Five Activities for a Rainy Day

Many people live in or visit the Berkshires for access to stunning outdoor space. The region is a treasure trove for hikers, kayakers, fishers, skiers, birders, campers and more. While the hills and mountains provide a beautiful playground and landscape, they can also quickly influence the weather and turn your plans for an afternoon in the sun into a rain-soaked and muddy adventure. For the days when you can't find your poncho, dry sacks or waterproof boots, or when it's just a bit too hot outside, here's a list of some indoor activities:

Berkshire Museum & Aquarium

39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA

The Berkshire Museum has been dazzling visitors with its collection of over 40,000 items since 1903. The museum houses fascinating artifacts from its permanent collection in "Berkshire Backyard" and "Rocks and Minerals Gallery" exhibitions. Throughout the year, special exhibits and events are also offered on exciting topics, like Summer 2024's "Imaging Women in the Space Age." No trip to the museum is complete without a visit to the 35-tank aquarium below the first floor, which is home to over 100 species.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 12 - 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Calf Nursery at High Lawn Farm

535 Summer Street, Lee

High Lawn Farm celebrated its centennial in 2023. This beautiful and historic farm is known for its Jersey Cows. The youngest members of the herd live in the calf nursery from birth until three to four months of age and welcome visitors daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. It's a quick run from your car to the indoor barn, and once you're done swooning over the babies, follow the covered ramp up to the Farmstead Creamery for ice cream, cheese, milk and other local products.

Can't get enough of the Jerseys? High Lawn offers a calf sponsorship program, where visitors can name a calf and bottle feed her during the first ten days of her life.

Cove Bowling & Entertainment

109 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington

This bowling spot has served Berkshire County for over 65 years. Not only does the alley have 24 lanes, it also houses pool tables, a bar and The Backstage Grille for burgers, hot dogs, quesadillas and more! They have also recently hosted bingo an trivia events.

Pop by Mondays - Thursdays, 5 - 10 p.m, Fridays and Saturdays, 12 p.m. - 12 a.m. and Sundays 12 - 10 p.m.

Mass MoCA

1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, better known as the Mass MoCA, has been a vibrant art center in the region since 1986. The gallery space is enormous, and with over 250,000 square feet of space, there are always new, exciting and evocative pieces on display. The museum is also home to several permanent exhibitions and event spaces.

Summer 2024 hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Wednesday to Monday. Purchase tickets here!

Shakespeare & Company 70 Kemble Street, Lenox

Shakespeare & Company was founded nearly 50 years ago. This awesome venue features numerous performances annually, offers arts-in-education programs for students, teachers and schools, and hosts intensives and workshops for actors. With both outdoor and indoor theaters, a show at Shakespeare & Co is a great way to spend a rainy day. Their summer 2024 program is home to several indoor productions at various times of day.

Purchase tickets for some of the shows in the Tina Packer Playhouse and Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre below and check their performances page for updates!

The Islanders by Carey Crim, July 25 – August 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Flight of the Monarch by Jim Frangione, August 3 - 25 at 3:30 p.m.

Three Tall Persian Women by Awni Abdi-Bahri, August 30 – October 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

How else do you love to spend a rainy day in The Berkshires? Let us know in the comments.