School vacation is coming up next week for many schools in the region!
Looking for ideas for the week? You will find sections on Childcare, Family-Friendly Events and Activities for Children, Activities and Places for Youth, and Self-Guided Activities and Places for Families. Except for the childcare, almost everything listed below is free.
Scroll down to find the sections that are best for you! Within each section, the information is listed by date.
Vacation Week Childcare
The YMCA is offering a week-long childcare program during April vacation.
– Hours are 6 AM – 6 PM, including daily swimming time and activities.
– Cost: 190$ for the week. Space is limited.
– Register at the YMCA welcome center at 451 Main Street in Greenfield. Call (413) 773-3646 for more information and to check availability.
Family-Friendly Events and Activities for Children
See all of Montague Public Libraries’ events during vacation week on their April calendar. We have listed a couple below.
See all of Athol Public Library’s events during vacation week on their April calendar We have listed a couple below and they also have youth-focused activities! See the youth section below.
LEGOS at the Library at Montague Center Library
Tuesday, April 18, 1 – 3 PM
– Activate your creativity and imagination, building with library LEGOS .
– The library will display your creations in the children’s room!
– Learn more here.
Arts & Crafts at Athol Public Library
Tuesday, April 18, 3 – 4 PM
– For School Age Children (5-11)
– Kids will get to create up to five customized buttons they can take home and keep!
– Learn more here. No registration necessary, simply drop in at any time between 3 and 4 PM.
Game Day at Carnegie Library in Turners Falls
Thursday, April 20, 1 – 3 PM
– Looking for something fun (and free) to do during school vacation? Play a board or card game from the collection at the Carnegie Library or bring a favorite from home.
– Designed for families with children but all are welcome!
– Learn more here.
Valuing Our Children in Athol has a variety of programs and events for parents, caregivers, children and youth of all ages every week, including school vacation week.
– During April vacation, there is a pop-up STEM workshop on Thu, April 20, 2pm – 3pm.
– Check out their calendar for more info and to register for activities!
Family Game Night at The Brick House in Turners Falls
Thursday, April 20, 6-8 PM.
– Games, food, and fun.
– Learn more here!
Free Showing of Dr. Suess’ The Lorax at Greenfield Garden Cinema
– Earth Day Saturday April 22, at 10AM
– Watch the movie at the Garden, then (optional but encouraged) pick up your blue bag to help clean up litter in Greenfield.
Call of the Wild Outdoor Skills for Youth 8+ at Montague Center Library
Saturday, April 22, 11AM – 1PM
– The workshop starts indoors with a quick discussion of a few very popular outdoor themed books and then moves outside to learn hands on outdoor & survival skills.
– Registration required: Call 413-863-3214. Learn more here.
Earth Day celebration at The Brick House in Turners Falls
Saturday, April 22, 3-6PM
– Free music and food! Open to everyone. Learn more about the celebration here.
April Vacation STEAM Camp at LaunchSpace in Orange, MA is full, but it looks super cool. If you are interested, try signing up early for one of their future offerings.
Activities and Places for Youth
Do you know a young person who needs a place to hang out?
– The drop-in space for Youth at Community Action Youth & Workforce Development Programs in Greenfield at 154 Federal Street is open Mondays 1-6 PM, Tuesdays, 2-7 PM, Fridays, 11-3 PM.
– Activities include arts/crafts, games, wifi and computer access, resources, and peer support.
– Help with basic needs and other services are available.
– Free supplies include hygiene supplies, safer sex supplies, clothing closet, and snacks.
– Learn more here. LGBTQIIA+ affirming space.
The Athol Public Library has a bunch of youth-focused events in their teen space during April vacation! A few are listed here and check out the rest on their calendar. Open to the public but most require registration.
Valuing Our Children in Athol has a variety of programs and events for youth every week, including school vacation week.
– Check out their calendar for more info and to register for activities!
GenQ’s intergenerational program for April is happening during April vacation
– Join the group on Tuesday, April 18 for a creative writing activity.
– Intergenerational programs are open to people 10 and up!
– New folks can get involved through the Youth & Workforce Programs website.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at Athol Public Library Teen Space
Tuesday, April 18, 3:30 – 5:00PM.
– Free and open to ages 12-18.
– Have fun facing off against other teens in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch. The top scoring players will go home with a prize.
– Space is limited. Registration required. Learn more and register here.
First ever “Youth Fest” at Greenfield Community College!
Tuesday April 18th from 5:30-7:30.
– Hosted by GCC Community Engagement and Admissions Departments and the YMCA
– There will be a resource fair with services/opportunities for youth, and dinner, dancing, music, activities, and theater workshops.
– Register for youth fest here.
After-Hours Teen Treasure Hunt at Athol Public Library
Wednesday, April 19, 7 – 8 PM
– Free and open to ages 12-18.
– The library will be closed during this special after-hours event for teens. You’ll have to look in every nook and cranny to find the treasures we’ve hidden.
– Registration required. Register here.
Greenfield Community College’s Campus Visit Day
April 20, 10 AM – 2 PM
– As of April 13, GCC still has spots left for Campus Visit Day! Come check out the beautiful campus, experience a class, have lunch, get a free gift, and much more. RSVP here.
Self-Guided Activities and Fun Places for Families
Greenfield Public Library: Earth Day Take & Makes for Kids
– You will get seeds, soil, a container, and instructions– everything you and your little one need to start your own bean sprout–just add water!
– Earth Day Take & Makes will be available in the Children’s Room on a first-come first-served basis starting Saturday, April 15, while supplies last.
– Learn more here.
Greenfield Public Library’s Annual Self-guided Spring Poetry Walk
– Throughout the month of April, there will be ten poems by local poets posted at different downtown locations.
– A poetry walk map can be picked up at the Library or downloaded from the image to the right. There will also be a posted map at each of the locations.
– Learn more here.
The Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls is a fun, free destination. It’s a short, easy, pretty walk.
– Want to combine this with something else? The bridge is close to the Arms Library and scenic spots like the Glacial Potholes.
– The FRTA has service to Shelburne Falls from Greenfield.
The Discovery Center in Turners Falls is a wonderful, free place with permanent exhibits about New England wildlife and nature.
– Through April 26, The Discovery Center is hosting an exhibit featuring artwork by the youth who attend the Brick House Teen Center.
– Want to combine this with something else? The Discovery Center is next to the Canalside Rail Trail and right in downtown Turners.
Free Museum Days during April vacation at museums in Western and Central Massachusetts
Tuesday, April 18: Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, from 10 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday, April 19: Worcester Historical Museum, Worcester, from 10 AM to 4 PM
Thursday, April 20: Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, from 10 AM – 4 PM and Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, from Noon to 4 PM
Also! Many local libraries have museum passes for free or reduced admissions.