Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center
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.
Enjoy our indoor StoryWalk, Change is in the Air by Rebecca Donnelly, about the hidden discoveries of Eunice Newton Foote, the first climate scientist. For ages 6 and up and everyone who loves science. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® […]
Come meet local author Brad Timm in a special nature education program just for kids! Built around Brad's children's nonfiction book America is Wild! we'll explore different activities that get us moving while learning all about animal behaviors, wildlife adaptions, predator/prey relationships, ecosystems, and much more! Registration is required. This program is ideal for 2nd-5th graders. About […]
Location: Herman Covey Wildlife Management Area, Belchertown. Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Join MassWildlife experts for a walk to explore the surprising world of invasive species. Learn how to identify the spotted lanternfly, tree of heaven, and other invasives while discovering the impacts they have on local ecosystems. Along the way, you'll […]
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some 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. Note that there is no […]
Discover us at Unity Park (at 56 First Street)! Celebrate “Good Neighbor Day” with an afternoon of free family activities and learn about local community organizations. Join DCR staff at the fair to learn all about our animal neighbors at our activity table with crafting. The fair has light refreshments, music, and fun activities for […]
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some 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. Note that there is no […]
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. 10/2: Fox 10/9: Leaves 10/16: Squirrels 10/23: Night Animals 10/30: Bats
Get up close to the incredible world of caterpillars and visit the Caterpillar Lab’s drop-in live caterpillar exhibits in the Great Hall. Explore and view these amazing insects under a microscope, and learn what they eat, how they transform into butterflies and moths, and the fascinating ways they survive in the wild. You’ll even discover which […]
Join the Caterpillar Lab for a guided walk through downtown Turners Falls, and portions of the Canalside Rail Trail, in search of native caterpillars and the plants they depend on. Discover these remarkable insects in their natural habitat while learning about their life cycles, host plants, and the important role they play in healthy ecosystems. […]
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some 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. Note that there is no […]
What makes a New England fall different from others? Can we ever experience the same fall twice? Join DCR staff outside the Great Hall for this 0.8-mile, accessible guided walk. Ages 6 and up.
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some 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. Note that there is no […]