Free Kids & Family Sundays at The Mount invite families to laugh, create, and explore together in a setting rich with beauty and inspiration. From storytime and sculpture walks to writing workshops and outdoor play, it’s summer fun with room to grow. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!
Just outside Pittsfield, Hancock Shaker Village offers a full day of summer fun where history comes to life. Visit baby animals in the barns, help in the herb garden, and try hands-on crafts like weaving and spinning. The Discovery Barn and Farm and Forest Trail invite kids and grown-ups to learn side by side through play and exploration.
Join the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra for Summer Pops in Northfield, an evening of live orchestral music in an open-air setting. With Broadway hits and film favorites, this concert continues a tradition dating back to the 19th century, when outdoor performances made music more accessible. It’s a relaxed way to support music studies and enjoy shared listening in a community space.
In Northampton, a self-guided walk through the Living History Garden invites intergenerational visitors to explore how seeds tell stories. From Wampanoag farming practices to abolitionist efforts, the plants here carry cultural memory that reflects land, identity, and resilience.
Where do tunes and tomatoes meet? At Music Mondays, of course. Live regional music, buzzing pollinators, and a farmer’s market make Berkshire Botanical Garden the place to be for laid-back learning and summer vibes.
West African drumming brings rhythm and history together in this interactive workshop with the Wendell Warriors and Jafar Manselle. Begin with a live performance, learn basic hand techniques, and explore how traditional rhythms have long been part of community life across West Africa. A companion video on the history of the djembe supports learning in music, cultural traditions, and African studies.
Get ready to toot, tap, and twang at the Springfield City Library! The Springfield Symphony’s Musical Petting Zoo invites kids and families to try violins, drums, and more in a hands-on musical adventure. A joyful way to explore sound, rhythm, and the fun of making music.
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
In Northampton, a self-guided walk through the Living History Garden invites intergenerational visitors to explore how seeds tell stories. From Wampanoag farming practices to abolitionist efforts, the plants here carry cultural memory that reflects land, identity, and resilience.
Ever wonder how movie snow looks so real? Or how 3-D glasses work? This hands-on science workshop for kids at the Tolland Public Safety Complex shows how film uses light, sound, and chemistry to trick the eye and ear. It's a creative way to mix science with fun.
Ever wonder how bats “see” in the dark? This interactive program at Arcadia in Easthampton invites kids to explore echolocation through hands-on activities and playful learning. By blending science with imagination, participants discover how local bat species navigate the night and connect with their environment in surprising ways.
Some reptiles have been perfecting their survival skills for over 200 million years! This hands-on program with The Reptile Nook at the Easthampton Library invites participants to meet real-life “living fossils,” explore their behaviors and habitats, and connect with the ancient rhythms of the natural world. Registration encouraged
Join a mindful wonder walk through the boreal forest at Tamarack Hollow in Windsor. Through quiet prompts and moments of stillness, this nature-based experience encourages sensory awareness and thoughtful presence. A peaceful way to explore how forest bathing and mindfulness practices deepen our connection to place.
Blankets? Check. Snacks? Check. Fireworks that make you say “ooh” and “ahh”? Double check. The UMass Amherst Independence Day celebration brings all the ingredients for a night of fun, food, and shared sparkle under the stars.
Bring a blanket and settle in under the stars for Song of the Sea, a beautifully animated film that blends Irish folklore with heartfelt storytelling. With themes of healing, imagination, and family connection, this summer screening offers a gentle night of wonder for all ages.
Each summer, communities across Massachusetts gather to read Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” aloud. These public readings honor his time in the state and invite reflection on freedom, justice, and national identity. Speaking his words together brings history into the present and supports intergenerational learning. - Readings are taking place in Plainfield, Springfield, and West Stockbridge. Check listing for times.
Since 1801, Pittsfield’s 4th of July Parade has been marching through history—now with a lot more brass bands and balloons. What began with a militia procession now brings the community together with music, floats, and a celebration of shared traditions.
Before there were hot dogs and lawn chairs, there was bamboo stuffed with gunpowder. Springfield’s Star Spangled bash honors that long legacy with fireworks, food, and fun for all ages—plus a reminder that even explosions can have a rich backstory.
Come for the pancakes, stay for the parade! Chesterfield’s 4th of July Fest keeps traditions fresh and community close. With live music, historic artifacts, and a whole lot of local flavor, it’s a celebration that brings past and present together in one joyful day.
