Activity

Festival-by-the-Sea

Manchester Festival by the Sea celebrates art on Cape Ann and the local bounty of Artistry.

The Festival by the Sea is an annual event hosted by the Manchester Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, this all-day extravaganza taps into the long-line of local talent with musical and artistic performers alike. Festival by the Sea is a celebration of the things that are synonymous with Cape Ann in the summertime: Art, Music & Food ! Booths will be spread throughout downtown Manchester and Masconomo Park. Your senses will be inspired by the beautiful art, extraordinary live music and the aromas of delicious, local foods.

When: 
Saturday, August 3, 2024 10am-4pm

Heritage Day in Gloucester

Maritime Gloucester & Ocean Alliance hosts a day of free exciting demonstrations and interactive fun for all ages in Gloucester Massachusetts.

Maritime Gloucester is hosting their annual Heritage Day in honor of the Gloucester Schooner Festival 2023. Step aboard a schooner, learn about traditional shipbuilding and fitting out, watch America’s oldest marine railway in action, or explore the unique biology that makes our oceans so amazing. You can find it all at Maritime Heritage Day! Maritime Gloucester will be hosting a variety of local community organizations with an exciting array of demonstrations and interactive options for all ages.

When: 
Saturday, August 31, 2024 10am-4pm

School Vacation Week Fire Pits and Winter Craft at Long Hill

The Trustees of Reservations' Long Hill Estate in Beverly Massachusetts is a great spot for kids and families during February vacation

The Trustees of Reservations invites kids and families to Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens during February Vacation! During school vacation week, warm up with friends and family around a fire pit at Long Hill! Your ticket, valid for 6 people, will give you access to your own personal fire pit for 2 hours. We will provide fire wood, chairs, and a complimentary s’mores kit for your whole group. All the materials needed for a special wintery craft will also be included. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

When: 
Saturday-Monday, February 17-19, 2024 2-4pm

Tweens and Teens Dungeons & Dragons at RPL

Dungeons and Dragons for Teens and Tweens at Rockport Massachusetts Public Library

Have you always wanted to play D&D? Are you already an avid D&D player? Whether you have been playing for years or are new to the game the library invites you to join our new club. For those of you who may be unsure of what D&D is, no problem. Below you will find brief overview of the game provided by D&D Wizards:

When: 
Wednesdays Through February 14, 2024 4:30-6pm

Winterfest at Glen Urquhart School

Winterfest at Glen Urquhart School in Beverly Massachusetts

Glen Urquhart School is hosting a Winterfest to celebrate the season! Bring the whole family for fun, games, and so much more! Enjoy a variety of activities, including trivia, an escape-the-room challenge, and karaoke. Snacks will be provided. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP.

When: 
Friday, February 9, 2024 6-8pm

MLK Day at PEM

Peabody Essex Museum offers free admission on Martin Luther King Day in Salem Massachusetts. Image: Luis Martin, Harvest of Perpetuity, 2016. © Luis Martin/The Art Engineer, 2016.

Join us as we celebrate the legacy and leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Come explore America, A Hymnal, the writings of Sarah Parker Remond, David Boxer’s The Black Books and other works that examine social justice, identity and freedom across the generations. All visitors enjoy free admission for the day!

When: 
Monday, January 15, 2024 10am-5pm

Snowy Owl Whooooo?

Teens are invited to come craft amigurumi snowy owls at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newbury Massachusetts

Teens are invited to the Parker River Wildlife Refuge to learn about owls! Join Parker River Staff to crochet a snowy owl. Using amigurumi, the Japanese practice of crocheting small stuffed yarn, we will crochet a small stuffed snowy owl that's great for desk decoration, keychain, or dangle. Beginners welcome!

When: 
Saturday, January 13, 2024 10am-12:30pm

Appleton Farms' Winter Solstice Walk

Celebrate the solstice with the Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farm in Ipswich Massachusetts

This Event is Full! Join us for a wintery lantern-lit stroll through the property to one of the many beautiful secluded spots on the farm. Once there, our staff will lead you in a solstice ritual of reflection and meditation around the fire, looking back on the past year and welcoming the new year, celebrating the end of days getting darker and looking forward to the increasing of the light. We look forward to having you at Appleton to mark this moment in our journey together.

