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.

🦅 ORNITHOLOGY/ RAPTORS. 9am-12pm. Bald Eagles – The Bald Eagle, formerly endangered, now has a thriving population over much of the country. Arcadia has been home to Bald Eagle pairs since 2010, resulting in many offspring. Join an indoor presentation to learn about eagles and their success stories and history in Massachusetts, followed by a hike to the Arcadia Meadows in search of eagles and other birds. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, 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.

📱 TECHNOLOGY. 10am. Wreck The Tech – Do you like to take things apart to see how they work? The library will have lots of old gadgets and electronics to disassemble and satisfy curiosity, plus volunteers who can help you figure out what you’re looking at and what it does. Please register. Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.

❄️ NATURE STUDIES/ MINDFULNESS. 10-11:30am. Revive Outside with Kestrel Land Trust – Join other families for sensory walks and mindful exploration in conserved places where children and caregivers can relax and recharge outdoors. Dyer Conservation Area. Hadley, MA.

❄️ WINTER FESTIVAL. 10am-12:30pm. Family Fun Fest – Part of the Greenfield Winter Carnival festivities, Tim Van Egmond’s Winter Tales and gooey melty s’mores are sure to leave you warm and toasty! Also, check out the Arts & Crafts, Board Games from Greenfield Games, Greenfield Public School Art Display, Face painting, Paper Snowflake Contest, and free giveaways from the Greenfield Public School’s Title I Program! 20 Sanderson Street. Greenfield, 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.

🔨 WOODWORKING. 10am-6pm. Woodworking Expos – Hobbyist and professional woodworking end users can enjoy woodworking hand and power tools, stationary woodworking machinery, furniture-specific hardware, stains/finishes for lumber, the wood species themselves, and a myriad of educational presenters covering a wide gamut of basic and advanced procedures both common (and uncommon) to the craft of woodworking. MassMutual Center. 413-787-6610. 1277 Main St, 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.

🎥 FILM STUDIES/ STOP MOTION. 10:30am-12pm. LEGO/Stop-Motion Club – Drop in to build with LEGOs and try making a LEGO Stop Motion Video! The library will provide LEGOs, tips, and support, but movie-makers must bring their own devices. All are welcome. An adult should accompany children aged five and under. Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.

📚  LIBRARY ADVENTURES. 11am. Take Your Child to the Library Day – Come to the library for your first time or your millionth time. Enjoy Bunny Storytime, and a real live bunny to pet and feed! Whately Library. 413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road. Whately, 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.

💌 VALENTINES/ ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am-5pm. Make and Take Valentine Drop-in – The ARTery will host a Make & Take Valentine drop-in workshop where you can use their art supplies and templates to craft a valentine design. The ARTery will also be hosting the launch of “Postcards for my Future Self,” a new mail art project funded by the Holyoke Local Cultural Council, where participants are encouraged to create small, able to be mailed artworks inspired by what they see in the city. ARTery. 413-324-4402. 289 High St. Holyoke, MA. 

📱 SOLDERING/ TECHNOLOGY. 12-2pm. Intro to Soldering: Valentine’s Heart –This simple class introduces soldering with a fun take-home cascading rainbow heart. Learn the names of a few components and their basic function while getting practice soldering an actual circuit board! Ages 16 & older. LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA.

🏀 SPORTS/ BASKETBALL. 12:30pm. UMass Men’s Basketball vs. Davidson – Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.

🎥 FILM STUDIES/ SING-ALONG. 12:45pm. Frozen Sing-Along – Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor of Amherst Cinema’s $5 Family Film series. Designed with the youngest moviegoers in mind, this series is a kid-friendly program with the goals of cultivating an early love of cinema, reducing financial barriers to theatrical experiences, and supporting the wellness of our community. This sing-along version of FROZEN features on-screen lyrics. Audiences are encouraged to sing along with their favorite songs. Amherst Cinema. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity St, Amherst, MA.

💌 VALENTINE’S DAY/ ARTS & CRAFTS. 1-3pm. Gel Plate Basics – Learn to create easy textures, layers, and patterns with gel plate printing using everyday and found objects. Experience the excitement of pulling one-of-the-kind prints perfect for Valentine’s Day collage tags, or let the tools and tips guide you through creating something uniquely you. Looky Here. 413-325-8232. 28 Chapman St. Greenfield, MA.

