June 18, 2013 at 6:00 am (Berkshire County, Science, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Nature Based Learning, Science, Sense of Place, STEM, Summer Slide
Science in the Parks in Pittsfield
A Remedy to Summer Slide
Go on a hunt for frogs and the insects they eat at Science in the Parks. Through closer examination, kids can learn the importance ecology plays in the lives of animals in various habitats , like the way this frog is camouflaged among leaf litter and woodland flowers. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Public parks are accessible green spaces families can visit in the summer months to both observe and explore nature. Whether they be well-manicured or allowed to grow wild and free, our local parks offer a lot to learn and explore in terms of ecology, natural & local history, and creative free play.
Science educator Lisa Provencher is holding a Science in the Parks event every Saturday from June 22-August 17 from 10am-12noon this summer, an great opportunity for young students to use their local parks to further their understanding of ecology through science based methods. Kids of all ages can come to four different parks around Pittsfield, MA and learn about watersheds and their impact on local ecology at this free program.
Participants will have the chance to do activities like test the pH of water, identify aquatic plants, and participate in a hunt from insects and amphibians. They will also get the chance to identify invasive species and meet some live animals up close!
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June 15, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, Father's Day Weekend, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for June 15th-21st, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Bulletin Board, Hilltown Family Variety Show, and nearly 60 Summer Camp Options.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 29 Community Highlights: Dragonflies to Damselflies. Father’s Day to Juneteenth., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: June 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
June 15th-21st, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Historic Homes & Buildings ♦ Music Studies ♦ Lawn Concerts ♦ Animal & Insect Studies ♦ Plant Studies ♦ Library Adventures ♦ History ♦ Parent Workshops & Support
RECAP
In need of a night out? We’re giving away a 4-pack of lawn tickets for a Parents’ Night Out to see CHICAGO at Mountain Park in Holyoke on Friday, June 21st! You pay for the sitter, we’ll pay for the tickets!
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Father’s Day Episode: Hilltown Family Variety Show (Podcast/Radio Show)
- 12 Tips for Live-Away Dads
- Q&A: Local Strawberries
- Food Allergies and Summer Camp
- Make Your Own Root Beers
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June 14, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, environmental education, evening concerts, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, Father's Day, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, New England, pedagogy of place, picnic dinners, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Dragonfly or damselfly? Learn how to tell the difference between these two insects this weekend at the Mills River Environmental Center and the benefits they contribute to our larger ecosystem.
Dragonflies to Damselflies. The Hundred Dresses to The Hunger Games. Naturalists to Musicians. Father’s Day to Juneteenth… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Peruse our list below and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
Happy Father’s Day!
On Father’s Day this Sunday, June 16th, dads and grandfathers with younger kids can enjoy a free train ride at Look Park in Florence, or Forest Park Zoo in Springfield. Or take an even bigger free train ride at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum. Other locations honoring dads and granddads on Father’s Day include Historic Deerfield and Old Sturbridge Village, both of which will offer free admission on Sunday, and a free ride on the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. Check our Best Bets for Father’s Day highlights for more ways to spend time with the dad in your life this weekend in western Massachusetts!
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June 10, 2013 at 3:00 pm (Berkshire County, Berkshire Museum, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshire Museum, Crane, Crane and Company, Crane Museum of Papermaking, Museum Adventures, Paper Art, PaperWorks, Science of Paper
Berkshire Museum presents PaperWorks: The Art and Science of an Extraordinary Material
What role does paper play in your family’s daily life? Bedtime stories are printed on it, homework is written on it, a bin in your garage collects it for recycling and reuse. However, the history, science, and artistic potential of paper is much more complex and fascinating than the average person’s experience with the material might suggest.
On Saturday, June 15th, the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA unveils PaperWorks, a gallery show made up of beautiful paper works of art and paper-related artifacts. The goal of the exhibit is to showcase the wide array of work that can be created with paper (it’s not all origami!), as well as to highlight the role that history, science, and culture play in the manufacture and use of papers of all kinds. Visitors to the exhibit can view work created by more than thirty different artists from all over the country (and even a few from Europe!), including papercut animations and mathematically sound sculptures made from sheets of folded paper. Along with the fascinating works of art, visitors can view and learn about various paper-related artifacts, including jewelry, furniture, and other surprising objects!
