Hilltown Families 
Weekly Suggested Events for March 18-24, 2023
Are you looking for things to do in western Massachusetts? Seeking place-based learning ideas? Are you a self-directed, life-long, and/or experiential learner? Are you curious or wanting to support the interests of your family? Our weekly Suggested Events list includes suggested learning ideas, resources, and fun events for all ages, each week!
Scroll down to discover featured events, learning opportunities, and educational videos to support learning from home. And be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter so you never miss out!
SUGGESTED EVENTS: MARCH 18-24, 2023
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities
FEATURED EVENT
NERD (New England Regional Developers) Summit is an inclusive, community-building annual tech event held in New England. Each year, local professionals present sessions on various topics, with audiences ranging from beginners to individuals with years of experience. The mission of NERD is to collaborate with the regional community to ensure that the annual Summit & events throughout the year offer everyone, regardless of background or finances, a diverse curriculum for relevant skill-building and valuable networking opportunities, supporting NERD’s vision of creating positive & supportive learning opportunities for people who work or want to work in web & related technology. NERD Summit 2023 takes place at Umass Amherst, March 17-19, 2023.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Ready for Summer 2023? Envision your children outside building shelters, playing games, tracking wildlife, learning & practicing fire-making skills, carving, discovering, foraging for wild edibles & medicinals, experiencing, making new friends, mentoring & so much more! At Home in the Woods Camps are Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm. All summer for ages 7+; 4 weeks for 5- & 6-year-olds! Contact Earthwork Programs for information on additional camps specifically for teens/preteens. Register by April 1 for Early-Bird prices–don’t wait! Some weeks are filling quickly. Contact: 413-340-1161. frank@earthworkprograms.com; earthworkprograms.com.
Use code: HTFAM to be entered into the drawing for Frank’s book: Wilderness Adventure Camp
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Rising 2nd through 5th graders are invited to a week of open-ended creative expression at Creativity Camp! Campers will experience a joyful range of drawing, painting, collage, and creative writing projects. They will feel the flow of the creative process as they tinker, build, create and imagine. Campers will also take artist and writer walks on Hartsbrook’s farmland, and of course, they’ll enjoy plenty of breaks to move, play and cool off. On Friday before pick-up, families are invited to a celebratory art show. Campers will go home with a full portfolio of their creations. Get creative with Hartsbrook Creativity Camp and Creative Arts Facilitator Melissa Renzi, who draws from her twenty years of experience as an artist, writer, and teacher. Rising 2nd through 5th graders. Contact: 413-586-1908 x116. summerprograms@hartsbrook.org; www.hartsbrook.org.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Living Rivers School (LRS) students assist world-renowned river fish expert Dr. Boyd Kynard as he completes his third year of small fish habitat- and sea lamprey- data collection and concludes studies to determine the extent and quality of Connecticut River fish habitat between the Holyoke and Turners Falls dams. LRS students are credited by name for their service in the reports Dr. Kynard publishes in juried academic journals. They are invited to share their experience and findings with their schools and communities. This is a rare opportunity for students to get real conservation biology research experience and be nurtured as future environmental leaders. Biocitizen’s best program—a life-changer and career-inspirer! Contact: 413-320-0522. kheidinger@biocitizen.org; ma.biocitizen.org.
FEATURED EVENT
Mud Season Festival
Turners Falls, MA
Mud Season 2023 Festival, an all-day multi-venue music festival with food, crafts, and merch, happens Saturday, March 18, in downtown Turners Falls at The Shea Theater. This one-day music festival features The Love Crumbs, The Dave Bulley Band, the barnRocket Imagineers playing John Lennon’s “Imagine” in its entirety, and The Jenny Burtis band. A children’s hour will feature the Hampshire County Fiddlers, an afterschool fiddle group for kids ages 8-14, playing tunes from America, Ireland, Scotland, Quebec, and beyond. Kids are free at this event, which includes two stages and much more! Doors open at 11am. More info: www.mud-season.com.
Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor! Click here to enter to win a pair of tickets as our guest!
FEATURED EVENT
Making Food Fun
Greenfield, MA
It’s time to celebrate the arrival of spring in Franklin County with an outdoor family event! CISA and the Franklin Community Co-op are teaming up to celebrate local food with children and families. The day includes a chance to learn from a farmer about the maple sugar process at Bergeron’s Sugar House. There will be a taste test of different grades of maple syrup and maple cream. The folks at Green Fields Market will stir up some fun with a food demonstration, especially for kids, and they will serve silver-dollar pancakes for the syrup. Rise Above Bakery is baking mini croissants using local flour, butter, and milk. In case of stormy weather, the event will be held indoors at the Franklin Community Co-op event space at 170 Main Street.
FEATURED EVENT
Sensory-Friendly Performance of
Romeo and Juliet
Lenox, MA
Shakespeare & Company presents Romeo and Juliet as a sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, March 25, at 2pm, featuring the cast of the Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare. This production of Romeo and Juliet has been developed to share Shakespeare’s story in a more comfortable environment, including reduced-intensity lighting and sound effects; pre-show materials with story synopses, theater maps, and other “what to expect” content; quiet spaces for those in need of a break, and more. Performance is approximately 90-mins and occurs at the Tina Packer Playhouse in Lenox, MA. A GKV Foundation grant generously supports this Romeo and Juliet performance.
Visit www.shakespeare.org for more information and tickets!
FEATURED EVENT
Very Hungry Caterpillar Day
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Amherst, MA
Celebrate spring with The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Sunday, March 26, from 12-4pm at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA. Enjoy a Wiggle Jiggle dance parade with the beloved Caterpillar, art-making in the Art Studio, storytime with the Center Dance Studio, films, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt. The Carle Bookshop is also having a sale with 15 percent off storewide. Members save 30 percent. Plus, free apples and Caterpillar Cookies! For more information and a schedule of activities, please visit www.carlemuseum.org. All activities are free with Museum Admission!
FEATURED SCHOOL
Amherst Montessori School
Amherst, MA
Amherst Montessori School believes your child is inherently intelligent and that hands-on learning is critical to their developing brains. In mixed-age classrooms, your child is empowered to explore, discover, and learn through all five senses. In a beautiful new building designed uniquely for children, classrooms are filled with sunlight, natural materials, and views outside to playgrounds. Trained Montessori teachers nurture each child’s innate curiosity and independence. For more information: 413-253-3101; kedreich@amherstmontessori.org; amherstmontessori.org.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Whole Children
Northampton, MA
Whole Children offers afternoon and Saturday classes for kids and teens at their new Inclusive Community Center. Summer sessions include a variety of classes, including yoga, theater, art, music, cooking, performing arts, and so much more. Whole Children’s goal is to create an inclusive environment where every child is successful and valued for who they are, no matter their abilities or disabilities. Whole Children is filling a vital need by creating classes where the hard work of skill-building is made social and fun for children of all abilities and, perhaps just as importantly, by creating a supportive and caring community for their parents. Contact: 413-585-8010. info@wholechildren.org; wholechildren.org/hfsummer.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Berkshire Museum Summer Camps
Pittsfield, MA
Berkshire Museum camps offer children going into grades Pre-K through 8 the chance to make connections between art, science, and history in the Museum’s new classrooms and throughout our galleries. Campers develop skills, create art, conduct experiments, and make new friends while having a ton of fun!
