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
SUGGESTED EVENTS: JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Monday, January 30, 2023
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Friday, February 3, 2023
MORE EVENTS : Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IDEAS
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities he 10th Annual Easthampton WinterFest Saturday, February 11, 2023. A major fundraiser to help support the health of Nashawannuck Pond, this event provides a winter celebration for the community near and far. Online events begin in January designed to engage the community, such as the Easthampton trivia contest, photo contest, snowflake-making contest, and more. In-person events begin February 2 with the 10 Days of WinterFest, ending on February 11 for the actual festivities of Winterfest. Look forward to an artisan, craft, and vendor fair, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice harvesting and ice carving demonstrations, magic shows, bingo, and a deca-dance gala featuring Johnny and the Flashback, an ice bar and hors d’oeuvres. More info: www.nashawannuckpond.org/winterfest.html
Inspired academics, gifted teachers, music and art in everyday learning, active land stewardship, and a culture of compassion: this is the Hartsbrook School Now accepting applications for 2023-24, pre-K thru high school! For more information, call 413-586-1908 x116 to begin your exploration. Visit the school online at www.hartsbrook.org Hadley, MA.
What IS a Sparkle Party? It is a celebration of all things dazzling and fabulous, hosted by Art in Motion , an Easthampton-based dance school that creates powerful artists through dance education. The Sparkle Party is a glittery, inclusive family gathering that combines movement, books, visual art, and creative expression for kids 10 & under and their caregivers. All families are invited to this FREE event! Sparkle Party partners include Art Always and High Five Books (Florence, MA) and Salon 180 East (Easthampton, MA). The party will be on Saturday, January 28 , 2023, from 2-4pm in the Art in Motion studio in the Keystone building, 122 Pleasant St. in Easthampton, MA. Email Art in Motion with any questions at hello@artinmotion 413.com
Saint Michael Catholic School (SMS) invites prospective families to spend a day with their students & staff. Enrollment is open, so now is the perfect time to explore alternatives in education for your child. Register at saintmichaelschoolvt.org . SMS is a classical PreK-12 Catholic co-educational day school founded in 1874 in Brattleboro, VT , to assist parents in the education and formation of their children through the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. SMS’s mission is to promote & nurture their student’s spiritual, intellectual, and physical growth and talents through a classical liberal arts course of study. SMS believes “the soul of education is the education of the soul” (Pope Pius XI). More info: lindsayoneil@smsvt.info
Explore, play games, and learn wilderness skills! Wolf Tree in Montague, MA, offers school vacation week programs for the 2023 February and April school breaks for ages 8-12. These week-long outdoor programs are designed to foster children’s curiosity and connection to nature in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Participants will work on their naturalist and wilderness skills with experienced and engaging instructors while building confidence and leadership. Looking beyond the school year, registration for Wolf Tree’s successful summer camp for children and teens opens on February 1st. Join Wolf Tree out in the woods for these weeks of exploration and connection to nature. More info at www.wolftreema.com .
Join Sandglass Theater for five days of puppet building over winter break, play-making, and show creation for ages 8-14. Delve into the magical world of the marionette circus! Kids will explore basic marionette and rod puppets by picking the circus acts of their choice and developing scenes, culminating in a final performance for friends and family. Taught by Jana Zeller and Shoshana Bass. The camp will take place in Sandglass Theater’s own space located at 17 Kimball Hill in the heart of Putney, Vermont . Camp is $300 per camper for the week. Sandglass Theater Winter Puppet Camp takes place daily from 9am-3:30pm, February 20-24, 2023 . For more info or to register for camp, email info@sandglasstheater.org or visit sandglasstheater.org
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School South Hadley, MA, is accepting applications for grades 7-11 for the 2023/24 school year at www.pvpa.org/admissions . Application deadline: Feb 10, 2023. Lottery: Feb 17, 2023. PVPA 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. Join PVPA for an Open House and see why they are consistently voted one of the “Best Charter Schools in the Valley! ” No tuition or audition is required. Questions? Email admissions@pvpa.org or call 413-552-1580 x216 for more info.
The Academy at Charlemont is a community-oriented independent day school for grades 6-PG. For over 40 years, Academy students have become engaged learners and articulate leaders through small classes, rigorous coursework, diverse electives in the arts and beyond, inclusive athletics, personalized advising, and student leadership. Learn more from students and faculty at our Virtual Information Session on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 7-8pm , or email admissions@charlemont.org Pre-register at charlemont.org .
The Experimentory is a fantastic opportunity for sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students to sample Deerfield Academy. The Experimentory is an innovative program that allows students to delve into project-based, creative learning. It focuses on collaboration, communication, fostering creativity, building character, and developing how we view the world. Contact: 413-774-1498. jbrown@ deerfield .edu ; deerfield.edu/summer-programs/experimentory
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List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023
What IS a Sparkle Party? It is a celebration of all things dazzling and fabulous, hosted by Art in Motion , an Easthampton-based dance school that creates powerful artists through dance education. The Sparkle Party is a glittery, inclusive family gathering that combines movement, books, visual art, and creative expression for kids 10 & under and their caregivers. All families are invited to this FREE event! Sparkle Party partners include Art Always and High Five Books (Florence, MA) and Salon 180 East (Easthampton, MA). The party will be on Saturday, January 28 , 2023, from 2-4pm in the Art in Motion studio in the Keystone building, 122 Pleasant St. in Easthampton, MA. Email Art in Motion with any questions at hello@artinmotion 413.com
🎣 ICE FISHING. 6am-2pm. Ice Fishing Derby at Pontoosuc Lake. Hosted by the Lanesborough Fire Department. Behind the park on Narragansett Ave. Lanesborough, MA.