When: 
Thursday, December 21, 2023 4-6pm or 6:15-8:15pm
Location: 

Danvers YMCA Holiday Gift Market

Northshore YMCA Danvers invites you to a Holiday Gift Market just in time for the Holiday Season.

Northshore YMCA Danvers invites you to a Holiday Gift Market just in time for the Holiday Season. You'll finda special collection of local crafters, jewelry designers, artists, & more! More than 30 vendors will be joining us for a holiday tradition of shopping, raffles, and holiday treats. Free entry- our special raffle this year supports Rosie's Place.

When: 
Saturday, December 2, 2023 10am-2pm

Lowell's Boat Shop Holiday Open House

Visit Lowell's Boat Shop in Amesbury Massachusetts for their annual holiday open house!

Visit Lowell’s Boat Shop during their Annual Holiday Open House is a two day family event during the first weekend in December. Festivities include old time music by violinist Gus La Casse and banjo player Mathias Kamin III; a children’s workshop with arts and crafts projects; visits from Santa (12 to 1 p.m. each day); a Silent Auction featuring boats, a stay at Mohonk Mountain House, sails on pinky schooner Ardelle, jewelry, and numerous gift certificates and items donated by generous area restaurants and shops. 

When: 
December 2 & 3, 2023 11am-4pm
Santa Visits 12-1

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Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties

Historic Beverly Scavenger Hunt at Lynch Park

Historic Beverly April Vacation Scavenger Hunt at Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts
NEW for April school vacation week this year! If you loved our Independence Park Scavenger Hunt you’ll love this one even more! More space to roam and much more to find!
Where: Lynch Park
9:00 am to 11:00 am

Yoga for Kids at NSCM

Yoga for Children during February Vacation at North Shore Children's Museum in Peabody Massachusetts
In Miss Shelleys yoga class for kids, the focus is on making the practice fun, interactive, and age-appropriate. The class includes warm-up activities, teaching yoga poses through storytelling and games, and incorporating music, props, and visuals.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

April Vacation at PEM 2024

PEM has a great lineup for kids and families during April Vacation 2024
Looking for things to do during your April Vacation on the North Shore? Peabody Essex Museum has a fabulous line-up of fun activities, performances, and tours for kids and families. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cultural exchange project that brought Yin Yu Tang to Peabody Essex Museum !...
10:00 am to 3:59 pm

April Vacation at CAM | Celebrate Spring

Cape Ann Museum has some great April Vacation programs for school aged kids! Photo: Still life by Harold Rotneberg
Celebrate the return of spring with a visit to the Cape Ann Museum during April School Vacation Week! The Museum will be free for school-age children, 18 and under, and their guardians from Tuesday, April 16 – Friday, April 19. Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt and family-friendly...
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Aleppo Shriners Circus

Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

April Vacation Week at Ipswich Library

sapring Vacation Activities at Ipswich Public Library in Massachusetts
Come to Ipswich Public Library during April Vacation week for family fun. We'll have 4 days of family activities from Tuesday - Friday! Schedule as follows:
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

A Whale of a Time at Maritime Gloucester

Kids will learn all about whales at this Maritime Gloucester April Vacation drop off program in Gloucester Massachusetts
Here in Massachusetts we are lucky enough to host some of the largest animals on earth - whales! Join us in learning more about these majestic mammals! Particitpants learn all about whale behaviors and observe their food source under our microscopes. Create your own unique whale tail design to take...
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

CraneExplorer: Shifting Sands

The Trustees' Crane Estate hosts a beach-centric science learning experience for kids in Ipswich Massachusetts
The beach is much more than just sand! In this family education program, participants will learn about the diverse habitats of the sandy beach and dunes. Learners discover shells, seaweed, plants, animal tracks, and other signs of life on the beach and in the dunes, get an up-close look at sand to...
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 3:59 pm

