Are you looking for events in western Mass? 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 and learning opportunities to support self-directed learning. And be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter so you never miss out!
There’s something easy about dropping into a local playgroup or storytime. Kids get caught up in new stories and the feel of different toys, while parents swap ideas or just enjoy a few quiet minutes on the sidelines. It’s a simple way to share space and let the day unfold with a little company.
At the Mead Art Museum in Amherst, visitors learn by exploring global art across centuries. Open late on Thursdays, it’s a perfect date night spot for culture and discovery.
At Amherst College’s Beneski Museum, self-directed learners of all ages can learn how paleontology and geology reveal Earth’s story. Explore fossil skeletons, dinosaur footprints, and mineral treasures that trace our planet’s deep past and natural evolution.
The Daffodil & Tulip Festival at Naumkeag in Stockbridge invites families to explore shifting spring colors as daffodils and tulips bloom in succession. Each path offers new views and inspiration for home gardening and self-directed learning.
The Baby Animals Festival at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield lets families meet young farm animals and experience spring’s return in a historic setting. Daily talks and demonstrations connect visitors to the Shakers’ rich farming traditions and the rhythms of life in the Berkshires.
Explore the Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton, where families can learn from 27,000+ works spanning global art and history. With rotating exhibits and free admission on the second Friday of each month, each visit offers a fresh encounter with creativity.
At the Bridge Family Resource Center, families join the Creative Connections Art Group to learn how shared art-making builds communication, well-being, and curiosity through weekly prompts and materials.
Thursday LEGO Clubs at local libraries let kids build, experiment, and work together. Through play, they learn to solve problems and think creatively. Kids can follow instructions or come up with their own ideas as they design and tackle challenges together.
Mass Kids Lit Fest returns for its third year with a week of author visits, workshops, and hands-on activities in towns across western Massachusetts. The festival gives young readers a chance to meet local authors, discover how stories are made, and see how books connect communities.
Knitting groups and fiber arts bring neighbors together to share skills and stories, while working with yarn helps people solve problems and think about their work. Fiber arts link math, history, and community, giving people a sense of pride and respect for handmade things.
Typing Club at a Springfield library offers a free way for teens to build digital literacy through guided practice. Using keyboard and mouse together highlights coordination, accuracy, and feedback, showing how basic tools support communication, problem solving, and lifelong learning.
It’s easy to slip into a local playgroup or storytime. Kids find their way into new stories and the feel of unfamiliar toys, while parents trade tips or just take a breather on the edge of the room. It’s one of those simple ways to share a space, let the day stretch out, and have a bit of company along the way.
Knitting groups and fiber arts bring neighbors together to share skills and stories, while working with yarn helps people solve problems and think about their work. Fiber arts link math, history, and community, giving people a sense of pride and respect for handmade things.
The Daffodil & Tulip Festival at Naumkeag in Stockbridge invites families to explore shifting spring colors as daffodils and tulips bloom in succession. Each path offers new views and inspiration for home gardening and self-directed learning.
Mass Kids Lit Fest returns for its third year with a week of author visits, workshops, and hands-on activities in towns across western Massachusetts. The festival gives young readers a chance to meet local authors, discover how stories are made, and see how books connect communities.
The Baby Animals Festival at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield lets families meet young farm animals and experience spring’s return in a historic setting. Daily talks and demonstrations connect visitors to the Shakers’ rich farming traditions and the rhythms of life in the Berkshires.
Stone Soup Café in Greenfield welcomes volunteers ages 15+ to join a Friday or Saturday shift. From chopping veggies to serving meals, volunteers learn through service-based learning while helping strengthen food security and community connections.
Families are invited to the Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton for a free evening of creativity. Learn through hands-on artmaking and explore galleries featuring works from across the globe, connecting artistic practice with history, culture, and technique.
