Hilltown Families

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Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast. SUGGEST AN EVENT If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening,… Read More

Rabbits in Turners Falls. Reptiles in Lenox. Barbados in Springfield. South Africa in Amherst.  These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week!  Get out into your community and learn while you play!  And be sure to check our list of supporting book titles to supplement the learning on the different topics highlighted each week.  Purchase them for your family library, or check them out from the public… Read More

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast. SUGGEST AN EVENT If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening,… Read More

Berkshire County Highlights for Families: August 11th-24th, 2012 We’re entering the season of community festivals, craft and agricultural fairs!  A few to highlight in Berkshire County over the next two weeks including Rock, Rattle and Drum Pow Wow at Wirtes Farm in Lanesborough, Hinsdale Dayz at the town fire station, Berkhsire 4-H Fair in Pittsfield, Grecian Festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsfield, Stockbridge Summer Arts and Crafts Show, Zucchini… Read More

Native American Pow Wow this Weekend in Lanesborough, MA Celebrate Native American culture in the Berkshires this weekend at the 7th Annual Rock, Rattle and Drum Pow Wow! The celebration takes place on August 11th and 12th at Wirtes Farm, located at the base of Mt. Greylock in Lanesborough, and will feature music, dance, food, art, crafts, storytelling, and more from Native Americans throughout the northeast. Sample traditional foods like Indian fry… Read More

Stargazing in the Berkshires See the stars up close!  On Saturday, August 11th beginning at 8pm, atop the summit of Mt. Greylock in Adams, MA, the Amherst Area Amateur Astronomers Association (the 5A’s) will share a variety of telescopes with families interested in learning about the sky above them. As a result of the mountain’s location – with its low horizons and lack of light pollution – the summit is a perfect… Read More

August is here and there’s less than one month left of summer before the school year begins again for many.  And while there is a break from the classroom for these couple of months, the learning opportunities never stop!  August is chock-full of educational and fun events for families, ranging from blacksmithing to Civil War heroines, knots to bubbles! We’re even including a list of book titles to supplement the learning on… Read More

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast. SUGGEST AN EVENT If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening,… Read More

Hilltown Families Highlights for this coming week combine economic development with community-based and service-based learning: COMMUNITY SUPPORT There are several opportunities to support your community this week. We all know that shopping local is a great way to foster economic development, and this weekend there are a few events that make it easy to shop local, including sidewalk sales in both downtown Northampton and downtown Greenfield, and the annual Arts & Crafts… Read More

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast. SUGGEST AN EVENT If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening,… Read More

Berkshire County Highlights for Families: July 28th – August 10th, 2012 Summer theater and music continues in the Berkshires!  In addition to cultural performances, there are also great learning opportunities in  Berkshire County over the next two weeks! With a region rich in local history, the history of families who lived in the Berkshires dating back to the 1600’s can be explored at the Mission House in Stockbridge, or explore during a… Read More

Berkshire Lyric Offers Free Children’s Summer Camps in August, 2012 Berkshire Lyric’s Blafield Children’s Chorus is offering kids a chance to learn about music and singing at free week-long camps this August!  Two different camps will be offered, both open to kids ages 6-13. Lead by Berkshire Lyric’s artistic director, Jack Brown, the camps are intensive, but offer kids a unique opportunity to learn about classical voice performance. Attending the camp can… Read More

Highlights this coming weekend and next week include fun family events for learning about insects, owls, bats, and local habitat, along with a plethora of performances both with and about puppets! SIX-LEGGED CRITTERS A few weeks ago we mentioned how families interested in entomology (the study of insects) can participate as citizen scientists in their own backyards during National Moth Week, happening this coming week, July 23-29.  In addition to this great… Read More

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast. SUGGEST AN EVENT If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening,… Read More

With it’s natural beauty, local food, family attractions and community festivals and fairs, Western Massachusetts is a haven for family fun. Whether you’re visiting the area, or are fortunate enough to live here year round, the region in the summer is an engaging place to vacation or staycation! We asked our readers to recommend their favorite attractions, must see or must do family activities, and we received 60 great tips for you here…

