Explore Amherst, MA
Amherst, Massachusetts is a charming and vibrant town located in the heart of the Pioneer Valley. Known for its exceptional educational institutions and strong sense of community, Amherst is an ideal place for families looking to raise children in a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment. Education is at the forefront in Amherst, with top-notch public and private schools offering an excellent standard of education. The highly-regarded Amherst Regional Public Schools provide a comprehensive and inclusive curriculum, while the prestigious Five Colleges consortium, consisting of Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, offers a wealth of educational resources for all ages. Beyond formal education, Amherst also offers plenty of entertainment options for families. The vibrant downtown area is sprinkled with unique shops, bookstores, and art galleries, creating a lively atmosphere. Families can explore the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, which showcases captivating exhibits and offers interactive programs for children. The scenic outdoors beckons with numerous parks, hiking trails, and the nearby Amethyst Brook Conservation Area, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures and recreational activities. Community events and festivals, such as the Taste of Amherst and the Amherst Block Party, bring locals together and foster a strong sense of camaraderie. Families can also enjoy cultural performances at the Fine Arts Center or catch a movie at the Amherst Cinema, known for its diverse selection of independent films. In summary, Amherst, MA is a welcoming community that prioritizes education and offers a plethora of opportunities for families. With its exceptional schools, access to renowned colleges, and a wide array of entertainment options, Amherst provides an enriching and well-rounded upbringing for children while fostering a strong sense of community.
Activities in Amherst

Hello, craft aficionados, and welcome to Crafts Zone! This is your portal into a realm where imagination and education intertwine. Our bespoke crafting workshops are designed to engage both your creative flair and your thirst for knowledge. To keep you abreast with the latest trends and techniques in crafting, we've devoted a fifth of our sessions entirely to learning. Prepare yourself for an exciting journey of creating and connecting as these constitute the major portion of our workshops, a staggering 70% to be precise! You'll be offered ample opportunities to convert your innovative concepts into tangible creations and also get to know other art enthusiasts. Embrace the joy of crafting something magnificent along with forging friendships with like-minded individuals. And we certainly can't overlook the aspect of relaxation! Here at Crafts Zone, we set aside 10% of our time to simply unwind and recharge. We fully endorse the therapeutic effects of crafting and are firm believers in the stress-relieving properties of creative expression. So, come and soak in the serene, artistic ambiance. Be sure to keep an eye out for our forthcoming workshops. At Crafts Zone, your creative voyage is just getting started!

Riding horses is an experience like no other. It allows us to bond and become one with our beloved equine partners. From the moment we first get on a horse, we can feel the connection and the trust that develops between us and our horse. For those of us who have been riding for years, we know the joy of soaring over jumps and galloping across fields with a magnificent creature. At Infinity Equestrian, we strive to create an environment where horse and rider can come together in harmony and support each other's growth. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and friendship!

At Moving Zen, participants have fun in a safe and respectful environment while developing confidence, well-being, and a sense of mastery. Through the practice of karate, children learn to focus and build self-discipline, while adults gain physical fitness, stress relief, and skills for self-defense. Our classes provide a great way for students to gain physical and mental strength while having fun. Our instructors are certified and experienced in teaching traditional Japanese karate. They are dedicated to helping each student reach their goals, from learning basic martial arts skills to mastering advanced techniques. Our classes foster a sense of respect, self-discipline, and self-improvement among all participants.

Joy Art Space, founded by Lily Joy Friedling, brings her professional development to teachers and preservice teachers at Canisius College. Through her workshops, she works to integrate the arts into their practice. As an art teacher, she believes it is important to help students find their artistic voice and to learn how to express their unique ideas through artwork. Lily loves seeing her students become comfortable with new art materials, and the joy they experience when they surprise themselves with what they are capable of. She values providing her students with an opportunity to explore and develop their creative skills. Her passion for art and her commitment to helping her students become more confident with their creative potential makes her an invaluable teacher.

At Woodside Children's Center, we are proud to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your little ones. With more than 25 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing superior childcare and early education to infants, toddlers and preschoolers for families in the Amherst College community. Located in a Victorian home near the Amherst College campus, our non-profit center offers admission priority for Amherst College families. We understand the importance of finding quality care for your children and that's why Woodside Children's Center is committed to providing the best in childcare and early education. Our experienced staff help children learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. With a commitment to excellence, we offer a stimulating and engaging learning experience for your little ones. At Woodside Children's Center, our priority is the safety and wellbeing of your children. We strive to create an atmosphere of trust and respect that is based on mutual understanding and communication. With our commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment, your little ones can experience the joy of learning in a fun and stimulating environment.

Catherine Iselin's classes provide a great opportunity for budding musicians to learn the basics of reading music alongside piano technique and music theory. With the focus on classical music from the baroque era to the modern day, students can also pick their own musical styles, like rock, jazz, folk, and contemporary. To help students build fine motor skills and hand coordination, various clapping and tapping exercises are incorporated into the lessons. This approach gives students the tools to confidently process and perform challenging rhythms and polyrhythms. Catherine Iselin's classes offer a unique experience for young musicians to excel in music reading skills. By blending classical music with modern styles, students can learn the fundamentals of music theory and piano technique, while also getting a chance to explore their personal preferences. With the use of clapping and tapping exercises, Catherine Iselin helps students to develop their hand coordination and fine motor skills, ultimately enabling them to take on more advanced rhythms and polyrhythms.

