dewey Memorial Hall. 413-229-2357. 91 Main Street, Sheffield, MA. 

ROLLER SKATING. 11am-12pm. Learn to roller skate at Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES/ FOLKS SONGS. 11am & 1pm. Songs of the Sea with Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle -Join award-winning singer-songwriters Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle as they perform on the Voyage to the Deep exhibition’s Atlantis Stage! This upstate New York-based duo will play sea shanties, folk tunes, and some popular songs about the ocean, also sharing fun facts about sailing and sea creatures. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 11am-3pm. Ten Days of Play: Daily Play – Kids of all ages are invited to build, collaborate, experiment, and learn with the big blue blocks of the Imagination Playground, colorful Bilderhoos boards, magnetic Tegu blocks, and tables piled high with LEGO bricks at the center of the Museum. In the popular Tinker Lab, older children can take apart old electronics to create something new. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

LANGUAGE/ SPANISH. 12:30pm. Spanish Hour at Stone Soup Café. 413-475-0072. Meals at the All Souls Church. 399 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. 

ECOLOGY/ NATURALIST SKILLS. 1pm. Winter Wildlife Tracking and Tree Identification: Snowshoe/Hike at Notchview. 413-684-0148. 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ SNOWSHOEING. 1-3pm. Introduction to Snowshoeing – Add a new activity to your winter repertoire. This low-cost winter activity can change your relationship with winter. Perfect for all ages, it has surprising health benefits. Learn tips on equipment, technique, and clothing and why “snowshoeing is the best bang-for-the-buck, fat-burning workout in winter,” according to Dr. Ray Browning at the University of Colorado’s Health Science Center. Participants must be 18 years or older and comfortable hiking over moderate terrain. Snowshoes are available to rent. Northfield Mountain. 413-659-3714. 99 Millers Falls Road, RT 63, Northfield, MA. 

ENGINEERING/ STEM. 3pm. LEGO Engineering Club at the Arms Library. 413-625-0306. 60 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls, MA. 

LIVING HISTORY. 4:30-9pm. Night in the Museum: Evening Investigation – Start the evening with a hot catered dinner before traveling back in time for a candlelit adventure through the 1830s. The quest will exercise detective skills by hunting for clues, conducting experiments, and investigating the past. Back at Investigation Headquarters, participants will experiment with historic crafts to learn more about 19th-century life. Old Sturbridge Village. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES/ QUARTET. 7pm. Rare in-house performance by the Stephen Page Quartet in the Buckley Recital Hall, Amherst College. 413-542-2199. 53 College St, Amherst, MA.

ORNITHOLOGY/ OWLS. 7:30pm. Owl Prowl with Dan Ziomek – Resident bird experts for this extra special treat, searching for owls on a crisp winter night at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment. 413-256-6006, 845 West St, Amherst, MA.

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Self-Directed Learning: Animal Studies/Coyotes

The soundscape in the winter is much quieter than in the summer. With a snow-covered landscape, you might hear chickadees, woodpeckers, and owls, but never will you hear katydids or grey frogs. What other animals might you hear in our winter soundscape this time of year? Coyotes! As a prelude to their mating season, the howls of coyote pairs can sometimes be heard on a cold night in late winter. Getting curious about this addition to our soundscape, asking questions, and seeking answers, is the perfect opportunity for place-based learning. Here are a few questions about coyotes to get you started: Why do coyotes howl? Are they adaptable? What do their different vocalizations mean? Do they cooperate when they hunt? Are they dangerous? Are they beneficial? Finding answers and following your interests through native species and animal behavior supports learning in ecology, biology, conservation, animal welfare, and even folklore and mythology!

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2022

FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio) 

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice rink is open at Beacon Field. Greenfield, MA. 

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.  

ECOLOGY/ NATURALIST SKILLS. 10am. Boreal Spruce-Fir Forest Ecology, Trees and Tracking Snowshoe at Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center. aimee@gaiaroots.com. 1515 Savoy Hollow Rd, Windsor, MA. 

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.  

