Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the North Shore. Joppa Flats' engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!
Start the summer right by hitting the trail in the dunes and taking in the beautiful scenery of Castle Neck. We’ll take a brisk stroll through some of the unique environments of the dune system and if we’re lucky we’ll spot some seasonal wildlife including Piping Plovers!
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. Some mammals store food, grow thicker fur, and make dens or burrows in winter. Let's find out which animals are active and look for their tracks in the snow!
The Newbuyrport Yankee Homecoming Bed Race is an annual event in Newburyport hosted by the Lions Club of Newburyport. The race is a ¼ mile team sprint down Federal Street to the finish line. Each team consists of 3 pushers, 2 pullers and a 'sleeper', and the goal is to get to the finish line with the bed and sleeper in the fastest time! This is a fun event for the community and always draws a big crowd. Come cheer on your favorite team, or just watch the fun! Funds raised will go to Lions Club charities.
Come 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! How do these birds stay warm, find food, and otherwise survive our chilly winters? We’ll learn about bird identification techniques, anatomy, and adaptations, and how to use field guides and birding apps available to anyone with a smartphone.
Joppa Flats Education Center invites families to drop in to meet live caterpillars, moths, and butterflies! Learn how to attract birds and other wildlife to your own yard and safely identify insects. Enjoy a Backyard Bug Hunt with our naturalists, join in a Monarch Migration Relay Race, and take home a fun craft or two.
Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Kid's Day in the Park in hosted by the Newburyport Exchange Club. Activities are free and include:
This popular event begins with a workshop where participants construct model boats from kits that are provided at the Lee Mansion Gardens, and ends with a competetive regatta at Redd's Pond. BRING THE KIDS - BRING YOUR FOLKS - BUILD & SAIL YOUR VERY OWN BOAT! These small treasures are more than just toys, they really sail. This is a fun, educational activity the whole family will enjoy.
Families, Friends, and Beachgoers of all ages! Bring your buckets, shovels, and creativity to this cherished festival family event. Register your Family or group to build a castle or sculpture together! Entry is free and open to all ages and families at the start of the event. Please bring your own buckets, shovels, and building tools! We will have some extras available on site if needed. Entries will be judged by a small team of local children, and prizes given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as a Spirit Award.
Join Three Moons Rising Gift Shop and create your own flying art! Buy a kite kit on site or BYO Kite! Whether flying a kite or just attending for the fun, the multitude of kites in the sky are a site to enjoy.
