Events

The Great Falls Discovery Center hosts community programs and events, rotating art exhibits in our Great Hall and a Coffee House hosted by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.

Ongoing: StoryWalk® Series * Thanks to the Animals

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Enjoy a story, and fresh air! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture books. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. November 16—January 1:   Thanks to the Animals, by Allen Sockabasin. For young readers ages 6—8 and anyone grateful for wildlife and storytelling. The […]

Free

Ongoing – Great Hall Art Exhibit: Junior Duck Stamps

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Sharing space with the First-Class Machine Shop exhibit in the Great Hall, see the top Massachusetts youth entries for the 2024 Junior Duck Stamp competition! This state-wide art contest by students grades K-12 heightens awareness of the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights of wildlife. While you’re here, make your own duck stamp!

Free

Nice & Easy Walk

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet outside the main entrance.

Free

It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls … for the Birds!

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Craft bird feeders for our winter friends as part of It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls —a town-wide RiverCulture event on December 13. Which birds show up at your feeder? What do they eat? Bird feeder making continues Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. For all ages. Free!  Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

It’s a Wonderful Day in Turners Falls … for the Birds!

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Craft bird feeders for our winter friends as part of It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls —a town-wide RiverCulture event. Which birds show up at your feeder? What do they eat? For all ages. Free!  Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

Kidleidoscope Story Hour  – Deer

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 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 welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

Nice & Easy Walk

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet outside the main entrance.

Free

Ongoing – School Vacation Week: Mammal Adaptation Investigation Station

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Come learn about local mammals and their unique winter adaptations at the Welcome Desk. Every animal has special adaptations that enable them to survive in their winter habitats. Explore through touchable artifacts (pelts, replica skulls, and replica tracks), and habitat diorama scavenger hunts. For ages 4 and up.

Free

Winter Solstice Walk  

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Celebrate the change in season. Join us for an easy walk along the Canalside Rail Trail for 3 miles on a level paved surface. For adults and children ages 8 and up. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walk begins at the front entrance of the Discovery […]

Free

Kidleidoscope Story Hour  – Ducks

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 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 welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Free

Nice & Easy Walk

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet outside the main entrance.

Free

First Day Hike

Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, United States

Save the date! Start off the New Year on the right foot. A leisurely, staff-guided three-mile stroll on the Canalside Rail Trail. Dress in layers and wear winter walking boots. For ages 8 and up. Dogs are welcome on leash. Meet at 1:00 p.m. in the Great Hall. Hike begins at 1:15 p.m. Refreshments served […]

Free