🏒 SPORTS/ ICE HOCKEY . 8:30am-Sundown. Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic – The Berkshire Pond Hockey Classic isn’t just for hockey players. Everyone can attend and spend quality time in the beautiful Berkshire outdoors, by the fire, gliding around on the pristine lake, or watching for bald eagles. There’s something for everyone. Benedict Pond. Beartown State Forest. Monterey, MA.
FAMILY RADIO : 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio )
⛸ OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.
🎿 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING . 8:30am-4pm. Ski Notchview – Renowned for its Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, there is something for everyone. Ski Notchview this winter and enjoy over 25 miles of trails. Half of the trails are groomed and track-set for classical cross-country skiing, and 5 miles are groomed for skate skiing. A separate trail system is for “skijoring” (aka skiing with dogs). Visitors can also snowshoe alongside the ski trails or go off track and explore the backcountry. Rentals are available. Notchview. 413-684-0148. 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA.
🎿 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING. 9am-4:30pm. Cross-Country Skiing at Northfield Mountain – Northfield Mountain has more than 25 miles of trails designed specifically for cross-country skiing and groomed for both classical and free-style skiing. Their trails offer some of the finest Nordic skiing in the region, from beginner trails to the demanding 800-foot vertical climb of Tenth Mountain Trail. A seasonal rental program for cross-country skis and snowshoes is available. Northfield Mountain. 413-659-3714. 99 Millers Falls Road, RT 63, Northfield, MA.
🚂 TRANSPORTATION/ LOCOMOTION . 9am-5pm. Railroad Hobby Show – The largest railroad-themed trade show in America with everything related to rail travel, from real-life railroad pieces, to scale models and extensive hobby train set-ups. Families can learn about the history of rail travel and the numerous types of trains and their uses. Kids can also learn about the history of railroad use in the area and how their community has changed over the years—hosted by the Amherst Railway Society at the Eastern States Exposition. 413-267-4555. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield – Founded in 1952, Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum that interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
🌟 STEM/ LEGOS. National LEGO Day Extravaganza – Clapp Memorial Library. 413-323-0417. 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA.
🌲 BOTANY/ DENDROLOGY. 10am. Winter Tree Identification – Enjoy a hike on The Boulders Blue Trail while you get to know trees up close and personal. In this program, we will learn about techniques to help identify trees in the winter and discuss some of the adaptations trees have to weather the season’s harsh conditions. The Boulders, Dalton, MA.
🎨 ART STUDIES/ WATERCOLOR. 10am. Watercolor Family Friendly Edition – Explore watercolors with other families at the Salasin Project. 413-774-4307. 474 Main Street. Greenfield, MA
. MUSEUMS ADVENTURES . 10am-5pm. MASS MoCA’s annual community celebration is brimming with art-making, gallery tours, live music, pop-up performances, fun photos, and tons more to inspire and explore for their Free Day. Pre-registration is required. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM . 10am-4pm. The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum – Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES : 10am-5pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES . 10am-5pm. Springfield Museums – The Springfield Museums uses art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss to explore our shared connections and unique perspectives to promote engagement, literacy, and learning. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Springfield Museums offer access to five world-class museums, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, all under a single admission. The museums are community-based educational resources that can support interests and education in art studies, natural history, STEM, astronomy, zoology, geology, paleontology, ecology, history, and, of course, Dr. Seuss. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – A museum devoted to the art of picture books, especially children’s books. The Carle’s picture-book exhibitions showcase various artists, themes, and styles. Their three galleries host six original shows a year, so there is always something new! In addition to exploring art in the galleries, drop into the art studio to experience the creative joy of making art; explore new picture books, and rediscover old ones in their library. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
📚 LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10:30am. Library Storytime – Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
ART STUDIES . 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
🥕 NUTRITION. 1pm. Learn about Plant-Based Diets – Whately Library. 413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road. Whately, MA.
🛷 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 1-2:30pm. Family Friendly Outdoor Adventures – Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
🗺 MAP SKILLS/ GEOCACHING. 1-3pm. Geocaching 101 Mount Greylock Visitor Center . 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES . 1-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum – Located on the Mount Holyoke College campus, this Museum is one of the oldest teaching museums in the country, dedicated to providing firsthand experience with works of significant aesthetic and cultural value. The Museum offers pre- and post-visit educational materials designed for kids of all ages to maximize their learning potential while exploring the galleries and connecting art with their personal experiences, including walking and activity guides and educator resources. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA.
🍎 BOTANY/ GARDENING . 2pm. Winter Pruning Workshop – Learn how to prune apple trees. Mineral Hills Winery. 592 Sylverster Road. Florence, MA.
🏀 SPORTS/ BASKETBALL. 4pm. UMass Men’s Basketball vs. Duquesne – Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
🎳 SPORTS/ BOWLING. 4-11pm. Vintage Candlepin Bowling & Bar – Bowling is a fun way to practice math skills and statistics while observing physics concepts, such as friction, torque, velocity, and gravity. Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley. 413-625-6179. 43 Bridge Street. Shelburne Falls, MA.
🍽 COMMUNITY MEAL. Wild Game Dinner – Chesterfield Four Seasons Club. West Chesterfield, MA.
🪐 ASTRONOMY/ PLANETARIUM. 6:30pm. A Night Under the Stars. A planetarium show by Kevin Collins – Black Birch Vineyard. 413-247-3300. 108 Straits Rd, North Hatfield, MA.