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June 8, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for June 8th-14th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Bulletin Board, Hilltown Family Variety Show, and over 55 Summer Camp Options.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 36 Community Highlights: Hermits to Fairies. Tornadoes to Dioramas., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: June 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
June 8th-14th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Indoor Adventures ♦ History ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Nature Studies ♦ Outdoor Adventures ♦ Meteorology ♦ Museum Adventures ♦ Engineering ♦ Occupational Science ♦ Music Studies ♦ Community Service
RECAP
In need of a night out? We’re giving away a 4-pack of lawn tickets for a Parents’ Night Out to see CHICAGO at Mountain Park in Holyoke on Friday, June 21st! You pay for the sitter, we’ll pay for the tickets!
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Q&A: End of the Year Teacher Appreciation Gifts
- Western MA Folk Remedies for Stress
- How Does Your Sunscreen Rate?
- 12 Baseball Books for Kids
- 8 Featured Music CDs for Your Summer Family Road Trip
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June 7, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, environmental education, evening concerts, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, New England, pedagogy of place, picnic dinners, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Lawn concerts in the summer are lovely opportunities to enjoy a picnic dinner together with your family, and your community! We’ll be adding lawn concerts to our list of weekly Suggested Events throughout the summer, from the Berkshires down to the Valley. Check there each week and make plans for a fun family dinner, al fresco style!
Hermits to Tornadoes. Fairies to Snow White. Lawn Concerts to Kayaking… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Peruse our list below and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
LAWN CONCERTS
Summer evening lawn concerts are a lovely way for families to enjoy an al fresco dinner together, in the warm air with live music. BYO picnic dinners and chairs to the following free evening concerts this week and enjoy time together with your family and community:
- Concert Series at Stanley Park in Westfield presents Shakin’ All Over, one of New England’s premier dance bands, on Sunday evening, June 9th.
- Musical Moments at Amelia’s Garden in Westfield presents Dan Kane and Friends, who will be performing Broadway classics, on Tuesday evening, June 11th.
- Coop Concerts Summer Series takes place on Thursday evening, June 13th at Greenfield Energy Park. This week’s show features Devlin Miles, Orlen & Gabriel, and Pat & Tex LaMountain Band. Each group will perform a range of music, including love songs, folk tunes, jazz, blues, ragtime, and country music.
- Arts in the Park Summer Concert Series happens at Millside Park in Easthampton on Friday evening, June 14th.
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June 1, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
7th annual Hilltown Spring Festival happens this Saturday, June 1st from 10am-5pm at the Cummington Fairgrounds!
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for June 1st-7th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Bulletin Board, Hilltown Family Variety Show, and over 50 Summer Camp Options.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 25 Community Highlights: Spring Festival to Bugaboo Review. Ponding to Nature Walks., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: June 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
June 1st-7th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Culinary Arts ♦ History ♦ Nature Studies ♦ Etiquette ♦ National Trails Day ♦ Community Service ♦ Science ♦ Bugs & Birds ♦ Parent Workshops ♦ Parents’ Night Out
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- 16 Swimming Holes in Western MA
- Let’s Play: Miniature Playhouses & Creative Free Play
- 3 Recipes from the Spring Garden
- HFVS Guest DJ, Joe & Justin of The Okee Dokee Brothers Episode (Radio Show/Podcast)
- I Spy Nature Science: Citizen Scientists Wanted
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May 31, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Come to the Hilltown Spring Festival on Saturday, June 1st and join in a community Maypole dance! Originating in the 18th century, families can learn about this traditional folk dance by dancing around with ribbons in hand, intertwining and plaiting the ribbons to the pole with their community. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Afternoon Tea to Cooking Classes. Ponding to Nature Walks. Cellar Holes to Headstones. Knitting Marathon to Bugaboo Review… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Peruse our list below and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
Learning Highlights at the Hilltown Spring Festival
The 7th annual Hilltown Spring Festival happens this Saturday, June 1st from 10am-5pm at the Cummington Fairgrounds. In addition to great fun and terrific music on multiple stages, there are always learning opportunities at the Festival! New this year is Joshua Wachtel’s Musical Instrument Petting Zoo. Families can come touch and play a variety of instruments, including a mountain dulcimer, Moroccan bongos, a Turkish banjo called a cumbus, autoharp, flutes and many others, including Sir Planks-a-lot (a man-sized xylophone made of 2x4s!). Other learning highlights include four different music workshops, including a couple of interactive intergenerational workshops! Aimee Gelinas will lead a West African and Caribbean percussion & song workshop, and Tony Vacca leads a world music percussion workshop. All of this and so much more, like the Kids-Made Craft Bazaar where youth get to participate directly in the Festival, giving them some real-world experience showing and selling their work. Find out more about the 7th annual Hilltown Spring Festival.
