FEEL LIKE FLINGING a ball of mud off a balcony? You’re in luck: ECHO hosts an annual mud fling as part of its Earth & Space-tacular Festival running April 22-30 in Burlington.
Even if your kids aren’t in school yet, April break tends to disrupt the regular schedule. Most playgroups and story times don’t meet during school breaks, so it’s a good time to get creative and try something new. Here are some special events starting this weekend through the vacation week — plus some outing suggestions.
Homeward Bound is having a Kitten Shower on Saturday, April 22, at 2 p.m. Visit the animal shelter for games, refreshments and info on fostering kittens; bring a donation (kitten food, towels, baby blankets) to help the shelter prepare for kitten season.
Celebrate Earth Day in Burlington by tossing mud balls from the balcony, then explore the solar system in a special exhibit as part of ECHO’s Earth & Space-tacular Festival running from April 22 to 30.
If you’re into sheep, you won’t want to miss Sheep Shearing & Herding weekend at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock on April 22 and 23.
Closer to home, Ilsley Library is hosting a special painting and writing workshop with Ibiyanka Alao, the Nigerian Ambassador of Art to the U.S. on Monday, April 24, at 2 p.m.
Bristol Recreation is once again offering community swim sessions at the Mount Abe pool every weekday during the school break (April 24-28). Call 802-453-5885 to reserve a spot.
It’s kids’ choice at the Movie Night at the Platt Library in Shoreham on Friday, April 28! Vote on which movie to watch when you arrive at 6 p.m.
KIDS WILL SEARCH a vernal pool for salamanders and other creatures at a special outing with Middlebury Area Land Trust on Saturday, April 29.
Want to spot a salamander or two? Middlebury Area Land Trust and Andrew L’Roe are leading a vernal pool exploration in Middlebury on Saturday, April 29, at 10 p.m.
Homeschoolers, ages 12-19, are invited to a Vermont Homeschool & Alternative Prom in Brandon on Saturday, April 29, at 7 p.m. Come make friends and have fun!
OUTINGS
Head to the Bristol Rec Park to scoot or skate at the skatepark. Bring bikes, too, so you can ride the pump track!
Speaking of skateboarding, the Middlebury Skatepark Project will host regular meetups at parks near and far this spring and summer. Their first one, at Harold Curtiss Park in East Middlebury last weekend, was a big success. We’ll post their meetup schedule when it is announced.
The Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham opens for the season on Thursday, April 27. Go walk the loop and marvel at the art!
Everything is blooming ahead of schedule this spring. Hike into the Battell Woods off Monroe Street in Middlebury to see if the trillium and other ephemeral spring flowers are out yet.
BIKE HELMETS
Bike season is back! Did your kids outgrow their helmets like mine did? Many of our local pediatric offices — including Porter and Rainbow — offer reduced-price bike helmets all year round. Protect those heads!
MIDDLEBURY PRIDE
The group organizing the second annual Middlebury Pride Parade at the end of June is looking to crown a grand marshal for their outstanding leadership in the LGBTQ+ community. Nominate someone here.