Contact: 413-443-7171 x361.
bashby@berkshiremuseum.org; berkshiremuseum.org/programs/camp.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Amherst Montessori
Elementary Summer Discovery
Amherst, MA
Explore your own creativity and the natural world around you! Amherst Montessori’s beloved LEGO Camp enters its 15th year this June, where young friends dive into the world of LEGO, crafting and engaging in STEM-based creation. In July and August, Homestead Camp offers participants opportunities to dig deep into the outdoors: planning and building garden and chicken infrastructure, learning about and practicing wilderness survival skills, crafting forts, utilizing both foraged and cultivated plant life in cooking and herbalism, and much outdoor free play. Spend the Summer learning skills and having fun while doing it! Registration is per week, Monday-Friday, from 8:30am-4pm. Contact: 413-253-3101. mwiley@amherstmontessori.org; amherstmontessori.org.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Bement Camp
Deerfield, MA
Come to Bement for summer camp! A variety of programs, from day camp to outdoor adventure with AdventureEast to musical theater to digital storytelling, and much more, is offered for students entering kindergarten through grade 8. Check out their website Bement.org/Summer for information about all their programs. Registration is open, and programs are filling quickly. Contact the summer program coordinator at summer@bement.org with any questions.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Camp Apex
Shelburne, MA
Find your adventure this summer at Franklin County’s YMCA’s traditional day camp, Camp Apex. Campers experience outdoor activities and discover new hobbies surrounded by nature and friends. From archery to arts & crafts, swim lessons to gaga ball, campers will start their day with many adventures and leave with full hearts and friends that last well past the last day of summer. Field days, silly camp songs, obstacle course fun, hiking, and stream exploring are all things kids can do on any given day up at camp. The best summers are when kids discover new interests, make new friends, and develop strong values while enjoying everything camp offers. Camp Apex: today’s adventures are tomorrow’s memories. Contact: 413-773-3646. kyounger@your-y.org; www.your-y.org/camps
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Northampton Community Music Center
Summer Music Programs
Northampton, MA
Northampton Community Music Center (NCMC) offers a variety of week-long summer programs for young musicians. “Music Discoveries: Create-A-Musical” offers ages 5-9 the chance to explore a multitude of creative mediums in collaboration with peers to build and perform an original musical show. The “Summer Chamber Music Program” and “Summer Rock Bank Program” offer ages 10-18 the opportunity to apply their developing instrumental musical skills in the collaborative ensemble environment under the guidance of professional faculty coaches while exploring and examining great music from a variety of periods. Make music and make memories at the NCMC this summer! Financial aid is available for qualifying families. Contact: 413-585-0001. registrar@ncmc.net; ncmc.net/summer
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Camp Lion Knoll
Leyden, MA
Camp Lion Knoll provides children from 4.5-13 years of age a summer camp experience when the public schools are not in session. Their program allows parents to attend school, work, and/or receive special services while knowing their child is happily engaged and safe. Camp Lion Knoll promotes social and emotional learning and provides children with a quality out-of-school experience that studies show can help stem academic declines typical of a summer break. In addition, campers receive access to swimming, physical education, and art/nature education. Campers also are provided with a structured meal schedule and nutritious meals during the summer. Contact: 413-774-7407. nclayton@girlsclubofgreenfield.org; www.girlsclubofgreenfield.org.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Springfield JCC Summer Camp
Springfield, MA
Springfield JCC Summer Camp features a values-based curriculum, sports & ropes course, the arts, and immersive STEM experiences. Their staff & specialists develop personal connections with campers, cater to individual needs, and create memories that last a lifetime. Their Summer Camp is open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, for children in grades K–10. Pre- & post-camp is available. It’s camp with a purpose: Their weekly values, from yosher (honesty) to tikkun olam (repairing the world), are woven into their daily activities. Their facilities are on the Longmeadow/Springfield line & include playgrounds, athletic fields, trails, a high- & low-challenge ropes course, zip line, rock wall, auditorium, art studio, gymnasium, racquetball courts, and pool. Contact: 413-739-4715. sstone@springfieldjcc.org; www.springfieldjcc.org.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Hilltown Sleddogs “Sled Dog” Camps