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. An indoor adventure with the beloved stories and animals featured in Jan Brett’s books, on view in our featured exhibition Jan Brett: Stories Near & Far. Explore the art on view by going on a Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt. Readings from Jan Brett’s books are scheduled throughout the week, and art activities are available. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ SNOWSHOE. 10am-5pm. There’s “snow time” like the present to get outside and shake off those winter cobwebs! Borrow a pair of free snowshoes and head out to explore the wintry landscape at The Clark. Their Project Snowshoe rack is stocked with plenty of snowshoes in adult and kid sizes, so bring the whole family out for a winter adventure. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am-5pm. Daily activities during school vacation week: Magic with magician Scotty Swan; Black Inventors and their Inventions; Write your own Story; Make a Magician’s Wand. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 12-3pm. Ten Days of Play: Daily Play – Kids of all ages are invited to build, collaborate, experiment, and learn with the big blue blocks of the Imagination Playground, colorful Bilderhoos boards, magnetic Tegu blocks, and tables piled high with LEGO bricks at the center of the Museum. In the popular Tinker Lab, older children can take apart old electronics to create something new. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

MINDFULNESS/ LIBRARY ADVENTURE. 12-4pm. Sensory Walk – Take a Sensory Walk through the library. Sensory Walks are a series of guided movements that let kids experience a space in a new way, help develop gross motor skills, and promote relaxation. Drop-in anytime this week when open. Chicopee Public Library. 413-594-1800. 449 Front St., Chicopee, MA. 

ART STUDIES/ STAINED GLASS. 1pm. Winter Stained Glass Suncatchers at Make-It Springfield. 413-342-1681. 168 Worthington St, Springfield, MA. 

MINDFULNESS. 1pm. Mountain Mindfulness: Winter Walk with Jean Beebe at Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA. 

ROLLER SKATING. 1-5pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA. 

DANCE STUDIES/ WEST AFRICAN DANCE. 2-3:30pm. West African Dance Community Workshop -Join dancer, storyteller, and drummer Iddrisu Saaka for an exciting workshop exploring Ghanaian culture through movement and storytelling. Families and participants of all ages are invited to learn the Kpatsa, a traditional recreational dance from the southern part of Ghana, and hear about its cultural background and role in modern Ghana. All are welcome. Open to all levels. No prior experience is needed. Common Room, Zion Lutheran Church, 74 First Street, Pittsfield, MA.

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Self-Directed Learning: World Languages

International Mother Language Day, a global observation day held every year on Feb 21 by UNESCO, inspires us to learn about languages from around the world! Can you guess how many languages are spoken across the globe? Did you know that a world language disappears once every two weeks?! How did we end up with so many languages? What is the importance of preserving world languages and the study of linguistics? Observation days are an excellent opportunity to support interests via self-directed learning!

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022

BOTANY. 9am-4pm. There is much to see at the Smith College Botanic Garden. You can spend many hours exploring the Lyman Plant House exhibitions, the Lyman Conservatory plant collections, the Campus Arboretum, and Campus Gardens. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Lane. Northampton MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. An indoor adventure with the beloved stories and animals featured in Jan Brett’s books, on view in our featured exhibition Jan Brett: Stories Near & Far. Explore the art on view by going on a Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt. Readings from Jan Brett’s books are scheduled throughout the week, and art activities are available. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Daily activities during school vacation week: Magic with magician Scotty Swan; Black Inventors and their Inventions; Write your own Story; Make a Magician’s Wand. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

FILM STUDIES/ ANIMATION. 11am & 12pm. Workshop with Writer, Cartoonist, and Filmmaker Joe Young. Science Workshop, Springfield Science Museum at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 11am-3pm. Ten Days of Play: Daily Play – Kids of all ages are invited to build, collaborate, experiment, and learn with the big blue blocks of the Imagination Playground, colorful Bilderhoos boards, magnetic Tegu blocks, and tables piled high with LEGO bricks at the center of the Museum. In the popular Tinker Lab, older children can take apart old electronics to create something new. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

PUPPETRY/ FOLK TALE. 3:30pm. Marionette Show: Jack in the Beanstalk at the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES/ INSTRUMENTS. 7:30pm. Percussion Presentation with Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center at the Lichtenstein Center For Arts. 28 Renne Ave. Pittsfield, MA. 