Each summer, communities across Massachusetts gather to read Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” aloud. These public readings honor his time in the state and invite reflection on freedom, justice, and national identity. Speaking his words together brings history into the present and supports intergenerational learning. - Readings are taking place in Amherst and Northampton. Check listing for times.
What happens before page one? At The Carle in Amherst, the exhibit Open + Shut draws attention to endpapers, those first and last pages that frame a story. With both historical and contemporary examples, this exhibit invites self-directed learners to see how design can shape narrative meaning.
Ever wondered how books were made before machines? Historic Deerfield’s summer program lets kids and adults explore book arts like paper marbling, using pigments and hand tools to create their own patterned pages. A hands-on way to learn history through craft.
Fireworks, music, and maybe a little chemistry? Greenfield’s got it covered. Beacon Field in Greenfield becomes the place to be for family fun, toe-tapping tunes, and sky-high sparkles—all ending with a bang at 9:35pm.
Want to turn shopping into a learning adventure? Easthampton Farmers' Market let kids explore colors, smells, and textures while learning about local farms, healthy food, and the Earth’s natural rhythms, one strawberry, squash, or egg at a time.
What does freedom mean, then and now? At Old Sturbridge Village, July 4th blends colonial festivities with a modern naturalization ceremony. Explore how civic identity, belonging, and celebration intertwine across centuries.
Free Kids & Family Sundays at The Mount invite families to laugh, create, and explore together in a setting rich with beauty and inspiration. From storytime and sculpture walks to writing workshops and outdoor play, it’s summer fun with room to grow. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
The Little Mermaid JR. at Majestic Children’s Theater brings together music, literature, and performance to introduce kids to the world of stagecraft. With young actors leading the production, families can explore storytelling, character development, and the creative choices behind adapting classic tales for new generations.
At the Springfield City Library Sixteen Acres Branch, the Springfield Symphony’s Musical Petting Zoo opens the door to hands-on discovery. Try violins, percussion, and more while learning how instruments work. A creative and approachable way to explore music through touch and play.
At the Farmers' Market at Forest Park, you can learn where your food comes from, talk to farmers, and see what’s in season while picking out fresh produce for the week! It’s a great place for kids and families to explore healthy eating, money math, and how local farmers grows our food.
Each trip to the Tuesday Market offers a chance to connect with the land, local growers, and your neighbors. Learn about food origins, practice budgeting, and support sustainable choices, all while exploring nature’s seasonal rhythms.
Can a bridge help animals cross the road safely? At this hands-on Hitchcock Center program at the library in Northampton, kids explore how wildlife bridges protect migration paths and reconnect disrupted habitats. With a story, simple materials, and a surprise visit from a live animal, the activity supports self-directed learning in ecology, design, and conservation.
Explore ancient footsteps at the Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College during Dino Trails Day. Through guided tours and a fossil scavenger hunt, families can learn how dinosaur tracks found in the Connecticut River Valley offer clues about life and land over 190 million years ago.
Watch a storybook unfold on stage at the Chesterfield Library as Tanglewood Marionettes present "Sleeping Beauty." With beautifully crafted puppets and a gentle tone, this adaptation shares a tale of magic, mystery, and heart. Perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids.
At the Springfield Museums, the Community Music School of Springfield presents a live performance of Bomba y Plena and West African drumming, offering a powerful introduction to musical traditions shaped by rhythm, storytelling, and cultural exchange.
Design your own board game in this free four-week series at the Easthampton library. Teens and kids will explore how mechanics and goals affect gameplay while building, testing, and tweaking their creations. Materials are provided and curiosity is welcome.
At the Springfield Museums, participants ages 7–14 explore light, lenses, and astronomy by making simple telescopes. This hands-on workshop encourages critical thinking and creative experimentation while connecting science and history through stargazing tools.
At Arrowhead in Pittsfield, sea shanties come to life through song and story. Performed by Alex Harvey and Shinbone Alley, this intergenerational event invites the community to join in singing historic maritime work songs shaped by global traditions. Bring a blanket, come early to picnic, and stay to experience how music once built solidarity aboard ships and still fosters connection today.
Shells, scales, and secret skills! Kids can get up close with turtles at Mass Audubon’s Turtle Time in Turners Falls at the library. This event explores what makes turtles tick and how their bodies are built for survival, offering a fun way to spark interest in herpetology and animal science.
What happens when day turns to night in the woods? At this free family event at Berkshire South in Great Barrington, participants gather around a campfire and explore twilight ecology through stories, food, and quiet observation. A perfect intro to nocturnal nature.
