The August Cheap/Free Kids Activity Guide is here! I am so excited to bring you this list of things to do in Western MA with kids! We’ll be back to school before you know it, so squeeze in the last bits of summer you can! This list is date specific in most cases, so scroll through and plan your month!
August 1: It’s not too late to plan a Vacation Bible School session. Full list here.
August 2: Air Protect Tour Stop. Child safety seat checks by Safe Kids Worldwide Western Massachusetts car seat technicians A giant inflatable tunnel for attendees to walk through to receive information on Safety 1st car seats featuring Air ProtectTM Technology and demos of the latest Safety 1st car seats. Plus there will be safety kits from All State, giveaways, and a place to recycle your expired carseats. Kids events include a photo opp in an 8 ft car seat, live music, balloon sculpting, jaws of life demonstration from the Agawam Fire Deptartment and their K-9 unit will be there. Event starts at 3:00 pm and filters over in to National Night Out starting at 5:00 PM. School Street Park, Agawam. Free
August 3: Dinoman show. Have a kid who loves dinosaurs? They’ll love this high energy show featuring props and life size dinosaurs. 10:30 AM Palmer Public Libary, Palmer, MA. Free After the show stay for a free lunch served at 11:30 AM!
August 4: Spend the day in Easthampton! Check out the boardwalk, have an ice cream at Mt. Tom’s and play at Nonotuck park.
August 5: Free Family Fun Fridays. Visit Historic Deerfield, The Springfield Museums, or Hancock Shaker Village for free. Or take a road trip and check out other participating museums for August 5th. Free.
August 6: Marvel at the juggling and acrobatics of the incomparable Lucky Bob at 11 am! Then, laugh along with the comedy-music stylings of Vic & Sticks at 1 pm! In between shows, stop by the Food Court for a FREE kids craft! 11:00 am – 2:00 PM Eastfield Mall, Springfield, MA. Free.
August 7: Have a kiddie pool? Play backyard sink and float!
August 8: Take a walk through downtown Northampton, pack a picnic lunch and explore the newly redesigned Pulaski Park. Free.
August 9: Spend the day at Forest Park in Springfield! From playgrounds, trails and a splash pad there is a ton to do! And, there’s story time at the Forest Park Library at 10:30 am. Storytime is free, there is a $3.00 fee to enter the park.
August 10: Drive in movie! Zootopia! Bring a cardboard box to sit in while you watch the movie. Come before the movie starts to decorate it. They’ll have popcorn! Forbes Library Community Room, Northampton MA. Movie starts at 3:00 PM. Free!
August 11: Visit the Dinosaur Footprints in Holyoke, MA. Free. Off of Rt. 5 between Holyoke and Northampton.
August 12: Free Family Fun Fridays: Visit the Emily Dickinson Museum. Or take a road trip and check out other participating museums for August 12th. Free.
August 13: Explore Jessica’s Boundless Playground in Belchertown, MA. Free
August 14: Visit your local library! Did you know most have toys and games for kids of all ages? Free.
August 15: Earn Your Junior Ranger Patch from Mass Parks. Become a Connecticut River watershed expert and find out who lives along the Canal-side rail trail and river in Turners Falls. Nature education workshop on Mondays for young naturalists ages 8-11. Friends and siblings welcome. Children with a parent/guardian should meet at the Discovery Center lobby at 10:30 a.m. Ranger programs are free and open to all. Space is limited so please register by calling (413) 863-3221. Free
August 16: Visit the Tuesday Market in downtown Northampton (near the parking garage). Dance to live music and ask the growers questions about their food. 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Free.
August 17: Visit with animals and staff from Dakin. Children can learn how to care for their pets and will have an opportunity to meet some of the friendly shelter animals and listen to animal stories. Also presented is ‘PAWS for Safety’, a bite-prevention program intended to keep children safe and positively enhance the bond between children and animals. Storrs Library, Longmeadow, MA. To register call 413-565-4182. Free.
August 18: Go for a hike around Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke. Stroller friendly. Free.
August 19: Free Family Fun Fridays: Visit the Worcester Ecotarium or check out the other participating museums for August 19th. Free.
August 20: Enjoy the magic of Ed Popielarczyk at 11:00 am. Then, the Zucchini Bros. perform at 1:00 pm. Come to the food court for even more fun. 11:00 am – 2:00 PM Eastfield Mall, Springfield, MA Free.
August 21: It’s almost time for school to be back in session! Go play on your school’s playground! Free
August 22: Rent a new release from Red Box! $1.00
August 23: Ride the Holyoke Merry Go Round! Tuesdays, you can get two ride tickets for $2.00! Holyoke, MA
August 24: 1/2 Wednesdays at Look Park. Pay the admission price to the park ($7.00 or walk in) and enjoy 1/2 price on attractions like the train, mini golf, and bumper boats. While you’re there, play in the splash pad and explore the playgrounds too! Look Park, Northampton MA.
August 25: Playgroup at the Holyoke Chidren’s Museum. Come for stories, songs and crafts led by the staff of the museum. Best suited for children 5 and under. 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Free for museum members, $3.00 per person for non members.
August 26: Free Family Fun Fridays: Visit the Franklin Park Zoo or Norman Rockwell Museum. Or, take a road trip and check out these other great participating museums for August 26th. Free.
August 27: Head down to Celebrate Holyoke this weekend. It’s a free event with music, culture, and arts. There will be food for sale and Slide The City’s gigantic slip and slide with single rides for $15.00. More info here.
August 28: Explore the public art installations of Art In The Orchard in Easthampton, MA. Free
August 29: Story time takes place at 11:00 am in the upper level near Pottery Barn. Holyoke Mall, Holyoke, MA Free
August 30: Head to Shelburne Falls and explore the Bridge of Flowers. Free
August 31: Outdoor movie! The Muppet Movie. Come watch Kermit and his new found friends trek across America to find success in Hollywood, but a frog-legs merchant is after Kerm. Forbes Library Lawn (bring a chair or a blanket to sit on). Movie starts at 8:00 pm. Free!
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