FILM STUDIES/ ANIME. 7:30pm. Anime and Art Film Series: Belle – Images Cinema and the Williams College Museum of Art, in tandem with the exhibition “Repro Japan: Technologies of Popular Visual Culture,” are hosting screenings of Japanese anime films throughout the exhibition’s run. The last in the series is the new film, Belle. Images Cinema. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA.

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Self-Directed Learning: Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day celebrates the life and work of George Washington. It comes every year on the third Monday of February. Presidents’ Day allows us to explore the tenets of democracy and civil freedoms. Download our Jan/Feb edition of Learning Ahead: Cultural Itinerary for Western Massachusetts for embedded learning opportunities found in cultural resources within the geography, history, and cultural traditions of Western Massachusetts that support learning through the lens of Presidents’ Day.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022

BOTANY. 9am-4pm. There is much to see at the Smith College Botanic Garden. You can spend many hours exploring the Lyman Plant House exhibitions, the Lyman Conservatory plant collections, the Campus Arboretum, and Campus Gardens. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Lane. Northampton MA. 

 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. An indoor adventure with the beloved stories and animals featured in Jan Brett’s books, on view in our featured exhibition Jan Brett: Stories Near & Far. Explore the art on view by going on a Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt. Readings from Jan Brett’s books are scheduled throughout the week, and art activities are available. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA. 

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Daily activities during school vacation week: Magic with magician Scotty Swan; Black Inventors and their Inventions; Write your own Story; Make a Magician’s Wand. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ SNOWSHOE. 10am-5pm. There’s “snow time” like the present to get outside and shake off those winter cobwebs! Borrow a pair of free snowshoes and head out to explore the wintry landscape at The Clark. Their Project Snowshoe rack is stocked with plenty of snowshoes in adult and kid sizes, so bring the whole family out for a winter adventure. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA. 

ANIMAL STUDIES. 11am & 1pm. Records and Burpee Zoo Show – Meet live animals from the Records and Burpee Zoo and learn how they survive in the wild and the consequences of keeping wild animals as pets. The show will feature a squirrel monkey, tropical birds, a Burmese python, and more onstage in the Berkshire Museum’s theater! See experienced animal trainers demonstrate these creatures’ agility, intelligence, and adaptations in a show that is educational, fast-paced, and lots of fun. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 11am-3pm. Ten Days of Play: Daily Play – Kids of all ages are invited to build, collaborate, experiment, and learn with the big blue blocks of the Imagination Playground, colorful Bilderhoos boards, magnetic Tegu blocks, and tables piled high with LEGO bricks at the center of the Museum. In the popular Tinker Lab, older children can take apart old electronics to create something new. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

DIY KITS. 11am-6pm Pick up self-directed learning kits from the library! Here’s what’s available during school vacation week: Mask-Making Kits, Keychain Kits, and Crown Cookie Kits. Emily Williston Memorial Library. 413-527-1031. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA. 

DANCE STUDIES/ AFRICAN AMERICAN. 1pm. Okra Dance Company: American Dance from Africa to Broadway – The Okra Dance Company presents dances from various cultures around the world, with an emphasis on African American heritage. This performance takes the audience on a fun-filled journey through the evolution of popular American dance, from its African roots and European influences to the dances of today. Davis Auditorium, Lower Level, D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

ROLLER SKATING. 5-8pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.

LOCAL HISTORY. 6:30pm. Local History Open House at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA. 

SIGN LANGUAGE. 7pm. Signing Rocks! Online American Sign Language Program with Signing Basics – Hosted by Palmer Public Library (Virtual) 

INTERGENERATIONAL/ COMMUNICATIONS. 7pm. Game Night: Pictionary – Dewey Memorial Hall. 413-229-2357. 91 Main Street, Sheffield, MA.