Kids’ Beginner Spanish teaches children in grades 1-3 world languages through games, creativity, and hands-on projects led by student mentors at the South Hadley Library. Early language learning builds vocabulary, boosts flexible thinking, and brings the community together.
A family contra dance in Shelburne Falls invites families to learn patterns and rhythm while honoring community tradition, showing how dance connects generations through music and movement.
At the Montague Square Dance, music studies come alive in motion. From beginner-friendly moves to intricate patterns, each set reveals how dance links rhythm, culture, and community. A joyful way to learn together while celebrating tradition through movement and song.
At The Little Garden Theater in Worthington, Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” is performed by a traveling ensemble in an intimate rural setting. The experience includes food and drink from the Goldenrod Tavern, and on select dates, audiences can enjoy “Hamlet” and a themed dinner.
Lesley Farlow and Steve Winn lead a bird walk at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area where participants can observe local birds and learn how habitat and migration influence what can be seen and heard. The walk offers insight into bird identification and the ecology of this protected Northampton conservation area.
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.
The Annual Wild Acres Fishing Derby in Pittsfield invites kids ages 14 and under to try fishing, learn about fish habitats, and discover how people support local ecosystems. With a stocked pond and a morning outdoors, participants gain hands-on experience, build patience, and create lasting memories.
The Annual Plant & Garden Market in Northampton brings together gardeners and plant enthusiasts to celebrate the season and support local schools. Visitors can browse plants from neighborhood gardens, learn about sustainability, and connect with their community.
A trip to the Greenfield Farmers’ Market can spark lessons in science, math, and environmental care. By meeting growers, buying local, and eating with the seasons, families learn about sustainability and build a deeper connection to the land and community.
Great Barrington farmers’ market offers more than fresh produce. They support learning in agriculture, economics, and ecology, helping families build awareness around food systems and sustainability through everyday experiences.
Every trip to the Pittsfield Farmers’ Market on the town common is a mini-adventure. Discover how vegetables grow, why seasons matter, and how local farms protect the planet. It’s a fun way to learn through taste, talk, and hands-on exploring.
The annual Shad Derby at the Robert E. Barrett Fishway in Holyoke lets participants enjoy fishing while learning about shad, their habitats, and the importance of clean water. Prizes are awarded for the largest and most fish caught, making it a fun and educational event for all ages.
The Western Mass Herbal Symposium in Montague offers a weekend of workshops and presentations with renowned herbalists, focusing on plant-based healing and earth-centered wisdom. Participants explore herbal medicine and holistic health practices while connecting with nature and a community dedicated to natural wellness.
The Eric Carle Museum’s 90th anniversary exhibition, “Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand,” explores how this picture book became a cultural touchstone. Visitors can view original illustrations, manuscript edits, and materials from the 1938 Disney adaptation that reveal Ferdinand’s lasting impact on peace, storytelling, and publishing.
The Daffodil & Tulip Festival at Naumkeag in Stockbridge invites families to explore shifting spring colors as daffodils and tulips bloom in succession. Each path offers new views and inspiration for home gardening and self-directed learning.
Celebrate Mother’s Day and the arrival of spring at Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, where the Plants-and-Answers Plant Sale and SpringFest are happening together for the first time. Enjoy blooming gardens, family activities, food trucks, a Maypole dance, and unique gifts for a festive day out.
Mass Kids Lit Fest returns for its third year with a week of author visits, workshops, and hands-on activities in towns across western Massachusetts. The festival gives young readers a chance to meet local authors, discover how stories are made, and see how books connect communities.
The Baby Animals Festival at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield lets families meet young farm animals and experience spring’s return in a historic setting. Daily talks and demonstrations connect visitors to the Shakers’ rich farming traditions and the rhythms of life in the Berkshires.
This free Springfield workshop invites all ages to practice urban sketching as a tool for close observation. Quick drawings highlight buildings, streets, and daily scenes, supporting visual thinking and understanding of urban form.
