Where to Find Family-Friendly Summer Activities
Looking for youth-friendly activities or for fun things to do together as a family during the summer?
We often hear this from families with older kids and teenagers who still benefit from some structure, and also from families with younger kids who don’t go to camp.
We’ve put together this list of community organizations and online groups that share event information for our region. Our focus is on free and low-cost options, but some of the groups may also list higher-cost events, so each listing has a note about cost. We will keep making updates, so feel free to send info to Ilana.
We hope you enjoy exploring these local options and have a fantastic summer!
North Quabbin Region
- Athol Public Library Calendar – Free activities and programs for youth, children, and adults all year long.
- North Quabbin Community Coalition’s Facebook Page includes their own free, community events and a variety of other local events.
- Valuing Our Children’s Facebook Page includes their own free events and programs for families, teens and tweens and other local events.
- Athol-Orange Event Listings by Else Where – This local business has an online Facebook page where they list info about North Quabbin events, and they print paper copies too. Paper Copies are available at Else Where, 1485 Main St., Athol, MA. Listings include free events and those with admission costs.
- Athol Community Events Facebook Page also has Athol area events, both free events and those with admission costs.
Greenfield
- Greenfield Public Library Calendar – Free activities and programs for youth, children, and adults all year long.
- Greenfield Recreation Department website and Facebook page has info on upcoming events. Their community events are free, and they also offer programs and camps with participation fees.
- Community Action’s Family Center has free open hours and activities for families throughout the summer. Scroll down to see their calendar and newsletter. You can also check out their Facebook page.
- Visit Greenfield, Massachusetts has info events and activities in Greenfield. Listings include free events and those with admission costs.
Montague/Turners Falls
- Montague Public Libraries Calendar – Free activities and programs for youth, children, and adults all year long.
- Brick House Community Resource Center’s website has the schedule of their free programs for youth and parents/caregivers and families, including their next Family Game Night, Wednesday, June 26, 5:30-7:30PM!
- Great Falls Discovery Center calendar – Learn about the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River watershed at the center at the Discovery Center’s free programs and exhibits.
- Shea Theater Calendar – This historic theater in Turners Falls hosts some free community events, and some shows/concerts with an admission fee. Click on an event on the calendar to find out how much it costs.
Shelburne Falls/West County
- The Art Garden in Shelburne Falls is a non-profit organization that offers programs for children, youth, and adults. Their programs cost money, but they have a sliding scale and some free community events.
- Shelburne Falls Massachusetts Area Facebook page has info on local events and happenings in Shelburne Falls and West County, some free, some that have an admission cost.
Deerfield
- Historic Deerfield has a variety of educational workshops and exhibits related to local history. General admission is $20 for adults, $5 for youth 13-17, and free for children 12 and under. Historic Deerfield participates in the EBT Card to Culture program, so EBT card holders get a discount when buying tickets in person at Historic Deerfield.
Want to park for free at a Massachusetts State Park?
- Check your local library or recreation center to see if they have free parking passes for state parks. Here is a list of participating libraries.
Across Western MA
- Hilltown Families has suggested events each week for all of Western Massachusetts.