Hilltown Families 
Weekly Suggested Events for April 16-22, 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!
SUGGESTED EVENTS: APRIL 16-22, 2022
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IDEAS
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities
The Strategic Planning Initiative for Families and Youth (SPIFFY) is based out of the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES) in Northampton, MA. SPIFFY is a youth substance misuse prevention coalition serving all of Hampshire County. SPIFFY wants to hear firsthand from parents of middle and high school students about what they’re noticing regarding teen substance use and mental health. Parent input will be used to inform SPIFFY’s prevention efforts in the months and years to come, so please join them for a conversation – they would love to hear from you! To sign up, visit http://form.jotform.com/SPIFFY_Research/Screener. For questions, email study coordinator Caroline Johnson, Ph.D., at CAjohnson@collaborative.org
All aboard for the Easter Eggspress at the Connecticut Trolley Museum: April 9-10 & 15-16 from 10am-4pm. A great opportunity to visit the Easter bunny while learning about transportation & local history! Take a trolley ride operated by period-dressed motormen sharing historical information about the trolley cars & museum. The Easter Bunny will be roaming the grounds posing for pictures. Children will receive a surprise-filled Easter egg when they complete a Scavenger Hunt, make a Bunny Ear Craft, and visit the Fire Truck Museum. Earn up to 3 filled eggs! Cost: $13/Adults; $11/Kids ages 2-12. The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located in East Windsor, CT. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit www.ct-trolley.org.
The Hilltown Community Development Corporation (Hilltown CDC) offers free, confidential business assistance to Hilltown residents. If you are thinking of starting or growing your business, the Hilltown CDC can help! And thanks to a generous grant from the MGCC, all of their business assistance is FREE. They have experts in a wide range of areas that can help Hilltown entrepreneurs get on their feet, including website help, social media marketing, business tax and accounting, legal assistance, and more. For more information, email Hilltown CDC Economic Development Director Michele Kenney at MicheleK@Hilltowncdc.org, or call 413-354-1055. Sign up for their free virtual classes at hilltowndirectory.com/events
In June of 2021, the Center School moved to a beautiful brand new building, situated on 30 acres of land to explore. Admissions season is underway, and the school is booking more tours than ever. Valley families are drawn to the Center School’s approach– weaving justice, joy, collaboration, innovation, and love into a unique educational experience. If you’re looking for a school where kids are immersed in 21st Century curriculum and in the timeless world of nature and play that is so essential to childhood, visit www.centerschool.net to learn more and to book an in-person tour today! Please email Lauren Obregón, Director of Admissions and Outreach, at l.obregon@centerschool.net with any questions.
The Recovery Theatre in Charlemont, MA, is a performing and circus arts experience for young people overcoming trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health challenges. This pre-workshop 5-day intensive is for any teen living with circumstances that present barriers to becoming their fullest selves. Their innovative strength-based, holistic model—they integrate therapeutic horseback riding, circus silks, trapeze, ziplines, white water rafting, aerial park, and the gorgeous natural landscape of West County—takes into account adolescents developing endocrine and nervous systems, incorporates families, social supports and emphasizes peer interactions. Join the summer spectacle! (See Hilltown Youth Performing Arts Programs). Visit their website to learn how they opened safely in 2020-21
Dates: July 5-10, 2022; Age Range: 12-18yo & 19-24yo. Contact: 413-625-2100 ♦ hilltownyouth@gmail.com ♦ hilltownyouth.org
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Amherst Montessori School
LEGO + Homestead Camp
Amherst, MA
Explore your own creativity and the natural world around you! Amherst Montessori’s well-beloved LEGO camp enters its 14th year this June, where young friends dive into the world of LEGO, crafting and engaging in STEM-based creation. In July and August, Homestead Camp offers participants opportunities to dig deep into the outdoors: planning and building garden and chicken infrastructure, learning about and practicing wilderness survival skills, crafting forts and treehouses, utilizing both foraged and cultivated plant life in cooking and herbalism, and much free outdoor play. Spend the Summer learning skills and having fun while doing it! Registration is per week, days are 8:30am-4pm, Monday-Friday. Dates: June 13-August 5, 2022. Age Range: 6-11yo. Contact: 413-253-3101; mwiley@amherstmontessori.org; amherstmontessori.org
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Franklin County’s YMCA Summer Camps
Greenfield, MA