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May 30, 2013 at 6:00 am (Berkshire County, Berkshire Family Fun, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshire County Family Events, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, Great Barrington, Massachusetts, New England, North Adams, place-based education, Stockbridge, Summer in the Berkshires, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Western MA, western massachusetts, Williamstown
Berkshire County Highlights for Families: June 2013
Find out about community events and learning opportunities happening throughout Berkshire County for the month of June. We’ll be adding to this list as the month progresses, so be sure to check back each week:
• North Berkshire
• Central Berkshire
• South Berkshire
To find out what’s happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, check our comprehensive list of Weekly Suggested Events, published every Thursday! There you will also find our list of ongoing weekday playgroups, storyhours and events both in Berkshire County and throughout the region.
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May 29, 2013 at 9:00 am (Berkshire County, Hilltown Families, Museum, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshire Family Fun, Museums, The Berkshires, The Clark, Tourism, western massachusetts
Summer Highlights at The Clark
Williamstown, MA
American art takes center stage this summer at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, crowning a summer schedule that provides an exceptionally lively program of events and activities.
Headlining the season are two special exhibitions opening June 9: Winslow Homer: Making Art, Making History and George Inness: Gifts from Frank and Katherine Martucci. Both exhibitions are open until September 8. This summer also marks an important milestone for the Clark as it celebrates the fifth anniversary of Stone Hill Center on July 27.
Also on view through September 8 is the Kidspace exhibition Lions and Tigers and Museums, Oh My! at Stone Hill Center. This interactive, family-friendly exhibition is designed to spark questions of curiosity and to uncover the answers.
Special events, musical offerings, family fun, performances, and films round out the summer. Check out what The Clark has in store this upcoming season…
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May 25, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, Memorial Day Weekend, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Mark your calendars! The Hilltown Spring Festival happens next Saturday, June 1st from 10am-5pm at the Cummington Fairground!
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for May 25th-31st, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board, Hilltown Family Variety Show, and over 50 Summer Camp Options.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 35 Community Highlights: Rhubarb to Butterflies. Turtles to Trolley., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: May 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
May 25th-31st, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Weekend Highlights ♦ History ♦ Transportation ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Science ♦ Entomology ♦ Geology ♦ Nature Studies ♦ Parent Workshops
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- 13 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in Western MA
- Little Homes for Little Folks: Make Your Own Gnome Home
- Q&A: Where Do Babies Come From?
- 8 Ways to Create Engaging Engineering Activities at Home
- Q&A: Best Cup of Joe in Western MA?
