Ongoing - Outdoor StoryWalk® — We All Play
2026-05-16 - 2026-06-30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy a story, fresh air, and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring We All Play by award winning Cree artist Julie Flett. For all ages 0–7 and anyone who loves to play, this story is a beautiful ode to the animals and humans we share our world with.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

19th Annual Free Family Fishing Day!
2026-06-06 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Barton Cove Day Use Area, Barton Cove Road, Gill, MA, United States
19th Annual Free Family Fishing Day!
At Two Locations.
Our annual Family Fishing Day, at Barton Cove, with additional activities at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Join us for a day of FREE fishing fun. Adults and children of all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event is held rain or shine. Parking is free. Free shuttle bus between sites.
At Barton Cove Campground: Barton Cove Road in Gill.
§ Free fishing from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. All ages welcome.
§ Fishing equipment provided – limited supplies available. Bring your own pole if you have one. No MA fishing license needed.
At Great Falls Discovery Center: 2 Avenue A.
§ Fly lure tying demonstrations.
§ Come see an impressive guest fish from the USGS Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab.
§ Fish printing: The art of Gyotaku, 11 am –2 pm.
§ CATCH THE FISH BUS HERE! Free shuttle bus to and from Barton Cove, as needed, 10 am –2 pm.
For information call 413-863-3221.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Turtles
2026-06-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Ongoing, Chill Out Indoor StoryWalks® - Fatima’s Great Outdoors
2026-06-17 - 2026-06-30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
StoryWalk®: Fatima’s Great Outdoors, by Ambreen Tariq
Come on inside and Chill Out with DCR! You can find “COOL” activities for kids and families inside, including indoor StoryWalk® all summer long! Meet at the welcome desk. Accessible during open hours.
Enjoy a family camping adventure, a love letter to the outdoors, and a reminder that public land belongs to all of us. For ages 4–8 and everyone who’s ready to go camping!

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Hummingbirds
2026-06-19 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Montague Public Libraries Presents: Favorite Storybook Character Day
2026-06-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Whether you want to channel your inner hero, K-Pop singer, or a beloved blue heeler pup, we can’t wait to see your favorite stories come to life. Take home themed art inspired by classic and contemporary storybook characters. Costumes are highly encouraged but not required. This is a fun, family-friendly event perfect for book lovers of all ages! Sponsored by Montague Public Libraries. Meet in the Great Hall.
Step into the pages of your favorite book! 📚✨
Come celebrate the joy of reading with the community. 📖❤️

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Spiders
2026-06-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Art Naturally: Fields & Forests — What Do Bees Need?
2026-06-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
In honor of Pollinator Week, make your own native bee habitat by “painting” with yarn, fleece, pre-felt shapes and water. Will your bees live in a tree trunk or holes in the ground, in a nest made of mud or leaves? Learn how important native bees are, especially for growing food. For ages 4 & up, including teens and adults! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Designed for families. All are welcome! Meet in the Great Hall.

Ongoing - Chill Out Indoor Story Walks® - Berry Song, by Michaela Goade
2026-07-01 - 2026-07-10 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Come on inside and Chill Out with DCR! You can find “Cool” activities for kids and families inside, including indoor StoryWalk® all summer long! Meet at the welcome desk. Accessible during open hours.
This story is a gorgeous celebration of the land and the powerful wisdom of elders. For ages 4 – 8 and everyone who loves berries!
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Eagles
2026-07-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends are welcome. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Meet in the Great Hall.

Outdoor Story Walk® — Bowwow Powwow
2026-07-05 - 2026-08-06 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy a story, fresh air, and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring Bowwow Powwow by Brenda Child. For ages 3–7 and anyone who loves dogs and powwows!
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Coyotes
2026-07-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Ongoing - StoryWalk®: Dino Trail Week*®: Daring to Dig by Beth Strickler
2026-07-11 - 2026-07-22 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Includes the stories of Mary Anning, a hero of fossil discovery, and of Mignon Talbot and the discovery of podokesaurus holyokensis. Enjoy this story for young readers ages 8 – 12, and everyone who appreciates women in science.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.
* Dino Trail Week
An asterix identifies Dino Trail Week programs, part of a celebratory week in July of performances, films, talks, exhibits, and activities inspired by dinosaur footprints in the Connecticut River Valley. Look for events from our partners during Dino Trail Week: Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Piti Theatre, the Beneski Museum, the Trustees of Reservations, Springfield Science Museum, Wistariahurst, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Visit the website dinotrail.org to learn more.

Dino Trail Week* – Kidleidoscope Story Hour: Dinosaurs
2026-07-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Learn about giant creatures from the past that roamed the Connecticut River Valley. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Meet in the Great Hall.
* Dino Trail Week
An asterix identifies Dino Trail Week programs, part of a celebratory week in July of performances, films, talks, exhibits, and activities inspired by dinosaur footprints in the Connecticut River Valley. Look for events from our partners during Dino Trail Week: Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Piti Theatre, the Beneski Museum, the Trustees of Reservations, Springfield Science Museum, Wistariahurst, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Visit the website dinotrail.org to learn more.

Dino Trail Week* – Find us at the Great Greenfield DinoFest!
2026-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Greenfield Common, 16 Court Square, Greenfield, MA, 01301, United States
In Greenfield, join Piti Theatre, Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and Great Falls Discovery Center staff for interactive exhibits, activities, fossils and a chance to make up a dino story with Story Wizards: Dino Drama. Location: on the lawn in front of the 2nd Congregational Church on the Common. For All ages.
* Dino Trail Week
An asterix identifies Dino Trail Week programs, part of a celebratory week in July of performances, films, talks, exhibits, and activities inspired by dinosaur footprints in the Connecticut River Valley. Look for events from our partners during Dino Trail Week: Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Piti Theatre, the Beneski Museum, the Trustees of Reservations, Springfield Science Museum, Wistariahurst, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Visit the website dinotrail.org to learn more.