⛸ ICE SKATING. 6:30-8:20pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
🦉 ORNITHOLOGY/ OWLS. 7:30pm. Owl Prowl – Hitchcock Center for the Environment. 413-256-6006, 845 West St, Amherst, MA.
MORE EVENTS : Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
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Self-Directed Learning: Winter Festivals
In 19th-century New England, the winter season was a time for gathering and socializing with family, friends, and neighbors. As the fields lay dormant in anticipation of the agricultural season, rural New Englanders used the cold season to meet friends, have conversations, and visit with one another. Before the telephone or telegraph, visiting a friend’s home was a way to share news, gossip, and stories. With the invention of social media, automobiles, and blended fabrics, how do communities gather in the winter months, celebrating local culture and strengthening their sense of place? Find out in our post, Winter Festivals: Living Seasonally through History, Culture & Art .
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023
FAMILY RADIO : 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio )
⛸ OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.
🎿 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING . 8:30am-4pm. Ski Notchview – Renowned for its Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, there is something for everyone. Ski Notchview this winter and enjoy over 25 miles of trails. Half of the trails are groomed and track-set for classical cross-country skiing, and 5 miles are groomed for skate skiing. A separate trail system is for “skijoring” (aka skiing with dogs). Visitors can also snowshoe alongside the ski trails or go off track and explore the backcountry. Rentals are available. Notchview. 413-684-0148. 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA.
🎿 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING. 9am-4:30pm. Cross-Country Skiing at Northfield Mountain – Northfield Mountain has more than 25 miles of trails designed specifically for cross-country skiing and groomed for both classical and free-style skiing. Their trails offer some of the finest Nordic skiing in the region, from beginner trails to the demanding 800-foot vertical climb of Tenth Mountain Trail. A seasonal rental program for cross-country skis and snowshoes is available. Northfield Mountain. 413-659-3714. 99 Millers Falls Road, RT 63, Northfield, MA.
🚂 TRANSPORTATION/ LOCOMOTION . 9am-5pm. Railroad Hobby Show – The largest railroad-themed trade show in America with everything related to rail travel, from real-life railroad pieces, to scale models and extensive hobby train set-ups. Families can learn about the history of rail travel and the numerous types of trains and their uses. Kids can also learn about the history of railroad use in the area and how their community has changed over the years—hosted by the Amherst Railway Society at the Eastern States Exposition. 413-267-4555. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield – Founded in 1952, Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum that interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can tour twelve carefully-preserved antique houses dating from 1730 to 1850 and explore world-class collections of regional furniture, silver, textiles, and other decorative arts on display in the authentic period houses; as well as the Flynt Center of Early New England Life, a state-of-the-art museum facility featuring exhibitions and a visible storage area. Support interests in history through the lens of architecture, New England antiques, arts and crafts needlework, ironware and basketry, cooking and baking, gardening, textiles, fashion, furniture, and much more! Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (nosh , schmooze , and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum – Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, 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.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES : 10am-5pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
ART STUDIES . 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES . 11am-5pm. Springfield Museums – The Springfield Museums uses art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss to explore our shared connections and unique perspectives to promote engagement, literacy, and learning. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Springfield Museums offer access to five world-class museums, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, all under a single admission. The museums are community-based educational resources that can support interests and education in art studies, natural history, STEM, astronomy, zoology, geology, paleontology, ecology, history, and, of course, Dr. Seuss. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM . 12-4pm. The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 12-5pm. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – A museum devoted to the art of picture books, especially children’s books. The Carle’s picture-book exhibitions showcase various artists, themes, and styles. Their three galleries host six original shows a year, so there is always something new! In addition to exploring art in the galleries, drop into the art studio to experience the creative joy of making art; explore new picture books, and rediscover old ones in their library. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
🪡 SUSTAINABILITY/ TEXTILES. 1pm. Monthly Maker Event – The BagShare. 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA.
🥾 MINDFULNESS/ OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 1pm. Mountain Mindfulness: Family Forest Walk – Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES . 1-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum – Located on the Mount Holyoke College campus, this Museum is one of the oldest teaching museums in the country, dedicated to providing firsthand experience with works of significant aesthetic and cultural value. The Museum offers pre- and post-visit educational materials designed for kids of all ages to maximize their learning potential while exploring the galleries and connecting art with their personal experiences, including walking and activity guides and educator resources. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA.
ART STUDIES/ GALLERY . 2-5pm. Hampshire College Art Gallery – The Hampshire College Art Gallery is a dynamic space for contemporary art and collections-based exhibitions, uniting innovative curatorial approaches with a focus on teaching and learning. Families can visit the gallery to check out traditional exhibitions, along with more interactive programs. Many objects in their small, eclectic permanent collection were donated when founders first built the college, so there are among them some quintessentially “’60s” artworks, alongside fine art photography. The gallery is located in the Harold F. Johnson Library Building, Ground Floor, on the campus of Hampshire College. 893 West Street. Amherst, MA.
⛸ ICE SKATING. 2:30-4:20pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
⛸ ICE SKATING. 3-5pm. Williston Lossone Rink. BYO Skates. Greenwood Ct. Easthampton, MA.
🎳 SPORTS/ BOWLING. 4-8pm. Vintage Candlepin Bowling & Bar – Bowling is a fun way to practice math skills and statistics while observing physics concepts, such as friction, torque, velocity, and gravity. Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley. 413-625-6179. 43 Bridge Street. Shelburne Falls, MA.