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May 24, 2013 at 3:00 pm (Berkshire County, Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Hilltown Families, Suggested Activity, Summer Camp)
Tags: Berkshire County, camp, Camps, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, Massachusetts Summer Camps, New England Summer Camps, Summer Activities, Summer Camp, Summer Camps, Summer Camps in the Berkshires, Summer Camps in the HIlltowns, Summer Camps in the Pioneer Valley, Summer Camps in Western Massachusetts, Summer Program, Summer Programs, Western MA, western massachusetts
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May 24, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, Memorial Day, memorial day parades, Mother's Day, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
It’s all turtles, all day long at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday in Hampden for Turtle Day! Visit to meet a real, live turtle and to learn about the species of turtles native to Massachusetts. Then, visitors will be able to go on a natural history walk of the sanctuary’s grounds to learn about how the landscape was formed and to learn about turtle habitat. Free. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Rhubarb to Butterflies. Bedrock to Marble. Turtles to Trolley… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Peruse our list and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
Community Highlights
There’s fun stuff happening over the next few days! Down in the Pioneer Valley, families can check out the Amherst Town Fair on the Common all weekend, and take in a concert with Mister G at the Eric Carle Museum on Saturday. Also in the Valley, Look Park in Florence turns on all their amenities too, including their water park and paddle boats! In the Hilltowns, the Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair happens all weekend at the at the Cummington Fairgrounds with loads of hands-on learning opportunities, fiber arts, and animals. Out in the Berkshires, there’s a Community Bike Ride in Pittsfield, Rhubarb Festival in Lenox and HoorWA’s annual Riverfest in Williamstown. Then on Monday are Memorial Day Parades in various town across the region! Check out our short list of parade highlights!
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May 18, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for May 18th-24th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and over 50 Summer Camp Options.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 33 Community Highlights: Lady’s Slipper to Bird Calls. Charcoal Industry to Historic Mill Sites., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: May 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
May 18th-24th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Early Childhood ♦ History ♦ Animal/Nature Studies ♦ Plant Studies ♦ Language Arts ♦ Community Service ♦ Parent Workshops
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
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May 17, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, Mother's Day, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Healthy Smiles to Spring Fling. Lady’s Slipper to Bird Calls. Charcoal Industry to Historic Mill Sites… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Peruse our list and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
Community Highlights
With beautiful weather in the forecast, it’ll be a great weekend to head out to any of the many annual community celebrations taking place this weekend. Community highlights include the 34th annual Longmeaddowe Days in Longmeadow, 18th annual Springfest in Northampton, Muddy Brook Elementary School PTA’s annual Mud Day in Great Barrington, and Chester On Track which this year celebrates the 174th anniversary of the coming of the railroad to Chester! There are also a couple of museum adventures awaiting families this Saturday with Museum Day at The Clark in Williamstown, and Art Museum Day at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge.
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May 11, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for May 11th-17th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 25 Community Highlights: Mother’s Day to Mamadrama. Steamboat Bill to Beaver Ponds., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: May 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
May 11th-17th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Mother’s Day Highlights ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Local History ♦ Nature Studies ♦ Film Studies ♦ Plant Sales ♦ Parent Workshop
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
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May 10, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, Mother's Day, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Sunday is Mother’s Day! If you’re looking for ideas for getting out on Mother’s Day, we have a few suggestions…
Mother’s Day to Plant Something Campaign. Mamadrama to Steamboat Bill. Beaver Ponds to Fishways… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Peruse our list and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
Brunch, Hike & Celebrate for Mother’s Day
Not up for breakfast in bed, then head out for breakfast or brunch. We asked our readers for family friendly restaurant recommendations for Mother’s Day and they had several to offer. Check out Mother’s Day Brunch to see their suggestions… and add one of your own.
After breakfast/brunch, celebrate Mother’s Day by taking her to one of the many gorgeous gardens dotted throughout Western Massachusetts including the Bridge of Flower in Shelburne Falls, one of the Commonwealth’s most unusual and enchanting “gardens” is found in Franklin County. Read our post The Art of Great Gardens in Western MA for a list of recommended public gardens in the region.
Looking for other ideas? Check out our Mother’s Day Highlights!
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May 4, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for May 4th-10th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 23 Community Highlights: Building Birdhouses to Making Giving Bags. Jurassic Roadshow to Long Island Express., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: May 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
May 4th-10th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Service-Based Learning ♦ Playgroups & Storyhours ♦ Dinosaurs/Fossils ♦ Nature & History ♦ Fashion ♦ Science ♦ Animal/Nature Studies ♦ Parent Workshop
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Affirming What’s Essential ❥ Love in Western MA
- What to do with Fiddleheads?
- Hilltown Families on Pinterest!
