From the heavens down to the earth, the Springfield Museums is tuned into the natural world. Please join us for a weekend of scientific, astronomical, and ecological exploration. Astronomy Day, Saturday, April 21, celebrates cosmic activities while introducing people of all ages to the joys of seeing the stars. All activities are free with Museums admission. The Earth Day Festival, April 22, celebrates our remarkable planet and helps us learn about how to keep our home safe and clean. Earth Day activities are free outside on the Quadrangle and include live music and a bird of prey presentation. Please join us!
While you are here, visit the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the first and only museum dedicated to Springfield native Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss.
Astronomy Day at the Springfield Museums
Saturday, April 21, 2018
The Springfield Museums will celebrate Astronomy Day on Saturday, April 21, from 11am until 3pm with a variety of cosmic activities suitable for all ages. Astronomy Day began in California in 1973 as a way to share the joy of astronomy with the public and has grown into a worldwide annual event.
Special activities will include safe sunspot viewing outside the Science Museum with astronomy expert Kevin Kopchynski and members of the Springfield Stars Club. Museum educators will lead hands-on astronomy activities that include “Make Your Own Chinese Zodiac Button,” an astronomy book giveaway, a planetary orbit activity and space-themed face painting by “Professor Knows A. Lot.” Planetarium educator Jack Megas will display and discuss meteorites that have fallen to earth from space.
Schedule of Activities
- 11 am–2 pm: Meet the Lorax and Engage in Family Science Adventures
- 11 am–2 pm: Cosmic Face Painting with Professor Knows A. Lot
- 11 am–3 pm: Book Give-Away, while supplies last
- 11 am–3 pm: Meteorite Display
- Noon–4 pm: Make a Chinese Zodiac Button (Art Discovery Center)
- 1:30–2 pm: Observatory Tour
- 1:30 pm–3 pm: Sunspot Viewing (weather permitting)
Shows in the Seymour Planetarium will take place throughout the day and there will also be a special tour of the Museum’s rooftop observatory.
Astronomy Day events are free with Museums admission; planetarium shows are $3 for adults, $2 for children ages 3–17, and free for members.
Earth Day Festival
Sunday, April 22, 2018, 11 am–4 pm
The Earth Day Festival offers a wide array of environmental education exhibits, programs, and engaging activities. Visitors will learn how they can become better environment stewards both locally and globally and how to promote conservation through everyday actions. Visitors can also participate in fun, recreational activities which demonstrate ways to enjoy the outdoors while appreciating and learning about the beautiful natural world which surrounds us
Schedule of Activities
11:30 am & 1 pm: LIVE MUSIC Boys of the Landfill Bluegrass Band sing Environmental Songs
Noon: Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Program, Live Presentation by Tom Ricardi inside Tolman Auditorium
FREE activities provided by a variety of interest groups on the Quadrangle Green keep everyone busy! Below is a list of the exhibitors.
Environmental Exhibitors
- Hampden County Bee Keepers Association (Beekeeping Materials and Products)
- Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge (Educational Watershed on Wheels Kiosks)
- Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (How residents can act on Climate Change)
- Springfield Department of Public Works (Recycling Display)
- Springfield Forestry Division (Seedling Giveaway)
- Mass Wildlife Angler Education Program (Casting Lessons for Kids)
- Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (Coble Mountain Water Give Away)
- ECOS (Environmental Center for Our Schools) (Paper Making Activity)
- S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Indoors- river dynamics & fish passage)
- Keep Springfield Beautiful (Great American Cleanup)
- Suez Water (Wastewater Treatment)
- Regreen Springfield
- City Compost
- Western Massachusetts Council Boy Scouts of America (Bird House Kits)
- Western MA Master Gardeners Association
In the case of inclement weather the Festival will be moved into the Springfield Science Museum.
Special thanks to MassMutual Foundation, our Season Supporter.