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 4:   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

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

Enjoy a leisurely three-mile stroll down the Canalside Rail Trail and get the New Year started off on a Great Falls note! This family-friendly hike follows a gentle route and provides an opportunity to discover the abundant natural, historical, and cultural features that make the Great Falls Discovery Center and Canalside Rail Trail such an […]

Free

Ongoing: Indoor StoryWalk® — Under the Snow

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

Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife, in the book, Under the Snow, by Melissa Stewart. For ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk. At the end of the StoryWalk® enjoy reading more books about snow and winter from our collection. The StoryWalk® Project was created by […]

Free

Nice & Easy Walks

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 at the main entrance.

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 at the main entrance.  

Free