Weekly Suggested Events for July 2-8, 2022

Home > Suggested Events > Weekly Suggested Events for July 2-8, 2022
It's the first full week of July! Officially summer and a time for fireworks, BBQs, hiking, and summer events!

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!

COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

NATURE-BASED LEARNING: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA. 

ART STUDIES: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA. 

NEW ENGLAND HISTORYHistoric Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA. 

AGRICULTURENorthampton Tuesday Farmers’ Market. 413-320-4799. 1 Kirkland Ave, Northampton, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIESTanglewood. 413-637-5180. 297 West St. Lenox, MA. 

WORLD CULTURE STUDIESIrish Cultural Center of Western New England. 413-333-4951. 429 Morgan Road. West Springfield, MA.

GreenLove Eco Cleaning
PVPA is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year. Application deadline is July 22, 2022.

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts (PVPA) Charter Public School in South Hadley is committed to supporting the Artist in every student. Students from over 50 towns in grades 7-12 thrive in an arts-centered, creative, challenging learning environment. PVPA is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 school yearApplication deadline is July 22. Lottery will be held Aug 1, for grades 7 & 11 only. Applications will be accepted for grades 7-11. Per state regulations, they will hold onto any applications for students in grades 8-10 until the time that their current waitlist for those grades is exhausted. If/ when that time comes, they will give at least one week’s notice to announce a lottery for the grade w/openings. More info: admissions@pvpa.org.

Hilltown Mobile Market is back for a 4th season! This year, they are operating an online store of products from 20 Hilltown farmers & producers where you can shop weekly for freshly harvested produce, meat, dairy, eggs & pantry items. Ordering will be packed & delivered to 18 pickup locations throughout the Hilltowns with convenient hours. They are also offering choice-based Farm Shares where you can spend down your balance throughout the season whenever & however it works for you! Share options range from $150 – $500, with a fully reimbursable option for those with SNAP/HIP. The Market will also be offering door delivery for residents at Westhampton Woods, Hamblin Court, Highland Village Circle, Hillside Terrance, Nash Hill, & The Maples.

FEATURED CONFERENCE
2022 Northeast Unschooling Conference
Amherst, MA

Summer at The Academy at Charlemont
July 14-17, 2022

Meet your people at the 2022 Northeast Unschooling Conference, July 14-17, 2022 in Amherst, MA! Located on the sprawling grounds of Hampshire College, Northeast Unschooling Conference is excited to welcome unschoolers, eclectic homeschoolers, lifelong learners, and autodidacts from all walks of life! Join them for a weekend filled with workshops for all ages, ranging from tie-dyeing and frog dissections to navigating homeschool reporting, college admissions, and much more. A keynote from Indigenous Filipino researcher Noah Romero on unschooling as radical liberation, panels, discussion groups, hands-on workshops, oh my! On-campus housing and meal plans are provided for all interested!

For more information:
northeastunschoolingconference.com or email neucinfo@gmail.com.

FEATURED EVENT
Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival
Florence, MA

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival is an annual family-friendly celebration on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Look Park in Florence, MA.
Saturday, July 16 from 9am-5pm at Look Memorial Park.

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival is an annual family-friendly celebration on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Look Park in Florence, MA. Events include children’s games, sheep herding, Scottish animals, and a water spray park. The festival also features Celtic music, piping & drumming competitions, Highland & Irish dance demos, Scottish gift & food vendors, 30+ clans, genealogy, and a Celtic Pub. Also, Scottish heavy athletics, where some world record-holders will compete. Appearing on the Main Stage are Albannach, Enter the Haggis, Sarah the Fiddler, and Charlie Zahm. Join the fun from 9am-5pm, w/music in the Celtic Pub until 9:30pm (rain or shine). Admission: Adult $25 (Advance $22); Age 6-12 $5; Under 6 free. More info at www.glasgowlands.org.

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Sun & Roots Outdoor Play and Learn
Westhampton, MA

Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival is an annual family-friendly celebration on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Look Park in Florence, MA.

