Pre-School

Crane Beach WinterFest

Bring the whole family out to celebrate the season at the Trustees of Reservations Crane Beach in Ipswich Massachusetts

Nothing is more magical than Crane Beach in the winter time! Bring the whole family out to celebrate the season at Crane Beach. Enjoy the serene winter landscape of one of New England’s most treasured coastal destinations while enjoying the band and a hot beverage around a warm glowing fire. Cap off the evening with a visit to the Beach Store for your favorite gear and a star-soaked view of Crane Beach after sunset!

When: 
Friday, February 24, 2023 6-9pm

Eagle Festival Field Trips

Families are invited to take a field trip with Joppa Flats naturalists to search for Bald Eagles in the Newburyport area

Bald Eagles are our goal as we search the skies and trees near the mouth of the Merrimack River on Eagle Festival Saturday. Choose among eight opportunities to join us to observe the surprises among all our winter-visiting birds, including many species of raptors, ducks, and more. Families with children ages 8 and above are welcome. Prices for these hour-and-a-half programs are deeply discounted, thanks to the generosity of our Eagle Festival sponsors, Boston Partners Financial Group and Newburyport Bank.

When: 
Friday, February 18, 2023
4 Morning Sessions 9:30-11am
4 Afternoon Sessions 12:30-2pm

Becoming a Wildlife Detective

What animals do you see in winter?  Kids will learn about how animals survive the winter months

Even in the middle of winter, nature is a very busy “place!” Though you may not see them, there are an amazing variety of critters going about their business, outdoors, all winter long. What you can see are the tracks and other sign that they leave behind. Participants in this program will be able to explore selected areas to look for clues that paint a picture of “who was here” and “what they were doing.” Participants should meet the ranger at the Hellcat Trail in parking lot 4. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. This program is appropriate for people of all ages and skill sets.

When: 
Sunday, January 29, 2023 10-11:30am

New Year's Eve at NH Children's Museum

New Year's Eve at Children's Museum of New Hampshire.

There is no better way to ring in the New Year with family and friends of all ages than at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. Ring in the New Year before bedtime! Our annual daytime New Year's Eve Celebration is a long-time family favorite.

When: 
Saturday, December 31, 2022 10am - 3pm

Parent & Child Build a Birdfeeder

Build a Birdfeeder with your child that attracts birds to your yard this winter.

Brighten up your yard this winter with a bird feeder handmade by you and your child. Each family will receive a kit containing all the necessary parts and step-by-step instructions to build a feeder that will attract chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals, and many other birds to your yard. A short presentation will highlight the birds that commonly come to feeders, and we will also observe birds in the sanctuary's bird garden. Please bring a hammer!

When: 
Wednesday, December 28, 2022 1-3pm

Nature Walk Wednesdays | Forest and Salt Marsh Walk

Stroll through the coastal forest and discover what lives in the marsh with naturalists from Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport

Miss Lisa invites you to join her for some family-friendly seasonal nature walks in the area. Together we will explore the salt marsh, the woods, and more. We will look for birds, mammals, and of course, mushrooms! We'll use our "science eyes" and "nature ears" and learn, play, and discover together. What changes will you find as we walk through the woods and into a salt marsh? We'll be looking for snails in the salt meadow hay, birds and mammals as they prepare for winter, fish in the marsh waters, and fungi and lichen on trees and logs.

When: 
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 10-11:30am

Children's Wreath Workshop at Marini Farm

Kids will learn how to make holiday wreaths at Marini Farm in Ipswich MA!

Join us for a fun-filled evening of creativity and laughter! Our Wreath Decorating Parties take place in our heated greenhouse. Included in the ticket price is a 12" wreath, fresh greens, berries, ribbon, wire, and various decorative items to adorn your wreath. Sizes of wreaths may be upgraded upon ticket purchase for an additional cost.

When: 
Saturday, December 10, 2022 1:30-3pm
Saturday, December 11, 2022 1:30-3pm
Location: 

Nature Walks for Tots: Who Lives Under a Log?

kids will explore the woodlands of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary and discover the creatures that make home under and in logs!

As temperatures cool and autumn arrives, Miss Lisa invites you to join her for some family friendly nature walks. Let's explore the woods, a pond, and the beach to look for creatures like birds, fish, frogs, and more while we learn, play, and explore. We'll use our "science eyes" and "nature ears" and discover wildife together!  It's the busy season at the Log Hotel! Let's visit this habitat to see if we can find insects, salamanders, and other creepy crawlies that are getting ready for a cold winter.

When: 
Saturday, November 12, 2022 1:30-3pm

Coastsweep Beach Cleanup Ipswich

The Trustees of Reservations hosts a Coastsweep marine debris cleanup at Crane Beach and other costal areas in Ipswich Massachusetts!

As part of COASTSWEEP Beach Cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to come to Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate to help in the statewide effort to keep our coastline clean along the shore in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Trash collected will be measured and analyzed, and the data will be sent to Washington DC to aid the government in creating legislation to minimize trash in our oceans!