Contra dancing is a modern take on a traditional form of social dancing. Its roots can be traced back to the English and French court dances of the 1700s, similar to square dancing. However, Contra dancing is far from old-fashioned, and new music, dances, moves, and combinations are constantly being created in the moment. No classes are necessary, and you don’t need special clothes or boots. People often dance barefoot or in soft-soled shoes, and improvisation is encouraged. You may hear traditional terms like ‘do-si-do’ and ‘swing your partner’, but the dances are gender neutral and roles are equal. It’s best to start with one role and become comfortable with it before trying the other. Contra dancing is a great way to try something new and make friends in the process. It’s an upbeat, modern take on a classic form of social dancing, perfect for parents looking for a fun activity to do with their family. So if you’re interested in trying something new, why not give Contra dancing a go?

From the sprawling campus to the unique amenities, like the Mead Art Museum and the Amherst College Museum of Natural History, there’s something for everyone. Enrollment in Amherst College's iD Tech summer program is a great way for parents and kids to get a taste of collegiate life. With a sprawling 1,000-acre campus that includes athletic facilities, a wildlife sanctuary, a forest for studying ecology, and multiple trails and biking paths, it's no wonder Amherst College is such a sought-after option for students interested in exploring the great outdoors. On top of that, the college is home to the Mead Art Museum, the Amherst Center for Russian Culture, and the Wilder Observatory, making it a truly unique experience.

At Capacidad, we understand that the environment we exist in is only part of the equation when it comes to creating a welcoming atmosphere. We believe that creating an atmosphere of acceptance, respect and understanding is the most important part of any setting. We strive to create an environment that celebrates our differences without reducing people to a checklist of material items. At Capacidad, we recognize that the most important aspect of creating a comfortable atmosphere is teaching kids the skills of critical thinking and conflict resolution. We believe that these skills are essential for children to learn in a natural and kid-friendly setting. We strive to foster an atmosphere that encourages learning and growth without minimizing the importance of food, clothing, music, etc. to cultures around the world. At Capacidad, we believe that creating a comfortable space for people to learn and grow is essential. We understand that while food, clothing, music, etc. are all important components of culture, people are so much more. We strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding while teaching kids the skills of critical thinking and conflict resolution in a natural, kid-friendly environment. We believe this is the best way to ensure that everyone is welcomed and valued for who they are.

Tae Kwon Do is an activity that is open to people of any age or physical condition. With its unique blend of physical and mental exercise, it is a great way to reach your goals, whether they be physical, mental or spiritual. Not only does it help to build strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, but also encourages self-confidence and inner calm. At Tae Kwon Do, participants of any age or physical condition can benefit from its unique blend of physical and mental exercise. You can be sure that no matter your goals, be it fitness, self-defense, or inner peace, Tae Kwon Do can help you achieve them. Through practice, you can develop strength, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and a peaceful inner calm. Moreover, it can also help to boost self-confidence.

Aikido of Amherst is the perfect place to learn this ancient martial art! Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, Aikido of Amherst provides a safe, respectful, and encouraging environment for all members to learn and develop. Instruction is available to both adults of all ages and adolescents over 12, so everyone can benefit from Aikido’s many benefits. This traditional martial art form is a great way to improve physical and mental conditioning, while learning effective self-defense techniques. With Aikido of Amherst, students can use deep breathing, relaxation, centering, and body alignment to move with the energy of an attack and take advantage of their attacker’s force. If you’re looking to learn a martial art in a positive environment, Aikido of Amherst is the perfect place for you!

At Amherst College in Massachusetts, our club sport focuses on providing a comprehensive martial arts education. Our training incorporates Isshinryu Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as well as techniques from various other styles. We embrace the traditional elements of each style while also developing fighters who are versatile and well-rounded. Our club sport at Amherst College is a great opportunity for students to learn martial arts in a supportive environment. Our instructors offer training in Isshinryu Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as well as techniques from Muay Thai, Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do. We emphasize the importance of staying true to traditional elements, while also preparing fighters for both the ring and life.

At Cushman Scott Children's Center, we are proud to offer an independent, non-profit educational center for children aged 15 months to 8 years old. Our program creates an enriching educational environment, providing traditional preschool education with optional summer and extended-day programs. We are dedicated to providing flexible options to meet each family's individual needs. Our goal is to help each family create the Cushman experience that is right for their child. At Cushman Scott Children's Center, we offer a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of children aged 15 months to 8 years old and their families. Our curriculum is enriched with traditional preschool activities, as well as optional summer and extended-day programs. We understand that every family is unique, so we provide flexible options to accommodate each family's individual needs. Our mission is to ensure that every family is able to find the Cushman experience that is perfect for their child.

Welcome to our family-owned and operated equine facility! We offer riding lessons in hunt seat and dressage for all ages and abilities. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for both horse and rider, ensuring a positive learning experience. We also host several horse shows and clinics on the farm throughout the year. Our mission is to help our riders reach excellence in horsemanship, by providing continuing education and valuable experience. Come visit us and gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a better horse and rider. We look forward to having you join us!