At the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, kids can get curious about science by riding in circles. Horses on the outside move faster, showing how distance and speed connect. This antique carousel also shares a piece of Holyoke’s history through music, movement, and handcrafted design.
Visit Whip City Animal Sanctuary in Westfield for a free day with rescued animals. Families can learn about animal welfare and how to support the sanctuary’s volunteer work.
Families can enjoy a free afternoon of creativity at The Art Garden in Shelburne Falls, where participants of all ages learn and play through open-ended art projects.
“The Extraordinary Caterpillar” is a visually rich documentary that reveals the essential role caterpillars play in local ecosystems. Featuring ecologist Doug Tallamy, it explores how these insects sustain birds, pollinators, and biodiversity; screening at the Community House in Cummington, MA.
At The Little Garden Theater in Worthington, Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” is performed by a traveling ensemble in an intimate rural setting. The experience includes food and drink from the Goldenrod Tavern, and on select dates, audiences can enjoy “Hamlet” and a themed dinner.
The Williamstown community gathers for contra dancing that blends music, movement, and shared rhythm. Dancing together supports connection while participating in a long-standing cultural tradition.
Tilton Library’s volunteer packet highlights how Western MA communities thrive through kindness. Learn how giving time and care strengthens local resilience.
The annual Shad Derby at the Robert E. Barrett Fishway in Holyoke lets participants enjoy fishing while learning about shad, their habitats, and the importance of clean water. Prizes are awarded for the largest and most fish caught, making it a fun and educational event for all ages.
Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Springfield Museums highlights how museums adjust their environments to accommodate visitors with varying sensory needs. These modifications enhance access to science, storytelling, and hands-on learning for diverse audiences.
At Historic Deerfield’s Flynt Center, explore how clothing defined public life between 1760-1789, showing how garments, textiles, and prints signaled allegiance, status, and identity. By examining what people wore, the exhibition reveals how personal choices in dress reflected larger debates about independence and social change in early America.
The Daffodil & Tulip Festival at Naumkeag in Stockbridge invites families to explore shifting spring colors as daffodils and tulips bloom in succession. Each path offers new views and inspiration for home gardening and self-directed learning.
Mother’s Day At The Clark If you’re looking for an art-filled way to spend Mother’s Day, The Clark has a little bit of everything. Families can wander through galleries with […]
The Baby Animals Festival at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield lets families meet young farm animals and experience spring’s return in a historic setting. Daily talks and demonstrations connect visitors to the Shakers’ rich farming traditions and the rhythms of life in the Berkshires.
In Amherst, the Yiddish Book Center offers Sunday and Tuesday tours where visitors learn Jewish culture, history, and language through exhibits and stories.
At the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, kids can get curious about science by riding in circles. Horses on the outside move faster, showing how distance and speed connect. This antique carousel also shares a piece of Holyoke’s history through music, movement, and handcrafted design.
Experience the majestic sound of bells at a Carillon Concert at Stanley Park in Westfield, where skilled musicians play this historic instrument to create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy beautiful music, learn about centuries-old traditions, and let the concert transport you to another time.
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum in Lenox invites families to a Mother’s Day tea in a historic home that highlights tradition and elegance. Guests can explore the mansion, enjoy a craft hour, and experience the rich details that shaped daily life in this Berkshire landmark.
At The Little Garden Theater in Worthington, Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” is performed by a traveling ensemble in an intimate rural setting. The experience includes food and drink from the Goldenrod Tavern, and on select dates, audiences can enjoy “Hamlet” and a themed dinner.
Families across Western Massachusetts can connect through local playgroups and family resource centers. These gatherings offer opportunities for social play, parent support, and community connection.
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.
Explore marble arches, glacial potholes, and hidden echoes at Natural Bridge State Park in Adams. This self-guided walk invites all ages to learn about geology and natural history in a setting shaped by oceans, ice, and time.
Families can explore Ventfort Hall in Lenox, a Gilded Age mansion where you can learn through self-guided tours, sketching, or even photographing the historic house and gardens.