Sun & Roots Outdoor Play and Learn in Westhampton (14 Shaw Rd) is a 2-week natural outdoor experience for children 3-5yo, rooted in sustainable living & fun! Keeping goals of natural living and sustainability in mind, Sun & Roots will offer a fun environment to explore the world around us and how we can utilize it sustainably. Children will help care for gardens, learn about food growth, play in the brook, and eat healthily. Participants will receive organic, natural snacks & healthy lunch. Offering activities & growth in the following areas: Organic Sustainability; Experiential Education & Play; Health & Wellness; Exploring the Natural World; Responsibility Training; and Creating Bonds & Friendships. Dates: Aug 8-12 and 15-19 (Mon-Fri). Contact: varna.naik@infinityed.us.

Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA, presents Art of The Hills: Visual Evidence, a Berkshire-Based Artist exhibition featuring a wide array of styles and mediums from artists living within 60 miles of the museum. On display from June 4 – September 11, 2022.

As well as Living Ink: The Art of Tattoos, a look into the artistry, history, and science behind tattooing. On display from June 25 – October 30, 2022.

Find more information and plan your visit at berkshiremuseum.org.

FEATURED PROGRAM
Red Mare Farm Horseback Riding Lessons
Hatfield, MA

Red Mare Farm Horseback Riding Lessons
In-Person/Indoors, In-Person/Outdoors

Is your kid horse crazy or animal crazy? Red Mare Farm provides year-round dressage-based riding lessons for adults and kids ages 8 and older. Red Mare Farm strives to teach riders to be the best partners with the horse that they can be. Safety, respect, and fun are the essential ingredients. Lesson subscription plans are available, including regular unmounted horsemanship classes for learning beyond the saddle. What are the benefits of kids learning with horses? Develop confidence, compassion, emotional awareness, humility and patience, discipline, and responsibility. Learn to accept disappointment and find resilience. And the list goes on. Join Red Mare Farm, and see for yourself what being involved with horses can do for you and your family. For more information: RedmarefarmLLC@gmail.com; 978-739-4707; www.redmarefarm.com.

FEATURED PRESCHOOL
Prelude Preschool of the Arts
Springfield, MA

Summer at The Academy at Charlemont
Now Enrolling for the 2022-23 School Year!

Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS) is a non-profit community arts school in Western MA. Their mission is to provide an equitable & inclusive center of excellence in music education that empowers individuals, inspires creative passion, and promotes well-being in their greater community. They serve over 500 students each year, including the Prelude Preschool of the Arts, a flexible, arts-centered preschool program for children ages 2.9-5yo. In their community partnership programs, they serve an additional 1,000 students. CMSS provides financial aid to support under-served segments of the community & create quality programs & instruction to help all students achieve their highest potential. Learn more at www.communitymusicschool.com.

See Your Ad Here

Partner with HIlltown Families!

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.

Hilltown Families’ annual Summer Directory is the region’s go-to online resource for families looking for summer camps, programs, and opportunities in western Massachusetts and neighboring areas!
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, JULY 2, 2022

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Sunrise-Sunset. With trails for all experience levels, Chester-Blandford State Forest is perfect for hiking or walking. Take in the Sanderson Falls, go mountain biking, enjoy a picnic or go fishing. Chester-Blandford State Forest. 413-354-6347. 800 US-20, Chester, MA. 

HIKING/GEOLOGY. Dawn-Dusk. Fifteen minutes from downtown Northampton exists a special place that seems a world apart from the nearby bustling cultural center. The Mineral Hills is a hilly forest with dramatic ridge-top views, wetlands, beaver ponds, and an abandoned rock quarry. Kestral Land Trust has a map to guide you! 398 Turkey Hill Rd., Northampton, MA. 

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 7:30am-1:30pm. Amherst Farmers’ Market – Town Common. Amherst, MA.

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 8am-12:30pm. Greenfield Farmers’ Market – Since 1975, the Greenfield Farmers’ Market has provided fresh, locally grown produce, animal products, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items. Court Square. Greenfield, MA.

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 8am-1pm. Northampton Farmers’ Market – Gothic Street. Northampton, MA.

FAMILY RADIO SHOW. 9-10am. HFVS Anti Bully Theme with Guest DJ Again Again – There’s no room to be a bully, and we all need to find better ways to play. Again Again has put together a radio show that encourages us all to speak up, be brave, be confident, and ultimately, be our unique selves. Tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show for an hour of commercial-free family programming on 103.3FM WXOJ, Northampton, MA. An encore will be broadcast on Sunday from 7-8am. Listen live via streaming audio at www.ValleyFreeRadio.org. 