- Let’s Play: Monsters and Creative Free Play
- HFVS Music from South Africa with Guest DJ, Debbie Lan (Radio Show/Podcast)
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT: This Saturday, May 4th form 10am-1pm. JOIN US!
GIVEAWAY
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May 3, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service, Community Service Based Learning, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, National Volunteer Week, New England, Park Clean Ups, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Northampton’s annual Pride Parade and Celebration takes place on Saturday starting at 12noon! Celebrate LGBTQ culture and rights – there is a specially designated youth space at the event just for families!
Building Birdhouses to Making Giving Bags. Jurassic Roadshow to Long Island Express. Wild Flower Walk to Historical Fashion Show…
These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week!
Get out into your community and learn while you play!
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April 27, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for April 27th-May 3rd, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 40 Community Highlights: History of Tea to Biology of Frogs. Cultural Festivals to Fundraisers., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for late April through early May, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
April 27th – May 3rd, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Community Service ♦ Fundraisers ♦ Sustainability ♦ Animal/Nature Studies ♦ Economics ♦ Cultural Studies ♦ History
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Q&A: Does Your Family Have a Pediatric Dentist You Love Here in Western MA?
- HFVS Arbor Day Episode (Radio Show/Podcast)
- One Clover & A Bee: Poems For Families To Learn And Love
- Make Your Own Natural Bug Repellent Using Essential Oils
- Our Daughters: Using Facebook to Air Conflict
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
GIVEAWAY
RECAP MAP SPONSORS
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April 26, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service, Community Service Based Learning, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, National Volunteer Week, New England, Park Clean Ups, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
The new exhibition, Tea Talk: Ritual and Refinement in Early American Parlors, opens at Historic Deerfield this weekend. Families can learn about the history of the tea trade, historical use of tea in homes, and its role in socializing in early America. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Spaghetti Dinner to Fun Run. Composting to Recycling. Victorian Tea to Potluck Dinner. Frog Life Cycle to Arabic Cultural Festival…
These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week!
On the heels of Earth Day as we head towards the end of National Volunteer Week, there are still a plethora of events to participate in that celebrate and support sustainability, along with opportunities to volunteer with your family this weekend. Peruse our list below and make plans to 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 library!
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April 20, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for April 20th-26th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 34 Community Highlights: Wild Flower Walks to Textile Drives. Weather to Transportation., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for late April through early May, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
April 20th-26th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Community Service ♦ Earth Day ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Nature Studies ♦ History ♦ Parent Workshops ♦ Cultural Studies
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Virtual Tour: How Plastic Bags Get Recycle
- Families in Western MA Offer Earth Day Eco-Tips
- Planting Seeds: Music that Celebrates Gardening
- Q&A: Where to Get New/Used Bikes for the Family in Western MA
- HFVS Astronomy Episode (Radio Show/Podcast)
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
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April 19, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: April Vacation, Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service, Community Service Based Learning, Earth Day, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, National Volunteer Week, New England, Park Clean Ups, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, School Vacation, School Vacation Week, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Earth Day to Volunteer Week. Beaver Ponds to Raising Chickens. Wild Flower Walks to Textile Drives…
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 library!
Hilltown Family Variety Show: This Saturday, April 20th, we will rebroadcast our Weather Episode with Guest DJ, Alison Faith Levey. Tune in for an hour of great music and learning highlights on all things WEATHER!
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April 13, 2013 at 5:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: April Vacation Week, Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and during April Vacation Week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for April 13th-19th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 40 Community Highlights: StoryWalks to Marionette Shows. Salmon Fry to Coatimundi., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for Early-Mid April, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
April 13th-19th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
StoryWalks ♦ Puppets & Marionettes ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Community Service ♦ History ♦ Astronomy
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Music Trekking: Andean Music for Spring
- Q&A: Share Your Love for Your Local CSA
- Let’s Play: Puppets and Creative Free Play
- Mug & Bugs in the Hills
- Birds of Spring Episode: Hilltown Family Variety Show (Podcast/Radio Show)
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
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April 12, 2013 at 5:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: April Vacation, Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service Based Learning, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, School Vacation, School Vacation Week, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
StoryWalks to Marionette Shows. Salmon Fry to Coatimundi. American Revolutionary War to Patriot’s Day…
These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Get out into your community and learn while you play during April vacation week!
