Weekly Suggested Events

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This image features two vibrant orange-and-black butterflies perched on blooming orange milkweed flowers, set against a lush green background. A soft circular label in the center reads “Suggested Learning Ideas, Resources & Events” in a playful orange font. Along the bottom, a translucent banner displays the website “www.HilltownFamilies.org,” inviting families to explore seasonal educational opportunities inspired by the natural world.

Weekly Suggested Events

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 and learning opportunities to support self-directed learning. And be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter so you never miss out!

July 10, 2025

  • Tracking Wings: Bird Banding & Songbird Studies

    8:00 am - 10:00 am

    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.

  • Behind the Curtain: Merry Wanderers’ Guided Tours at Shakespeare & Company

    10:30 am - 11:30 am

    At Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Thursday morning walking tours with General Manager Steve Ball (and his dog, Willie) offer a behind-the-scenes look at how live theater comes to life. Explore the prop shop, costume studio, and more while learning how collaboration shapes every performance.

  • Storytime at The Carle

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    At The Eric Carle Museum, storytime becomes an interactive adventure. Through the Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Program, families engage with books in creative ways—singing, moving, and discovering the art that brings each story to life.

  • Game Lab Series: Design and Build Your Own Board Game

    12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

    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.

  • DIY Astronomy: Discover Space Through Homemade Telescopes

    1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

    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.

  • Books and Community: Shop, Learn, and Support the Library

    3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    Discover new reads and old favorites at the Berkshire Athenaeum’s Summer Book Sale in Pittsfield. From cookbooks to kids’ titles, this sale supports literacy and self-directed learning. Thursday is members-only, but you can join the Friends at the door for $10.

  • Magic the Gathering Club for Tweens & Teens

    3:45 pm - 5:00 pm

    A Magic: The Gathering Club for ages 10+ offers more than dragons and spells—it’s a chance to sharpen strategic thinking, practice problem-solving, and build friendships. Whether you bring your own deck or borrow one at the library, the fun unfolds every other week in the Community Room.

  • Paddle and Listen: Exploring Biodiversity at Dusk by Canoe

    5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

    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.

  • Craft & Connect: A Mindful Teen Night at the Library

    5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

    At the Becket Athenaeum, Mindful Making gives teens a chance to slow down with art, shared meals, and thoughtful connection. It’s more than crafting—it’s about building community through presence and creative practice.

  • Songs of the Sea: Music, History & Sea Shanties

    7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    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.

  • Walking Through Deep Time: A Self-Guided Geologic Tour of Turners Falls

    8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • Groff Park Playgroup: Outdoor Fun with The Bridge

    10:00 am - 11:00 am

    Each Thursday morning, Groff Park in Amherst becomes a hub for summer play. Led by The Bridge Family Resource Center, this free gathering supports curiosity and creativity through unstructured outdoor fun. Families return week after week to enjoy movement, connection, and the simple joy of being outside together.

  • Westfield Farmers’ Market

    12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Westfield Farmers’ Market isn’t just for shopping, they’re places for young people to explore real-world skills like budgeting, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Talk to farmers, see what’s in season, and learn how local food systems support healthy communities and the planet.

  • Historic Bookmaking: From Marbled Paper to Printing Presses

    12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • Farmers’ Market at Forest Park

    12:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    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.

July 11, 2025

  • Seeds of Memory: Exploring the Living History Garden at Grow Food Northampton

    8:00 am - 5:00 pm

    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.

  • Barn Swallows: Mud Builders and Insect Hunters in the Berkshires

    10:00 am - 11:30 am

    Observe barn swallows in flight and nesting at the Round Stone Barn at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. With Mass Audubon and a Shaker interpreter, explore how these birds adapt to human-made spaces and connect seasonal behavior with ornithology, history, and a sense of place.

  • Books and Community: Shop, Learn, and Support the Library

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Discover new reads and old favorites at the Berkshire Athenaeum’s Summer Book Sale in Pittsfield. From cookbooks to kids’ titles, this sale supports literacy and self-directed learning.

  • HCHC Summer Playgroups

    10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    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.