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 9am-1pm.Ashfield Farmers’ Market – Fresh produce, meat, bread, and plants on the Town Common. Ashfield, MA.

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 9am-1pm. The Pittsfield Farmers Market – The first teen-run market in the region! Shoppers will find fresh, local, and seasonal foods & products, along with live music, chef demos, workshops, and children’s activities. Town Common. Pittsfield, MA.

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 9am-1pm. Great Barrington Farmers’ Market – Lots of vendors. Freshly grown and produced foods, ready to eat or take home, flowers, plants, and more! 18 Church Street. Great Barrington, MA.

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 9am-1pm. Williamstown Farmers Market – A setting for community gathering and interaction with local growers, artisans, producers, bakers, and food-makers sharing a wealth of knowledge and skills about local agriculture and production. Spring St. Williamstown, MA.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 9am-7pm. Come swim, fish, or picnic by the pond at Chicopee Memorial State Park in the summer, or enjoy hiking and biking on the trails year-round. Chicopee Memorial State Park. 413-594-9416. 570 Burnett Rd., Chicopee, MA. 

NUTRITIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY. 9:30am-4pm. Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration: Independence Day Food and Drink for Celebration. Did you know that in 1781, several months before the key American victory at Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday? Learn about the food and drink that might have been served for such an occasion. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA. 

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 10:30am-3pm. Holyoke Farmers’ Market. 164 Race St, Holyoke, MA.

LIBRARY ADVENTURES/ BALLOONS. 11am. Wildlife Balloon Twisting with Ed the Wizard at the Westhampton Public Library. 413-527-5386. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA. 

PLACEMAKING/ MUSIC STUDIES. 1-8pm. The Antenna Cloud Farm Music Walk – A day-long, village-wide, percussive music festival and self-guided audio walk, showcasing the multi-faceted world of virtuoso percussion and celebrating businesses and public spaces throughout Turners Falls. Free live performances by world-renowned artists, a hands-on workshop, and several Artist Discovery Listening Stations throughout town, where wanderers can connect to a lovingly curated musical journey featuring uniquely talented artists, all while enjoying the shops, restaurants, and public spaces in town. Turners Falls, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES/ FIDDLE. 2pm. Sarah The Fiddler will perform an outdoor concert. BYO picnic dinner & seating. Tilton Town Field. Wing Hill Rd. Goshen, MA

MUSIC STUDIES/ FIDDLE. 6pm. Berwick Fiddle Consort with the M. N. Spear Memorial Library at the Shutesbury Athletic Club. 282 Wendell Rd, Shutesbury, MA. 

FIREWORKS. 6-10pm. South Hadley’s annual fireworks celebration will be held at Michael E. Smith Middle School. There will also be food, games, and music. Rain date 7/5. 100 Mosier Street. South Hadley, MA.  

DANCE STUDIES/ CONTRADANCE. 7-9pm. Community Contradance at Pettingill Memorial Park. Cummington, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Ornithology/Birds Nests

As honeyberries and gooseberries come into fruit, the catbirds and robins are little thieves in the middle of the day, stripping the fruit and leaving homesteaders frustrated and contemplating berry netting next season. And as raspberries transition from blossom to fruit, ruby-throated hummingbirds visit patches throughout the day. High in the treetops, you can spy Baltimore orioles while hooded merganser ducks are down below, paddling down the river with their brood of ducklings. These are the bird sightings you might see in the Hilltowns in late June and early July. But what about their nests? Yes, you can spy those too, but first, learn WHERE they build their nests (in the trees, reeds, or river banks), HOW they build their nests, and other interesting facts about our avian neighbors and the places they call home. There is an estimate of over 18,000 bird species with a wide variety of nests shapes and sizes to discover, but maybe start with learning about the types of nests birds call home.

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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA, presents Art of The Hills: Visual Evidence, a Berkshire-Based Artist exhibition featuring a wide array of styles and mediums from artists living within 60 miles of the museum. On display from June 4 – September 11, 2022.

As well as Living Ink: The Art of Tattoos, a look into the artistry, history, and science behind tattooing. On display from June 25 – October 30, 2022.

Find more information and plan your visit at berkshiremuseum.org.

