Explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary after hours and join us for a night of camping under the stars. Have an early dinner at home and then come with your family, your tent, and a dessert to share. Join us as we explore the habitats of the elusive owls.
Enjoy a summer afternoon at Grace Oliver Beach during low tide and discover the living wonders of the sandy coastline. Walk across the mudflats to Crowninshield Island, where we will search for tiny fish, hermit crabs, periwinkles, and other sea creatures living in this delicate habitat. Explore the five-acre island and its unusual variety of landforms, from granite rocks and tidal pools to sandy beach, salt marsh, and wooded hilltop.
Join us for a cruise in Essex Bay aboard our pontoon boat the Osprey! We’ll view the seldom seen backside of the Crane Wildlife Refuge and take a turn around Choate Island to view the open fields, wooded hillside and historic structures from the water while hearing stories and learning fun facts about the area from longtime steward, Donny Paquin. This event requires pre-registration online or at the Castle Hill front desk.
Circumnavigating an island is one of the great rewards of kayaking. Reaching the summit of a hill that offers a great view is one of the payoffs of a good hike. This adventure in the Crane Wildlife Refuge offers an opportunity to do both of these things in one outing. We’ll paddle around three islands, the largest of which—Choate (formerly Hog) Island—supports myriad birds and mammals including deer, fisher, coyote, and otter. We’ll land there and enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn of the Choate family homestead.
Maudslay State Park has a strong connection to the arts. Join the interpreter for this art program incorporating natural materials gathered and assembled into a piece of art that will be reclaimed by nature. Photo cataloging will be used for the website. This program teaches cooperation, and creative thinking, as well as problem-solving, all in the great outdoors. This is a fun evening activity for the whole family!
Maudslay State Park has created this program for their youngest crowd! For the young set that loves nature, the park interpreter will lead a three-part preschool aged program that includes a Story, Craft & Walk that involves outdoor exploration. A different nature topic each week so come every week! Rain or shine. Wear appropriate walking shoes, sunscreen and bring water.
Change is Simple’s Paddle Adventures have been a blast for years and this year we are adding something NEW; adults. Yes, now you can paddle with your child. It is not required but if adults would like to paddle with the child they are signing up, just sign yourself up too! These adventures are packed with fun for all ages and we have all the gear you need thanks to support from Keen Shoes, New Belgium Brewing Co. and Isle Paddleboards. Each adventure will have a different learning focus; from local species and fisheries, to marine plastics, tap water and sea level rise. All made fun by our creative team. Space is limited to ten participants per session. Minimum participation is 5 participants.
Explore the Ipswich River at dusk. Bring your family and join us for an evening paddle in a canoe as we learn more about the river and some of its inhabitants. Being on the water is one of the best ways to explore and discover the wonders of wetlands. We will paddle through the winding backwaters lined with cattails and other marsh plants, looking for hidden wildlife. Using buckets and strainers, we'll stop and sample the rich aquatic life to learn more about what lives under the water.
Presented by the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the annual Salem Maritime Festival in August hosts an exciting array of free family fun festivities, including live music, traditional craft demonstrations and seaport trade exhibits, story-telling, and family fun! Each year, music, demonstrations, exhibits, and children's activities are available throughout the park and on Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!
Halibut Point State Park invites families to join them on a tide pool adventure! Halibut Point contains some of the best tide pools in New England. Join the Interpreter for a trip down to the rocky shore for some inter-tidal exploration. Learn about these interesting creatures living in a unique transitional environment. Meet at the Visitors Center in the park. For all ages. Rain or shine, pouring rain cancels.