QUESTION AND ANSWERS Blueberries are out early this year! Where’s your favorite place to PYO with the kids? Laura LeClair writes, “Birdhaven Blueberry Farm in Southampton!” Jessica Campagna Wehry writes, “Where is close to Pittsfield for PYO organic blueberries? I’ve been dying to bring my son!” Sue Lowery writes, “Blueberry Hill on Washington Mountain Rd in Washington, MA (just outside Pittsfield) is amazing and wonderful. Roy and Marilyn Wiley are the owners,… Read More

Here are 23 smart reasons to staycation in Western MA next week: HISTORY The learning continues this summer with a plethora of fun community-based educational opportunities happening across the region! On Saturday, July 14th, it’s Fire and Ice Day at Old Sturbridge Village, affording a chance for families to learn about the history of fire fighting and how homemade old fashioned ice cream is made with historical demonstrations and activities. History lessons… Read More

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast. SUGGEST AN EVENT If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening,… Read More

Berkshire County Highlights for Families: July 14th-27th, 2012 Berkshire County is full of high caliber cultural venues hosting quality entertainment for families just outside of the big cities, but smaller community venues and local parks have a lot to offer in the summer months too! There are playgroups, nature hikes, crafting and story times happening at the libraries, parks and family centers. Live music and baseball can be enjoyed in the parks, marionette… Read More

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast. SUGGEST AN EVENT If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening,… Read More

Fourth of July celebrations are abundant this weekend and on Wednesday. Discover parades and places to view fireworks in the region with our 2012 Fourth of July Celebrations & Fireworks resource page.  But fireworks aren’t all the excitement that will be happening this next week.  There are plenty of opportunities for kids to continue learning at the many community-based educational events, or just to be entertained with a slew of kid performances. … Read More

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast. SUGGEST AN EVENT If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening,… Read More

Summer is officially here and school is out (for most)! This weekend there are several community festivals and celebrations happening in Western MA to start your summer off right. Three such festival will be celebrating specific cultures, including Puerto Rican, Chinese and Vietnamese. A community celebration of Puerto Rican arts and culture happens on Saturday, June 23rd in Holyoke at La Noche de San Juan. Live music will fill Holyoke Heritage State… Read More

Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast. SUGGEST AN EVENT If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening,… Read More

Happy Father’s Day! This weekend there are lots of adventurous opportunities to explore Western MA with the sons, fathers, step-fathers, and grandfathers in your life, like one of the many hikes scheduled for families this weekend. On Saturday, June 16th in North Adams, the Berkshires Natural Resource Council will be hosting a hike of the Hoosac Range, while the Deerfield River Watershed Association will host two hikes in Rowe, exploring the blooming… Read More

Get the inside scoop! Western Massachusetts locals recommend their favorite swimming spots to help you stay cool on a hot summer’s day!

Be sure to check our Best Bets for this weekend, Jun 9 & 10, for several fabulous community celebrations!  We’ve featured Riverfest in Shelburne Falls, the Children’s Book Festival Baseball Bonanza in Amherst, Bear Fest in Easthampton, Hilltown Bluegrass Festival in Goshen, and The Mount’s Family Day in Lenox. Aside from these homeruns, families can build upon their nature studies, explore local history, enjoy the outdoors and participate in community service with… Read More

With rain in the forecast for Saturday, June 2nd, it’s our hope that it will pass us by as there are so many great outdoor activities to enjoy with your family! In Hampshire County, young naturalists can take a guided walk to learn about wild edibles and flowers at either the North Amherst Community Farm or the Hitchcock Center for the Environment.  They could further supplement an interest in local habitats during… Read More

Enter to win a 4-pack of tickets to see… First Annual Hilltown Bluegrass Festival Three Sisters Sanctuary in Goshen Sunday, June 10th from 2-7pm The First Annual Hilltown Bluegrass Festival will take place at the Three Sisters Sanctuary in Goshen, MA on Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 2-7pm… and Hilltown Families has a 4-pack of ticket to giveaway to one lucky family! Win the tickets and take your family and friends to… Read More

Community Celebration, Community Breakfast, and Animal Adventure Weekend Highlights: May 19th & 20th, 2012 COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS This weekend there are a number of community celebrations happening throughout the region, one of which is the 23rd annual Chester on Track event taking place this Saturday, May 19th in Hampden County! The event, which began as a celebration of the town’s railway history, now encompasses all types of history – everything from steam engines… Read More