NATURE EXPLORATIONS. Dawn-Dusk. This Kestrel Land Trust map features Broad Brook-Fitzgerald Lake Greenway. Visitors will find one of the most ecologically rich areas of Northampton, consisting of nearly 850 acres of rocky woodlands, extensive wetlands, and abandoned fields. Drawing people and wildlife alike to its prominent feature —the lake—this public space includes an accessible paved path, wooden bridge, and boardwalk that leads through a marsh to a canoe launch. 95 North Farms Rd., Northampton, MA.  

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Sunrise-Sunset. Donated to the Commonwealth in 1929 by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), this state forest has two lakes, camping opportunities, swimming, a beach, and 15 miles of hiking trails available for all to enjoy. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest. 413-268-7098. 78 Cape St., Goshen, MA. 

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

LOCAL FOOD/ LOCAL CRAFTS. 10am-2pm. Belchertown Farmers and Artisans Market – Small New England town with local-based farmers supplying freshly harvested produce, animal products, and artisan crafts. Town Common. Belchertown, MA.

ROLLER SKATING. 10am-2pm. Outdoor Roller Skating – Learn to roller skate at 11am, or come at 10am and learn roller dance routines. Open skate is from 12-2pm. Outside at Amelia Park Arena. 413-568-2503. 21 South Broad St. Westfield, 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.

FISHING/KAYAKING. 10am-5pm. Enjoy a relaxing day by the water exploring the rolling Berkshire foothills. Walk or picnic along the Westfield River East Branch, go fishing, or launch your canoe or kayak. C.M. Gardner State Park. 413-354-6347. Rte. 112 North, Huntington, MA. 

NATURAL HISTORY. 10am-6pm. The Great Falls Discovery Center features exhibits illustrating the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed and Turners Falls. Engaging wildlife habitat dioramas are fully accessible and child-friendly. The center is a preserved historic paper mill building; admission is free and open year-round. Ongoing public programs, cultural events, and community gallery are offered. Four acres of open lawns surround the center with picnic tables and colorful flower gardens. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA. 

LOCAL HISTORY/ COMMUNITY. 1pm. Ice Cream Social on the lawn at Keep Homestead Museum. 413-267-4137. 35 Ely Rd. Monson, MA. 

HILLTOWN HISTORY/ MUSEUM. 2-4pm. Kemp-McCarthy Museum in Rowe, MA – Families can learn all about the history of life in the Hilltowns at the Kemp-McCarthy Museum, the town of Rowe’s fantastic resource for learning about local history! Its permanent exhibits include an antique store filled with goods that were really for sale. It also consists of an early 1900’s schoolroom, a collection of clothing worn by both children and adults, a music room filled with antique instruments, and an exhibit that focuses on the material culture and pastimes of early 20th-century Hilltowners. Kemp-McCarthy Museum. 282 Zoar Road in Rowe, MA.

NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 5-7pm. Summer Evening Stroll – Enjoy a special guided evening walking tour along Old Main Street at Historic Deerfield that explores life in a small town during the American Revolution. Incorporating music and stories from the period, this unique tour looks at the experience of Revolution in lives of ordinary people, both Patriot and Loyalist. It highlights the experience of women, enslaved people, and others often left out of the story of the Revolution. As one Deerfielder lamented, “all nature seems to be in confusion; every person in fear of what his neighbor will do to him. Such times were never seen in New England.” Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.

FIREWORKS. 9pm. At the East Longmeadow High School. East Longmeadow, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Humanities/Summer Trails

In Western Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have so many conserved landscapes that offer mountain views, scenic trails, access to waterways, and places to discover nature’s inspiring energy. When visiting these local treasures, take the time to discover the organization behind the conservation and care of the properties you visit, like Kestrel Land Trust, The Trustees, Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, and the Hilltown Land Trust, to name a few. Learning about these organizations and properties with your kids and then exploring them together helps families understand their value and deepens their appreciation for their work and desire to support conservation efforts. It can also support an interest in literature and poetry. Our natural landscape here in New England has inspired many influential writers, like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. While exploring the local landscape this summer, think about how it can inspire an artist and a writer. Think about the past; why do you think nature writing was so prevalent in the early-mid 19th century? How did nature writing in the United States inspire American conservation in the 19th century and presently with the organizations that protect the properties you visit? And which property or hiking trail inspires you the most, and why? Being mindful of nature as you travel through the local landscape on foot through pathways and atop summits can intuitively answer these questions as they relate to your appreciation for nature and deepen your connection to place. 