Find your fun at Franklin County’s Y summer camps! Camp Apex campers experience outdoor activities and discover new hobbies while surrounded by nature and friends. Kids will gain new interests and develop strong values. From archery to arts & crafts, swimming to gaga ball, campers will leave with full hearts and friends that last. Sports Camp is for kids who love to be active where they will develop strength, endurance, and self-confidence through sports that promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy habits. Gymnastics Camp is for kids of all levels looking to develop or learn gymnastics skills. Trying all their equipment, your camper will enjoy the thrills as they flip, tumble, balance, and swing in their Gymnastics Center. Dates: June 20-August 19, 2022. Age Range: 5-14yo. Contact: 413-773-3646; kyounger@your-y.org; www.your-y.org.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
The Center School Summer Camp
Greenfield, MA
The Center School is proud to announce its inaugural summer camp! Between cooking and theater, bookmaking and obstacle courses, Dungeons and Dragons, and nature exploration on their campus’ 30 acres, The Center School summer camp is designed to give children space for creative play and mindful exploration. Camp will run for six weeks for children aged 4-12, and families can sign up for as many weeks as they would like. With a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities and their excited staff, your child is sure to make a summer full of memories with The Center School. Dates: June 21-July 29, 2022. Age Range: 4-12yo. Contact: 413-773-1700; k.mccolgan@centerschool.net; centerschool.net/summer.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Hartsbrook Fiddle Camp
Hadley, MA
Learn tunes from Scotland, Ireland, Quebec, and the Appalachian mountains during this fun-filled week. Have you ever performed for goats and chickens? Or used a handmade “crankie,” a moving picture box with musical accompaniment? Lots of fun and laughter while students collaborate on new songs and even have “concerts” for the farm animals! Playing level: beginning intermediate to intermediate. Dates: June 27-July 1, 2022. Age Range: 9-14yo. Contact: 413-586-1908; summerprograms@hartsbrook.org; www.hartsbrook.org
FEATURED PRESCHOOL
Prelude Preschool of the Arts
Springfield, MA
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 Bement School
Deerfield, MA
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 certain grades for Fall 2022 are being accepted. They are offering both in-person tours and interviews, as well as online opportunities to connect and learn more about Bement. Contact the admission office at admit@bement.org with questions about the application process.
See Your Ad Here
Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 35,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers each week, Hilltown Families can bring your message to thousands of families in Western Massachusetts. Serving the region since 2005, Hilltown Families is an award-winning, online communication network, recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” A trusted partner in your online marketing! To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact us for info on our affordable options and packages: swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org. Have an event, resource, or opportunity you’re ready to promote? Click HERE to submit your information.
Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
COMMUNITY MEAL. 9am-2pm. Soup and Bake Sale – Savory soups to take home, plus many baked goods, including hot cross buns for your Easter table. Haydenville Congregational Church. 143 Main Street, Haydenville, MA.
COMMUNITY SERVICE. 9:30am. Trail Clean-Up at the Bullitt Reservation. 332 Bullitt Road, Ashfield, MA.
BABY FARM ANIMALS. 10am-1pm. Goat-Kid Cuddle Party – Join baby goats for a cuddle party animal encounter at Simple Gifts Farm. 413-230-3262. 1089 N Pleasant St., Amherst, MA.
EGG HUNT. 10am. Community Egg Hunt at The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew. 8 Church St, Greenfield, MA.
ART STUDIES. 10am-2pm – Earth Day Art – Artistic activities for kids ages 4-12 happening at the library. Activities include art, music, dance, and fairy houses. Drop off is welcomed. Register. Hadley Public Library, Hadley, MA.
MEDIEVAL MUSIC. 10am-3pm. Renaissance Faire – Celebrate Spring with medieval music. Arrive in costume and enjoy crafts and activities. West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.
ECOLOGY/ NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 10am-4pm. Earth Week Investigation Station – Activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Activities include a “What’s wrong in the Watershed?” scavenger hunt, a spring outdoor bingo game, an outdoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, and a Habitat Habits memory game. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. School Spring Break Week – An indoor adventure awaits you at the Norman Rockwell Museum featuring a children’s guide with a gallery scavenger hunt, drawing activities, and a word game. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.