Constitution Banner Program
2026-07-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Help us create a “We the People” banner together inspired by the United States Constitution. Pick out core statements, phrases or meaningful words from
our Constitution and place them on the banner. You are also invited to place your handprint on the banner (non- toxic washable paints). Come learn about the Constitution, how our government was structured, and enjoy a fun and creative afternoon with our community. Prizes for young folks who show up with the Preamble to the Constitution memorized! Sponsored by Indivisible Montague. For all ages, meet in the courtyard.

Dino Trail Week* – Art Naturally: Make Your Own Jurassic Dinosaur Habitat Diorama and Collage Workshop
2026-07-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover dinosaur pre-history through story, poetry, and art in our series of free art programs. Create a Jurassic habitat diorama for your own dinosaur, with instruction and techniques or make your own Jurassic inspired collage. For adults, teens and children ages 6 and up. All art materials provided. Arrive at 10:30 a.m. in the Great Hall for complete instructions.
* Dino Trail Week
An asterix identifies Dino Trail Week programs, part of a celebratory week in July of performances, films, talks, exhibits, and activities inspired by dinosaur footprints in the Connecticut River Valley. Look for events from our partners during Dino Trail Week: Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Piti Theatre, the Beneski Museum, the Trustees of Reservations, Springfield Science Museum, Wistariahurst, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Visit the website dinotrail.org to learn more.

Ongoing - Chill Out Indoor Story Walks® – Sploot by Sadonna Heathman
2026-07-23 - 2026-08-11 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Come on inside and Chill Out with DCR! You can find “Cool” activities for kids and families inside, including indoor StoryWalk® all summer long! Meet at the welcome desk. Accessible during open hours.
Enjoy the story Sploot by Sadonna Heathman. Two squirrels. One mission: stay cool! When the summer sun is blazing, two silly squirrels will try anything to find the perfect cool-down spot. For ages 6 – 8 and everyone cool.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Bees & Flowers
2026-07-24 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Drop-in and Chill-out Activities: Sploot! How Animals Keep Their Cool
2026-07-26 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us inside the Center for drop-in family-friendly activities and crafts all about how animals keep cool, including a story about splooting squirrels. What can we learn from animals during the heat of summer? What’s your plan to keep cool? Come on in and chill out and make your own Flat Squirrely to take on cool adventures and consider painting a scene with acorn cap ink. For ages 4 and up including youth and adults.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Dragonflies
2026-07-31 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Pocumtuck Homelands Festival: Fish Printing at Unity Park
2026-08-01 10:00 - 17:00 | Unity Park, 56 First Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
A free two-day celebration at Unity Park on First Street in Turners Falls, sponsored by the Nolumbeka Project and RiverCulture. This festival is the perfect combination of live music, drumming, dancing, storytelling, native crafts and food. On Saturday August 1, 10 am—5 pm, families may visit the Northfield Mountain and Great Falls Discovery Center tent to make your own vibrantly colored fish print to take home. All materials provided. For more information on the entire event visit: nolumbekaproject.org/events.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Bobcats
2026-08-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

8/7: Bobcats
8/14: Ants
8/21: Who Lives in a River?*
8/28: Butterflies

Celebrate Smokey Bear’s Birthday!
2026-08-08 15:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Free and for all ages. Join Wildland Firefighters from the DCR Bureau of Fire Control & Forestry to hear a reading of The Smokey Bear Story and learn about campfire safety. Tour a Wildland Fire Engine and a Turners Falls Fire Department fire truck, try a scavenger hunt, and meet Smokey Bear himself who is turning 82! Take home a Smokey Bear souvenir and check out a library book from Montague Public Libraries. Sponsored by DCR and Montague Public Libraries. Rain or shine. Meet in the Great Hall.

Ongoing: Outdoor StoryWalk® — Honk! Honk!
2026-08-11 - 2026-09-30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy a story, fresh air, and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for a free self-guided Story Walk® featuring Honk! Honk! by Mick Manning. For ages 4–8 and everyone who wished they could fly!
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Ongoing - StoryWalk®: Summer Song by Kevin Henke
2026-08-12 - 2026-09-01 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy the story Summer Song by Kevin Henke, a vibrant ode to nature and summer activities. For ages 4 – 8 and everyone who loves summer and changing seasons.
Chill Out Indoor StoryWalks®
Come on inside and Chill Out with DCR! You can find “COOL” activities for kids and families inside, including indoor StoryWalk® all summer long! Meet at the welcome desk. Accessible during open hours.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Salamander Kids’ Craft and Story Hour at the Millers Falls Library
2026-08-13 15:30 - 16:30 | Millers Falls Library, 23 Bridge St., Millers Falls, MA, 01349
Find us at the Millers Falls library (23 Bridge St., Millers Falls, MA, 01349) for a fun afternoon of stories, creativity, and salamanders at the Millers Falls Branch Library! We’ll read The Salamander Room together, then make a salamander-themed craft inspired by the story. Along the way, you’ll learn a little about these fascinating forest friends and the habitats they call home. This program is perfect for young nature lovers and families looking to explore the wonders of the outdoors through books and hands-on fun.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Ants
2026-08-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

8/14: Ants
8/21: Who Lives in a River?*
8/28: Butterflies

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Who Lives in a River?
2026-08-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

8/21: Who Lives in a River?*
8/28: Butterflies