In Northampton, the Oxbow Water Ski Show Team turns the Connecticut River into a stage for physics in motion. From pyramids to sharp turns, their routines show Newton’s laws in action while inviting questions about force, balance, and speed.
Ever wondered what it’s like to meet an animal that hasn’t changed much since the dinosaurs? This interactive session in Shutesbury with The Reptile Nook brings reptiles up close, blending hands-on learning with stories from deep time. A great way to explore herpetology and our connection to ancient ecosystems.
Discover hidden histories with the Springfield Preservation Trust on a walking tour that begins at Tower Square. Learn how Springfield became a powerful stop on the Underground Railroad and trace the footsteps of those who sought freedom and those who offered it on familiar streets.
Ever tried a Velocipede? At the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, you can. Ride the 1896 trolley car No. 10, hop on a Speeder, and explore tools of early rail life that once powered small-town travel across Western Massachusetts. From hands-on exhibits to restored railcars, the museum invites curiosity about how transportation helped shape community rhythms and regional identity.
Join Mass Audubon for a guided walk at Hawley Bog, a high-elevation wetland that mirrors northern peatlands. Explore rare orchids, insect-eating plants, and the role bogs play in ecology and climate. This walk invites close observation and a deeper connection to place.
Explore the Sun with the Springfield Museums and STARS Club during Sun Day. View solar flares and sunspots through telescopes, learn about the analemma, and connect skywatching with science. Weather backups include demos and live feeds from the observatory.
Spend the day at The Clark in Williamstown, where Community Day: Art in Action offers free access to creativity for all ages. From murals and music to workshops and gallery exploration, this event celebrates learning through making, sharing, and experiencing art together.
Pollyanna’s "Glad Game" comes to life on stage through the voices of young actors at Majestic Children’s Theater. This timeless tale invites audiences to reflect on how optimism, compassion, and emotional resilience can shift not only individual perspectives but entire communities. A heartwarming performance rooted in the power of story.
Where do tunes and tomatoes meet? At Music Mondays, of course. Live regional music, buzzing pollinators, and a farmer’s market make Berkshire Botanical Garden the place to be for laid-back learning and summer vibes.
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
Sewing machines might seem simple, but they run on clever design systems. At the Springfield Museums, preteens can try them out firsthand by making a tote or apron, learning how fabric, thread, and invention come together in tools that support creativity and sustainability.
Join a hands-on pasta-making class at the Sunderland Library for ages 9 and up. Participants will explore food history, learn basic culinary techniques, and discover how handmade pasta connects us to tradition, culture, and the science of ingredients.
Join Mass Audubon in Lenox for a guided canoe trip on the Housatonic River. As day turns to night, watch for beavers, herons, and other wildlife. This evening paddle offers a quiet way to learn about riparian ecosystems and observe how wetlands support life after dark.
At the Museum School in Springfield, kids learn about safari animals and their grassland habitats. From predator-prey relationships to shelter and water needs, hands-on activities and art projects help children understand how animals survive in the wild.
Join storyteller and musician John Porcino at the Chesterfield Library for a lively mix of music, tales, and playful sound effects. Blending folklore, rhythm, and audience participation, his performance brings stories to life for listeners of all ages.
Self-directed teens and lifelong learners can build real-life budgeting skills in this free webinar hosted by UMassFive College Federal Credit Union. Learn how everyday economics, from spending to saving, can support your goals and help you feel more confident with money.
At the Springfield Museums, kids ages 7–14 can learn how doctors use stethoscopes, x-rays, and observation to understand the human body. Doctor for a Day blends creative play with real tools to explore anatomy, diagnosis, and what it means to care for others.
At the Westfield Athenaeum, explore physics through playful engineering. Kids build chain-reaction contraptions like domino runs and popsicle stick snakes, learning how small actions spark big reactions. A fun way to explore force, energy, and motion together.
In Charlemont, learn why stars matter in a talk on light pollution and its effects on ecology, bird migration, and human health. Discover how restoring dark skies protects nature and renews our sense of wonder.
Live music becomes a learning moment on the Amherst Town Common. Hear Masala Jazz blend global styles and The GemsTones revive 1950s rock roots. This Amherst BID concert connects music studies with culture, place, and intergenerational listening. Bring a picnic and stay for the sunset.
Join the Moth Ball in Wendell for an evening celebration of moths, part of National Moth Week. This family-friendly event blends fun and science through crafts, a bat talk, and live moth observation. Help support community science by identifying species with iNaturalist.
