Adults

Butterfly Walk at Ward Reservation

Learn all about butterflies on this FREE guided hike at The Trustees of Reservations' Ward Reservation!

Join butterfly expert, Howard Hoople, on a walk through the trails of Ward Reservation’s forests and fields in search of the butterflies and moths that make this special place home. Even if the butterflies/moths are scarce, you will learn a lot about why they like this beautiful property.

When: 
Saturday, June 8, 2024 1-3pm
Location: 

Family Solstice Full Moon Beach Hike

Walk the beach under the full moon with naturalists from Joppa Flats Education Center

Have you ever gone tide pooling as the sun is setting or explored a a sandy beach under the light of a full moon? Engage in on-the-beach nocturnal experiments about night vision, bioluminescence and more. Attract live minnows with your flashlight and watch barnacles open up to feed. For kids ages 4-11.

When: 
Friday, June 21, 2024 5-7pm

Salt Marsh Boat Tour with Parker River NWR

Learn how Plum Island and the Great Marsh were formed and how important they are on this boat tour of the estuary.

Pristine beauty, wide open space, gorgeous views, and the chance to float up and down the peaceful, winding creeks of the world's second most productive ecosystem. Learn how Plum Island and the Great Marsh were formed and how important they are. Boat tours are offered through a private outfitter.  More information can be found by visiting the Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours website or by sending an email to info@harbortours.com

When: 
Saturday, June 8, 2024 11:30am-1:30pm
Thursday, June 21, 2024 10:30-12:30pm

Intro to Vernal Ponds at Sawyer Free

Learn about spotted salamanders and vernal creatures from the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team

Join us to learn all about vernal pools as Rick Roth and the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team share their knowledge and enthusiam with us at 21 Main Street! They will be bringing exhibits of the living things they have found in our local vernal pools to show us some of the critters that rely on this critical wetland habitat. Learn about the three obligate species - spotted salamanders, wood frogs and fairy shrimp that are found on Cape Ann. No registration is needed. This event will be at our 21 Main Street location.

When: 
Saturday, May 4, 2024 11am

Star Gazing with the NSAAC

Join the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club in a to learn about Astronomy at the Hamilton Wenham Public Library

Earth's Moon: How it Came to Be and Why We Have Solar and Lunar Eclipses. In this 30 minute presentation, with North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club (NSAAC) Star Party Coordinator, Brewster LaMacchia, we'll start with a look at the event 4.5 billion years ago, referred to as the Big Splat, that led to the formation of Earth's moon.  Using a variety of simple models we'll develop an intuitive understanding about the moon's orbit around Earth, moon phases, and what it takes for eclipses to happen.  After the presentation we'll head outside to look through telescopes provided by volunteers from the NSAAC.

When: 
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 7:45-9pm

Fantasies and Mythology Concert

Cape Ann Symphony Fantrasies and Mythology Concert in Manchester Massachusetts

Please join  the Cape Ann Symphony Woodwind Quintet and pianist Kathleen Forgac, presenting musical fantasies and works inspired by myths, legends and lore. This program will explore the magical sounds of the woodwind quintet and then showcase each of the instruments alone featuring works by Nielson, Poulenc, Mouquet, Debussy and others.

When: 
Sunday, April 14, 2024 3 pm
Location: 

CraneExplorer: Navigate the Estate

Come to the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts with the Trustees for a scavenger hunt that doubles as an orienteering workshop.

Join this Castle Hill education program and scavenger hunt to learn compass, map reading, and orienteering skills, and use these skills to solve challenges around the Castle Hill trails and grounds. Learn about the habitats, history, and culture of the estate while collecting clues to solve our explorer’s challenge! This program involves walking 1-2 miles over grass, gravel trails, and sand with moderate elevation gain.

When: 
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 10am-Noon

CraneExplorer: Cold Weather Feathers

Come explore the world of our resident winter birds here at Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

Join The Trustees of Reservations to explore the world of our resident winter birds here at Crane—beyond the Snowy Owl! Bring your binoculars (or borrow ours!) and join us in searching the water for Loons, Long-Tail ducks, Eiders, Scoters, Mergansers, and more! In the trees and sky, we might spot birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles, alongside hardy songbirds and woodpeckers. A variety of shorebirds round out the viewing possibilities!

When: 
Thursday, March 24, 2024 10am-Noon

Hoo’s Up for Owls?