Knitting groups and fiber arts bring neighbors together to share skills and stories, while working with yarn helps people solve problems and think about their work. Fiber arts link math, history, and community, giving people a sense of pride and respect for handmade things.
MASS MoCA in North Adams is full of creativity! Families can learn by joining guided tours, making art in Kidspace, and exploring music, sculpture, and theater together.
Boston Children’s Museum is hosting a playgroup at the East Longmeadow library, where kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers can explore early math through natural, playful activities. Discover how little moments like counting steps, stacking blocks, or noticing patterns help young children learn.
Monday Chess Clubs: Chess teaches strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, skills practiced by players of all ages in clubs worldwide. Its global history and intergenerational play foster cultural understanding and lifelong learning.
At Monday library LEGO Clubs, kids learn about design, problem-solving, and teamwork while building and sharing ideas. They can follow instructions or come up with their own creations, gaining confidence and new skills through creative play.
This weekly hands-on class in Pittsfield explores West African and Caribbean drumming and song through shared rhythms and call-and-response. Participants will observe how individual drum parts interlock, building listening skills while learning how music supports storytelling, ceremonies, and community life.
In Northampton, FotoKlub at Northampton Open Media invites participants to learn photography together. Share images, exchange ideas on composition and technique, and explore how photographs tell personal and community stories.
There’s something easy about dropping into a local playgroup or storytime. Kids get caught up in new stories and the feel of different toys, while parents swap ideas or just enjoy a few quiet minutes on the sidelines. It’s a simple way to share space and let the day unfold with a little company.
What do wood turtles, epaulette sharks, and brook trout have in common? Their habitats shape their superpowers. At Springfield Museums’ Living Waters exhibit, visitors explore how rivers, oceans, and even tidepools influence life. From local streams to faraway mangroves, this interactive experience connects global ecology with backyard curiosity.
Dominoes Club at the Springfield Library welcomes teens & adults for a morning of strategy and friendly competition, where participants can learn, improve, and play classic games together. No experience is necessary. Newcomers get a quick tutorial, and experienced players are invited to share their strategies.
At the Farmers’ Market at Forest Park in Springfield, 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.
Knitting groups and fiber arts bring neighbors together to share skills and stories, while working with yarn helps people solve problems and think about their work. Fiber arts link math, history, and community, giving people a sense of pride and respect for handmade things.
In Amherst, the Yiddish Book Center offers Sunday and Tuesday tours where visitors learn Jewish culture, history, and language through exhibits and stories.
Join weekly screenings of “Star Trek: The Original Series” at the library in Springfield to follow Captain Kirk, Spock, and the crew as they explore new worlds and confront ethical dilemmas. After each episode, participate in a discussion about the show’s historical context and themes, recommended for teens and adults.
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.
Tuesday LEGO Clubs at local libraries encourage kids to explore design and problem-solving by building together and learning through creative free play. Kids collaborate, try different ideas, and discover solutions, whether following instructions or inventing their own designs.
Tuesday Chess Clubs: Chess teaches strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, skills practiced by players of all ages in clubs worldwide. Its global history and intergenerational play foster cultural understanding and lifelong learning.
The World Ballet Company presents “Cinderella” at the Academy of Music in Northampton, featuring an international cast, detailed costuming, and choreography by Marina Kesler. This two-hour ballet performance uses music and movement to bring the classic story to life.
Sacred Harp is a singing tradition that originated in early American communities. At the Helen Hills Chapel in Northampton, singers form a hollow square and use shape-note notation, making it easy for anyone to join in. Everyone is welcome to listen or sing along.
It’s easy to slip into a local playgroup or storytime. Kids find their way into new stories and the feel of unfamiliar toys, while parents trade tips or just take a breather on the edge of the room. It’s one of those simple ways to share a space, let the day stretch out, and have a bit of company along the way.