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Self-Directed Learning: Ornithology/Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers! In the winter, you can spot several species, including the Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, and the Red-bellied Woodpecker. And it’s easy to tell a woodpecker from other birds by their feeding behavior. Learning how to tell the difference between these species is perfect for beginning birders. From there, get curious about why they eat suet, how they find their food, adaptations, and different calls. But woodpeckers aren’t only catalysts for learning about ornithology, ecology, and zoology; they can also spark an interest in physics, math, and neurology

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

BOTANY. 9am-4pm. There is much to see at the Smith College Botanic Garden. You can spend many hours exploring the Lyman Plant House exhibitions, the Lyman Conservatory plant collections, the Campus Arboretum, and Campus Gardens. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Lane. Northampton MA. 

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.  

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Daily activities during school vacation week: Magic with magician Scotty Swan; Black Inventors and their Inventions; Write your own Story; Make a Magician’s Wand. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ SNOWSHOE. 10am-5pm. There’s “snow time” like the present to get outside and shake off those winter cobwebs! Borrow a pair of free snowshoes and head out to explore the wintry landscape at The Clark. Their Project Snowshoe rack is stocked with plenty of snowshoes in adult and kid sizes, so bring the whole family out for a winter adventure. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES. 11am. Music For Young Minds – Join with songs and musical games in this mini-class led by Berkshire Music School faculty member Dan Pena-Ariel. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 11am-3pm. Ten Days of Play: Daily Play – Kids of all ages are invited to build, collaborate, experiment, and learn with the big blue blocks of the Imagination Playground, colorful Bilderhoos boards, magnetic Tegu blocks, and tables piled high with LEGO bricks at the center of the Museum. In the popular Tinker Lab, older children can take apart old electronics to create something new. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

DIY KITS. 11am-6pm Pick up self-directed learning kits from the library! Here’s what’s available during school vacation week: Mask-Making Kits, Keychain Kits, and Crown Cookie Kits. Emily Williston Memorial Library. 413-527-1031. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA. 

DANCE STUDIES/ AFRICAN AMERICAN. 1pm. Okra Dance Company: American Dance from Africa to Broadway – The Okra Dance Company presents dances from various cultures around the world, with an emphasis on African American heritage. This performance takes the audience on a fun-filled journey through the evolution of popular American dance, from its African roots and European influences to the dances of today. Davis Auditorium, Lower Level, D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES/ INSTRUMENTS. 1pm. Musical Instrument Demonstration: Japanese Koto and Saxophone – Dan Pena-Ariel, a teaching artist from the Berkshire Music School, shares his skill and knowledge of the saxophone and the Japanese koto. All ages welcome. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

PAPER ARTS/ BOOKBINDING. 1pm. Youth Series! What’s in Your Pocket? Bookbinding for Children at LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA. 

GEOCACHING. 1pm. Geocaching 101 at Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA. 

TEENS. 2:15pm. Teen Escape Room at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA. 

COMPUTER SKILLS/ GRAPHIC DESIGN. 5:30pm. Level 2 Adobe® Illustrator at LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA. 

WOMEN’S STUDIES/ CIVIL RIGHTS. 6pm. Screening of “Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights” – Hosted by the Emily Williston Memorial Library (Virtual) 

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Self-Directed Learning: Animal Studies/Bobcats

Bobcats, a North American wildcat, have been on the rebound in recent decades due mainly to efforts to protect them that began in the 1970s. Despite their increasing numbers, it is still relatively uncommon to encounter one. Bobcat breeding takes place mid-late winter, adding another dimension to our winter soundscape. While listening for their mating calls, get curious about our feline neighbors, ask questions, and find answers. Here are a few questions to get you started: What are the differences between a bobcat and a house cat? How and when do they eat, sleep, and travel from place to place? In addition to Massachusetts, where else do bobcats live? What type of habitat do they prefer, and why? Do bobcats travel in packs, or are they solitary? What do they eat, and how do they hunt? How can bobcats and humans live together safely, and how can we protect them?