🌟 DANCE STUDIES. 1-4pm. Eastern Woodlands Social Dance – The Nolumbeka Project presents the Full Snow Moon Gathering and Eastern Woodlands Social Dance. The single file call and response dances will be taught and are fun and easy to learn. Bring rattles and shake out the cabin fever! Social dances are done for fun, socializing, and expressing the joy of having been given the gift of life. It is made up of easy-to-learn steps done by people of all genders and ages to create a sense of friendship and community. Held at the Greenfield Community College. 1 College Dr, Greenfield, 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. [

⛸ ICE SKATING. 4-5:50pm. 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.

✨ JEWISH CEREMONY/ HAVDALAH. 7pm. Community-wide Hootenanny Havdalah – An inspirational evening of singing, jamming, and schmoozing with Berkshire Rabbis, local musicians, and more. All ages are welcome! Bring your own tambourine, maracas, or musical shaker to join the fun! Congregation Knesset Israel. 413-445-4872. 16 Colt Rd. Pittsfield, MA.

🎭 THEATER STUDIES/ HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. 7-9:30pm. PVPA Presents: Once Upon a Mattress – On PVPA’s Main Stage Theater, a fabulous musical spin on the Princess and the Pea! The Queen had declared that no couples could marry until her son, the Prince, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the Prince, but they were kept from passing the tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up! Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School. 413-552-1580. 15 Mulligan Dr., South Hadley, 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.

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.

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 CELEBRATION/TU’BSHEVAT. 10am. Celebrate Tu’BShevat – A Celebration of the Trees. A morning of stories, activities, and play, especially for ages 2-5 and their grownups. All are welcome. Lander~Grinspoon Academy. 413-584-6622. 257 Prospect St. Northampton, MA.

🥾 ECOLOGY/ HIKE. 10am-12pm. Explore the fauna and flora of the Breckenridge Sanctuary, a property managed by the Hilltown Land Trust, with Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center. Learn about the flora (winter tree ID and evergreen plants) and the fauna (tracks, signs of wildlife) at this conservation area on a 1-2 mile snowshoe hike (depending on trail conditions). To register (required) email: aimee@gaiaroots.com. Breckenridge Sanctuary. Williamsburg, MA.

🌾 WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET. 10am-2pm. Easthampton Farmers’ Market – Winter farmers’ markets provide a fresh and colorful oasis during the winter months, reminding us that farm-fresh foods of all kinds are still available despite the blustery, snow-drift-covered fields that surround us. Connecting to the local food chain year-round is healthy for your body, your family, and your community, and it can be educational as well! Exposing children to the vast array of foods available from winter farmers’ markets can help them recognize that there are many different methods for growing and producing food while connecting them from where their food originates. Eastworks. 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton, 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.

🔨 WOODWORKING. 10am-6pm. Woodworking Expos – Hobbyist and professional woodworking end users can enjoy woodworking hand and power tools, stationary woodworking machinery, furniture-specific hardware, stains/finishes for lumber, the wood species themselves, and a myriad of educational presenters covering a wide gamut of basic and advanced procedures both common (and uncommon) to the craft of woodworking. MassMutual Center. 413-787-6610. 1277 Main St, 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. 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.

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.

🐦 ORNITHOLOGY/ CROWS. 2pm. Crows & Connecticut Valley’s Crow Roost: A Spectacular Winter Phenomenon – For the last two decades, Patti Steinman, a naturalist at MassAudubon, has been studying crows and the City of Springfield’s Crow Roost, one of the largest in the state. Steinman’s studies and the work of other researchers have highlighted the bird’s intelligence and complex social behavior, which has led to a new understanding and appreciation for crows and their impressive fall and winter roosts. Steinman’s Zoom program will cover how different cultures and traditions have treated crows and their natural history. Learn about a nightly gathering spot for about 10,000 crows this time of year, including all the crows you see in Northampton during the day. Hosted by Historic Northampton. (Virtual) 

🎭 THEATER STUDIES/ HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. 2-4:30pm. PVPA Presents: Once Upon a Mattress – On PVPA’s Main Stage Theater, a fabulous musical spin on the Princess and the Pea! The Queen had declared that no couples could marry until her son, the Prince, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the Prince, but they were kept from passing the tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up! Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School. 413-552-1580. 15 Mulligan Dr., 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.

🦉 ORNITHOLOGY/ OWLS. 5-7pm. Full Moon Owl Prowl – Learn about native owls through a short talk with wildlife biologist and owl expert Katherine Gura. Families can participate in owl story time, crafts, themed snacks, a bonfire, and a moonlit hike around Sheep Hill to listen and look for owls.Williamstown Rural Lands. Sheep Hill. 671 Cold Spring Rd. Williamstown, MA. 

🥾 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ HIKE. 5-7pm. Full Moon Meander – Magical hike amongst the gnomes & fairies of Cutthroat Brook Tree Farm under the light of the Snow Moon. Warm up after this hike by the fire with some hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows! Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust. 978-248-2043. 586 Briggs Rd., Athol, MA. 