At Historic Deerfield’s Flynt Center, explore how clothing defined public life between 1760-1789, showing how garments, textiles, and prints signaled allegiance, status, and identity. By examining what people wore, the exhibition reveals how personal choices in dress reflected larger debates about independence and social change in early America.
Ever wondered what storytime looks like with a splash of song and a dash of design? The Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Program at The Eric Carle Museum turns reading into a full-sensory celebration of words, pictures, and play.
“Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand” at The Carle Museum in Amherst explores the beloved tale of Ferdinand, the gentle bull who prefers peace over fighting. The exhibition features Lawson’s drawings, Leaf’s handwritten story, and materials that show how this classic has connected with readers for nearly ninety years.
In Amherst, public indoor ice skating offers a playful way to learn physics through experiential learning. Gliding, spinning, and jumping on the ice reveal the forces that shape motion, turning a favorite pastime into an exciting science adventure.
Knitting groups and fiber arts bring neighbors together to share skills and stories, while working with yarn helps people solve problems and think about their work. Fiber arts link math, history, and community, giving people a sense of pride and respect for handmade things.
Wednesday LEGO Clubs at local libraries let kids explore design, problem-solving, and community by building and collaborating with others. Whether following instructions or inventing their own creations, kids learn perseverance and creativity through hands-on play together.
This free origami program at the Mason Square Branch library in Springfield invites kids to fold paper into forms that reveal symmetry, fractions, and geometry. Each creation shows how art, math, and design work together through hands-on problem solving.
Join the drop-in Felting Club at Artspace in Greenfield to learn fun fiber techniques. From needle felting to wet felting, it’s hands-on creativity for all ages.
If you’ve ever wanted to try embroidery, the library in West Springfield is offering a free beginner class series for teens and lifelong learners. It’s a chance to slow down, learn a few stitches, and see how something simple can turn into something beautiful. You might find yourself enjoying the quiet focus, or just the feeling of making something with your own hands.
The World Ballet Company presents “Cinderella” at the Academy of Music in Northampton, featuring an international cast, detailed costuming, and choreography by Marina Kesler. This two-hour ballet performance uses music and movement to bring the classic story to life.
There’s something easy about dropping into a local playgroup or storytime. Kids get caught up in new stories and the feel of different toys, while parents swap ideas or just enjoy a few quiet minutes on the sidelines. It’s a simple way to share space and let the day unfold with a little company.
In Northampton, caregivers and babies gather weekly for the Early Bird Infant Group. This relaxed drop-in supports early childhood development through community, play, and connection.
At the Mead Art Museum in Amherst, visitors learn by exploring global art across centuries. Open late on Thursdays, it’s a perfect date night spot for culture and discovery.
At Bartholomew’s Cobble in Sheffield, families can learn about biodiversity and natural history through a hike across varied habitats shaped by ancient bedrock. Trails offer opportunities to explore how geology influences plant life in this unique landscape.
Through Reading to Dogs at the Wilbraham Public Library, children experience the joy of reading with a gentle listener. This program fosters early literacy by turning reading into a calm, confidence-building experience where learning feels natural and fun.
Hands-on learning comes alive at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke, where creative free-play and STEM-based exhibits invite children to learn through motion, building, and curiosity-driven exploration.
Visit Magic Wings to learn about butterflies up close. With thousands flying freely, this indoor garden is full of color, motion, and life. Explore butterfly behavior, rainforest ecology, and the delicate balance between pollinators and plants in this living classroom.
“Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand” at The Carle Museum in Amherst explores the beloved tale of Ferdinand, the gentle bull who prefers peace over fighting. The exhibition features Lawson’s drawings, Leaf’s handwritten story, and materials that show how this classic has connected with readers for nearly ninety years.
At the Bridge Family Resource Center, families join the Creative Connections Art Group to learn how shared art-making builds communication, well-being, and curiosity through weekly prompts and materials.
