Berkshire Botanical Garden has announced its Family Fridays weekly summer series, designed to inspire curiosity about the natural world and promote a deeper connection to our Berkshire landscape through workshops, demonstrations and hands-on experiences for the young and young at heart. All programs are free with Garden admission.

July 12 — Combining Mr. Rogers’ gentle spirit and the unbound creativity of Jim Henson, Tom Knight brings a puppet show unlike any other, with science themes and songs.

July 19 — Tom Tyning will teach the fascinating natural history of Berkshire reptiles and bring along a few live examples to emphasize their particular behaviors and the pressing need for their conservation.

July 26 — Rona Leventhal joins us for an “Earth Celebration,” including tales and songs about environmental awareness, personal action and responsibility, conservation, independence, and our animal friends.

August 2 — Jen Leahy will explore our relationships and connection with animals, both wild and domestic. She will bring along a diverse collection of “animal educators.”

August 9 — The New Hampshire-based Caterpillar Lab will teach us about the lifecycles and essential conservation needs of butterflies, moths and other insects!

August 16 — Joy Marzolf brings some wonderful scaly friends and reptile special guests to teach how we may better conserve these important creatures.

August 23 — Davis Bates will share stories about the diverse heritage of our area and the environment around us. Hear how coyotes got their howl, how foam came to be in the ocean, and more — and be prepared to sing, move and clap your hands.