Free Summer Activities in Amherst, Massachusetts

Summer in Amherst, Massachusetts is one of the best times for activities in the Pioneer Valley and Amherst proper. With three colleges--Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts' flagship campus--Amherst is a sbustling town, with more than 25,000 students flooding the area every September, and leaving every May.

From the end of May to the end of August, Amherst doesn't come to a grinding halt. Quite the opposite. The town's traffic lightens up, Amherst activities expand, and people who live there and visit Amherst for summer activities find that the absence of students--who are enjoyed during the school year--gives area residents and visitors a chance to breathe and enjoy uncrowded stores,restaurants, coffee shops, movies, and concerts.

Free summer activities in Amherst include a wide array of wonderful summer fun:

1. Groff Park, Memorial Park, and Mill River Park spray pools. These pools are designed for kids from baby age to about seven. The free pools include fun activities in the parks as well--playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, and lots of open grass for running play.

2. The Pratt Museum of Natural History at Amherst College. The Pratt is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday, is free, and contained the world's largest dinosaur tracks. Whether you are five or ninety-five, this free activity in Amherst is worth the visit.

3. Twenty minutes south of Amherst, visit Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The Museum of Art is free, and includes activities for kids. Through July 22, 2007 visitors can view Egyptian artifacts.

4. The summer movie series on the Amherst Town Common. In previous years the town has offered movies such as Harry Potter I, II, and III, and Ice Age II. Families, singles, and couples flood the town common with blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy the free outdoor movie.

5. Sugarloaf Mountain in Sunderland, Massachusetts. Just ten minutes north of Amherst, up Route 116 North, visitors and residents can find this free, fun activity. Hike to the top (it's a steep climb!) or drive to the top (for a fee-parking at the bottom and hiking is free) and find picnic tables, bathrooms, and a view of the Pioneer Valley that is breathtaking in the summer. Well worth the trip.

These free summer activities are simple, fun, and apply to all ages. Have fun finding these and other free activities in Amherst this summer.