Family Programs
A note about registration: Many of our programs fill quickly, so we highly recommend registering on the waiting list. We go to this list first if a space opens up. And by adding your name, you can help us better plan for the programs that are in high demand.
Second Saturday Family Science 
with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5 – 7 or Grades K – 1
Saturdays, 10 – 11 AM
September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14
January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
December 14: Winter Magic (Inside/Outside)
Winter is the most magical time of year. During this program we will discover the secrets of ice and snow together!
January 11: Tracks and Traces (inside/outside)
While we’re bundled up inside there is still a lot going on outside in winter! We know this because the animals leave us clues! What tales can animals tell us by what they leave behind? Are signs of animals only evident in snowy tracks? Join us as we search for clues and learn about our local winter creatures!
February 8: Over and Under the Snow (inside/outside)
Snow might cover the earth, but together we’ll discover a secret world underneath, where groundhogs and mice snooze away the winter. Investigate the mammals, insects and amphibians who survive and hide in this subnivean zone, deep under the surface.
March 8: Turtle Time (inside)
As creatures start to come out with the warmer weather, we’ll explore turtles with our two Eastern Box Turtle helpers, Terra and Ivy. We will learn about how they move, their behaviors, and why their shells are so special!
April 12: Frog Frog Froggy! (Inside/outside)
This program is all about frogs! Our local vernal pool, also called “ephemeral pools,” are vital spring habitats teeming with life…and they’re only around for part of the year! Together we’ll learn more about frogs and the vernal pools they often live in.
May 10: Busy Busy Bees (outside)
Everything around us is beautiful and blooming! Together we will explore the magic and mystery of bees! Did you know that they dance to communicate the location of food?!
Christmas Bird Count for Kids and Families
Sponsored by Hampshire Bird Club
Sunday, Dec 15, 2024
1-3pm
All Ages Welcome
Free, Registration appreciated
Do you want to learn more about birds? Would you like to contribute to science? Join birdwatchers all over America in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC)!
The CBC is a 124-year old event in which bird lovers of all ages and skill levels count all the birds they see in a 24-hour period in December. At this program, there will be something for everyone. We’ll meet at the Hitchcock Center for an indoor program about how to recognize common birds and a story about the history of the Christmas Bird Count. Afterwards, families who are interested may participate in an outdoor bird count, with ID help by Hampshire Bird Club members at the Hitchcock Center bird feeders and beyond. We’ll count every bird we see! Younger participants may decorate “eye focusers” and hit the trails for a self-guided bird scavenger hunt (with paper birds!). Stay as long as you wish. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a real bird census! This event is rain, slow, sleet or shine. Families may stay and count birds for as much time as they wish but we recommend that you arrive on time for the indoor portion in order to get introduced to the common winter species we are likely to see. Binoculars are welcome but not required.
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