Explore the Ipswich River on the Summer Soltice! The longest day of the year is almost upon us, and what a fun way to start the summer! Join us for a paddle to observe nature from the river as we look for plants and animals that are equally excited for summer. This special paddle ends with s'mores around the fire and a solstice tale.
In this Imagine, Sing and Learn Session, you and your child will learn all about the tide pool habitiat and the creatures that live there. Using fun props and lots of hands on science, we’ll look at everything there is to know about this habitat found along the coast!
Life on the rocky shore presents unique challenges and opportunities for marine species. Explore the rocks and tide pools of Chandler Hovey Park and take a closer look at crabs, sea stars, and other seashore creatures that have adapted to survive their continually changing environment.
Get an up-close look at dinner time for the fascinating marine life in our 110-gallon touch tank, and help us identify, sort, and feed them! With the help of Joppa's digital hand-held microscope, you'll see sand dollars channeling food into their tiny mounts and green sea urchins wiggling their spines, along with many other unexpected sights.
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 Mass Audubon as they explore the habitats of Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary in Gloucester. The cool breezes, superb coastline, and easily observed wildlife will delight your senses. We'll visit tide pools, salt marsh, woodlands, and adjoining fields using hands-on activities as we investigate each habitat.
Local Native American tribes call the June full moon the Strawberry Moon because it heralds the time of year to pick wild strawberries. Spend an evening walking in the warm air, listen to the dusk bird songs turn to choruses of spring peepers, and try to catch a glimpse of our resident wildlife as spring ripens into summer. We'll enjoy some strawberries and chocolate as a sweet treat to end the night.
Come and learn about these flying friends who eat our most bothersome insects! Learn about the different kinds and their interesting life cycle. Wear appropriate walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen and bring water.
See the galleries, make art and more! Admission is free on the second Saturday morning of every month for families with children up to age 18. Registration recommended. To make a reservation for youth & family programs contact the museum.
U. S. National Park Rangers host free tours at the Saugus Iron Works. Learn about the production of iron on this site in the mid-1600s, an endeavor that was integral to the growth of the early colony. Hear about the archeological dig and reconstruction of the site in the 1940s to 1950s. Upon availability, this tour may include the operation of waterwheels, the 500-pound hammer, the rolling mill, and blacksmithing demonstrations. Tour lasts about one hour and is outdoors.