EGG HUNT. 10:30am. Eggstravaganza Egg Scramble with Pittsfield Parks Recreation on The Common.100 First Street, Pittsfield, MA.
MINDFULNESS/ JOURNALING. 10:30am. Mindful Journaling Workshop at the Milne Public Library. 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA.
EGG HUNT. 11am. The Great Mill District Egg Hunt at The Mill District General Store. 413-835-0966. 91 Cowls Rd, Amherst, MA.
STEM/ SOUND. 11am. STEAMCraft: Sound – Make a functioning tonoscope using recycled materials. Ages 4+. Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
EASTER/ EGG HUNT. 11am. Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by Leyden United Methodist Church. 15 W. Leyden Rd, Leyden, MA.
EASTER/ EGG HUNT. 11am. Easter Egg Hunt at Whitney’s Farm Market & Garden Center. 413-442-4749. 1775 S State Rd, Cheshire, MA.
EGG HUNT. 11am. Egg Hunt at Cushman Park in Bernardston, MA.
EGG HUNT. 11am. Egg Hunt at Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
EGG HUNT. 11am-1pm. Spring Eggstravaganza, hosted by South Hadley Granby Chamber of Commerce, held on the grounds of O’Brien Family Funeral Home. 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, MA.
EQUINE/ INTERGENERATIONAL. 11am -3pm. Spring Scavenger Hunt – Take a trek through Blue Rider Stables’ muddy woods and pasture while searching for hidden objects and interactive stations. Fun trivia along the way. End with pony rides for kids and a hay bale maze. Call to sign up. Blue Rider Stables. 413-528-5299. 15 Farm Ln, Great Barrington, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Language Arts/Poetry
April is National Poetry Month! Let this national observation month be a catalyst for learning. Families can start with fun projects at home with Blackout Poetry and Book Spine Poetry, and out in the community with annual events like Poem in Your Pocket Day. Explore the work of famous poets, including William Shakespeare, Robert Frost, and Safia Elhillo. For recommended titles, check out our posts, Six Novels Written in Verse and Books for Young Bards, and our archived column, One Clover & A Bee: Poems for Families to Learn & Love.
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
ECOLOGY/ NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 10am-4pm. Earth Week Investigation Station – Activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Activities include a “What’s wrong in the Watershed?” scavenger hunt, a spring outdoor bingo game, an outdoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, and a Habitat Habits memory game. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. School Spring Break Week – An indoor adventure awaits you at the Norman Rockwell Museum featuring a children’s guide with a gallery scavenger hunt, drawing activities, and a word game. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.
EGG HUNT/ BABY ANIMALS. 11am-4pm. An Easter Egg Hunt and baby animals – what could be better? On the Egg Hunt, use your phone to help Mother Hen find her missing eggs and receive a fun Easter surprise. Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188. 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA.
FARM ANIMALS. 2-4:30pm. BABY LAMBS – An Easter Tradition, bring the family to visit baby farm animals at Winterberry Farm. 413-624-3940. 340 Wilson Hill Rd, Colrain, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Spring Holidays
The reemergence of flora and fauna in the outdoor world gives cause for celebration as the months turn warmer and new life abounds. For many, it is a time of celebration linked to spring’s seasonality as reflected in the types of food prepared in holiday celebrations, including Easter and Passover. DownloadLearning Ahead: Cultural Itinerary for Western Massachusetts (Season: March/April) to learn more and check out these videos to learn more about food associated with these spring holidays.
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2022
ART STUDIES/ MOSAIC. 10am-1pm. Mosaic Stepping Stones – In this workshop, kids will make a cement mosaic stepping stone using cement, grout, and many little pieces of broken pottery, glass, shells, sea glass, and more! Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. School Spring Break Week – An indoor adventure awaits you at the Norman Rockwell Museum featuring a children’s guide with a gallery scavenger hunt, drawing activities, and a word game. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.