Look for owls in the woods of camp Denison in Gerogetown, Massachusetts with the folks from North Shore Nature Programs

March is a great month to look for owls. Both Great Horned and Barred owls will have babies in their nests, so these species tend to be vocal and active. Join us for a short hike through the woods at Camp Denison to look and listen for these majestic birds. We will also keep our ears open for howling coyotes and search Baldpate Pond for beavers!

When: 
Friday, March 29, 2024 7-8:30pm

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Glen Urquhart School Pre-K through 8th grade in Beverly MA

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Trails & Sails

Explore the North Shore with over 150 Free Events in Essex National Heritage Area's Trails & Sails celebration in Massachusetts.
Essex National Heritage Area sites will offer over 150 free family fun events from September 14-29, 2024 for the annual celebration of TRAILS & SAILS. Discover special places in your backyard and be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in...
7:00 am to 10:00 pm

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School in Hmailton Massachusetts hosts their annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture exhibit each Fall. Sculpture: Phoenix by Robin Tost.
Pingree School hosts the 16th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, Massachusetts .
8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Crescent Farm Corn Maze

Crescent Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
Imagine the biggest puzzle you’ve ever seen. Now imagine a day in the sunshine with your friends or family. Now add an adventure that takes teamwork and memory skills. All these things and more can be found at Crescent Farms Corn Maze. Crescent Farm Corn Maze trails cut into 9 acres of corn. Inside...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Gloucester Gratis Days at Hammond Castle

Bring your kids to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts during April Vacation
In keeping with John Hays Hammond, Jr's original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum will offer Gloucester residents free, self-guided tours each Tuesday throughout the regular...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Paddle Around Historic Rockport Harbor

Paddle around Rockport Massachusetts Harbor for FREE as part of Trails and Sails
Come join North Shore Adventures and Outdoor Center for some fun on the water! No experience necessary. Depart from our private beach in one of our safe, stable kayaks or paddle boards and paddle around the historic Rockport Harbor for 30 mins. See lobster boats, Motif #1, the Rockport Break water...
10:30 pm

Saturday, September 20

Salisbury Days Car Show

Come to Salisbury Beach Massachusetts for a classic car show that lasts all weekend!
Calling all fancy cars, motorcycles, and those that love them! Salisbury Days is hosting a classic car & motorcycle show at Salisbury Beach, along and around the Broadway Loop. Hope to see you there! No registration required. FREE for spectators and Exhibitors.
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Marbleheaders in the American Revolution

Glovers Regiment in Marblehead Massachusetts is just one stop on this Trails & Sails tour.
Pick up a program book and experience Revolutionary War-era Marblehead at various sites in the Historic District. Meet the wife of war hero, James Mugford; explore Fort Sewall with Glover’s Regiment; meet diarist Ashley Bowen portrayed by Donald Friary and experience an Anglican service at St....
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Long Hill Garden Tours

Tour the Gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants. Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate...
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Color the Skies with Kites at Salisbury Beach

Kites and Castles at Salisbury Beach is just one event of many for families during Salisbury Days in Massachusetts
Beginners to experts are invited and encouraged to attend. -Parking is FREE at Hunt Memorial Parking Lot on 380 Beach Rd -FREE children's kites (while they last). A Salisbury Days Event.
11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Family Day at the Industrial History Center!

Open House at the Amesbury Carriage Museum and Industrial History Center Massachusetts - a Trails and Sails Event
Join Amesbury Carriage Museum for a hands-on fun-filled day for the whole family at our Open House! Try out our hand-powered machines – test your skills at drilling or winding a bobbin, just like workers did in the mills!
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Historic Port of Ipswich Tour

Ipswich Museum hosts a Trails and Sails Historic Tour of the Town of Ipswich Massachusetts as a port.
Join local history buff, Scott Jewell, on a walk around the town of Ipswich and learn about the fascinating history of its former bustling port. Once a hub of maritime trade and commerce, the fate of the port was intricately tied to the rise and fall of the town’s 18th century economy, and the...
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Step Aboard the Friendship of Salem

Permission to come aboard the Friendship of Salem is granted at Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!
Explore the FRIENDSHIP OF SALEM, a replica tall ship based on a 1796 Salem vessel at Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

History Walk at Maudslay State Park

Kids will learn about the history of Maudslay State Park through storytelling by the park interpretor
Join Maudslay State Park interpreter on a tour of the former Moseley Family estate. There are so many stories about the Moseley’s and their beautiful former estate. Join the park interpreter on a guided tour to view the site of the family mansion and their daughter Helen’s house, both areas are...
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
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