Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Possums
2026-01-16 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. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Groundhogs
2026-01-23 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Owls
2026-01-30 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Great Hall Guest Speaker: The Secret World of Freshwater Mussels
2026-01-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) – Young Professionals Committee presents a talk by Freshwater Malacologist, Virginia Martell, on the vital roles that freshwater mussels play in our aquatic ecosystems, including water filtration and nutrient cycling. The talk includes discussion of Massachusetts’ populations of mussels that are at risk, the evaluation process for environmental permits, the fundamentals of freshwater mussel biology and ecology and their connection to Massachusetts’ environmental permitting requirements. Virginia Martell specializes in freshwater mussel restoration efforts targeting state and federally endangered species. For free registration visit: maccweb.org or call the center to learn more. For adults and youth 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.

Sunday Matinee Documentary Series: Fire of Love from Sandbox Films
2026-02-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Our free winter Sunday matinee documentary series from Sandbox Films continues with Fire of Love. Curiosity is stronger than fear. This film tells the story of two French lovers, Katia and Maurice Krafft, who died in a volcanic explosion doing the very thing that brought them together: unraveling the mysteries of our planet, while simultaneously capturing the most explosive volcano imagery ever recorded. Along the way, they changed our understanding of the natural world, and saved tens of thousands of lives. Previously unseen hours of pristine 16-millimeter film and thousands of photographs reveal the birth of modern volcanology through an unlikely lens — the love of its two pioneers. Sandbox Films is an Oscar-nominated production studio that illuminates the art and beauty of scientific inquiry: humankind’s weird, messy, brilliant way of navigating the world. Free hot chocolate. For adults and youth ages 12 and up.

Ongoing - Great Hall Exhibit: Maps of River History by Joe Kopera
2026-02-05 - 2026-03-28 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Come see the secret histories of your favorite rivers! Geologist and cartographer Joe Kopera has studied the New England landscape for over 25 years. View the land like a geologist: Maps of River History, reveals the hidden details in the topography of rivers and their floodplains, clues to the past 15,000 years of their work shaping the land on which we live.

Ongoing - School Vacation Week Investigation Station: Amphibians and Reptiles in Winter
2026-02-15 - 2026-02-22 | 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.

Sunday Matinee Documentary Series: How Deep is Your Love? from Sandbox Films.
2026-02-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Our free winter Sunday matinee documentary series from Sandbox Films continues with How Deep is Your Love? Scientists explore the mysterious deep sea to collect and name undiscovered species. As they uncover mesmerizing creatures and ecosystems thriving in darkness, a looming threat emerges: the prospect of deep-sea mining in this untouched wilderness. This film weaves wonder with urgency, challenging us to balance the drive for resources with the intrinsic value of an ecosystem. As we journey through this breathtaking realm, we are left to ponder – how deep is our love? Free hot chocolate. For adults and youth ages 12 and up.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Rabbits
2026-02-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Art Naturally – Watershed Mosaics
2026-02-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. With instruction and technique, you create an art piece to take home from tile, pebbles, marbles and glue, inspired by nature in wintertime. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30 a.m. for complete instructions.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - When Will It Be Spring?
2026-02-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Frogs
2026-03-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

First Friday: Big Night for Beginners
2026-03-06 15:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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. Join us for a brief presentation, or come later for games, crafting, and conversations about how to help a local Big Night brigade! Meet in the Great Hall.

Art Naturally – Paper Quilting Migrations
2026-03-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. With instruction and technique, you create an art piece to take home from fabric, paper, needle and thread, inspired by the spring bird migrations. Or, keep it simple with quilting using paper only. For adults, teens and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult and adept with a needle). All art materials provided but feel welcome to use your own. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30 a.m. for complete instructions.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Salamanders
2026-03-13 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Beavers
2026-03-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Ongoing - Indoor StoryWalk® — One Earth
2026-04-03 - 2026-04-30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy the indoor StoryWalk®, One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, an invitation to celebrate our planet and honor it through stewardship. For ages 4 and up, 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.