Catch the Oxbow Water Ski Show Team in Northampton as they perform flips, pyramids, and barefoot glides on the Connecticut River. These thrilling moves bring physics to life, showing how force and motion work together on water.
Hear the drums, see the colors, feel the rhythm. The Springfield Dragon Boat Festival offers a splash of tradition with roots in ancient China. Through racing, music, and food, families can explore world cultures and enjoy a day of learning and fun by the river.
Celebrate the sights and sounds of Scotland at this lively family-friendly festival! From sheep herding and swordplay to piping competitions and Celtic music, there’s something for everyone—including a spray park to cool off.
Join Guest DJ Shawny on this upbeat radio show packed with playful anthems that celebrate being yourself. From “Pirate Life” to Diana Ross classics, this joyful mix brings fun and confidence to every listener. Tune in on your FM dial, or stream online.
Churning butter wasn’t just kitchen work, it was part of daily life. At Old Sturbridge Village, learn how butter was made, stored, and used in 19th-century New England. This hands-on look at foodways and history shows how simple tools helped shape a community's meals.
Free Kids & Family Sundays at The Mount invite families to laugh, create, and explore together in a setting rich with beauty and inspiration. From storytime and sculpture walks to writing workshops and outdoor play, it’s summer fun with room to grow. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!
Tanglewood in Lenox becomes a classroom of sound at the Family Concert. Families are invited to enjoy a playful introduction to classical music, where children can hear how instruments tell stories, explore feelings, and connect to one another through rhythm and melody.
Bike repair builds more than skills. Through collaborative consumption, neighbors share tools and knowledge, strengthening community ties. RAD Springfield supports this work with mobile access to education, helping residents keep bikes—and connections—rolling.
Explore design and sustainability through creative free-play at the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield. The Recycled Building Bonanza offers hands-on learning with repurposed materials, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and eco-friendly creativity.
Learn how to use drills, saws, and drivers in a relaxed, hands-on workshop on the library lawn in Becket. Designed for beginners, this session builds confidence with power tools through practice, clear guidance, and a welcoming environment. All materials provided.
Explore animal adaptations at the library in Montgomery through a visit with live animals. Learn how traits like fur, feathers, and camouflage help creatures thrive in their environments. A hands-on way to connect living science with everyday curiosity.
Guided tours at the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum in Hadley connect local history to broader themes of labor, land, and legacy. Step inside to learn how everyday objects and written records reflect the lives of all who lived and worked at Forty Acres.
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
What do a turtle, parrot, and hedgehog have in common? Find out at Shutesbury Town Hall, where kids and grownups can meet live animals and learn about their habitats, adaptations, and more. This fun, interactive event connects curiosity with conservation and sparks questions about where animals live and why it matters.
Build, test, and launch your way through play-based STEM learning in East Longmeadow. From domino runs to popsicle-stick snakes, this event blends creativity, socially-driven learning, and physics for kids and families who love to experiment together.
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
The Carle in Amherst is open late on Thursdays this summer with music on the lawn and exhibits indoors. Enjoy live jazz, bring a picnic, and explore Grace Lin’s colorful world of books and art during these relaxed, art-filled evenings for all ages.
At the Pickle Party in Northampton, Abundance Farm invites families to learn how pickling connects people to place and season. Through hands-on food preservation, participants explore fermentation, sustainability, and how simple practices build community.
Head to Northampton for a thrilling water ski show on the Connecticut River. The Oxbow team performs stunts that wow the crowd and showcase real physics in action, turning a summer night into a fun and educational experience.
Held at the Springfield City Library Brightwood Branch, the Springfield Symphony’s Musical Petting Zoo offers a space for musical exploration. Touch, sound, and motion come together in this interactive event that invites curiosity and personal connection to the world of music.
The Greenfield Arts Walk turns downtown into a living gallery, blending creativity with community. As storefronts and sidewalks fill with art and music, each stop invites reflection on how the arts help shape a sense of place and bring people together.
The UMass Jazz All-Stars take the Amherst Town Common stage with a free concert showcasing improvisation and ensemble work. Presented by Amherst BID, this evening highlights jazz as a form of place-based learning. Bring takeout or a picnic and enjoy music under the setting sun.
Ever tried a Velocipede? At the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, you can. Ride the 1896 trolley car No. 10, hop on a Speeder, and explore tools of early rail life that once powered small-town travel across Western Massachusetts. From hands-on exhibits to restored railcars, the museum invites curiosity about how transportation helped shape community rhythms and regional identity.