MORE EVENTS : Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
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Self-Directed Learning: Puzzles
In honor of National Puzzle Day (Jan. 29, 2023), let’s look through the lens of this relaxing and sometimes challenging pastime as a way of supporting interests and values. Socially, puzzles are a great intergenerational activity to do with the entire family and friends on lazy summer days and cold winter nights. But did you know that puzzles also support cognitive function? Up to 8 different cognitive functions are simultaneously activated when doing a puzzle. Getting curious about what happens in the brain when engaging with puzzles can support learning about neuroscience . Historically, affluent families used puzzles to teach children geography , while contemporary puzzles support multidisciplinary learning, including visual art , biology , anatomy & physiology , and even manufacturing . All this and more are our self-directed learning suggestions for National Puzzle Day!
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MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2023
PLAYGROUP . Northampton Parents Center .
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS . Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS . Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS . Home. City. Families. in Springfield
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.
PLAYGROUP . 8:30-11am. Hilltown Family Center Infant & Toddler Play Group – Starting with Infant Playgroup at 8:30am and families with children 9mo-5yo joining at 9:45am. Families are welcome to eat breakfast at 8:30am for a nominal cost. Takes place at R.H. Conwell Elementary School. 413-667-2203 x311. 147 Huntington Rd, Worthington, MA.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING . 8:30am-4pm. Ski Notchview – Renowned for its Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, there is something for everyone. Ski Notchview this winter and enjoy over 25 miles of trails. Half of the trails are groomed and track-set for classical cross-country skiing, and 5 miles are groomed for skate skiing. A separate trail system is for “skijoring” (aka skiing with dogs). Visitors can also snowshoe alongside the ski trails or go off track and explore the backcountry. Rentals are available. Notchview. 413-684-0148. 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA.
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 the Meekins Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (nosh , schmooze , and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum – Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
ART STUDIES/ GALLERY . 10:30am-4:30pm. Hampshire College Art Gallery – The Hampshire College Art Gallery is a dynamic space for contemporary art and collections-based exhibitions, uniting innovative curatorial approaches with a focus on teaching and learning. Families can visit the gallery to check out traditional exhibitions, along with more interactive programs. Many objects in their small, eclectic permanent collection were donated when founders first built the college, so there are among them some quintessentially “’60s” artworks, alongside fine art photography. The gallery is located in the Harold F. Johnson Library Building, Ground Floor, on the campus of Hampshire College. 893 West Street. Amherst, MA.
☕️ TEENS/ LIBRARY ADVENTURES. 2:45pm. T een Hot Cocoa and Craft Hour – Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA.
⛸ ICE SKATING. 3-4:20pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
🍿 TEENS/ LIBRARY ADVENTURES. 3:30pm. Teen Movie Monday – Erving Public Library. 413-423-3348. 2 Care Dr, Erving, MA.
🧑🍳 COOKING/ POSTPARTUM. 5pm. Just Roots offers an online cooking workshop for pregnant or postpartum families identifying as food insecure. The farm will provide an allergy-friendly, vegan ingredient kit (pick-up or delivery if there is limited mobility). Just Roots/Greenfield Community Farm. 413-325-8969. 34 Glenbrook Dr, Greenfield, MA.
MORE EVENTS : Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
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Self-Directed Learning: Ice Harvesting
Ice harvesting is an industry of the past with roots in cold climates – like western Massachusetts! Done both as a necessity in early New England and as a profitable industry more recently, ice harvesting plays an important role in local history , literature , and New England culture . In the days of western Massachusetts past, when refrigerators weren’t standard kitchen equipment, ice was quite a luxury during the summer. Early New Englanders would have to harvest and strategically store ice from local lakes and ponds to have ice after the spring thaw began. When kept in the proper conditions, the harvested ice would last much longer than the cold weather. Learn more about this first (historically) harvest of the year and the forgotten history of ice !
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2023
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUP . Northampton Parents Center
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS . Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS . Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS . Home. City. Families. in Springfield
⛸ OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING . 8:30am-4pm. Ski Notchview – Renowned for its Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, there is something for everyone. Ski Notchview this winter and enjoy over 25 miles of trails. Half of the trails are groomed and track-set for classical cross-country skiing, and 5 miles are groomed for skate skiing. A separate trail system is for “skijoring” (aka skiing with dogs). Visitors can also snowshoe alongside the ski trails or go off track and explore the backcountry. Rentals are available. Notchview. 413-684-0148. 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA.
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.
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM . 9am-4pm. The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
PLAYGROUP . 9:30-11:30am. School-readiness program for ages 3-4yo + caregiver. Engagement with young children is modeled through songs, books, circle time, literacy activities, StoryWalks, crafts, STEM activities, free play, cooperative games, take-home activities, and outdoor play. Hilltown Family Center. 9 Russell Road. Huntington, MA .
FIBER ARTS & CRAFTS. 10am. Knit & Crafts Circle – Bring a portable craft (knitting, crochet, spinning, rug-hooking, mending, etc.) and get support and camaraderie. Best for lifelong and self-directed learners. Registration is required. Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
PLAYGROUP . 10am. Tinker Tots – Each week, children ages 0-2 (siblings welcome) and their caregivers engage in child-centered play, art, music, storytime, and sensory activities to encourage social, fine & gross motor skills, and pre-literacy. Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-3pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum – Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES : 10am-4pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (nosh , schmooze , and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. 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.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES . 10am-5pm. Springfield Museums – The Springfield Museums uses art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss to explore our shared connections and unique perspectives to promote engagement, literacy, and learning. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Springfield Museums offer access to five world-class museums, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, all under a single admission. The museums are community-based educational resources that can support interests and education in art studies, natural history, STEM, astronomy, zoology, geology, paleontology, ecology, history, and, of course, Dr. Seuss. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME . 10:30am. Story Time – All ages and abilities are welcome! Drop in for a relaxed story hour, listen to books, play, make a seasonal craft, and chat with other grown-ups. Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
PLAYGROUP . 10:30am. For ages 0-5 at the Edwards Public Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 30 East Street, Southampton, MA.