West Chesterfield, MA
Learn to care for and exercise a world-class athlete – the Alaskan Husky Sled Dog. Choose a dog for the week. Learn to feed, pet, play, clean up after & train a sled dog. Ride a racing rig, scooter, bike, hike, jog, swim, and warm weather activities dogs & campers love together. All have fun bonding, playing & mushing with the team! “My daughter loved the week-long camp, really bonded with her dog, and plans to return next year. Hilltown Sleddogs is one of Pioneer Valleys’ unique treasures!” (JG). “The hands-on connection with dogs is amazing. At the end of the week, my boys don’t want to come home.” (EM) *Bonfire/BBQ eve is back Thursdays, Weeks 3,4,5 & 6. *Gals Only Week 5, all ages! New 7 Weeks of Camp starting June 26-30. Contact: 413-296-0187. hilltownsleddogs@gmail.com; www.hilltownsleddogs.com/camps.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMPS
Girl Scouts of Central & Western MA
Harvard, Otis, and South Hadley, MA
Nature lover? Passion for science? Enthusiastic about art? Girl Scout camp has it all and is open to all girls–no prior Girl Scout experience needed to attend! Camping has been a cornerstone of the Girl Scout experience for more than a century. While girls are swimming, hiking, sailing, paddling & honing their skills on the archery range, they’re also achieving valuable life skills. Day camp at Lewis Perkins in South Hadley, overnight camp at Bonnie Brae in Otis, or Green Eyrie in Harvard. Stay a few days, a week, or longer at overnight camp. Girl Scouts’ dedication to progression in outdoor programming means campers practice age-appropriate skills & gain experience they need to feel confident taking the next step in their outdoor journey. Contact: 413-584-2602. info@gscwm.org; www.gscwm.org.
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
MacDuffie Summer Camp
Granby, MA
Camp MacDuffie is an exciting summer day camp for rising 1st to 8th graders. Participants spend the morning engaged in a program area of their choosing, enjoy lunch by Sage Dining Services (included), and then stay active with various outdoor/indoor activities and field trips throughout the week. Their program leaders are passionate and experienced, and they all look forward to creating a fun and supportive environment for your child to thrive in this summer. Come along and join Camp MacDuffie this summer! Contact: 413-255-0000. summer@macduffie.org; macduffie.org/summer-camp.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Summer at The Academy at Charlemont
Charlemont, MA
Calling all rising 7th-10th graders! Join The Academy at Charlemont July 24-28 for their Whitewater Kayaking & Hiking program w/Zoar Outdoor, or their Ultimate Frisbee sports camp experience w/Academy Coach Will Miller. Learn to navigate the hills & rapids of the Deerfield River Valley w/Zoar staff through an intro to whitewater kayaking, or hone your Ultimate skills w/a combo of agility, endurance & other Ultimate-specific exercise training, fundamental disc handling skills, cutting-edge offensive & defensive formations & strategies, & spirited engagement in low-stakes competitive games, all in a safe, supportive & enthusiastic environment. Transportation available from Greenfield & Shelburne Falls. www.charlemont.org/2023-summer-programs
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Juniper Young Writers
Amherst, MA
The Juniper Institute for Young Writers, an unforgettable week of wild invention, will be back in person on the UMass Amherst campus this summer, July 23–29. At Juniper, young writers come together in a community with like-minded peers and faculty to explore, play, create, question, celebrate, attempt, struggle, and share their voices. Juniper offers the rare and necessary space, creative curriculum, and mentorship to help participants develop a creative practice and move toward their writing goals. Applications are open to writers at all levels and to rising 10th through 12th graders. The Juniper Young Writers Online program will run the week prior to the in-person program, bringing young writers together in a virtual community July 17–21. Contact: 413-545-8988. juniper@umass.edu; www.umass.edu/juniperyoungwriters.
See Your Ad Here
Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 35,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers each week, Hilltown Families can bring your message to thousands of families in Western Massachusetts. Serving the region since 2005, Hilltown Families is an award-winning, online communication network, recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” A trusted partner in your online marketing! To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact us for info on our affordable options and packages: swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org. Have an event, resource, or opportunity you’re ready to promote? Click HERE to submit your information.
Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023
NERD (New England Regional Developers) Summit is an inclusive, community-building annual tech event held in New England. Each year, local professionals present sessions on various topics, with audiences ranging from beginners to individuals with years of experience. The mission of NERD is to collaborate with the regional community to ensure that the annual Summit & events throughout the year offer everyone, regardless of background or finances, a diverse curriculum for relevant skill-building and valuable networking opportunities, supporting NERD’s vision of creating positive & supportive learning opportunities for people who work or want to work in web & related technology. NERD Summit 2023 takes place at Umass Amherst, March 17-19, 2023.
🍁 AGRICULTURE/ MAPLE SYRUP. Maple Weekend – Sugar shacks across the region are welcoming visitors to learn about the process of making maple syrup while shopping for locally-made maple products and enjoying a community pancake breakfast. Western MA.
🦆 ORNITHOLOGY/ WOOD DUCKS. 8-10am. Learn about the significance of Wood Ducks in American history and culture in western Massachusetts and how proper identifying techniques, courting rituals, nesting habits, and protection efforts. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
🐾 NATURALIST SKILLS/ TRACKING. 9am-12pm. Winter Wildlife Tracking – Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
STUDIES. 9am-5pm. Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
🎨 ART STUDIES. 10am. Drop-In Art Making – Berkshire Art Center. 141 North St, Pittsfield, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: 10am-5pm. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
🍭 LIBRARY ADVENTURES. 10:30am. Life-Size Candyland – Montague Center Library. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street, Montague, MA.
🎶 PLAYGROUP/ MUSIC. 10:30am. Owl Music For Families – A fun-filled time for toddlers at the Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA.
FEATURED EVENT
Mud Season Festival
Turners Falls, MA
Mud Season 2023 Festival, an all-day multi-venue music festival with food, crafts, and merch, happens Saturday, March 18, in downtown Turners Falls at The Shea Theater. This one-day music festival features The Love Crumbs, The Dave Bulley Band, the barnRocket Imagineers playing John Lennon’s “Imagine” in its entirety, and The Jenny Burtis band. A children’s hour will feature the Hampshire County Fiddlers, an afterschool fiddle group for kids ages 8-14, playing tunes from America, Ireland, Scotland, Quebec, and beyond. Kids are free at this event, which includes two stages and much more! Doors open at 11am. More info: www.mud-season.com.
Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor! Click here to enter to win a pair of tickets as our guest!
🤖 STEM/ ROBOTICS. 11am. Coding Robots – Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
ART STUDIES. 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
🐾 NATURALIST SKILLS/ TRACKING. 12:30-3:30pm. Winter Wildlife Tracking – Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
🎭 THEATER STUDIES/ HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. 7pm. Northampton High School Presents Rock of Ages Teen Version. For all ages. Northampton High School Main Auditorium. 380 Elm Street. Northampton, MA.
🎭 THEATER STUDIES/ HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. 7pm. Hampshire Regional High School’s Musical Theatre program presents the lavish, flapper-era musical within a comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone, complete with tap dancing, glamorous costumes, and music that will lift your spirits. Hampshire Regional High School. 413-527-7680. 19 Stage Road. Westhampton, MA.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Textile Arts/Quilts
Often, math and art are seen as opposites: structure and the lack thereof. However, quilting lies at the intersection of the two: an inherently mathematical art form. The third Saturday in March is recognized as National Quilting Day. Let it be your catalyst for learning! Families can explore everything from shape identification to tessellations by learning to create quilts together! Read more in our post, Quilting Offers Multidisciplinary Exploration of Math and Art.
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2023
NERD (New England Regional Developers) Summit is an inclusive, community-building annual tech event held in New England. Each year, local professionals present sessions on various topics, with audiences ranging from beginners to individuals with years of experience. The mission of NERD is to collaborate with the regional community to ensure that the annual Summit & events throughout the year offer everyone, regardless of background or finances, a diverse curriculum for relevant skill-building and valuable networking opportunities, supporting NERD’s vision of creating positive & supportive learning opportunities for people who work or want to work in web & related technology. NERD Summit 2023 takes place at Umass Amherst, March 17-19, 2023.
FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
🍁 AGRICULTURE/ MAPLE SYRUP. Maple Weekend – Sugar shacks across the region are welcoming visitors to learn about the process of making maple syrup while shopping for locally-made maple products and enjoying a community pancake breakfast. Western MA.
ART STUDIES. 9am-5pm. Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: 10am-5pm. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
ART STUDIES. 11am-4pm. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ INTERACTIVE MUSEUM. 12-4pm. 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. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 1-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA.
🎭 THEATER STUDIES/ HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. 2pm. Northampton High School Presents Rock of Ages Teen Version. For all ages. Northampton High School Main Auditorium. 380 Elm Street. Northampton, MA.
🎭 THEATER STUDIES/ HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. 2pm. Hampshire Regional High School’s Musical Theatre program presents the lavish, flapper-era musical within a comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone, complete with tap dancing, glamorous costumes, and music that will lift your spirits. Hampshire Regional High School. 413-527-7680. 19 Stage Road. Westhampton, MA.
ART STUDIES/ GALLERY. 2-5pm. Hampshire College Art Gallery. Hampshire College. 893 West Street. Amherst, MA.
👨🌾 LANDSCAPE DESIGN/ GARDENING. 3pm. Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf – A one-time showing of this immersive and meditative documentary that reveals how the revolutionary Dutch landscape designer, Piet Oudolf, upends our conventional notions of nature, public space, and, ultimately, beauty itself. Greenfield Garden Cinema. 413-773-9260. 361 Main St. Greenfield, MA.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Impermanence
Just before the moment arrives when the memory of cold river plunges on hot summer days becomes faded and difficult to place, the sap begins to run, the snow starts to melt, the vernal pools reemerge, and the spring peepers advertise their arrival with their ear-piercing choruses. The impermanence of winter and its long cold nights is made evident with the change of seasons towards the welcoming arms of summer through these micro-seasons of spring. Memories of the past are alive within every one of us. Experiences become memories, propelling us toward the future, moment by moment. Our perceptions draw the line between all three, defining what is past, what is present, and what is future. Our only hope is to let go of our preconceived notions of what should be and embrace what is. We may find relief, openness, and forgiveness in a forever-changing world by letting go of what no longer serves us and allowing what is new to arrive. Welcome, Spring!
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 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
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Spring Equinox
In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring equinox falls on March 20 or 21, depending on when the Sun crosses the celestial equator. As we spend the month of March wishing away the snow and scouring the local landscape for the first signs of spring, we often forget to prepare ourselves for the most accurate sign of spring there is … the vernal equinox! Marking the first official day of spring, the vernal equinox is when the Sun is located directly over the Earth’s equator. Along with a shadowless noontime around the equator, the equinox brings six months of darkness to the south pole and six months of a perpetually visible sun to the north pole. Read more in our post, Celebrate & Learn about the Vernal Equinox at UMass Sunwheel.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 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
BOTANY. 9am-4pm. 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 at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.
ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. 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.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA.
ICE SKATING. 11:30am-1:20pm. 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.
🎭 THEATER STUDIES/ SHAKESPEARE. 3:30pm. Revisiting Shakespeare – Edwards Public Library. 413-527-9480. 30 East Street, Southampton, MA.
🌟 ARTS & CRAFTS. 3:30pm. Afterschool Craft – North Adams Public Library. 413-662-3133. 74 Church St, North Adams, MA.
👨🍳 CULINARY ARTS. 4pm. Southern Inspired: Author Talk with Celebrity Chef Jernard A. Wells – Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Poetry
Western Massachusetts has been home to many poets and writers inspired by this region’s remarkable landscapes and natural settings. Since today is National Poetry Day, the spring season is a great time to explore some of the local poets’ homes and writing places from the past. Read more in our post, Poetry & Place in the Hilltowns, and check out our archived column, One Clover & A Bee: Poems for Families to Learn & Love, for more encouragement that supports love for poetry in our children and ourselves.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 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
BOTANY. 9am-4pm. 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 at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
ART STUDIES. 9am-5pm. Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. 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. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: 10am-4pm. 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. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. 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.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10:30am. Storytime – Westhampton Public Library. 413-527-5386. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.