🦉 ORNITHOLOGY/ OWLS. 6-7:30pm. Full Moon Owl Prowl – A full moon stroll through the woods, looking for, listening to, and learning about these nocturnal birds of prey. Hosted by Berkshire Natural Resources Council at The Boulders. Dalton/Pittsfield, MA.

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

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. 🎶 MUSIC STUDIES. 1pm. The Music Benjamin Britten – The Smith College Department of Music hosts Katherine Saik DeLugan (soprano) and Lemuel Gurtowsky (piano), who will present two of Britten’s song cycles: A Charm of Lullabies and the W. H. Auden settings that comprise his Cabaret Songs. Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall. Smith College. 51 College Ln, Northampton, MA. 

📖 LITERACY/ GRAPHIC NOVELS. 3:15pm. Graphic Novel Book Club – Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.

🗣 WORLD LANGUAGES/ MANDARIN. 4pm. Introduction to Mandarin for Kids – Is your child interested in learning Mandarin Chinese? Children ages 6 and older are welcome to sign up for this three-part class series (Feb 6, 13 & 28]. Using games and other fun ways, Li Ye will teach participants the basics of Mandarin, including greetings, colors, fruits, and much more. Pre-registration is required. South Hadley Public Library. 413-538-5045. 2 Canal St., South Hadley, MA.

🎨 ART STUDIES/ WATERCOLOR. 6:30pm. Introduction to Watercolor Painting – LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA.

☀️ ASTRO-METEOROLOGY. 6:30pm. Science of Astro-Meteorology – For ages, humans have attempted to make sense of the changing aspects of the Sun and the Moon and their possible influence on our ever-changing weather. Can a lack of sunspots ultimately lead to a trend toward colder temperatures? Can the Moon’s changing phases and its distance from Earth lead to stormy periods? Or do the movements of the planets have any control over our climate and weather? Can we put any credence in the forecasts issued annually by such publications as the Old Farmer’s Almanac or other so-called long-range weather experts? The answers may surprise you! Registration required. Storrs Library. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA.

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

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.

🪴 BOTANY/ FLORAL DESIGN. 2pm. Terrarium Class – Township Four. 413-347-3244. 419 North Street. Pittsfield, 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. 

🎲 ROLE-PLAYING GAMES. 6pm. D&D Campaign – Clapp Memorial Library. 413-323-0417. 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA.

🍽 COOKING. 6-7:45pm. Curious About Induction Cooking – Presentation on the benefits of induction stoves, a solution for safer indoor air, lower carbon footprint, faster cooking, and how to borrow free demo cook kits from the library. Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA.

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

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.

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.

⛸ ICE SKATING.  11:30am-12:50pm. 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.  

🎶 MUSIC STUDIES  1pm  Music Appreciation – Rob Humberston will guide us self-directed learners on a tour through the history of music to appreciate works from medieval to modern. During this weekly event, adult participants listen to music in performances by artists and ensembles and their conductors renowned for their interpretations of these works Registration required Storrs Library 413-565-4181 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA.

🎶 MUSIC STUDIES  3:30pm  Music Making – Have you ever wanted to make your own musical instruments Kids ages 5-11 can make a musical instrument from everyday materials After making their instrument, they can play along to some rhythm games and learn how music can come from anywhere Registration required Storrs Library 413-565-4181 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, 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.

🎭 THEATER STUDIES. 6:30pm. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition – A dramatic comedy by Qui Nguyen, this production is being produced under special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. The story centers around Agnes Evans, a high schooler longing to learn more about her recently deceased sister, Tilly. Soon after discovering Tilly’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook, Agnes finds herself propelled into a fantastical adventure complete with ominous ogres and bloodthirsty fairies. She learns more about Tilly than she ever could have imagined. Celebrate your “inner nerd” and discover why audiences are talking about this action-packed story of grief, discovery, and acceptance. Parental guidance recommended: Contains adult humor and language, violence, and mature themes. Holyoke High School, 500 Beech St, Holyoke, MA.

🏀 SPORTS/ BASKETBALL. 7pm. UMass Women’s Basketball vs. Fordham –Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.

🎶 MUSIC STUDIES. 7pm. Renaissance Jukebox – Presenting 16th- and 17th-century lute songs and ballads paired with modern songs of the 20th and 21st centuries. Each song pairing illustrates a mood, image, or story common to each song across the centuries. Think of Bob Dylan, Archie Fisher, Taylor Swift, and Richard Thompson, visiting the Elizabethan and Jacobean courts and finding common ground with the songwriters of that time. Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA.