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MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022

HIKING. Sunrise-Sunset. Chapel Brook, a property of The Trustees of Reservations, showcases the region’s rugged beauty, blending steep and deep forests, sensational summit views, and streams that surge and trickle with the seasons. At the heart of the reservation lies 1,420-foot Pony Mountain, whose nearly vertical 100-foot rock face enthralls skilled rock climbers. Down below, Chapel Brook—a tributary of the South River— meanders through a dense hardwood forest before cascading over three bedrock ledges. In times of high water, Chapel Falls are in full roar. Come summer, however, the pools offer a cool, welcome dip. Williamsburg Road, Ashfield, MA. 

HIKING/LOCAL HISTORY. Sunrise-Sunset. Hike the Hallockville Pond Loop Trail at the Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest, a scenic trail with remnants of a former mill complex. Start at the Student Conservation Association (SCA) camp. Facing the pond, head to the right and follow trail signs. The route goes counter-clockwise along the pond shore. An older dam and mill site is at the head of the pond. On the return, pass by an immense glacial erratic! Cross over the old mill dam to complete the hike. Following your hike, also take a moment and head down the Mill Site Trail. A short distance brings you to impressive stone ruins of a sawmill, tannery, and dam. Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest. 413-339-5504. 466 W. Hawley Road, Plainfield, MA. 

HIKING. Sunrise-Sunset. Bash Bish Falls is the highest waterfall in Massachusetts and a popular scenic destination. The dramatic final pitch of Bash Bish Brook drops about 80 feet into an emerald plunge pool. Enjoy a hike to experience the wonder and beauty of this deep, verdant gorge. Bash Bish Falls State Park. 413-528-0330. 4G85+29, Mt. Washington, MA. 

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION/PARADE. 7am-1:30pm. Annual 4th of July Parade – Best hometown parade in Western MA! The parade will feature bands, floats, animals, clowns, antique and collectible cars, and fire and emergency vehicles. Main St. 413-552-9353. Chesterfield, MA.

HIKING. 9am-4pm. At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. From its peak on a clear day, you can see as far as 90 miles away. The trails at Mount Greylock Reservation vary in difficulty from casual to extremely difficult. Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA. 

PARADE. 10am. Celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Pittsfield at their annual parade. This year’s theme is “Back with a Bang.” Rain or shine. Downtown. Pittsfield, MA. 

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: History/Independence Day

The call for revolution in the late 18th century echoed throughout Massachusetts as the early American colonists sought independence from the British. Massachusetts settler history is deeply rooted in the history of the American Revolutionary War, from acts of rebellion to the many battles fought on this soil. Every 4th of July, communities commemorate the North American colonies’ patriots who spoke out against a government they felt did not truly represent them and their interests. Lasting nearly a decade (1775-1783), the American Revolution shaped our country’s early identity as a nation. The places, spaces, and communities that made up the Massachusetts colony played a major role in the early American cause for Independence. Learn more about the origins of the Declaration of Independence, the ideas of Enlightenment philosopher John Locke, and its resounding message in history.

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TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2022

SWIMMING/HIKING. Sunrise-Sunset. Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of the most scenic woodland areas in Massachusetts. It covers 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and woods, and it is home to a variety of plant and animal life. 413-339-5504. Cold River Road, Charlemont, MA. 

BIKE RIDING. Dawn-Dusk. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is an old railroad track converted into a 10-foot wide paved trail. The trail runs 12.7 miles through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough, and Adams. Cheshire Reservoir and the Hoosic River offer outstanding views of the scenery and wildlife. Parking lots and restrooms are available at selected locations along the way. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. 413-499-7003. Cheshire, MA.

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley

PLAYGROUP. Northampton Parents Center 

PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County

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.

HIKING. 9am-4pm. The 3,000-acre Mount Holyoke Range State Park features a 7-mile mountain ridge line. The park also includes streams, wetlands, woods, and thickets. Visitors can explore more than 30 miles of blazed trails. 413-253-2883. 1500 West St., Amherst, MA.  