ART STUDIES . 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES . 11am-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum – Located on the Mount Holyoke College campus, this Museum is one of the oldest teaching museums in the country, dedicated to providing firsthand experience with works of significant aesthetic and cultural value. The Museum offers pre- and post-visit educational materials designed for kids of all ages to maximize their learning potential while exploring the galleries and connecting art with their personal experiences, including walking and activity guides and educator resources. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, 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.
⛸ ICE SKATING. 2:30-4:20pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
LEGOS . 3pm. LEGO Club – Playing with LEGOs offers an excellent opportunity for kids to practice problem-solving and spatial skills while engaging in semi-complex tasks. Children ages 6-10 are invited to build with the library’s impressive collection of LEGO Bricks at the Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA.
GRANDPARENTING SUPPORT . 4-6pm. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group – A group for grandparents actively parenting their grandchildren. A safe and confidential space to share similar experiences with other grandparents. All groups are on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. Free pizza and childcare provided. Questions or to register: 413-663-7588. Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. 61 Main Street. Ste 218. North Adams, MA.
MORE EVENTS : Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
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Self-Directed Learning: Lunar New Year
Let the Lunar New Year be your lens for learning about music and food traditions that are part of the celebrations surrounding the Lunar New Year! The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, meaning that the date indicates both the current moon phase and the time of the solar year. Because of this, the Lunar New Year (also referred to as the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival) takes place on a different date on our calendars each year and is always held between 30-45 days after January 1st New Year’s celebration (Jan 22 in 2023). There are many traditions found in the celebration of the Lunar New Year. Learning about the food and practices, plus taking day trips to regional cultural celebrations , can support interests while making community connections.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUP . Northampton Parents Center
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS . South Berkshire County.
PLAYGROUPS . Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County.
PLAYGROUPS . Home. City. Families. in Springfield
⛸ OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING . 8:30am-4pm. Ski Notchview – Renowned for its Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, there is something for everyone. Ski Notchview this winter and enjoy over 25 miles of trails. Half of the trails are groomed and track-set for classical cross-country skiing, and 5 miles are groomed for skate skiing. A separate trail system is for “skijoring” (aka skiing with dogs). Visitors can also snowshoe alongside the ski trails or go off track and explore the backcountry. Rentals are available. Notchview. 413-684-0148. 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA.
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.
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM . 9am-4pm. The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
🎿 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING. 9am-4:30pm. Cross-Country Skiing at Northfield Mountain – Northfield Mountain has more than 25 miles of trails designed specifically for cross-country skiing and groomed for both classical and free-style skiing. Their trails offer some of the finest Nordic skiing in the region, from beginner trails to the demanding 800-foot vertical climb of Tenth Mountain Trail. A seasonal rental program for cross-country skis and snowshoes is available. Northfield Mountain. 413-659-3714. 99 Millers Falls Road, RT 63, Northfield, MA.
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield – Founded in 1952, Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum that interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can tour twelve carefully-preserved antique houses dating from 1730 to 1850 and explore world-class collections of regional furniture, silver, textiles, and other decorative arts on display in the authentic period houses; as well as the Flynt Center of Early New England Life, a state-of-the-art museum facility featuring exhibitions and a visible storage area. Support interests in history through the lens of architecture, New England antiques, arts and crafts needlework, ironware and basketry, cooking and baking, gardening, textiles, fashion, furniture, and much more! Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
WORLD LANGUAGES/ SPANISH. 10am. Libros y canciones/Bilingual Storytime – Sing songs and read books in English and Spanish. Best suited for children ages 1.5-3. ¡Canta canciones y lee libros en ingles y español! Este evento es apropriado para niños de edades 1.5-3. Reuniremos en la sala de comunidad y se limitará asistencia a 30. Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA.
HEALTH CARE. 10-11:30am. Walk-in Wellness Clinic – Provided by Westhampton’s Public Health Nurse, Michael Archbald. Clinics include: Guidance in managing chronic health issues; Medication management/side effects consultations; Sharps and mercury thermometers disposal, COVID-19 symptom management including “Long Covid”; Information regarding Home Health Care and local resources. Westhampton Public Library. 413-527-5386. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, 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.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum – Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – A museum devoted to the art of picture books, especially children’s books. The Carle’s picture-book exhibitions showcase various artists, themes, and styles. Their three galleries host six original shows a year, so there is always something new! In addition to exploring art in the galleries, drop into the art studio to experience the creative joy of making art; explore new picture books, and rediscover old ones in their library. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (nosh , schmooze , and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES : 10am-4pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, 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.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES . 10am-5pm. Springfield Museums – The Springfield Museums uses art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss to explore our shared connections and unique perspectives to promote engagement, literacy, and learning. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Springfield Museums offer access to five world-class museums, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, all under a single admission. The museums are community-based educational resources that can support interests and education in art studies, natural history, STEM, astronomy, zoology, geology, paleontology, ecology, history, and, of course, Dr. Seuss. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, 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.
