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.

Family Programs Fall 2023

Second Saturday Family Science

with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays of the month, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9
Suggested Donation: $10 – $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 9: Signs of Animals in Winter (Inside/outside)
The winter season is abundant with life even when it doesn’t seem so. Come join us as we learn how to recognize signs of animals in winter, and discover the unique features of the season!

Family Programs Winter & Spring 2024

Registration for Winter and Spring programs at Hitchcock Center opens will open on December 6, 2023

Second Saturday Family Science

with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Jan. 13, Jan 27, Feb. 10, March 9, April 13, May 11
Suggested Donation: $5 – $30 per family

January 13: Over and Under the Snow

Snow might cover the earth, but we’ll discover a secret world underground where bears and bumblebees snooze away the winter. Investigate the mammals, insects and amphibians who survive and hide in the subnivean zone, deep under the surface.

January 27: Winter Wonderland

(An Amherst Winterfest kick-off event) Come explore the shimmery, sparkly, silvery world of snow and ice! In our journey through a Winter Wonderland, we’ll discover properties of frozen water, investigating the shapes, sizes, and colors of snowflakes and icicles!

February 10: Tracks and Traces

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!

March 9: The Great Thaw

As our winter world enters the month of March, a great thaw begins to happen all around us. As springtime approaches we will learn about the changes happening below and above ground as temperatures start to warm up.

April 13: Vernal Pools

Also called “ephemeral pools,” these spring habitats are teeming with life, and only around for part of the year! Together we’ll explore the importance of vernal pools and search for springtime creatures!

May 11: Pollinators

Everything around us is beautiful and blooming! Come learn about the animals who make the incredible colors and delicious scents (and, of course, the fruits and vegetables we eat) possible!

Afternoons with the Animals

with Monya Relles
Suggested ages 5-7 or Grades K–1
Special time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Suggested Donation: $5 – $30 per family

Come meet one of the Hitchcock Center’s animal ambassadors. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their caregivers, these programs will include some time with one of the Hitchcock Center teaching animals and a craft.

February 13 – Hissing Cockroaches

March 9 – Cob the corn snake

May 11 – Meet the Pill bugs