  • Family Fun: Social Justice and Silliness in Song

    10:00 am - 11:00 am

    The Belchertown library hosts a family concert with Ants on a Log, a musical duo full of humor, heart, and harmony. Their playful songs spark laughter and conversation, mixing silly fun with themes like kindness and curiosity. Come ready to sing, move, and smile together.

  • Open + Shut: Exploring Endpapers in Picture Books

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • Storytime at The Carle

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Storytime comes to life at The Eric Carle Museum! The Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Program invites visitors of all ages to explore picture books through movement, song, and close-looking—led by staff trained in the Whole Book Approach.

  • Farmers’ Market at Forest Park

    12:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    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.

  • Shelburne Falls Farmers’ Market

    2:00 pm - 6:30 pm

    What’s better than picking out fresh fruit? Talking to the people who grew it! Shelburne Falls Farmers’ Market is full of chances to ask questions, learn how food grows, and try something new. Every visit helps build healthy habits and care for the planet.

  • Hands-On Herpetology: Turtle Fun with Mass Audubon

    3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

    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.

  • Ecology by Campfire: A Twilight Gathering for Families

    4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    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.

  • Summer Concert: Folk, Country, and Brazilian Music on the Green

    5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Enjoy free live music on the Amherst Town Common with performances by LeFever, the Lonesome Brothers, and BR413. Presented by Amherst BID, this concert series supports music studies through cultural exchange and community connection. Bring a picnic and stay for the sunset.

  • Water Ski Stunts: Live Physics on the Connecticut River

    7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

    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.

  • Early Childhood Playgroup for Families: Friday Mornings in Amherst

    10:00 am - 11:00 am

    Friday mornings at The Bridge Family Resource Center invite playful learning through stories, toys, and shared activities. Children explore language through pretend play and picture books, laying the groundwork for reading in a cozy, literacy-rich setting.

July 12, 2025

  • Birds & Binoculars: A Gentle Introduction to Ornithology

    8:00 am - 9:00 am

    Birding from a parking lot? Absolutely. Arcadia turns an ordinary space into a front-row seat for seasonal change. With birds overhead and a thermos in hand, it’s a low-key way to notice more, learn a little, and enjoy the quiet magic of migration.

  • Amherst Farmers’ Market

    8:00 am - 1:30 pm

    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.

  • Ashfield Farmers’ Market

    9:00 am - 1:00 pm

    At Ashfield Farmers’ Market, kids can meet farmers, count change, spot new veggies, and learn where food comes from. It’s a fun way to connect with nature, support your community, and grow new skills—one tomato at a time.

  • Greenfield Farmers’ Market

    9:00 am - 1:30 pm

    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.

  • Books and Community: Shop, Learn, and Support the Library

    10:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Discover new reads and old favorites at the Berkshire Athenaeum’s Summer Book Sale in Pittsfield. From cookbooks to kids’ titles, this sale supports literacy and self-directed learning.

  • Springfield Walking Tour: The Underground Railroad

    10:30 am - 12:00 pm

    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.

  • The World Through Reptile Eyes: A Journey into Herpetology

    10:30 am - 12:00 pm

    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.

  • Art Studies Fun: Telling Stories the Norman Rockwell Way

    11:00 am - 3:00 pm

    In Stockbridge, families are invited to explore visual storytelling at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Through hands-on art activities, they slow down, notice details, and consider how composition, color, and symbols help shape a story or mood.

  • Community Art Lab: Where Learning Meets Creative Process

    11:00 am - 1:00 pm

    Paint, paste, and get a little messy—in a good way! Make-It Springfield’s art lab is a creative playground where young makers experiment with collage, fashion, and mixed media. It’s two hours of hands-on fun, with materials and good vibes provided.

  • Transit & Tradition: A Day at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum

    11:00 am - 5:00 pm

    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.

  • Music You Can Touch: Petting Zoo with Real Instruments

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    In Hadley, the Springfield Symphony’s Musical Petting Zoo invites kids to explore instruments like violins and drums. This hands-on event encourages curiosity, music studies, and creative expression through sound.

  • Hilltown History: Tools and Traditions of Cummington’s Past

    2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Curious about daily life in the Hilltowns long ago? Visit the Kingman Tavern Museum Open House in Cummington to see how locals cooked, farmed, and lived through the centuries. Discover the tools and traditions that helped shape a tight-knit rural community.

