Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Raptors
2024-09-20 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | 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 welcome. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Meet in the Great Hall.

Art Naturally: Paper Marbling *
2024-09-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature and history through story, poetry, and art in our series of free art programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by this place to take home. Honor Turners Falls’ long history of making book & specialty papers by trying your hand at suminagashi paper marbling and mini book making. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall.
*Food, Farms, and Factories
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Montague Community Fair
2024-09-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Unity Park, 56 First Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover us at Unity Park! 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 mammal neighbors at our activity table with mammal pelts and crafting. The fair has light refreshments, music, and fun activities for all ages, in collaboration with Montague Public Libraries. Unity Park is located at 56 First Street in Turners Falls.

Find us at the Farmers Market: Learning about Leaves *
2024-10-05 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, and Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center to embrace the changing season. An exploration of fall leaves at the Great Falls Farmers Market, located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Includes family-friendly activities—all about leaves!
*Food, Farms, and Factories
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Find Us at the Farmers Market! *
2024-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
Montague Public Libraries joins us for Food, Farms, and Factories fun at the Farmers Market, featuring books and activities about growing food. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. All ages welcome.
*Food, Farms, and Factories
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Moose
2024-11-22 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 welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Ongoing - Great Hall Art Exhibit: Junior Duck Stamps
2024-12-06 - 2025-01-16 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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!

Make Your Own Junior Duck Stamp!
2024-12-07 - 2024-12-08 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
In celebration of our Junior Duck Stamp exhibit in the Great Hall, have some hot chocolate And make your own Junior Duck stamp too! All ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

Ongoing - School Vacation Week: Mammal Adaptation Investigation Station
2024-12-21 - 2025-01-01 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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.

Ongoing: Indoor StoryWalk® — Under the Snow
2025-01-03 - 2025-01-26 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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 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.

Nice & Easy Walk
2025-01-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, 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.

Ongoing - Indoor StoryWalks®- Tracks in the Snow
2025-02-01 - 2025-02-12 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife through stories. 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.
2/1—2/12: Tracks in the Snow, by Wong Herbert Yee
2/13—2/28: Rabbit’s Snow Dance by Joseph Bruchac.
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.

First Friday: Navigate Your Neighborhood!
2025-02-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Every First Friday of the Month, Turners Falls businesses and organizations stay open late for activities. Drop in to learn how to get your bearings with just a compass and map! While you’re here, find out how you can care for the watershed through Leave No Trace. For all ages. Families welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Porcupines
2025-02-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Investigation Station: Amphibians and Reptiles in Winter
2025-02-15 - 2025-02-23 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
What are amphibians and reptiles up to during the winter? Join us at our investigation station by the Welcome Desk to find out. Explore through touchable artifacts and habitat diorama scavenger hunts. For ages 4 and up.

Building a Blizzard: Snowflakes in the Great Hall!
2025-02-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Get inspired by the story of Vermont’s Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley and his obsession with snowflakes. In this drop-in program make your own unique snowflake art. Keep it simple making paper snowflakes or use gel printing techniques. All art materials provided. Along the way learn just what makes each snowflake unique. Families welcome! For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up who have mastered basic scissor skills. Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Winter Birds
2025-02-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Beavers
2025-02-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

First Friday: Big Night for Beginners
2025-03-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Every First Friday of the Month, Turners Falls businesses and organizations stay open late for activities. On a mild, rainy night in early Spring, thousands of frogs, toads, and salamanders move across Massachusetts to reach their vernal pools and start the next generation of amphibians. But the journey across roads and lawns can be deadly. For this drop-in program, come for crafting, a game, and stay for conversations about how you can help a local Big Night Brigade! Take a moment to enjoy hot chocolate too. For all ages. Families welcome! Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Salamanders
2025-03-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Reptile Nook: Animal Talk
2025-03-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 5-16, accompanied by an adult. Join us to meet four animals up close and dive into learning about a variety of reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate species. Free. Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries. Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Frogs
2025-03-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Ongoing: Indoor StoryWalk ® — One Earth
2025-04-03 - 2025-04-30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy the indoor StoryWalk®, One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, which is an open invitation to both celebrate our planet and honor it through stewardship. Count the reasons to love the planet and ways to protect it. For ages 4—8 and anyone who loves the earth, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk.
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.

Vernal Pool Variety Hour: Secrets to Frog and Salamander Survival
2025-04-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Why are the still waters and muck of vernal pools the most attractive pieces of real estate for amphibians in the spring? What is a “Big Night”? Join us for this drop-in program exploring the soggy lives of frogs, toads, and salamanders and their dangerous migration journeys. For children ages 7 and up and their families. Includes a game and crafting. Meet in the Great Hall.

Ongoing: Earth Week Investigation Station and Indoor Storywalk® - One Earth
2025-04-19 - 2025-04-27 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us at the welcome desk during school vacation week for activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Enjoy indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, crafts, and activities to honor the Earth, our shared home. Includes the indoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, which is an invitation to both celebrate our planet and honor it through stewardship. For all ages.

First Friday: Bird Migration Madness
2025-05-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Birds make incredible journeys each year to find their perfect nesting spot in the North. Come play a bird migration game and see if you survive the many perils along the way. We’ve got a bird and habitat matching game too where you can listen to the sounds of birds common to each habitat. Make your own winged creatures with a craft. All materials provided. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

Shared Skies: Celebrating Migratory Birds and the Communities They Connect
2025-05-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
On World Migratory Bird Day, join ornithologist Chad Witko (Birding University) for an inspiring exploration of our avian migrants. Celebrate this year’s theme, Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities, highlighting the remarkable journeys of North America’s migratory birds. Through cutting-edge research from across the hemisphere, explore how birds connect people and communities throughout the Americas. A seasoned birder or simply curious about the natural world around you, deepen your appreciation for the birds that pass through our cities and neighborhoods—and what we can do to help them thrive. Meet in the Great Hall.
