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.

  • Rain Date: Canal Draw Down History Stroll

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

    Check out the annual draining of the Turners Falls canal, take a stroll along the Canalside Rail Trail, and absorb local history with Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center staff and DCR staff. Meet at the main entrance of the Center for this free two mile walk on flat terrain. For youth and adults.

    Free
  • Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Leaves

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 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.

    Free
  • First Friday: Planned Industrial Community Walk

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

    What makes this mill village unique? Get an introduction to downtown Turners Falls as we walk its historic streets and answer why the village was designed this way. Meet outside the main entrance for a 1.5-mile walk over flat, paved terrain. For ages 8 and up.

    Free
  • Find Us at the Farmers Market!

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

    Join DCR staff for family activities at the Great Falls Farmers Market, located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. In case of rain, you can find our activities inside the center instead. For all ages.

    Free
  • Nice and 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
  • Fall Foliage Investigation Station

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

    Where are the best colors? When is peak foliage? Why does this happen? Stop by for guidance at our welcome desk on your leaf peeping journey and find out what makes for spectacular fall foliage in the Connecticut River watershed. For all ages. Stay for five minutes or an hour. Meet at the welcome desk.

    Free
  • Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Squirrels

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 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.

    Free
  • Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Ben Tousley

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

    Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Ben Tousley is a singer-songwriter of folk songs, ballads and lyrical love songs. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Great Falls Discovery Center. For all ages. Meet in the Great Hall.

    sliding scale donation
  • Art Naturally: Leaf Prints for Leaf Peepers

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

    Discover nature through story, poetry and art! Create an art piece inspired by autumn using paint, paper, gel and even leaves, with instruction and techniques. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). Free. All materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30 a.m. for complete instructions.

    Free
  • Nice and 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
  • Kidleidoscope Story Hour – Foxes

    Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 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.

    Free
  • Archaeology Month: Indigenous Fishing Along the Kwenitekw

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

    Join DCR as we celebrate Archaeology Month! Learn about the cycle of the seasons from the Indigenous perspective, traditional fishing methods along the Kwenitekw (Connecticut) River, help to weave a net, take a photo with a mishoon (dugout canoe) and more! Free and open to all. Presented by the First Peoples, First Stewards Partnership Program, […]

    Free