HIKING. 9am-Sunset. The summit of Mt. Sugarloaf offers amazing views of the Connecticut River Valley. The park is great for picnics, hiking, and mountain biking. 413-665-2928. 300 Sugarloaf St., South Deerfield, MA.

PLAYGROUP. 10am Pick-up playgroup at Kendrick Park. Great for kids ages 2-5 to meet up with other families and to make new friends. Kendrick Park. E Pleasant St, Amherst, 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.

PLAYGROUP. 10:30-11:30am. For ages 0-5 at the Edwards Public Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 30 East Street, Southampton, MA.

STE(A)M/ PreK. 1pm. Pre-School STEAM Program. Learn how to inspire your kids to engineer, create, design, explore, and build at home. Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 1:30-6:30pm. Grow Food Northampton Tuesday Market – Held behind Thorne’s Marketplace, next to the parking garage. 99 Armory Street. Northampton, MA. 

TEEN/ ROLE-PLAYING. 4-6pm. Teen D&D Party – Curious about Dungeons & Dragons? Looking for a group to play with? Open to all levels. Beginners welcome! Try different styles of play! Design your own character! Recommended for youth in middle and high school. Greenfield Public Library. 413-772-1544. 402 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Entomology/Summer Insects

Learning through the lens of native insects holds endless pathways in which self-directed learning can flow. Interests from ecology and food production to language arts and technology are vast when using insects as your point of entry to learning. It is endless! Let’s take a moment to appreciate these fantastic creatures starting with a fun fact about how high in the sky they can fly, followed by two insects who make unique homes for themselves, the lifecycle of another well-loved critter, and conclude with a quick lesson in entomology.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

HIKING/BIRDWATCHING. Sunrise-Sunset. Mount Tom features wonderful views of the Pioneer Valley in west-central Massachusetts. The area is also a great place to bird-watch, especially for hawks and self-guided hikes. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA. 

NATURAL HISTORY/WATERFALLS. Sunrise-Sunset. Glendale Falls: Fed by more than five square miles of watershed, Glendale Falls is one of Massachusetts’s longest and most powerful waterfall runs. The surrounding forest comprises hemlock, birch, and beech with an understory of maple, hornbeam, witch hazel, shadbush, and mountain laurel, an intriguing range of species to track during your journey. The reservation was once part of the historic 18th-century Glendale Farm, which operated a gristmill whose foundation you can explore in the woods just north of the falls. Across Clark Wright Road, a logging road traces a natural wet meadow along Glendale Brook. Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of half an hour. Glendale Falls. Clark Wright Road, Middlefield, MA. 

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley

PLAYGROUP. Northampton Parents Center  

PLAYGROUPSSouth Berkshire County. 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County.

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.

GEOLOGY/NATURAL HISTORY. 9am-4:30pm. Natural Bridge State Park is home to the only natural white marble arch in North America. According to geologists, the park’s namesake natural bridge, made of 550 million-year-old bedrock marble, was carved into its iconic arch by the forces of glacial meltwater over 13,000 years ago. Today, the bridge spans the bubbling Hudson Brook as it twists and tumbles through a steep 60-foot gorge–one of the best demonstrations of glacial erosion in New England. Inside the park, visitors can also tour an abandoned marble quarry and check out a man-made white marble dam, the only one in North America. Natural Bridge State Park. 413-663-6392. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA. 

PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.

PLAYGROUP. 10am. Pick-up playgroup at Stanley Park’s sandbox area. Make not only sandcastles but also new friends at this weekly self-directed playgroup. Stanley Park. 413-568-9312. 400 Western Ave, Westfield, 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.

ORNITHOLOGY/ RAPTORS. 10:30am. Tom Ricardi and his Birds of Prey at the Chesterfield Library. 413-296-4735. 408 Main Rd, Chesterfield, MA. 

NEW PARENT GROUP. 10:30am & 1pm. Beyond Birth groups meet weekly. New babies birth-6mos are at 1pm and older babies 6mos-1 yr are at 10:30am. Amherst, MA.

ORNITHOLOGY/ RAPTORS. 11am. Birds of Prey with Wingmasters at the Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA.

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 2-6pm. Florence Wednesday Farmers Market – Florence Business and Civic Center Parking Lot. Florence, MA. 