Join the fun in Hadley as Playful Engineers leads a hands-on STEM event exploring energy and motion. Through chain reactions and creative builds, families engage in physics and engineering with every pop, bounce, and tumble.
Join Barrington Stage Company at the Boland Theatre in Pittsfield for a fresh retelling of "Jack and the Beanstalk." This family-friendly musical blends humor and heart, inviting audiences to think about bravery, belonging, and what makes a place worth protecting.
Free Kids & Family Sundays at The Mount invite families to laugh, create, and explore together in a setting rich with beauty and inspiration. From storytime and sculpture walks to writing workshops and outdoor play, it’s summer fun with room to grow. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!
From wheel-thrown pots to wood-fired kilns, the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour offers a hands-on look at how art and science meet. Explore the Hilltowns while learning how chemistry, geology, and design all come together in the making of handmade pottery.
Join Barrington Stage Company at the Boland Theatre in Pittsfield for a fresh retelling of "Jack and the Beanstalk." This family-friendly musical blends humor and heart, inviting audiences to think about bravery, belonging, and what makes a place worth protecting.
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
In Northampton, a self-guided walk through the Living History Garden invites intergenerational visitors to explore how seeds tell stories. From Wampanoag farming practices to abolitionist efforts, the plants here carry cultural memory that reflects land, identity, and resilience.
Summer playgroups at the Worthington Library offer little ones (ages 0–5 and their siblings) a joyful space to explore, connect, and create. With hands-on activities that support early literacy, sensory play, and social skills, these free weekly gatherings are a gentle invitation to grow together in community.
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
In Northampton, a self-guided walk through the Living History Garden invites intergenerational visitors to explore how seeds tell stories. From Wampanoag farming practices to abolitionist efforts, the plants here carry cultural memory that reflects land, identity, and resilience.
Join Barrington Stage Company at the Boland Theatre in Pittsfield for a fresh retelling of "Jack and the Beanstalk." This family-friendly musical blends humor and heart, inviting audiences to think about bravery, belonging, and what makes a place worth protecting.
Join Barrington Stage Company at the Boland Theatre in Pittsfield for a fresh retelling of "Jack and the Beanstalk." This family-friendly musical blends humor and heart, inviting audiences to think about bravery, belonging, and what makes a place worth protecting.
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
In Northampton, a self-guided walk through the Living History Garden invites intergenerational visitors to explore how seeds tell stories. From Wampanoag farming practices to abolitionist efforts, the plants here carry cultural memory that reflects land, identity, and resilience.
Sing along with a golden-egg-laying goose and cheer for Jack in this sensory-friendly musical from Barrington Stage Company. Performed at the Boland Theatre in Pittsfield, this funny, heartfelt twist on the classic tale celebrates courage, community, and enchanted beans.
Join Mass Audubon in Lenox for a guided canoe trip on the Housatonic River. As day turns to night, watch for beavers, herons, and other wildlife. This evening paddle offers a quiet way to learn about riparian ecosystems and observe how wetlands support life after dark.
Join researchers at Arrowhead for a morning of bird banding with the Berkshire Bird Observatory. Learn how site fidelity and gentle field techniques support conservation biology and long-term population studies. A great opportunity to observe local birds up close and explore how field science connects to larger ecological patterns.
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
In Northampton, a self-guided walk through the Living History Garden invites intergenerational visitors to explore how seeds tell stories. From Wampanoag farming practices to abolitionist efforts, the plants here carry cultural memory that reflects land, identity, and resilience.
Summer playgroups at Stanton Hall in Huntington invite children ages 0–5 and their siblings to explore, connect, and create. With hands-on activities that support early literacy, sensory play, and social skills, these free weekly gatherings offer a joyful way to grow in community.
Pick out your produce and learn something new! Amherst Farmers’ Market is full of friendly faces, local flavors, and fun ways to explore food, the environment, and everyday math. A great way to learn through real-life experience while supporting the planet.
Explore the prehistoric past of Turners Falls on a self-guided geologic walking tour that begins at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Perfect for intergenerationallearning, this walk highlights local rock formations and fossil evidence that reveal how the land was shaped nearly 200 million years ago.
In Northampton, a self-guided walk through the Living History Garden invites intergenerational visitors to explore how seeds tell stories. From Wampanoag farming practices to abolitionist efforts, the plants here carry cultural memory that reflects land, identity, and resilience.
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