HWPL: Wish

Hamilton Wenham Library in Massachusetts shows Disney's 'Wish' during April Vacation
Come to the library for a Friday morning movie series for a popular hit movie! This weeks movie is Disney's "Wish". Water and movie snacks will be served. No sign up required.
10:30 am to 1:00 pm

Cape Ann Symphony Concert | Katy and the Big Snow

Sawyer Free Library hosts a family friendly concert based on Katy and the Big Snow in Gloucester Massachusetts
Vacation week free fun for families! Cape Ann Symphony, along with the Sawyer Free Library, presents Katy and the Big Snow. Enjoy the beloved story by Gloucester's own Virginia Lee Burton read aloud by local actress Heidi Dallin, and set to music for this ensemble performance. Musicians will also...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

Friday Family Farm Chores at Appleton Farms

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Every day has a full list of barnyard chores we need to accomplish to make sure our farmyard friends are happy and healthy. Let’s get to work! Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays and Saturdays! Get on your muck boots – your whole family will get to be...
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Salisbury Beach Carousel - Free Friday Hours

Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties
Salisbury Beach Carousel Hours: Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm Saturday: 12 pm to 8 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm Hours of operation are to change.
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saturday, April 20

Dads & Donuts Storytime at NTL

Dads & Donuts Storytime at Newbury Town Library in Massachusetts
Come to our Dads and Donuts monthly event to get quality bonding time with your child, listen to some stories, and eat donuts! You don't have to be a dad to come- all family members are welcome.
10:30 am to 11:30 am

The Wetu and the White-Ellery House

Visit the Native American WETU at White Ellery House in Gloucester Massachusetts
Visit the Cape Ann Museum (CAM) Green, the Museum’s second campus off Grant Circle and Route 128, for a tour of the historic White Ellery House (1710) and the indigenous wetu. These two structures provide an important opportunity to explore the early colonization of Gloucester and the impact on the...
10:30 am to 1:00 pm

Monserrat Renaissance Fair & Market

Monserrat College of Art hosts a Renaissance Fair and Market on Beverly Common in Massachusetts
Have you heard of Montserrat College of Art’s Renaissance Fair and Art Market ? This event is completely student ran and we hope you are able to come. We encourage you to dress up in your best Renaissance attire.
11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Salisbury Beach Carousel - Saturday Hours

Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties
Salisbury Beach Carousel Hours: Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm Saturday: 12 pm to 8 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm Hours of operation are to change.
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

North Shore Nature Fair & Wicked Kidz Fun Race at Glen Urquhart School

oin us on Earth Day at GUS for hands-on activities & nature-based projects in Beverly Farms Massachusetts
Celebrate Earth Week at GUS with a variety of hands-on activities and nature-based projects led by GUS educators and partners from across the North Shore. This is a free, family-friendly event, open to the public.
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Cow Connection at Appleton Farms

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for Cow Connection in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come and meet, cuddle, brush, scratch, talk, and sit with our hand-raised cows at Appleton Farms! The mild heart rate and warm body temperature of the cows induces a slowing of our own heart rate, as well as the release of Oxytocin, our social bonding hormone. Visit our scenic and historic dairy...
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Sunday, April 21

Spring Birding Walk—Symphony of Bird Song!

You and your child can learn the basics of birding at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts
Stroll the trails of this seaside treasure while learning birding basics. Hear the symphony of spring bird song, watch for them in the woodland’s and at water’s edges. Learn about bird sounds, habits, and flight patterns. Enjoy extraordinary views. Bring binoculars if you have them!
8:00 am to 10:00 am

Story Walk |This Is the Nest Robin Built

Kids will enjoy this self-guided story based tour of the Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts! Photo by Bill O'Connor
Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise at Halibut Point State Park ! Join us on the grounds of the for a self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book This is the Nest Robin Built, by Denise Fleming. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. A wonderful story awaits! For...
8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 3:59 pm

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm
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