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 2-6pm. The Great Falls Farmers Market – Held in historic downtown Turners Falls. Vendors may change weekly and include local produce, products, crafts, and activities. Peskeomskut Park. Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.

PLAYGROUP. 3:30-4:30pm. For ages 0-5 at Goshen Town Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 42 Main St., Goshen, MA.

NATURE JOURNALING. 3:30-5pm. A drop-in program focused on observing nature and drawing, painting, or writing about it. Children can make their own nature journal and add to it throughout the summer and beyond. Recommended for children ages 3-12. Greenfield Public Library. 413-772-1544. 402 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.

STEM/ ENGINEERING. 6pm. Save the Ocean from Oil Spills Workshop – Real scientists will teach children about oil spills in this hands-on engineering workshop. Children will be challenged to try different methods to clean up the oil spills—ages 7+ with an adult. Registration required. Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Humanities/Picnics

Al fresco dining during the summer months unites our sense of taste and smell with the sights and sounds of nature under the sun’s warmth. Picnics are a traditional way for families to enjoy a meal outdoors while allowing children to “get up from the table” and play. While kids run around chasing butterflies and skipping stones, adults can relax on picnic blankets with wicker baskets filled with sandwiches, chips, salads, and lemonade. But these aren’t the only ingredients you might find in a picnic basket. Learn what you might find at picnics from around the world, and get inspired by picnic foods from the Middle East, France, Japan, and England for your next family picnic.

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

LOCAL HISTORY/HIKING. Sunrise-Sunset. From its iconic red barn to an elegant allée of maples, the historic home of William Cullen Bryant is a testament to the celebrated poet’s ideal of living mindfully on the land. When visiting, Wander the Rivulet Trail, where an old-growth forest of hemlock and a magnificent cherry tree hugs the Rivulet, a trickling stream immortalized by Bryant’s 1923 poem of the same name. Or walk the Pine Loop, which features enormous pines that reach heights of 150 feet, among the tallest in the Northeast. The house’s interior will not be open for tours this summer; however, the property is open for outdoor activities. William Cullen Bryant Homestead. 413- 634-2244. 207 Bryant Road, Cummington, MA. 

BIKE RIDING. Sunrise-Sunset. Ride down the Norwottuck Rail Trail and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Level paths allow you to enjoy the trail no matter your abilities. The trail is also open to walking and rollerblading. 413-586-8706 x3. 446 Damon Rd., Northampton, MA. 

GEOLOGY. 9am-8pm. With many hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley, take a self-guided geology walking tour at Skinner State Park. 413-586-0350. 10 Skinner State Park Road, Hadley, MA. 

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley

PLAYGROUP. Northampton Parents Center  

PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County 

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.

PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.

PLAYGROUP. 10am Pick-up playgroup at Kendrick Park. Great for kids ages 2-5 to meet up with other families and to make new friends. Kendrick Park. E Pleasant St, Amherst, 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. 

STORYTELLING. 10:30am. Storytelling with Tom McCabe. Tom McCabe is a Parent’s Choice Award winning storyteller, educator, and creator and artistic director of PaintBox Theatre. Ware Library. 413-967-4858. 37 Main St., Ware, MA.

NEW PARENT GROUP. 10:30am & 1pm. Beyond Birth groups meet weekly in both Northampton (Thurs) and Amherst (Wed)! New babies birth-6 mos are at 1pm and older babies 6 mos to 1 year are at 10:30am. Northampton & Amherst, MA.  

PSYCHOLOGY/ MAGIC. 11am. Ed Popielarczyk’s Magic Show – Ed will weave stories and magic into excellent family entertainment. Ages 5 and up and their families. West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.

ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.

AGRICULTURE/ LOCAL FOOD. 12-5pm. Westfield Farmers’ Market – Locally grown agricultural products and hand-made crafts in a festive community atmosphere. Held on the lawn of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement, 36 Court St., Westfield, MA.

STORYTELLING. 2pm. Storytelling with Motoko at the Chicopee Public Library. 413-594-1800. 449 Front St., Chicopee, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES. 6:30pm. Summer Concert Series with Cottonwood, hosted by South Hadley Recreation Department at The Village Commons. South Hadley, MA.