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 library!
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April 6, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and upcoming week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for April 6th-12th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 20 Community Highlights: Woodcocks to Vernal Pools. Radio to Railroad., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for Early-Mid April, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
April 6th-12th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
History ♦ Literacy ♦ Music Studies ♦ Environmental, Animal & Nature Studies ♦ Civics ♦ Parent Workshops & Resources
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Tis the Season for Vernal Pools
- HFVS Spring Equinox Episode with Guest DJ, Charity Kahn (Radio Show/Podcast)
- Picture Books for Spring Time
- Q&A: Community Recommended Documentaries for Parents
- Play Spring Walk Bingo!
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
TICKET GIVEAWAYS
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March 30, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Easter, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and upcoming week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for March 30th-April 5th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Mark Your Calendars and Bulletin Board.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 22 Community Highlights: Laura Ingalls Wilder to the Beatles. Vernal Pools to Hot Cross Buns., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for Late March, Early April, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families! And for Easter highlights check our post, Easter Events in Western MA, 2013.
March 30th-April 5th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
History ♦ Outdoor Adventures ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Community Service ♦ Geography ♦ Comics ♦ Musicals ♦ Science/Astronomy ♦ Museum Adventures ♦ Parent Workshops
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- The Ripple: Message of the Spring Peepers
- Vernal Pools: When Will The Spotted Salamander Eggs Hatch?
- Legends & Lore of Easter Icons
- Mud & Bugs in the Hills
- Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS
TICKET GIVEAWAYS
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March 24, 2013 at 9:00 am (Berkshire County, Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Hilltown Families, Suggested Activity, Summer Camp)
Tags: Berkshire County, camp, Camps, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, Massachusetts Summer Camps, New England Summer Camps, Summer Activities, Summer Camp, Summer Camps, Summer Camps in the Berkshires, Summer Camps in the HIlltowns, Summer Camps in the Pioneer Valley, Summer Camps in Western Massachusetts, Summer Program, Summer Programs, Western MA, western massachusetts
Hampshire County
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Franklin County
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Hampden County
Berkshire County
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Neighboring Regions
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Add A Listing
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March 23, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Easter, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and upcoming week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for March 23rd-29th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Mark Your Calendars and Bulletin Board.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 27 Community Highlights: Bread to Sushi. Beekeeping to Bird Houses., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for Late March, Early April, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families! And for Easter highlights check our post, Easter Events in Western MA, 2013.
March 23rd-29th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Sustainability ♦ Nature Science/Animal Studies ♦ Culinary Arts
Musical/Theater ♦ Parent Workshops ♦ Art ♦ Culinary Studies
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- “This Day in History” Video Series
- Two Recipes to Celebrate the Simple Pleasure of Cooking
- Which Western MA Museum Did Your Family Visit Last?
- Fencing Lessons in Western MA
- Web Review: BrainPOP
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS
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HILLTOWN FAMILIES SPRING RESOURCES
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March 21, 2013 at 6:00 am (Berkshire County, Berkshire Family Fun, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Easter, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, Great Barrington, Massachusetts, New England, North Adams, place-based education, Spring, Stockbridge, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Western MA, western massachusetts, Williamstown
Berkshire County Highlights for Families:
March 23 – April 5, 2013
While there still might be fresh snow on the ground, it is officially spring… and there’s proof! High school spring musicals are happening at both Taconic High School in Pittsfield and Mount Everett Regional High School in Sheffield; Spring egg hunts are scheduled in several towns throughout the county; there’s even the annual Spring Tonic happening at the Lenox Library!
Find out about these events and other community events and learning opportunities happening throughout Berkshire County through April 5, 2013:
To find out what’s happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, check our comprehensive list of Weekly Suggested Events, published every Thursday! There you will also find our list of ongoing weekday playgroups, storyhours and events both in Berkshire County and throughout the region.
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