  • Explore the Characters Within: Teen Improv Lab

    3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

    Teens ages 12 to 18 are invited to a creative wellness workshop at the Springfield library. Through improv and movement, they explore voice, posture, and emotion, building confidence and connection while discovering the many characters within.

  • Young Love and Outdoor Theater: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare & Company

    7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Sword fights, secret vows, and star-crossed love take center stage in this outdoor staging of “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare & Company. Set in Lenox, this high-energy performance captures the drama and intensity of young hearts and ancient grudges in a natural theater setting.

  • Walking Through Deep Time: A Self-Guided Geologic Tour of Turners Falls

    8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • Great Barrington Farmers’ Market

    9:00 am - 1:00 pm

    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.

July 13, 2025

  • Seeds of Memory: Exploring the Living History Garden at Grow Food Northampton

    8:00 am - 5:00 pm

    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.

  • Hawley Bog: A High-Elevation Habitat in Massachusetts

    9:00 am - 11:00 am

    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.

  • Family Sundays at The Mount

    10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    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!

  • Free Art-Making and Music for All Ages at The Clark’s Community Day

    11:00 am - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • Solar Science: Track Sunspots and Flares Through Astronomy

    11:00 am - 3:00 pm

    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.

  • Historic Bookmaking: From Marbled Paper to Printing Presses

    12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • Music on the Porches: A Soundscape Rooted in Place

    12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

    Walk the streets of Shelburne Falls and enjoy a free day of live music during the Porch Music Festival, where porches become stages and neighborhoods turn into walkable soundscapes. With nearly 200 musicians across 40 locations, this long-standing tradition invites listeners to experience how shared music helps shape a sense of place.

  • Farmers’ Market at Forest Park

    12:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    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.

  • Field Sketching: Art and Observation in a Wildlife Sanctuary

    1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    Nature-journaling at Arcadia in Easthampton turns a walk in the woods into a creative learning experience. Borrow supplies at the Art House and capture textures, colors, and wildlife through art. It’s a simple way to slow down and see nature with fresh eyes.

  • Young Love and Outdoor Theater: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare & Company

    7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Sword fights, secret vows, and star-crossed love take center stage in this outdoor staging of “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare & Company. Set in Lenox, this high-energy performance captures the drama and intensity of young hearts and ancient grudges in a natural theater setting.

  • Walking Through Deep Time: A Self-Guided Geologic Tour of Turners Falls

    8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • Transit & Tradition: A Day at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum

    11:00 am - 5:00 pm

    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.

  • Open + Shut: Exploring Endpapers in Picture Books

    12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    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.

July 14, 2025

  • Walking Through Deep Time: A Self-Guided Geologic Tour of Turners Falls

    8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • HCHC Summer Playgroups

    9:30 am - 11:30 am

    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.

  • Hope on Stage: “Pollyanna” at Majestic Children’s Theater

    1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    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.

  • Music Mondays at the Berkshire Botanical Garden

    5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    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.

  • Hope on Stage: “Pollyanna” at Majestic Children’s Theater

    6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    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.

  • Explore Local History: Guided Tours at Porter-Phelps-Huntington House

    1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • Bike Repair Basics: Learn Engineering Through Hands-On Practice

    2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    RAD Springfield brings bike repair education to the streets, turning shared tools into shared knowledge. This mobile shop models collaborative consumption by helping neighbors fix brakes, learn mechanics, and keep bikes rolling through practical, hands-on support.

July 15, 2025

  • Sewing Machine Skills: A Beginner Workshop for Preteens

    9:30 am - 12:30 pm

    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.

  • Hope on Stage: “Pollyanna” at Majestic Children’s Theater

    1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    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.

  • Cooking Class for Kids: Explore Pasta Traditions

    4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

    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.

  • Paddle and Listen: Exploring Biodiversity at Dusk by Canoe

    5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

    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.

  • Young Love and Outdoor Theater: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare & Company

    7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Sword fights, secret vows, and star-crossed love take center stage in this outdoor staging of “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare & Company. Set in Lenox, this high-energy performance captures the drama and intensity of young hearts and ancient grudges in a natural theater setting.

  • Explore Local History: Guided Tours at Porter-Phelps-Huntington House

    1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    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.