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

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.  

🖼 LIFELONG LEARNING/ ART STUDIES  9:30am  Stroller Tours at Smith College Museum of Art – A special visit for caregivers and children under 2yo Parents & caregivers can enjoy conversations about art and activities led by SCMA and NPS Early Childhood Center staff Participants will be the only ones in the galleries during these special hours See special exhibitions, new installations, art pulled from storage, and even artist-designed restrooms Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace  Northampton, 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.

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/ 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.

🎥 FILM STUDIES/ STOP MOTION. 3:15-4:15pm. Create: Stop Motion Movies – Kids ages 6-11 can learn how to create a stop motion movie Kids will learn how to create a scene and characters and iPad stop motion technology. Storrs Library. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA.

🪡 SEWING. 4pm. Sew Fun: Hand Sewing for Tweens – In this class, Tweens, aged 10-13, will be taught the basics of hand sewing while working on various projects throughout the series. All materials and supplies will be provided. Space is limited, and registration is required. Springfield, MA.

💍 JEWELRY DESIGN. 6pm. Create Your Own Gemstone Ring – Easthampton Crystal & Mineral. 413-246-8293. 92 Cottage St, Easthampton, MA 

WOMEN’S HISTORY/ LIVING HISTORY. 6-7:30pm. A Revolution of Her Own!  – Performance of the inspirational story of America’s first professional female soldier Deborah Sampson. Storrowton Village Museum. 413-205-5051. 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA.

🧶 FIBER ARTS/ NEEDLE FELTING. 6-8pm. Needle Felt a Heart – Learn the art of needle felting, including basic shaping skills. Make a heart-shaped ornament to take home. Best for ages 12 & older. Preregister. Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA.

🎭 THEATER STUDIES. 6:30pm. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition – A dramatic comedy by Qui Nguyen, this production is being produced under special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. The story centers around Agnes Evans, a high schooler longing to learn more about her recently deceased sister, Tilly. Soon after discovering Tilly’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook, Agnes finds herself propelled into a fantastical adventure complete with ominous ogres and bloodthirsty fairies. She learns more about Tilly than she ever could have imagined. Celebrate your “inner nerd” and discover why audiences are talking about this action-packed story of grief, discovery, and acceptance. Parental guidance recommended: Contains adult humor and language, violence, and mature themes. Holyoke High School, 500 Beech St, Holyoke, 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.

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.

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.

PARENTING SUPPORT GROUP. 10am. New Baby, New Feelings – A free, safe, confidential drop in support group for mothers with infants. Community Action Family Center. 413-475-1555. 90 Federal Street. Greenfield, 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.

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.

⛸ ICE SKATING. 3-4:50pm. 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.

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

🎭 THEATER STUDIES. 6:30pm. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition – A dramatic comedy by Qui Nguyen, this production is being produced under special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. The story centers around Agnes Evans, a high schooler longing to learn more about her recently deceased sister, Tilly. Soon after discovering Tilly’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook, Agnes finds herself propelled into a fantastical adventure complete with ominous ogres and bloodthirsty fairies. She learns more about Tilly than she ever could have imagined. Celebrate your “inner nerd” and discover why audiences are talking about this action-packed story of grief, discovery, and acceptance. Parental guidance recommended: Contains adult humor and language, violence, and mature themes. Holyoke High School, 500 Beech St, Holyoke, 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.

🏒 SPORTS/ ICE HOCKEY. 7pm. UMass Hockey vs. Vermont – UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave, Amherst, MA.

🎭 THEATER STUDIES. 8-11pm. Exit 7 Players Presents: Clue – The classic board game is brought to life in Clue! Exit 7 Players Theater. 413-583-4301. 37 Chestnut St, Ludlow, MA.

🎶 MUSIC STUDIES/ NATIVE CULTURE. 8pm. Music@Amherst Presents: Welcome to Indian Country with Opening Words and Song by Larry Spotted Crow Mann – Presenting a celebration of Native culture through music and storytelling, the world-class musical ensemble is joined by storyteller and Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest. Together they weave new compositions and songs with witty, wise, and poignant poetry and satire to honor the elders and ancestors. Their performance unearths the depth, joy, and solidarity that Native people find in their community, culture, and family. Opening words and song will be by nationally acclaimed author, a citizen of the Nipmuc Nation of Massachusetts, and director of the Ohketeau Cultural Center, Larry Spotted Crow Mann. Join a talkback with all the performers following the performance. Buckley Recital Hall, Amherst College. 413-542-2199. 53 College St, Amherst, MA.

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