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

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Food Studies/Summer Foods

Depending on the time of year, we often find ourselves eating specific foods related to the seasons and our cultural heritage. Holidays, agriculture, and the cycles of nature all impact the foods we slice and serve. Fresh fruits, frozen treats, and barbecues are summer staples in the hotter months! Let these yummy treats and meal time highlights be a catalyst for learning about history, culinary arts, and even chemistry. From popsicles, fresh fruit, and BBQ, there’s a lot to learn through the lens of summer foods!

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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022

NATURAL HISTORY/HIKING. Sunrise-Sunset. Once a poor farm and then later part of the country retreat of first U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, William C. Bullitt, and his daughter Ann, the Bullitt Reservation forms a crucial link in almost 3,000 acres of protected land that shelters state-protected species. Deer and bear emerge from the forest to feed and frolic, while the fields nurture orchids and butterflies. Poland Brook and its feeder streams provide habitat for a variety of fish and freshwater insects and plants. Take an amble along the Pebble Trail for an introduction to the features of the property. The Two Bridges Trail connects to Chapel Brook Reservation, then into a larger network of footpaths in Ashfield and into the broader Pioneer Valley. Bullitt Reservation. 413-628-4485. 332 Bullitt Road, Ashfield, MA. 

HIKING. Sunrise-Dusk. The Wahconah Falls Brook flows over several smaller falls before ending in the 40-foot Wahconah Falls. The cascade is scenic any time of year but is especially impressive during the spring runoff. Visitors can also relax, picnic, or fish in the shade of the northern hardwood forest. Hike their half-mile loop along the upper falls. Dogs welcomed. 413-442-8992. North Street, Dalton, MA.  

HIKING/SWIMMING. Sunrise-Sunset. Located deep in the rolling hills of the Berkshires, Windsor State Forest is known for its beauty. Visitors can experience the cascading waterfall at Windsor Jambs, and the Windsor Jambs Brook winds through a wide gorge with 80-foot granite walls. Enjoy hiking and swimming, and bring a picnic to enjoy along with scenic views. Dogs welcomed. 413-339-5504. River Road, Windsor, MA. 

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley 

PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County

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.

PLAYGROUP. 10am. Pick-up playgroup at Stanley Park’s sandbox area. Make not only sandcastles but also new friends at this weekly self-directed playgroup. Stanley Park. 413-568-9312. 400 Western Ave, Westfield, 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.

MUSIC STUDIES/ DRUMMING. 10:30am. Drumming Performance with Gaia Roots at the Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA. 

AGRICULTURE/ LOCAL FOOD. 2-6:30pm. Shelburne Falls Farmers’ Market – Drop by for fresh, local vegetables from local growers. Purchase fresh, homemade treats. Pick up local, pasture-raised eggs and meat, and find hand-spun wools and other hand-made gifts. Every week, they will have musicians playing on the green. Families are invited to dance, play, eat or relax and enjoy a Friday evening together. Main and Water Streets. Shelburne Falls, MA.

MUSIC STUDIES. 2:30pm. Tanglewood Pre-Concert Talks with Jeremy Yudkin at the Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA. 

PLACEMAKING/ ART STUDIES. 5-8pm. Arts Night Out – Northampton’s monthly gallery walk and art event. Downtown Northampton, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES/ DRUMMING. 6:45pm. The Hilltown Intergenerational Drum Circle – All ages and beginners are welcome to this biweekly drum circle, led by Rosie Fanale. Call to confirm before heading over. Shelburne Senior Center. 413-625-8470. Shelburne Falls, MA.

MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.

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Self-Directed Learning: Entomology/Fireflies

It’s Firefly season! Fireflies, dancing their bioluminescence ballet across the summer evening landscape, mark this time of year. An orchestra made up of frogs, insects, and leaves swaying in the breeze is the backdrop as the sun sets, and these glowing beetle emerge for a brief time every year, lighting up yards, fields, and forests. Take the time to sit quietly in the evening, listen, and watch a spectacular presentation that only nature could orchestrate. Engaging the sense with the natural world helps connect us to the present moment while strengthening a sense of place. The summer enchantment fireflies can bestow on young children brings fantasy and lore into their childhood memories, staying with them as they learn through nature and grow with the seasons. That magic can lead the way towards learning, bridging a sense of place with the sciences through curiosity and discovery.

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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, Chester, 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, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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