Play, Learn, Connect

If you have a young child, you have a resource at your fingertips. If you're new to your community or new to parenting, family centers are more than just a gathering place for children.

They are a welcoming and convenient place for adults to meet other parents, grandparents, and care givers, and find support and information about important matters including preschools, public school, pediatricians, or parent support groups. Getting involved by volunteering time and talent helps family centers and local organizations thrive.

Family Centers are generally free, and you don't need to be a resident of a town to visit the local family center. Each community's family center provides unique programming and is open to residents as well as families from other communities. Play-and-learn groups are free and generally open on a drop-in basis (no preregistration required).

Locations and Hours

Most family centers follow the public school schedule of their home community for vacations and weather-related closings. All of the centers may sponsor activities and events at times other than those listed below. Please contact the individual centers for more specific information about hours and programming.

• Amherst Family Center
• Amherst Spanish-Speaking Playgroups
• Belchertown Family Center
• Chesterfield Playgroup
• Easthampton Family Center
• Goshen Playgroup
• Granby Playgroup
• Hatfield Playgroup
• Palmer/Monson Family Network
• Pelham Playgroup
• South Hadley Playgroup
• Southampton Playgroup
• Ware Family Center
• Warren Playgroup
• Westhampton Playgroup
• Williamsburg Playgroup

While family centers are sponsored by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant funded by the Department of Early Education and Care, they also rely on donations from families, businesses, and community groups. Donations are welcome, but centers are open to all regardless of ability to donate.