ART STUDIES . 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES . 11am-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum – Located on the Mount Holyoke College campus, this Museum is one of the oldest teaching museums in the country, dedicated to providing firsthand experience with works of significant aesthetic and cultural value. The Museum offers pre- and post-visit educational materials designed for kids of all ages to maximize their learning potential while exploring the galleries and connecting art with their personal experiences, including walking and activity guides and educator resources. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, 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.
🎶 MUSIC STUDIES/ BLACK HISTORY MONTH. 5pm. Community Concert with Música Franklin – Join Música Franklin for a staff and family-friendly student concert featuring music by Black composers in honor of Black History Month. Takes place at Temple Israel Greenfield. 27 Pierce St., Greenfield, MA.
❤️🩹 PARENTING WORKSHOP. 5:30pm. Cooperative Parenting & Divorce – Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. 413-663-7588. 61 Main St. North Adams, MA.
🎥 HISTORY/ FILM STUDIES. 6:30pm. 3rd Annual MLK Day Pick-Your- Own Film Fes t – This year’s theme is historical period films set in the 1700s or 1800s. Stone Soup Café. 413-475-0072. Meals at the All Souls Church. 399 Main Street. Greenfield, MA.
🏀 SPORTS/ BASKETBALL. 7pm. UMass Women’s Basketball vs. Richmond – Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
MORE EVENTS : Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
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Self-Directed Learning: African American History/Poetry
February is National African American History Month in the United States. It is a time to honor African Americans’ work, achievements, and contributions. Literature, art , and community-based resources share stories and help us remember the struggle for civil rights and the importance of equality, civic action, social justice, history , and solidarity. Looking through the lens of poetry , Langston Hughes and Audre Lorde are two African American poets who illustrate the power of voice and words.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023
Saint Michael Catholic School (SMS) invites prospective families to spend a day with their students & staff. Enrollment is open, so now is the perfect time to explore alternatives in education for your child. Register at saintmichaelschoolvt.org . SMS is a classical PreK-12 Catholic co-educational day school founded in 1874 in Brattleboro, VT , to assist parents in the education and formation of their children through the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. SMS’s mission is to promote & nurture their student’s spiritual, intellectual, and physical growth and talents through a classical liberal arts course of study. SMS believes “the soul of education is the education of the soul” (Pope Pius XI). More info: lindsayoneil@smsvt.info
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUP . Northampton Parents Center
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS . Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS . Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS . Home. City. Families. in Springfield
⛸ OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING . 8:30am-4pm. Ski Notchview – Renowned for its Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, there is something for everyone. Ski Notchview this winter and enjoy over 25 miles of trails. Half of the trails are groomed and track-set for classical cross-country skiing, and 5 miles are groomed for skate skiing. A separate trail system is for “skijoring” (aka skiing with dogs). Visitors can also snowshoe alongside the ski trails or go off track and explore the backcountry. Rentals are available. Notchview. 413-684-0148. 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA.
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.
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM . 9am-4pm. The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
🎿 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING. 9am-4:30pm. Cross-Country Skiing at Northfield Mountain – Northfield Mountain has more than 25 miles of trails designed specifically for cross-country skiing and groomed for both classical and free-style skiing. Their trails offer some of the finest Nordic skiing in the region, from beginner trails to the demanding 800-foot vertical climb of Tenth Mountain Trail. A seasonal rental program for cross-country skis and snowshoes is available. Northfield Mountain. 413-659-3714. 99 Millers Falls Road, RT 63, Northfield, MA.
🎶 MUSIC & MOVEMENT. 9:30am. Music with Little Roots (Virtual )
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield – Founded in 1952, Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum that interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can tour twelve carefully-preserved antique houses dating from 1730 to 1850 and explore world-class collections of regional furniture, silver, textiles, and other decorative arts on display in the authentic period houses; as well as the Flynt Center of Early New England Life, a state-of-the-art museum facility featuring exhibitions and a visible storage area. Support interests in history through the lens of architecture, New England antiques, arts and crafts needlework, ironware and basketry, cooking and baking, gardening, textiles, fashion, furniture, and much more! Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
PLAYGROUP . 10am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.
PLAYGROUP . 10am. Playgroup – Nurture your child’s social skills and school readiness at our weekly playgroup for preschoolers (older siblings are also welcome)! Opportunities for free and guided play. No registration is necessary. Please Note: Playgroup happens outside of regular library hours. Montague Center Library. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street, Montague, MA.
PLAYGROUP . 10am. Preschool Play & Learn – Join Miss Jenn from Pittsfield’s CFCE for Preschool Play & Learn, a parent/child program centered around a theme from children’s literature and integrates pre-literacy, math, and fine and gross motor skills. There are a variety of exploration stations for children 3 to 5 years old to discover. Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 10am. Playgroup – Free play, crafts, storytime, and songs for children ages birth to 5 years old with South Berkshire Kids at Monterey Public Library. 413-528-3795. 452 Main Rd, Monterey, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum – Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (nosh , schmooze , and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES : 10am-4pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – A museum devoted to the art of picture books, especially children’s books. The Carle’s picture-book exhibitions showcase various artists, themes, and styles. Their three galleries host six original shows a year, so there is always something new! In addition to exploring art in the galleries, drop into the art studio to experience the creative joy of making art; explore new picture books, and rediscover old ones in their library. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, 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.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES . 10am-5pm. Springfield Museums – The Springfield Museums uses art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss to explore our shared connections and unique perspectives to promote engagement, literacy, and learning. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Springfield Museums offer access to five world-class museums, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, all under a single admission. The museums are community-based educational resources that can support interests and education in art studies, natural history, STEM, astronomy, zoology, geology, paleontology, ecology, history, and, of course, Dr. Seuss. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, 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.
