Family events in Holyoke, MA

Presented by MILLTOWN at Pulaski Park, this long-running rumble brings together 1972 and earlier rods, kustoms, vans, bikes, stockers, race cars, and hot rods. Live bands perform throughout the day, and the grounds feature beer, booze, food, and vendors. The gathering began in Worcester, Massachusetts, and has spent the last five years at its current Pulaski Park location, marking the seventeenth edition overall.

Now in its 14th year, Run Stanley welcomes participants of all ages and abilities with a mix of activities for people and pups. The day features a classic 5K alongside a fully accessible 1 mile Stroll and Roll, a kid focused Munchkin Run, and a K9 run or walk. The school with the highest Munchkin Run turnout earns the Stanley Cup School Spirit Trophy. Proceeds support the care and upkeep of the Frank Stanley Beveridge Wildlife Sanctuary, Stanley Park, and its accessible pathways. Race day begins with late registration and T shirt and bib pickup at the Children’s Pavilion, followed by a kids warmup, the Munchkin Run, the K9 5K, the Stroll and Roll, and the 5K run or walk. The event brings together runners, walkers, hikers, dog owners, and nature lovers who care about Stanley Park.

Canal Street Irish Trio returns to The Big E at The Eastern States Exposition with a performance at the Irish Dingle Peninsula Showcase. Matt, Derek, and Ivan share lively tunes and timeless songs, bringing a touch of Ireland to New England and creating a warm, reunion-like atmosphere for both longtime followers and first-time listeners.

Young bakers dive into cookies from the ground up in an eight session afterschool club held in the kitchen at the Florence Civic Center. Designed for ages 7 to 11, with ages 12 and up able to participate as CITs, the program blends hands-on technique with the science behind great results. Participants practice measuring, mixing, creaming, folding and decorating while discovering what makes cookies spread, how butter affects texture, and how a single ingredient swap can change everything. Each meeting focuses on a different cookie and a new skill, with from-scratch, instructor-led guidance throughout. Everyone tastes the results, and a share of each batch goes home after every session to brighten a family’s day. The cost is $300 and includes weekly take-home cookies.

Children who love animals can explore practical pet care at Critter Club. Through interactive activities, participants build real skills and meet live animal guests that make the learning hands on. Hosted at High Five Books.

This eight-week, fire-free science club for kids explores the science of explosions. Participants examine volcanoes, uncover the chemistry behind fireworks, and investigate related topics over the course of the program.

Bring a personal device or use a library computer to play. Pick your favorite game, or play Minecraft with a library account or your own. Computer stations are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. This is a drop in activity.

At High Five Books in Florence, an afterschool Babysitters Club program is designed for ages 7 to 11, with ages 12 and up participating as CITs. Sessions blend reading, discussion, and hands-on practice to build caregiving know-how and confidence. The program highlights three new releases from the series this fall, including The Super Special Graphic Novel. Registration includes a new Babysitters Club book to take home.

Granby Library’s Tabletop Games Club brings players ages 8 and up together for an in-person gathering featuring a mix of board, card, and tile games. Expect a friendly, social setting where it is easy to settle in and play. A variety of games will be available at the tables, and participants can bring friends or meet new playing partners. After the session, library cardholders may borrow favorite games to enjoy at home.

A relaxed drop-in playgroup at Storrs Library for caregivers with babies and toddlers up to 18 months. Siblings are welcome. The session includes a short story and toys for open play, offering a friendly space for children to explore and for grown-ups to meet one another. The drop-in format allows families to stay a little or linger, whatever works best. All babies are welcome, fussy moments included.

Old Home Day at the Thomas Smith House marks the 301st birthday of Thomas Smith with an apple pie contest, a performance from the Agawam High School Marching Band, and an antique car show. Additional activities are planned, with details to be shared as they are confirmed. Tours will be offered at the Agawam Historical Association’s historic properties, including the circa 1757 Thomas Smith House and the 1920 Delmore Hawthorne Garage. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Please note there is a schedule change due to an upcoming storm. The event has been rescheduled to a later date.

Browse action figures made in small batches, alongside robots, monster themed items, and more. Admission and parking are free.

This is a welcoming, inclusive sensory playgroup where children read together, make new friends, and explore a new Communication Board. Activities are sensory friendly and guided by each child, allowing participation at a comfortable pace. The program is designed with neurodiverse children and their caregivers in mind. For ages 5 to 13.