First Friday Flight Path Program: Nesting Birds Investigation Station *
2026-04-03 15:00 - 17:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Come learn about nests, eggs, and feathers at our nesting birds investigation station. Meet at the welcome desk to see a wide range of egg replicas from a hummingbird to a bald eagle, and more! Co-sponsored by Montague Public Libraries as part of Flight Path bird programming all month long. For all ages.
* Special “Flight Path” Programs
Look for the asterisk! Those bird programs are a special collaboration with the Great Falls Discovery Center, thanks to a Flight Path Grant from Star Net Libraries. For more information visit www.starnetlibraries.org.

Nice and Easy Walk
2026-04-09 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 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: there is no walk on April 16.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Osprey *
2026-04-17 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.
* Special “Flight Path” Programs
Look for the asterisk! Those bird programs are a special collaboration with the Great Falls Discovery Center, thanks to a Flight Path Grant from Star Net Libraries. For more information visit www.starnetlibraries.org.

Ongoing: Earth Week Investigation Station and Indoor StoryWalk® — One Earth
2026-04-18 - 2026-04-26 | 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.

Ongoing - Outdoor Story Walk®— Ruby’s Birds *
2026-04-18 - 2026-05-12 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Ongoing, April 18 – May 12
Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring Ruby’s Birds. For ages 3 and up and anyone who loves migratory birds! Co-sponsored by Montague Public Libraries as part of Flight Path bird programming all month long.
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.
* Special “Flight Path” Programs
Look for the asterisk! Those bird programs are a special collaboration with the Great Falls Discovery Center, thanks to a Flight Path Grant from Star Net Libraries. For more information visit www.starnetlibraries.org.

Flight Path Program: Bird Scavenger Hunt *
2026-04-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Let’s go find birds! Learn about common local bird species and join us on a quest to find birds both inside our habitat dioramas and outside on the Center’s grounds and along the Canalside Rail Trail. We’ll practice using binoculars, being quiet, and read the story Ruby’s Birds together. Wear clothing for mud season – sturdy shoes and layers. Meet in the Great Hall. For ages 4–9 and their families. Co-sponsored by Montague Public Libraries as part of Flight Path bird programming all month long.
* Special “Flight Path” Programs
Look for the asterisk! Those bird programs are a special collaboration with the Great Falls Discovery Center, thanks to a Flight Path Grant from Star Net Libraries. For more information visit www.starnetlibraries.org.

Art Naturally – Bird Zines *
2026-04-19 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. Design a zine to celebrate ongoing bird migrations. Learn how to make an 8 or 16-page booklet from a single piece of paper, finding out how birds migrate along the way. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30 a.m. for complete instructions.
* Special “Flight Path” Programs
Look for the asterisk! Those bird programs are a special collaboration with the Great Falls Discovery Center, thanks to a Flight Path Grant from Star Net Libraries. For more information visit www.starnetlibraries.org.

Flight Path Program: Montague Public Libraries Presents Window Decals for Bird Safety *
2026-04-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376
Design your own window decals, inspired by local and migratory birds, and apply them to windows to reduce bird collisions. For all ages. Meet at the Carnegie Library at 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. Sponsored by Montague Public Libraries as part of Flight Path bird programming all month long.
* Special “Flight Path” Programs
Look for the asterisk! Those bird programs are a special collaboration with the Great Falls Discovery Center, thanks to a Flight Path Grant from Star Net Libraries. For more information visit www.starnetlibraries.org.

Earth Day and Flight Path Bird Migration Program: Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? *
2026-04-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Take a moment on Earth Day to explore and compare the different survival strategies of seasonal birds vs. year-round residents in this drop-in program. Learn how the activities of people impact bird migration and how you can make a difference! Enjoy both an outdoor StoryWalk® Ruby’s Birds and play an outdoor migration challenge game. Co-sponsored by Montague Public Libraries as part of Flight Path bird programming all month long. For ages 6-12 and their families. Meet in the Great Hall.
* Special “Flight Path” Programs
Look for the asterisk! Those bird programs are a special collaboration with the Great Falls Discovery Center, thanks to a Flight Path Grant from Star Net Libraries. For more information visit www.starnetlibraries.org.

Nice and Easy Walk
2026-04-23 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-07 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 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Fish
2026-05-08 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.

Nice and Easy Walk
2026-05-14 13:00 - 14:00 | MA