Thursday LEGO Clubs at local libraries let kids build, experiment, and work together. Through play, they learn to solve problems and think creatively. Kids can follow instructions or come up with their own ideas as they design and tackle challenges together.
Knitting groups and fiber arts bring neighbors together to share skills and stories, while working with yarn helps people solve problems and think about their work. Fiber arts link math, history, and community, giving people a sense of pride and respect for handmade things.
It’s easy to slip into a local playgroup or storytime. Kids find their way into new stories and the feel of unfamiliar toys, while parents trade tips or just take a breather on the edge of the room. It’s one of those simple ways to share a space, let the day stretch out, and have a bit of company along the way.
A self-guided walk through the Lyman Conservatory in Northampton offers a chance to learn about botany, from ancient ferns to desert succulents and tropical crops.
Explore marble arches, glacial potholes, and hidden echoes at Natural Bridge State Park in Adams. This self-guided walk invites all ages to learn about geology and natural history in a setting shaped by oceans, ice, and time.
The Annual West Springfield Garden Club Plant Sale brings together gardeners and plant enthusiasts to celebrate the season. Visitors can browse plants from neighborhood gardens, learn about sustainability, and connect with their community.
Explore Chesterwood in Stockbridge through self-guided tours that support art studies. Learn how Daniel Chester French blended sculpture and landscape, and consider how public art reflects history, process, and place.
Knitting groups and fiber arts bring neighbors together to share skills and stories, while working with yarn helps people solve problems and think about their work. Fiber arts link math, history, and community, giving people a sense of pride and respect for handmade things.
“Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand” at The Carle Museum in Amherst explores the beloved tale of Ferdinand, the gentle bull who prefers peace over fighting. The exhibition features Lawson’s drawings, Leaf’s handwritten story, and materials that show how this classic has connected with readers for nearly ninety years.
Stone Soup Café in Greenfield welcomes volunteers ages 15+ to join a Friday or Saturday shift. From chopping veggies to serving meals, volunteers learn through service-based learning while helping strengthen food security and community connections.
Yo-Yo School at A2Z Science and Learning Store in Northampton invites kids ages 7 and up to build skills in coordination while learning the physics behind yo-yo tricks. From potential and kinetic energy to axis control and motion, each spin becomes a chance to learn through play.
West County Community Meals in Shelburne Falls are held every Friday evening and welcome everyone to enjoy good food together. This weekly gathering brings neighbors together to share a meal and foster community connections.
At the historic Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley, families can learn how candlepin bowling connects to STEM. Every roll reveals physics in action, from momentum and friction to angles and geometry, while the scoring and machines highlight engineering and math skills in a living piece of history.
UMassFive Family Fun Fest – Free Fun Open to All! On Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10am–2pm, UMassFive College Credit Union is hosting its second annual celebration at 200 Westgate Center Drive in Hadley, rain or shine. Enjoy free activities for all ages, including face painting, temporary tattoos, arts & crafts, friendship bracelets, and bubbles. Take part in a family-friendly scavenger hunt for a chance to win exciting prizes like a Nintendo Switch, LEGO sets, Magna-Tiles, scooters, and more. No credit union membership is required, and all are welcome. As a local, community-focused banking institution, UMassFive is proud to bring families from the area together for a day of fun. Questions? Email: community@umassfive.coop.
Hartsbrook Summer Programs offer six weeks of nature-rich camps on their 54-acre campus and working farm. Sessions last one or two weeks, with a typical camp day from 8:45am-3pm, and an optional Early Bird arrival at 7:45am. Programs include: Sprouts Farm Camp for younger kids, Young Farmers for elementary students focused on animal care, a two-week Counselor in Training program for rising sixth to ninth graders, a weekly Creativity Camp for art, a one-week Fiddle Camp in mid-July for musicians, and a Cooking and Baking Camp focusing on fresh ingredients. Age Range: 4-14; Dates: June 22-July 31, 2026. For more info: 413-586-1908; summerprograms@hartsbrook.org; www.hartsbrook.org/summer-programs.