When: 
Saturday, October 22, 2022 10am

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Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts offers farm-based Summer Programs for kids ages 5-15

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 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

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

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

The Lady of Salem: Maritime Art

Learn about the history of Salem Massachusetts through this unique public art installation self-guided tour!
Discover Salem’s Golden Age of Sail as you uncover clues! Celebrate America’s Maritime History! The Ladies of Salem will have you looking up at whimsical and beautifully designed figureheads gracing lampposts downtown. “What is a figurehead ?” you may ask? It’s a large carved wooden decorative...
8:00 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

Newburyport Farmers' Market

Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine!  Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Open Boarding on the Hannah (AKA the Fame)

Board Schooner Fame at the waterfront in Marblehead Massachusetts as part of trails and sails!
The Hannah, the first of several schooners commissioned by General George Washington, began her career as an armed cruiser in September 1775. To commemorate that important part of Marblehead’s history, the Fame – similar in size and appearance to the Hannah (aka Schooner Fame)– will be docked at...
9:00 am

Rowley Farmers Market

Rowley Farmers Market - a seasonal open-air market every Sunday July-September on Rowley Common
The Rowley Farmers Market is an open air market held on Sundays on the Rowley Town Common.  There's always a great selection of fresh local produce, food stuffs and locally hand-made goods. Come pick up some great locally grown food, freshly baked bread by Faith Anne's Unique bread, specialty teas...
9:00 am to 1:00 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

Step Inside the Historic Custom House

Take in the views of this prominent building where Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked and the U.S. Custom Service operated. This Custom House was built in 1819 and housed offices for the officers of the U.S. Customs Service, as well as an attached warehouse, the Public Stores, used for the storage of...
9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Fairy House Festival at Veasey Park

Fairy House Festival at Veasey Park Groveland Massachusetts Trails and Sails 2023
Walk the trails to see the handcrafted houses at this year’s enchanted Fairy House Festival. Cast your People’s Choice Award vote for your favorite Fairy House. Stay awhile for magical fun, arts and crafts, food, raffles, live music, and more. Rain or shine. Anyone is welcome to submit a house.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Fair in the Square

Fair in the Square is a Salisbury Days event in the middle of Salisbury Massachusetts
Fair in the Square is a time- honored tradition celebrating each other and showcasing our charming  town. Come shop local vendors and makers offering a wide variety of goods from local honey and bee related products to jewelry to facepainting to artists and more!
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

North Andover Farmers' Market

North Andover Farmers Market every Sunday Through October 2, 2022
The North Andover Farmers Market is the perfect destination for anyone living in the Merrimack Valley or the North Shore to shop and enjoy locally-sourced products. The market will take place in the center of town at the intersection of First Street and Main Street. The market has become known for...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Marini Farm Corn Maze

The 2025 Marini Farm Corn Maze in Ipswich Massachusetts is themed for The Wizard of Oz
Come to Marini Farm for a fun journey through our corn maze! The Maze Park, corn maze, farm stand, bakery and other attractions provide a great destination for kids birthday parties, school trips, corporate team building, scout outings, and family activities. Marini Farm is located in beautiful...
10:00 am to 10:00 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

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

Salisbury Days: Touch a Truck

Kids (and adults) can get up close and personal with all kinds of trucks in Salisbury Massachusetts
Salisbury Days are hosting a Touch-A-Truck event! Get up close and personal with all the trucks/unique vehicles you see on the road. Meet the people who drive them and learn about what they do!
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Vintage BaseBall at Spencer-Peirce Little Farm

Come see how baseball used to be played at Spencer Pierce Little Farm. Photo: Matthew Muise Photography
It’s Base Ball, 1864 style at Spencer Peirce Little Farm! These fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching and no gloves are allowed. A ball bounced once and caught is an out! Snacks, baseballs, and cards are available for purchase. Come and see for yourself how this game was...
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Fireman's Muster in Salisbury

Join the fun of the Fireman's Muster in the heart of Salisbury Massachusetts as part of Salisbury Days
The Town of Salisbury hosts a fireman's muster as part of Salisbury Days! Come join the fun with your family and watch the teamwork involved in this New England Tradition! As Part of Salisbury Days Celebration, on Sunday, in addition to the Muster event attendees can enjoy:
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Brocklebank Museum Open House

Explore the Brocklebank Museum in Georgetown Massachusetts as part of Trails and Sails!
Visit the Brocklebank Museum, built in the late 1600s, with ties to the abolitionist movement and the famous Beecher family. tep back in time to the birth of our Nation. The Revolutionary War era in Essex County. Stop by and visit the Georgetown Historical Society in our tavern room at the...
1:00 pm to 4:00 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

Nice n' Easy Hike at Maudslay State Park

Take a nice n' easy stroll at Muadslay State Park with your family in Newburyport Massachusetts!
Take a nice n' easy stroll at Bradley Palmer State Park with your family! Join the park interpreter for a basic recreational hike to explore the diverse landscape on a variety of trails through different areas of the park. For all ages.
2:00 pm

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm 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

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

Sunday, September 28

Brocklebank Museum Open House

Explore the Brocklebank Museum in Georgetown Massachusetts as part of Trails and Sails!
Visit the Brocklebank Museum, built in the late 1600s, with ties to the abolitionist movement and the famous Beecher family. tep back in time to the birth of our Nation. The Revolutionary War era in Essex County. Stop by and visit the Georgetown Historical Society in our tavern room at the...
1:00 pm to 4:00 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

Nice n' Easy Hike at Maudslay State Park

Take a nice n' easy stroll at Muadslay State Park with your family in Newburyport Massachusetts!
Take a nice n' easy stroll at Bradley Palmer State Park with your family! Join the park interpreter for a basic recreational hike to explore the diverse landscape on a variety of trails through different areas of the park. For all ages.
2:00 pm

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm 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

Monday, September 29

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

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

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

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
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