ARTS & CRAFTS . 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
ART STUDIES . 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES . 11am-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum – Located on the Mount Holyoke College campus, this Museum is one of the oldest teaching museums in the country, dedicated to providing firsthand experience with works of significant aesthetic and cultural value. The Museum offers pre- and post-visit educational materials designed for kids of all ages to maximize their learning potential while exploring the galleries and connecting art with their personal experiences, including walking and activity guides and educator resources. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA.
⛸ ICE SKATING. 2:30-4:20pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
🌟 STEM/ LEGOS. 3:30pm. Drop-In Lego Time – Monson Library. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street, Monson, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME . 3:30pm. Storytime with Julie – Storytime plus crafts and singing for children up to age 5. Tyler Memorial Library. 413-339-4335. 157 Main St, Charlemont, MA.
PARENTING SUPPORT GROUP. 5pm. The Brick House Community Resource Center is hosting a parenting support group for any parents and guardians who want to connect. Free childcare. The Brick House. 413-800-2496. 24 3rd Street. Turners Falls, MA.
💌 ARTS & CRAFTS. 6pm. Valentine Bunting Craft – Hand sew felt and fabric hearts, then fill with stuffing and lavendar to create a holiday or year round decoration. Pre-registration required. Rowe Town Library. 413-339-4761. 318 Zoar Rd. Rowe, MA.
🎥 ART STUDIES/ ANIMATION. 7pm. Film and Drawing: Experimental Animation of the ’60s and ’70s – A selection of short films covering experimental animation from the 1960s and ’70s is a visual treat … and a trip! Amid the Cold War, animation artists explored alternative realities. It became a way for artists to venture outside the ideological boundaries of international politics. Some of these realities returned to fairytales, like the animations of the Soviet Union’s Yuri Norstein. Other artists, like the Canadian-Scottish animator Norman McLaren, pursued abstraction. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA.
🎶 MUSIC HISTORY. 7pm. Power of the Protest Song: Our Shared History & Present Day – Part-performance and part-presentation, this family-friendly event will explore the origin stories and lineages of protest songs, how their meanings and impacts continue to transform through time and space, and how they have inspired–and continue to inspire–movements and cultural shifts within the realms of racial and social justice. Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
ROLLER SKATING . 7-9:30pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA .
MORE EVENTS : Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
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Self-Directed Learning: Groundhogs Day
The midpoint of winter in the United States is marked by Groundhog Day, a day with rich European history, “clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening in specific dates,” writes Bill Anderson in his book Groundhog Day: 1886 to 1992 . Anderson also writes, “The groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe. For centuries, the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people.” Even then, Groundhogs Day marked a milestone in the winter, and the weather on that day was significant. Let this annual observation day support your learning in religious studies, animal studies , and community traditions !
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2023
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUP . Northampton Parents Center
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS . Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS . Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS . Home. City. Families. in Springfield
⛸ OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING . 8:30am-4pm. Ski Notchview – Renowned for its Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, there is something for everyone. Ski Notchview this winter and enjoy over 25 miles of trails. Half of the trails are groomed and track-set for classical cross-country skiing, and 5 miles are groomed for skate skiing. A separate trail system is for “skijoring” (aka skiing with dogs). Visitors can also snowshoe alongside the ski trails or go off track and explore the backcountry. Rentals are available. Notchview. 413-684-0148. 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA.
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.
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM . 9am-4pm. The Children’s Museum – Dedicated to enhancing children’s educational and cultural awareness through the arts, sciences, and the world around them. The Museum’s participatory exhibits and educational programming invite children and adults to interact and enjoy learning and self-discovery while at play. Young children almost always want to start on the Curvy Climber. And then, throughout the Museum, there are several other activities that older children might spend more time with, including the Legos Table, The Magna Tile Table, Maxi Rollways, and the Imagination Playground. There is also a state-of-the-art World of Motion room that stimulates children and adults’ curious minds. This room is STEM-based and encourages learning and play. Discover more at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
🎿 CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING. 9am-4:30pm. Cross-Country Skiing at Northfield Mountain – Northfield Mountain has more than 25 miles of trails designed specifically for cross-country skiing and groomed for both classical and free-style skiing. Their trails offer some of the finest Nordic skiing in the region, from beginner trails to the demanding 800-foot vertical climb of Tenth Mountain Trail. A seasonal rental program for cross-country skis and snowshoes is available. Northfield Mountain. 413-659-3714. 99 Millers Falls Road, RT 63, Northfield, MA.
🌟 HOMESCHOOL/ NEW ENGLAND HISTORY . 9:30am-4pm. Homeschool Days at Old Sturbridge Village. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA.