UMass Discovery Camp is a vibrant summer experience where imagination takes flight, and each day sparks a new adventure. A proud RecWell collaboration, the camp invites young creators and problem solvers into hands‑on challenges that ignite curiosity and nourish their creativity. One day a science mystery, the next a nature quest, athletic challenge, or team mission. Guided by enthusiastic mentors, campers think creatively, build friendships, and embrace curiosity‑driven learning. With RecWell’s spirit of wellness and exploration woven throughout, every child is encouraged to shine in their own unique way. UMass Discovery Camp is not just a summer program, it’s a launchpad for imagination and a place where every day brings a new discovery. Age Range: 7-12. Dates: August 3-14, 2026. For more info: 413-577-3866; recwellyouth@umass.edu; www.umass.edu/lifelong/youth/recwell.
Located in Hinsdale, just 10 minutes past Dalton, Tina’s Kiddie Junction is a welcoming daycare center that provides a nurturing and engaging environment for children from infancy through pre-K. With dedicated classrooms tailored to each developmental stage, the program supports growth through play-based learning, structured routines, and individualized attention. Led by highly qualified and experienced teachers, the center focuses on building strong social, emotional, and early academic skills while creating a safe, warm space where children feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn each day. Age Range: 3mo-6yrs. For more info: 413-212-9578; tinaskiddiejunction@gmail.com.
GreenLove Eco Cleaning is a socially responsible cooperative business committed to providing high-quality jobs and high-quality green cleaning services to the residents and businesses of the Pioneer Valley community. When you hire GreenLove Eco Cleaning, you are making the healthy, toxin-free choice for your home and our environment, and you are supporting quality, fair-wage employment in your community. GreenLove Eco Cleaning also offers a specialized service assisting families with newborns through their Postpartum Support Program, which offers cleaning services on a sliding scale discount during the transitional fourth trimester. Learn more: www.greenloveclean.com.
During June, July, and August, Bement‘s campus takes on a new role: summer camp! Every year, children entering kindergarten through grade 9 flock to Bement for a variety of summer program offerings. In addition to their traditional day camp, they are thrilled to offer one and two-week enrichment camps in a variety of topics. Join them for Spanish Explorers, Speech & Debate, Mission Monadnock, CIT, Cross Country, Tennis, Magic Behind the Music, and more. Programs run June 15-August 7, 2026 (no camp June 29-July 3). Their daily schedule is 9am-3:30pm, with both before- and after-camp care available if needed. And….no need to pack a lunch….lunch and snacks provided! Register for 6 weeks and get week 7 free! Check out their week-long Adventure Camp for kids in grades 4-9, July 6-10, too.
Hilltown Families Annual Summer Directory is the region’s go-to guide for discovering summer camps, programs, and seasonal opportunities for families across Western Massachusetts and neighboring areas. Whether you’re planning weeks of adventure or just a few special activities, this directory is your trusted resource: Hilltown Families Summer Directory.
Sign up for a Just Roots Summer CSA and receive 20 weeks of the freshest local abundance their fields and farm partners have to offer! Everyone has a right to fresh, healthy, affordable, local food. Choose from a full or a small share at one of their sliding-scale prices that best meet your budget. SNAP & HIP always welcome! Add on a local meat share to receive a variety of sustainably-raised proteins from Pioneer Valley farms. Choose from weekly pickups at their farm or in downtown Greenfield. FREE home delivery is available for anyone in Franklin County with limited mobility or access to transportation! Learn more and sign up at justroots.org.
It’s the Sweet Sixteenth year of the Greenfield Bee Fest, and this year things will be absolutely BUZZING! More artsy educational fun, more celebration, and even a FREE concert with special guest MISTER G! Festivities run from 9am-4pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Come paint beehives, march in the pollinator parade (costumes encouraged), grab lunch at the food trucks or pack a picnic, and enjoy music, movement, and a Makers Market full of fun and beautiful local crafts. The day is rounded out with Crankie Fest, a unique analog storytelling art form. Follow @greenfieldbusinessassociation on IG and FB and join the festivities to celebrate Lorenzo Langstroth, creator of the modern beehive, and learn about the little buzzies we can’t live without!