ECOLOGY/ NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 10am-4pm. Earth Week Investigation Station – Activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Activities include a “What’s wrong in the Watershed?” scavenger hunt, a spring outdoor bingo game, an outdoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, and a Habitat Habits memory game. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Spring Flowers
Albert Einstein said, “Look deep, deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” During the spring, as nature bursts into bloom, help deepen your connection to which Einstein hinted by looking towards the emerging blossoms of flowering plants purposefully planted in gardens or self-seeded in the crevices of sidewalks or manicured lawns. Every spring, flower buds emerge and unfold into inviting blossoms, an annual appearance rooted in the seasons of the past. We can “look deep” into that past to learn about botany, ecology, art, and history. But to “understand everything better,” the beauty of a flower invites us into the present moment where it can spark reverence and capture faith in the process of bud to bloom to seed. It is there that our understanding of “everything” can awaken. Pick a flowering plant nearest you this spring and spend a mindful moment with it every day. Use your camera or sketchpad to capture its unfolding process. Notice its pattern of opening, relationship with pollinators, variants of colors and tones, textures, and smells. Welcome a flowering tulip tree, azalea bush, or dandelion plant into your daily observations and appreciations. Use your senses to connect with the essence of your chosen plant and pair it with self-directed learning about plant science or natural history. Blending the two not only supports place-based education but also strengthens a sense of place by cultivating respect for nature’s process and, ultimately, “understanding everything better.”
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022
ART STUDIES/ WET FELTING. 10am-1pm. Imaginary Wet Felted Flowers – Wet felting is a magical process. In this workshop, kids will use wool roving, soap, water, and agitation to create an imaginary flower with special powers that they have discovered deep in the jungle. Ages 7-12yo. Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. School Spring Break Week – An indoor adventure awaits you at the Norman Rockwell Museum featuring a children’s guide with a gallery scavenger hunt, drawing activities, and a word game. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.
ECOLOGY/ NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 10am-4pm. Earth Week Investigation Station – Activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Activities include a “What’s wrong in the Watershed?” scavenger hunt, a spring outdoor bingo game, an outdoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, and a Habitat Habits memory game. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Inspired by the special exhibits Under the Arctic and Front Row Center, explore the science behind rocks… and rock music with family programs at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ SCREEN PRINTING. 1-3pm. Youth Series! Screen Printing for Kids – Create a wearable screen-printed masterpiece. LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: River Walks
A handful of local paths and trails provide access to the natural and human history contained on the banks of western Massachusetts rivers. From short, interpretive paths to remnants of ancient trail systems, these paths and trails bring families closer to the waters that sustain the landscape. Read more in our post, Urban And Rural River Walks and Trails Highlight Natural and Human History.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022
ART STUDIES/ WATERCOLOR. 9am. Watercolor Paint Day at Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
ART STUDIES/ CLAY. 10am-1pm. Fairy or Toad House – Make a unique fairy or toad house for your garden out of clay. Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. School Spring Break Week – An indoor adventure awaits you at the Norman Rockwell Museum featuring a children’s guide with a gallery scavenger hunt, drawing activities, and a word game. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.
ECOLOGY/ NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 10am-4pm. Earth Week Investigation Station – Activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Activities include a “What’s wrong in the Watershed?” scavenger hunt, a spring outdoor bingo game, an outdoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, and a Habitat Habits memory game. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Inspired by the special exhibits Under the Arctic and Front Row Center, explore the science behind rocks… and rock music with family programs at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
MARTIAL ARTS/ FILM. 11am. The Karate Kid (1984) – Screening at Academy of Music Theatre. 413-584-9032. 274 Main St., Northampton, MA.
PAPER ARTS/ BOOKBINDING. 1-3pm. Youth Series! What’s in Your Pocket? Bookbinding for Children – Children will make an accordion pocketbook and create art cards to exchange for the pockets of their books. LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Homesteading/Backyard Chickens
There are many reasons to want to get involved in the homesteading movement, a trend toward self-reliance in daily living. It can be empowering to learn how to produce your food, clothing, or other products you use daily. You might be motivated because you want to know where these things come from while wanting to cut down on your environmental impact. Growing a garden, raising chickens, making or swapping clothing, and building your own furniture can be fun! Plus, so much learning can happen in the process, expanding your knowledge and skills. Homesteading is multifaceted and can cover horticulture, agriculture, textiles, cooking, and carpentry. An easy place to start is with a vegetable garden and a small flock of chickens. Learn about raising chickens in your backyard!