ART STUDIES. 11am-4pm. 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. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA.
ICE SKATING. 11:30am-1:20pm. 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/ QUANTUM PHYSICS. 6pm. Teaching Quantum Physics to Computers – SciTech Cafe at Abandoned Building Brewery. 142 Pleasant St #103a, Easthampton, MA.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Women’s History
Western Massachusetts is home to many women changemakers dedicated to enacting social change through the arts, critical inquiry, and learning. Many women poets, writers, activists, artists, teachers, educators, and scientists who have resided in Western Massachusetts continue to have positive impacts on social change, including Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Porter Phelps, and Juanita Nelson. March is Women’s History Month, a national observation that honors and pays tributes to women who dedicated their lives to social justice, the environment, education, and positive change for society. These women are a tiny sample to explore; however, note the incredible number of talented women today in Western Massachusetts who continue demonstrating the importance of women’s rights. Their grit and perseverance as pioneers are honored during the month of March. Read more in our post, Local Women & Local History: Understanding New England Women’s Lives from the Past.
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 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
BOTANY. 9am-4pm. 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 at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
ART STUDIES. 9am-10pm. Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-4pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
JEWISH CULTURE/ HISTORY. 10am-4pm. Yiddish Book Center. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: 10am-4pm. 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. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. 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. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA.
ICE SKATING. 11:30am-1:20pm. 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.
✂️ ARTS & CRAFTS. 3pm. Drop-in Craft for Kids 5+ – Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
🪡 FIBER ARTS/ NEEDLE FELTING. 6-8pm. Needle Felt a Cardinal – Learn how to apply different color details to a felted piece and make a bird ornament to take home. Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
🎥 FILM/ INDIGENOUS VOICES. 7pm. Indigenous Voices From the Connecticut River Valley – Special screening of “Indigenous Voices,” a 10-part series of short videos about Native life past and present. (Virtual)
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.
Self-Directed Learning: Stoneflies
Like tiny submariners bursting up and out of the bottom of the brook, breaking into wings and soaring for a short time above the world they once knew, stoneflies begin molting from their crab-like shells in the early spring. Learn more in our post, The Ripple: Synchronization of the Watershed Flora & Fauna.
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 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
🍁 SUGAR SHACK/FAMILY MEAL. 7am-1pm. Maple Season Breakfast – Bring the family for a maple season breakfast that includes demonstrations of maple syrup rendering, tastings, and tours. North Hadley Sugar Shack. 413-585-8820. 181 River Drive. Hadley, MA.
BOTANY. 9am-4pm.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 at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA.
ART STUDIES. 9am-5pm.Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 9:30am-4:30pm.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. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: 10am-4pm. 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. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA). 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
ART STUDIES/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am-5pm. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. 413-538-2245. 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA.
🌟 PERFORMANCE. 7:30pm. Song and Dance! A Celebration of Women of the Berkshires with Berkshire Theatre Group. Colonial Theatre. 413-997-4444. 111 South St., Pittsfield, MA.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Vernal Pools
Like autumn, spring is a time of transition as habitats and animals begin to respond to the change in weather and climate. Phenology-based activities coincide with the natural changing of our seasons (our ultimate accessible community-based educational resource) and are great catalysts for learning through community engagement. Maple syrup season, filled with delicious community activities and opportunities, is our first crop of the year, followed by another seasonal event as winter transitions into spring… Vernal Pools! Studies of vernal pools support learning in many subjects, and a close look at amphibian reproduction can help spark children’s curiosity about aspects of amphibian life. Read more in our post, Learning Ahead: Spring Landscape & Vernal Pools.
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.
Subscribe ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities ♦ Learning Opportunities ♦ en Español
[Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Agawam, Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Chester, Goshen, Greenfield , Hadley, Heath, Huntington, Lee, Montgomery, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Springfield, Tolland, Washington, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
