Things to Do with Our Advocates

Families First has compiled a list of potential indoor & outdoor activities to keep your day busy.

  • Peer group activities listed on the Families First website. Some events are also posted on our monthly Programming newsletter that is sent to your Families First email.

  • Brattleboro Museum and Art Center (BMAC). Payment is optional / donation based. https://www.brattleboromuseum.org/

  • Vermont Museum of Natural History in West Marlboro, VT. https://www.vermontmuseum.org/

  • Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, VT. There are free passes at the Families First office available upon request. https://www.montshire.org/

  • Winston Prouty Gym @ Austine Drive in Brattleboro. The space is typically only available on Fridays. Staff should check the Peer Group Calendar for further instructions/specifics.

  • YMCA in Keene, NH. Passes are $5 for advocates and staff get in free. A waiver must be signed prior to going (it is good for a year). Please plan in advance.

  • Brattleboro Bowl. For hours and pricing visit https://brattleborobowl.com/

  • Brooks Memorial Library. It is free and has books, games, public computers, and other rental options. They also have free passes for many community venues.

  • Board games, arts & crafts, music, movies, the gym, and more!

  • Frisbee golf located at the Winston Prouty campus and Memorial Park in Brattleboro, VT. Families First has frisbees that can be loaned out upon request.

  • Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, NH. https://alysonsorchard.com/things-to-do/

  • Up for a drive? Visit Harrisville, NH to cuddle a cow, goat, or sheep at Granite Oak Farm! https://graniteoakfarm.com/

  • Visit the Retreat Farm in Brattleboro to see the animals and outdoor story walk. Also a great place for a picnic, hike, or cheese tasting.

  • Dublin, NH: The Friendly Farm has many animals to see & pet. https://www.friendlyfarm.com/

  • Other places for hiking/walking are the West River Trail, the trails at Winston Prouty, Fort Dummer State Park, Dutton Pines State Park, Townshend State Park, Woodford State Park, and Sweet Pond State Park. There are also trails at Putney & Black Mountain. Please be mindful that not all trails are fully accessible. You may need to pre-plan.

  • Keene has over 40 miles of four intersecting trails that connect in the center of Keene. This includes the Cheshire Rail Trail, the Ashuelot River Trail, the Jonathan Daniels Trail, and the Appel Way Trail. The Cheshire Trail is accessible and has parking available. For more information please visit https://pathwaysforkeene.org/.

  • Snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing! Snow shoes can be rented at the Brattleboro library.

  • Local basketball courts and soccer fields can be found at Crowell Park and Memorial Park.

  • There is swimming at Memorial Park, Vernon pool, Putney, or Springfield pool in VT. There is also Spofford Lake in NH. Payment may be required if passes are not available.

  • Visit the Bennington Monument, Brattleboro Commons, Creamery Covered Bridge, and local Farmers Markets.

  • Jim’s Arcade in Bellows Falls. Can be found on Facebook. Typically open 7 days a week, 10am-6pm.

  • Dummerston Community Center has a playground & basketball. While Scott Farm has stone sculptures, cider, and sweets!

Some of Our Favorites:

Music Group is held on Wednesdays from 11am-12pm on campus. Come join a musical morning! Enjoy drumming, guitar, singing, and learn to use some instrument’s. Check the peer group calendar for more information.

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Join Families First for cooking class at our new property. Learn some new skills while making yummy food!

Please sign up in advance as space is limited. Cooking class is typically held Friday morning 10am-11am.

Join Families First for Garden club in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Learn how to plant, maintain, and harvest our garden.

We are currently exploring potential partnerships with community members to improve & expand our garden program.

Some of our peer groups offered may involve a little more travel and planning. Details are provided on the peer group calendar.

Some examples include visiting the city of Salem, the Holyoke mall, Boston Science Museum, Hampton beach, local art museums, and much more! Carpooling and sign up for these events are encouraged.

Speak to your supervisor and/or the Program Coordinator about additional places or ideas that you may have.

Please be mindful of the physical ability, safety, and financial obligations of the self-advocate you are working with. Make sure to bring any necessary medications, personal protective equipment, and/or a first aid kit.