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. School Spring Break Week – An indoor adventure awaits you at the Norman Rockwell Museum featuring a children’s guide with a gallery scavenger hunt, drawing activities, and a word game. Norman Rockwell Museum. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.
ECOLOGY/ NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 10am–4pm. Earth Week Investigation Station – Activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Activities include a “What’s wrong in the Watershed?” scavenger hunt, a spring outdoor bingo game, an outdoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, and a Habitat Habits memory game. Great Falls Discovery Center. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Inspired by the special exhibits Under the Arctic and Front Row Center, explore the science behind rocks… and rock music with family programs at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
BOTANY/ GARDENING. 10am-5pm. Daffodil and Tulip Festival – Stroll through world-renowned gardens decorated with over 130,000 daffodils, tulips, and minor bulbs in the Berkshires. Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
FILM STUDIES. 11am. Northampton Youth Film Fest – Films made by local Northampton High School students at the Academy of Music Theatre. 274 Main St., Northampton, MA.
ANIMATION/ CONSUMERISM. 2:30pm. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (family movie) – Screening at Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
PARENT SUPPORT. 8:30pm. Sometimes just getting through the day deserves a reward. Grab a snack, put on your PJs, and join other tired parents for this night-time group hosted by It Takes A Village. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Native Species/Salamanders
In Massachusetts, there are 11 native salamander species. The most common salamanders found in New England’s vernal pools are the spotted salamander, Jefferson salamander, and blue-spotted salamanders. Take the time this early spring to look at the edges of vernal pools. Salamanders can sometimes be seen in the same areas where eggs are laid but are also often found in clear, leaf-filled shallows. On the Big Night, salamanders can be found making their way to vernal pools, so tread with caution as you approach any likely habitat. You can identify spotted salamanders based on markings and body size. Spotted salamanders have bright yellow spots, blue-spotted salamanders have large blue spots, and Jefferson salamanders have small blue speckles and purple-y skin. Learn more about these native species!
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022
SERVICE-BASED LEARNING. 9:30am-12:30pm. Pleasant Valley Volunteer Day- Trails, Fences, and Nature Play Area – Lend a hand trimming trails, straightening fences, and getting the Nature Play Area ready for spring. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. School Spring Break Week – An indoor adventure awaits you at the Norman Rockwell Museum featuring a children’s guide with a gallery scavenger hunt, drawing activities, and a word game. Norm n Rockwell Museum. Glen ale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.
ECOLOGY/ NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 10am-4pm. Earth Week Investigation Station – Activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Activities include a “What’s wrong in the Watershed?” scavenger hunt, a spring outdoor bingo game, an outdoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, and a Habitat Habits memory game. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413- 63-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
BOTANY/ GARDENING. 10am-5pm. Daffodil and Tulip Festival – Stroll through world-renowned gardens decorated with over 130,000 daffodils, tulips, and minor bulbs in the Berkshires. Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Inspired by the special exhibits Under the Arctic and Front Row Center, explore the science behind rocks… and rock music with family programs at the Springfield Museums. 413- 63-6800. 21 E wards Street, Springfield, MA.
SPACE TRAVEL. 6:30pm. Join The Arms Library for an “Ask Me Anything” with Dr. Cady Coleman, former NASA Astronaut and retired Air Force Colonel from Shelburne Falls who has logged more than 180 days in space, including two space shuttle missions and a six-month expedition to the International Space Station. Cady will talk about her adventures in space, show some fantastic images and take questions about her experience, the recent SpaceX missions, or… anything! Parents, please attend the program with your children. Email the Arms Library at armslibrary@gmail.com to register for the Zoom link. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Earth Day
Each year, Earth Day takes place on April 22nd. Known as the birth of the modern environmental movement, Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and continues as a way to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Western Massachusetts is home to many secular celebrations and festivals that honor the commitment to sustainable and resilient living, giving the community many ways to come together to engage on Earth Day through service-based learning opportunities, eco-workshops, and local gatherings. Check our list of Weekly Suggested Events for upcoming events that support sustainable living and connection to place, and visit TED-Ed Earth School for online learning opportunities.
Weekly eNewsletter
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, Hinsdale/Peru, Huntington, Leyden, Montgomery, Mount Washington, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Otis, Palmer, Pelham, 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.