On Thursday, May 7, from 4-8pm, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art comes alive with creativity! Collect stickers, solve trivia, and build your own mini storybooks before heading to the Art Studio to finish your colorful creations. Cozy storytimes, live music, and tasty treats make Carle After Dark a night full of fun and imagination. Opening May 9, Under the Cork Tree: The Story of Ferdinand celebrates the classic picture book hero who has become an icon of peace and self-determination. Special storytimes include Talia Aikens‑Nuñez (May 9), bilingual storytimes (May 10), and Fiona Cook (May 17). The Carle is located at 125 West Bay Road in Amherst, MA. For more information visit carlemuseum.org.
The Smith College MIND Lab is recruiting rising Kindergartners for paid research at Smith College in Northampton! The SPARK Study investigates how parent-child interaction shapes executive function during the transition to Kinder. Answer some questions while your child plays fun games, then solve a puzzle together. Earn $85 for Session 1 this summer and $60 for following up with us in 6 months. Email mindlab@smith.edu, call, or text 413-341-8870 to learn more.
Enroll today with the Community Music School of Springfield! CMSS offers high-quality private lessons for all ages and skill levels, with flexible scheduling and in-person or online options. Students can learn over 30 instruments, including voice, and receive support in finding the right teacher and instrument. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your skills, CMSS helps you reach your musical goals in a welcoming, supportive environment. Enroll now for the 2025–2026 school year—your musical journey starts here! Visit www.communitymusicschool.com or call 413-732-8428 to learn more.
Berkshire Music School in Pittsfield, MA, has summer programming ready to keep your kids engaged and inspired! From their returning Adventures in Music to a collaboration with Berkshire Art Center and then rounding out the year with a Musical Theater program, there is something for everyone! You don’t want to miss the opportunity to enroll your children, so make sure you visit berkshiremusicschool.org/summerprogramming to register today!
The Aulet Lab / CANDL (Cognitive and Neural Development) Lab at UMass Amherst is inviting children ages 4-8 to take part in a short, fun study on how kids think about movement and balance (like little “physics detectives”)! Parents will complete consent and a brief demographics questionnaire at the start of the visit (~30 minutes). During the session, your child will play both computer and hands-on games (e.g., watching blocks topple or roll down ramps) while we record their responses (~60 minutes). Sessions will take place on the UMass Amherst campus. Families will receive a $15 Amazon gift card and a small toy as a participation prize. If interested, please email CANDL@umass.edu or fill out form: https://forms.gle/9KFHx8sEQNXrbE676. More info at auletlab.com.
Admissions for September 2026 are now open at The Common School in Amherst, a progressive independent school serving children ages 3-12 where outdoor learning, integrated studies, and play guide each day while nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, empathy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Families can learn more at commonschool.org and reach the admissions team at admissions@commonschool.org.
Exploring the world of asparagus can provide insights into the culinary arts, agriculture, and science. This spring vegetable offers a unique opportunity to learn about plant life cycles, the impact of soil and climate on agriculture,…
Tracking insects' behavior provides an exciting insight into entomology. By observing signs like exit holes in acorns or travel paths on leaves, we can learn about their roles in ecosystems and their part of the food…
Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a native spring ephemeral of New England that emerges in early spring and offers an excellent study of plant biology, pollination, and ecological adaptation. It has inspired artists and poets, showcasing how nature influences…
Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Agawam, Ashfield, Bernardston, Chester, Deerfield, Goshen, Hadley, Heath, Lee, Leyden, Mount Washington, Orange, Plainfield, Richmond, South Hadley, Washington, Westhampton, and West Springfield Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
