Kid-Friendly Fun: Cinema Circus and Native Earth Teaching Farm

Cinema Circus at the Chilmark Community Center

Every Wednesday through August the Martha's Vineyard Film Festival's Cinema Circus takes over the to present , an evening of film and big-top merriment. Families can expect the unexpected at the 5 p.m. event. Look for face painters, stilt walkers, fire jugglers, clowns, trapeze artists and more.

Kids are called to "the Little Big Top" for a variety show of all sorts of talents led by Ring Master Mac Young. After the circus, guests and performers parade into the theater for an hour of short films from all around the world, all interesting for kids.

Arrive hungry to take full advantage of Kitchen Porch Caterering's  locally sourced, organic dinners, plus smoothies and treats like Pinkletink Pops and baked goods from Chilmark Cottage Bakers.

The Martha's Vineyard Film Festival suggests that families purchase tickets in advance, at www.tmvff.org, so as not to lose precious circus time standing in line. Tickets for any summer screening and MVFF memberships may be purchased online until 8 a.m. the day of the show, and will be held at the box office.

Native Earth Teaching Farm

Martha's Vineyard is well known for its abundance of farms as well as its committment to local food. The builds on that reputation, offering kids and families a great place to learn about farm life—and enjoy the animals! The farm is run by Rebecca Gilbert and Randy Ben-David, and features a variety of programs for educational and recreational purposes.

Native Earth is open year-round on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and in the summer on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Ask-a-Farmer sessions, tours, art projects and farm sales.

Wednesday morning is Toddler Time, where toddlers and their adults can meet and play in a fun and unfettered environment. Starting Friday, July 29, there will be Friday Night Fires with roasted marshmallows, stargazing, smelling and listening tours, barn owl watching and story telling.

Native Earth has a large number of farm animals (and babies!) for families to visit, as well as a thriving community garden. There are also classes, workshops and extended programs offered to groups of four or more. These are customized to your group's age level, interests and expertise. Participants will learn history, gain a skill and take home tools for further exploration.

For more information visit www.nativeearthteachingfarm.org or call 508-645-3304.