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield – Founded in 1952, Historic Deerfield is an outdoor museum that interprets the history and culture of early New England and the Connecticut River Valley. Visitors can tour twelve carefully-preserved antique houses dating from 1730 to 1850 and explore world-class collections of regional furniture, silver, textiles, and other decorative arts on display in the authentic period houses; as well as the Flynt Center of Early New England Life, a state-of-the-art museum facility featuring exhibitions and a visible storage area. Support interests in history through the lens of architecture, New England antiques, arts and crafts needlework, ironware and basketry, cooking and baking, gardening, textiles, fashion, furniture, and much more! Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
FIBER ARTS/KNITTING . 10am. Knitting Club at Old Creamery Co-op. 413-634-5560. 445 Berkshire Trail, Cummington, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum – Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. It was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the late 19th century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. The museum can support interests in history and architecture, photography, film, art, and botany. Photography and film students can test their skills in the house, finding interesting areas to photograph. Art students are welcome to find a spot they enjoy and sketch, paint, and/or interpret the site as it fits their interests and studies. History classes may compare and contrast the architectural elements of Ventfort Hall with observations in their community. Botany students can investigate and identify trees and plants on the property that are of the era. And much more! Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center – Learning about Jewish culture and history often leads parents and children to conversations about their family’s history, culture, and traditions. Part of The Center’s mission is to offer engaging learning opportunities for curious visitors of all ages who come to the expansive, sunny museum designed to resemble a shtetl (Eastern European Jewish small town), which sits in an apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus. Visitors don’t need to be able to read or speak Yiddish to enjoy the Center—although, by the visit’s end, they’ll realize they probably knew more Yiddish words than they thought (nosh , schmooze , and shlep are all Yiddish words commonly used in English), and leave knowing even more. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES : 10am-4pm. The Beneski Museum of Natural History – One of New England’s largest natural history museums, featuring three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display. Step inside the museum, and you’ll find: Dramatic displays of fossil skeletons, from fish to dinosaurs to Ice Age megafauna, an extraordinary collection of local dinosaur footprints, geological specimens and immersive exhibits that tell the history of the local landscape through geologic time, including when dinosaurs inhabited the area, and dazzling mineral specimens from around the world and meteorites from beyond Earth. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – A museum devoted to the art of picture books, especially children’s books. The Carle’s picture-book exhibitions showcase various artists, themes, and styles. Their three galleries host six original shows a year, so there is always something new! In addition to exploring art in the galleries, drop into the art studio to experience the creative joy of making art; explore new picture books, and rediscover old ones in their library. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, 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.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES . 10am-5pm. Springfield Museums – The Springfield Museums uses art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss to explore our shared connections and unique perspectives to promote engagement, literacy, and learning. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Springfield Museums offer access to five world-class museums, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, all under a single admission. The museums are community-based educational resources that can support interests and education in art studies, natural history, STEM, astronomy, zoology, geology, paleontology, ecology, history, and, of course, Dr. Seuss. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) – One of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA embraces all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. MASS MoCA offers various participatory learning opportunities, including hands-on art-making classes and docent-guided tours. A must-visit for families is Kidspace, a child-centered art gallery and hands-on studio that offers in-depth art education. Visit the ArtBar, a hands-on studio space in Kidspace, to make art or take a project home with you. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
🌟 🖼 ART STUDIES . 10:15am. New Parents Gallery Tour – New parents and caregivers are invited to bring their infants into the galleries for a guided visit. This informal tour includes a unique look at Clark’s permanent collection, featuring various works by various artists. Each month offers a different selection of artworks. This special program is best suited for adults with pre-toddlers. Strollers and front-carrying baby carriers are welcome. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA.
PLAYGROUP . 10:30am. Sing and Dance – This program includes songs, music, and movement. No registration is required, and drop-ins are welcome! Bushnell-Sage Library. 413-229-7004. 48 Main St, Sheffield, MA.
ART STUDIES . 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) – SCMA is recognized as a leading academic museum. Their collection comprises 27,000+ objects, representing the diversity of art and material culture across periods and geographies. Visitors can discover artworks from across periods and geographies in their permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions, engaging people with first-hand experiences of art, artists, and museum practice. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Greek vases to contemporary video art. The works in their permanent collection galleries are regularly rotated, so there’s something new to see each time you visit. Special exhibitions highlight a dynamic range of artworks and artists. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES . 11am-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum – Located on the Mount Holyoke College campus, this Museum is one of the oldest teaching museums in the country, dedicated to providing firsthand experience with works of significant aesthetic and cultural value. The Museum offers pre- and post-visit educational materials designed for kids of all ages to maximize their learning potential while exploring the galleries and connecting art with their personal experiences, including walking and activity guides and educator resources. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA.
GRANDPARENTING SUPPORT . 1pm. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Tea Time, every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, with Community Action’s Family Center. 413-475-1555. 90 Federal Street , Greenfield, MA .
☃️ WINTER FESTIVAL . Greenfield Winter Carnival
🌟 ART NIGHT OUT. 5-8pm. I LOVE NORTH ADAMS
🎳 SPORTS/ BOWLING. 6-11pm. Vintage Candlepin Bowling & Bar – Bowling is a fun way to practice math skills and statistics while observing physics concepts, such as friction, torque, velocity, and gravity. Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley. 413-625-6179. 43 Bridge Street. Shelburne Falls, 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.
🌟 LIVING HISTORY. 7pm. One-woman show about Clara Barton (Virtual )
⛸ ICE SKATING. 8-9:50pm. Public Ice Skate – Ice skating sessions for the public at UMass Mullins Center. Skate rentals are provided. Great opportunity to get moving on cold New England days! UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
MORE EVENTS : Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
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Self-Directed Learning: Winter Bird-Feeding
February is National Bird-Feeding Month, dedicated to bird feeding and watching. This national observation month allows us to support community- and place-based learning about native species and our local environment. In February, families are encouraged to learn together about winter bird feeding , identifying visitors to their feeders, and the importance of habitat conservation. Read more in our post, February is National Bird-Feeding Month
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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, Bernardston, Buckland, Goshen, Greenfield, Hadley, Heath, Huntington, Lee, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, South Hadley, Southampton, Washington, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
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