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

BOTANY. 9am-4pm. There is much to see at the Smith College Botanic Garden. You can spend many hours exploring the Lyman Plant House exhibitions, the Lyman Conservatory plant collections, the Campus Arboretum, and Campus Gardens. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Lane. Northampton MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. An indoor adventure with the beloved stories and animals featured in Jan Brett’s books, on view in our featured exhibition Jan Brett: Stories Near & Far. Explore the art on view by going on a Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt. Readings from Jan Brett’s books are scheduled throughout the week, and art activities are available. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA. 

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Daily activities during school vacation week: Magic with magician Scotty Swan; Black Inventors and their Inventions; Write your own Story; Make a Magician’s Wand. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ SNOWSHOE. 10am-5pm. There’s “snow time” like the present to get outside and shake off those winter cobwebs! Borrow a pair of free snowshoes and head out to explore the wintry landscape at The Clark. Their Project Snowshoe rack is stocked with plenty of snowshoes in adult and kid sizes, so bring the whole family out for a winter adventure. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA. 

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 11am-3pm. Ten Days of Play: Daily Play – Kids of all ages are invited to build, collaborate, experiment, and learn with the big blue blocks of the Imagination Playground, colorful Bilderhoos boards, magnetic Tegu blocks, and tables piled high with LEGO bricks at the center of the Museum. In the popular Tinker Lab, older children can take apart old electronics to create something new. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

ARTS & CRAFTS/ MARDI GRAS. 1pm. Mardi Gras Mask Craft for Kids – Kids can come in and get ready for Mardi Gras by making Mardi Gras masks. South Hadley Public Library. 413-538-5045. 2 Canal St., South Hadley, MA. 

ART STUDIES. 2pm. Youth Series! Hand-building and Underglaze Transfers (Age 12-16) at LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA. 

ANIMAL STUDIES. 2pm. Animals in Winter Children’s Program with Berkshire Natural Resources Council at the Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA. 

PUPPETRY/ FOLK TALE. 3:30pm. Marionette Show: Jack in the Beanstalk at the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. 

HISTORY/ SLAVERY. 4pm. Dr. Rebecca Hall in conversation with Courtney Maum – To celebrate Black History Month and the story behind Wake with Dr. Rebecca Hall, a historian, granddaughter of slaves, and a woman haunted by the legacy of slavery. Hosted by The Mount (Virtual) 

BOTANY/ FLORAL DESIGN. 6:30pm. Terrarium Making at The Plant Connector. 48 Eagle Street, North Adams, MA 

ECOLOGY/ CONSERVATION. 6:30-8pm. Nature’s Best Hope – Everyone has a significant role to play in the future of the natural world. Recent headlines about global insect declines and three billion fewer birds in North America are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at sustaining the plants and animals that sustain us. Join Dr. Doug Tallamy to learn about an approach to conservation that starts in your own yard. Bring your curiosity and questions. Kestrel Land Trust. 413-549-1097. 284 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA. 

LOCAL HISTORY. 7pm. The History of Clover Hill Farm with Dustin Griffin – Hosted by Milne Public Library (Virtual) 

ROLLER SKATING. 7-9:30pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.

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Self-Directed Learning: STEM/Math Books

It seems that the connections between children’s literature and topics within many academic disciplines are endless. Captivating stories introduce fascinating historical eras, animal tales for young readers share basic biology concepts, and community stories teach children about interacting with new people and building relationships. However, somewhat elusive within children’s literature are math concepts. Perhaps the most challenging academic subject to integrate smoothly into your family’s everyday life, math has often been taught through memorization and drilling rather than curiosity-driven exploration. Despite its elusiveness, math is very much present within children’s literature, and there are numerous resources to support families in exploring math together… and making it fun! Discover more in our post, Children’s Literature & Resources that Support Math.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022

BOTANY. 9am-4pm. There is much to see at the Smith College Botanic Garden. You can spend many hours exploring the Lyman Plant House exhibitions, the Lyman Conservatory plant collections, the Campus Arboretum, and Campus Gardens. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Lane. Northampton MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. An indoor adventure with the beloved stories and animals featured in Jan Brett’s books, on view in our featured exhibition Jan Brett: Stories Near & Far. Explore the art on view by going on a Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt. Readings from Jan Brett’s books are scheduled throughout the week, and art activities are available. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA. 