  • Grow Food Northampton Tuesday Market

    1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

    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.

July 16, 2025

  • Meet the Safari Animals: Learn About Life on the Grasslands

    9:30 am - 12:30 pm

    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.

  • Hope on Stage: “Pollyanna” at Majestic Children’s Theater

    10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    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.

  • Storytime at The Carle

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    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.

  • Holyoke Farmers’ Markets

    11:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Every stand at the Holyoke Farmers’ Market tells a story. For teens interested in food justice, ecology, or small business, it’s a chance to ask questions, think critically, and see how local choices can have global impact, all while picking out fresh snacks!

  • Story and Song: John Porcino Brings Folklore to Life

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    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.

  • Budgeting 101: Real-Life Math for Everyday Money Choices

    12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    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.

  • Farmers’ Market at Forest Park

    12:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    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.

  • Forest Forensics: Reading the Landscape Through Trees

    4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

    At Chesterwood in Stockbridge, join Mass Audubon for a guided walk that uncovers stories written in bark and branches. Learn how to read the forest through the shape and placement of trees and explore how 11,000 years of change are reflected in the living landscape around you.

  • Library Lawn: Magic, Laughter, and Wonder with Ed Popielarczyk

    6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    How does a magic trick fool the eye and the brain? Ed Popielarczyk’s comedy magic show at the Belchertown library invites wonder and critical thinking in a fun, relaxed setting. Explore the science behind illusions while laughing out loud. Bring a blanket or chair for this outdoor show.

  • HCHC Summer Playgroups

    10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    All aboard for summer playgroups at the Chester Railway Station & Museum! Children ages 0–5 and their siblings are invited to explore early literacy, social skills, and sensory play through hands-on activities in a fun and familiar community setting. Free and full of discovery.

  • Hope on Stage: “Pollyanna” at Majestic Children’s Theater

    1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

    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.

  • Young Love and Outdoor Theater: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare & Company

    7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Sword fights, secret vows, and star-crossed love take center stage in this outdoor staging of “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare & Company. Set in Lenox, this high-energy performance captures the drama and intensity of young hearts and ancient grudges in a natural theater setting.

July 17, 2025

  • Emergency Vehicles: Hands-On Learning at Big Rig Day

    10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    What tools help a fire truck respond quickly or a utility rig fix a power line? Big Rig Day at Buttery Brook Park, hosted by the South Hadley Recreation Department, turns big machines into big learning. Kids can explore, ask questions, and discover how vehicles serve the community.

  • Summer Evenings at The Carle: Jazz, Story & Illustration

    10:00 am - 8:00 pm

    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.

  • Behind the Curtain: Merry Wanderers’ Guided Tours at Shakespeare & Company

    10:30 am - 11:30 am

    At Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Thursday morning walking tours with General Manager Steve Ball (and his dog, Willie) offer a behind-the-scenes look at how live theater comes to life. Explore the prop shop, costume studio, and more while learning how collaboration shapes every performance.

  • Westfield Farmers’ Market

    12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Westfield Farmers’ Market isn’t just for shopping, they’re places for young people to explore real-world skills like budgeting, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Talk to farmers, see what’s in season, and learn how local food systems support healthy communities and the planet.

  • Game Lab Series: Design and Build Your Own Board Game

    12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

    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.

  • Doctor for a Day: Playful Learning in Human Anatomy

    1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

    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.

  • STEM Fun: Create Chain Reactions with Whimsical Contraptions

    2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

    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.

  • Cooks’ Garden Walk: History, Habitat, and Pollinators

    3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    Step into the past with Historic Deerfield on a walk through gardens and meadows. Learn how thyme and milkweed, finches and crickets, tell stories about daily life, foodways, and natural history. This sensory-rich tour weaves the humanities into the landscape of Old Deerfield.

  • Yoga Classes at the Co-op

    6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

    From headstands to happy baby, River Valley Co-op’s free summer yoga series in Northampton offers themed classes for every body and every stage of life. It’s movement with meaning—and a great reason to get out and stretch! Reserve your spot today.

  • Why Stars Matter: Light Pollution, Ecology, and Wonder

    7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    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.

