Live Animals

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.

Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our stone paddock. Gather around for a farm story with one of our farmers!

When: 
Tuesdays through May 28, 2024 10:30-11:30am
Location: 

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 farmers together. Help feed the rabbits, Violet and Vanilla, the goats, Morgana, Maeve, Merlin, and Mordred, and the dairy cows, Gray and Jasmine. Collect eggs from our flock of chickens, muck and bed the stalls, scrub buckets, fill hay managers, and more.

When: 
Fridays through May 2024 3:30-4:30pm
Location: 

Vernal Pools | Family Nature Series

Vernal Pools - Family Nature Series with Essex County Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs

Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs team up for this event for all ages! What sound do frogs make? Turns out, they make a lot of different sounds! Come meet the residents of the vernal pools to learn who says ribbit, quack, chirp, peep and more!

When: 
Saturday, April 6, 2024 10-11:30am

Snakes of New England at TOHP Library

Albino Milk Snake being held by a child at Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team demonstration

Come to a Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team presentation on snakes, exotic and local, at the TOHP Burnham Public Library. Kids will learn all about the habitat and lives of snakes from New England and beyond from Rick Roth, Executive Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.

When: 
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 4-5pm

All Family Field Trip | Harbor Seals and Signs of Spring

Joppa Flats Education Center hosts an outing at the Salisbury Beach State Reservation in search of coastal wildlife.

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore with naturalists from the Joppa Flats Education Center. Our engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local forests, beaches, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!

When: 
Thursday, March 14, 2024 10am-Noon

Fiddleheads | Preschool Drop-Off Series

The Fiddlehead program at Appleton Farms encourages kids 3-5 to explore their environment in Ipswich Massachusetts

Spring has sprung! It is an excellent time of year for exploring and learning on the farm. We will be planting and harvesting in our garden, taking care of our animals and finding all the signs of spring that nature divulges. Join us on Wednesday mornings from 9:30AM to 12:30PM for a preschool drop-off series to educate your preschooler on farm animals, life cycles, plant parts, and farm fun!

When: 
Wednesdays through March 20-June 12, 2024 9:30am-12:30pm
No Session April 17, 2024
Location: 

Snakes of New England and the World

Albino Milk Snake being held by a child at Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team demonstration

Come to a Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team presentation on snakes, exotic and local, at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library. Kids will learn all about the habitat and lives of snakes from New England and beyond  from Rick Roth, Executive Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.

When: 
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 6:30-7:30pm

Live Animal Presentation at Halibut Point

Come to Halibut Point State Park for a live animal presentation featuring turtles, frogs and salamanders.

Come to a Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team presentation at Halibut Point State Park to get an up-close view and learn all about vernal pond creatures you may find in your own backyard. Live vernal pond animals will visit Halibut Point with educator Rick Roth of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.

When: 
Saturday, April 27, 2024 11-12:30pm

Curious Creatures at IPL

Curious Creatures live animal presentation at Ipswich Public Library in Massachusetts

Ipswich Public Library hosts Curious Creatures, New England's original ​interactive and educational ​live animal program. Their staff of experienced and professional exhibitors teach respect and appreciation for exotic and unusual animals. The  presentation is hands-on, interactive and can be tailored to meet your individual needs. We include interesting facts and stories about our creatures in an educational and entertaining environment.

When: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 10-11:45am

CraneExplorer: Owls Up Close!

Trustees of Reservations features live owl demonstration with Eyes on Owls at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

The Trustees host live owl presentations by Marcia and Mark Wilson of Eyes On Owls. Meet 6 live owls up close and personal! By sharing photos, stories, and live owl demonstrations, the Wilsons highlight our local owls’ unique adaptations, habitats and behaviors in the wild, while sharing tips on how you can look and listen for owls yourself. And everyone gets to practice the owls’ calls during the hooting lessons!

When: 
Saturday, February 24, 2024 1-2pm or 4-5:15pm

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Sing & Dance with the Music Man

Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

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

Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
10:00 am to 5:00 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

Wednesday, May 1

STEM Club at MPL

Stem Club for kids in grades 3-6 at the public library in Manchester Public Library
This club is for grades 3-6 and meets every second Friday of the month from 3:45-4:45. Join Miss Audrey for some hands on science fun!
3:45 pm to 4:45 pm

Stargazing at Mendel Observatory

Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
7:00 pm

Thursday, May 2

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

Sing & Dance with the Music Man

Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

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

Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Marblehead Junior Class Carnival

The Marblehead Carnival is a fundraiser for the Marblehead High School junior class!
Come join the annual Marblehead Carnival sponsored by Junior Class at Devereaux Beach. Each year this carnival serves as a major fundraiser.  You'll find rides, games, and great food!
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Friday, May 3

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

Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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