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.  

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Daily activities during school vacation week: Magic with magician Scotty Swan; Black Inventors and their Inventions; Write your own Story; Make a Magician’s Wand. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ SNOWSHOE. 10am-5pm. There’s “snow time” like the present to get outside and shake off those winter cobwebs! Borrow a pair of free snowshoes and head out to explore the wintry landscape at The Clark. Their Project Snowshoe rack is stocked with plenty of snowshoes in adult and kid sizes, so bring the whole family out for a winter adventure. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA. 

ICE SKATING. 11am-1pm. Homeschool Ice Skating. Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA. 

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 11am-3pm. Ten Days of Play: Daily Play – Kids of all ages are invited to build, collaborate, experiment, and learn with the big blue blocks of the Imagination Playground, colorful Bilderhoos boards, magnetic Tegu blocks, and tables piled high with LEGO bricks at the center of the Museum. In the popular Tinker Lab, older children can take apart old electronics to create something new. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

DIY KITS. 11am-6pm Pick up self-directed learning kits from the library! Here’s what’s available during school vacation week: Mask-Making Kits, Keychain Kits, and Crown Cookie Kits. Emily Williston Memorial Library. 413-527-1031. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA. 

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. 4-6pm. Family ice skate happens every Friday evening, sponsored by the Worthington Parks and Recreation Committee. Town Pond Park. Worthington, MA

NORDIC SKIING. 5pm. Notchview Friday Night Ski and Fire – An evening of nordic skiing followed by winter treats by the campfire. Headlamps and ski rentals are available. Ages 14+ Arrive 30 minutes early to allow time to receive ski rentals. Check their website for information on facilities and what to wear. Notchview. 413-684-0148. Old Route 9. Windsor, MA. 

ROLLER SKATING. 6-9pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA. 

SPORTS HISTORY. 7pm. Breaking Through the Line: Bobby Marshall, the N.F.L.’s First African American Player (Virtual) 

MUSIC STUDIES. 7pm. Women in Roots: Sol y Canto (TapRoot Sessions) at Dewey Memorial Hall. 413-229-2357. 91 Main Street, Sheffield, MA. 

THEATER STUDIES/ RACE & CLASS. 7:30-9:30pm. The Smith College Department of Theatre presents Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 by Anna Deveare Smith, Directed by Kyle Boatwright. Smith’s stunning work of documentary theatre uses, verbatim, the words of people who experienced the 1992 Los Angeles riots to explore the devastating human impact of that event. A work that goes directly to the heart of the issues of race and class, Twilight offers a stark insight into the complex and pressing social, economic, and political issues that fueled the flames in the wake of the Rodney King verdict and ignited a conversation about policing and race that continues today. Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts. Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre. 413-585-2787. 122 Green Street. Smith College. Northampton, MA.

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Self-Directed Learning: Local History/Sojourner Truth

As an area rich in history, it is no surprise that the Pioneer Valley has deep connections to the movement that eventually led to the ending of slavery in the United States. Sojourner Truth, an African-American woman famous for her anti-slavery and women’s rights activism, lived in Florence for nearly fifteen years during the mid-19th century. Born into slavery and freed after more than 25 years of labor, Truth used her experiences as an enslaved woman to fuel her passion for speaking out for human rights. In addition to being Truth’s home for many years, Florence was also a stop on the Underground Railroad, and numerous African-Americans stopped in the town while escaping to freedom. Studying Sojourner Truth’s life in Florence can provide an entry point for studies of the Underground Railroad and the history of slavery in the United States. Learn more in our post, Sojourner Truth Memorial: American and Western MA History.

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Online and in-person events and resources shared above are done so as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm information, age appropriateness, registration requirements, safety protocols, and associated costs.

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Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Agawam, Amherst, Becket, Bernardston, Buckland, Chicopee, Colrain, Cummington, Easthampton, Goshen, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Heath, Huntington, Leyden, Montgomery, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Otis, Palmer, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Tolland, Tyringham, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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