  • Young Love and Outdoor Theater: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare & Company

    7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Sword fights, secret vows, and star-crossed love take center stage in this outdoor staging of “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare & Company. Set in Lenox, this high-energy performance captures the drama and intensity of young hearts and ancient grudges in a natural theater setting.

  • Groff Park Playgroup: Outdoor Fun with The Bridge

    10:00 am - 11:00 am

    Each Thursday morning, Groff Park in Amherst becomes a hub for summer play. Led by The Bridge Family Resource Center, this free gathering supports curiosity and creativity through unstructured outdoor fun. Families return week after week to enjoy movement, connection, and the simple joy of being outside together.

  • Budgeting 101: Real-Life Math for Everyday Money Choices

    5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

    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.

July 18, 2025

  • Turtle Time: Wildlife Observation and Adaptive Traits

    3:30 am - 5:00 pm

    Mass Audubon’s Turtle Time in Easthampton invites kids to learn about turtles through observation and hands-on discovery. With their fused ribcage shells and internal shoulder blades, turtles offer a fun entry into herpetology, anatomy, and how animals adapt to their environments.

  • HCHC Summer Playgroups

    10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    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.

  • Toe Jam Variety Band: Jump In, Sing Loud, Laugh Big

    10:00 am - 11:00 am

    The Toe Jam Variety Band brings lively music and humor to Stanley Park’s Beveridge Pavilion in Westfield. This interactive performance encourages early learning through rhythm, storytelling, and movement. Part of the Friday Mornings for Children series. Outdoors. Chairs provided.

  • Storytime at The Carle

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Storytime comes to life at The Eric Carle Museum! The Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Program invites visitors of all ages to explore picture books through movement, song, and close-looking—led by staff trained in the Whole Book Approach.

  • Shelburne Falls Farmers’ Market

    2:00 pm - 6:30 pm

    What’s better than picking out fresh fruit? Talking to the people who grew it! Shelburne Falls Farmers’ Market is full of chances to ask questions, learn how food grows, and try something new. Every visit helps build healthy habits and care for the planet.

  • Summer Concert: Jazz & Retro-Rock on the Green

    5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    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.

  • Moth Ball: Nighttime Pollinators and Community Science

    6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    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.

  • Physics in Motion: Water Ski Show Teaches Newton’s Laws

    7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

    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.

  • Young Love and Outdoor Theater: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare & Company

    7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Sword fights, secret vows, and star-crossed love take center stage in this outdoor staging of “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare & Company. Set in Lenox, this high-energy performance captures the drama and intensity of young hearts and ancient grudges in a natural theater setting.

  • Early Childhood Playgroup for Families: Friday Mornings in Amherst

    10:00 am - 11:00 am

    Friday mornings at The Bridge Family Resource Center invite playful learning through stories, toys, and shared activities. Children explore language through pretend play and picture books, laying the groundwork for reading in a cozy, literacy-rich setting.

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Featured Self-directed Learning Ideas

Blueberries: A Gateway to Learning in Horticulture, Nutrition, and Culinary Skills

It’s that time of the year again, blueberry season! You’ll find these dusty blue berries with their star pattern bottoms…

Exploring Chemistry and Physics Through Hands-On Outdoor Science Activities

Messy science makes great memories. This season, take learning outside with hands-on projects that explore physics, chemistry, soil science, and…

The Fascinating World of Snakes: A Multidisciplinary Educational Journey

The study of snakes offers educational insights in biomimicry, STEM, nutritional anthropology, biology, and mythology. Biomimicry inspired by snakes helps…

Games Across Cultures: Educational Insights Into Traditional Childhood Play

Summer games hold more than just laughter—they root us in place and memory. From hopscotch to clapping games, these timeless…

Blossoms on the Plate: Edible Flowers in Culinary Arts and Culture

There’s a world of edible flowers out there that not only add beauty to our plates but also bring new…

From Tricycles to Tandems: Bicycles in Cultural and Historical Context

What can a bike teach us beyond balance? Summer rides can lead to questions about how bikes are built, how…
Mass Cultural Council

Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Bernardston, Erving, Goshen, Hadley, Huntington, Lee, Leyden, Montgomery, Orange, Pelham, Plainfield, Shelburne, South Hadley, Southampton, Washington, Westhampton, West Springfield, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency

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