You’ve always wanted to know about those flashing insects who come out at night. Here’s your chance! Learn about the life of a firefly, then go on a walk to observe firefly behavior and see them close up. Bring a net or jar to catch (and release) fireflies.
Maudslay State Park has created this program for their youngest crowd! The park interpreter will lead a weekly nature themed preschool aged program that involves a story time and outdoor exploration of Maudslay trails and gardens!
Kids Bowl Free is a program where select bowling centers offer free bowling to kids all summer long. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.
There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading into the dunes to explore it’s trails under the light of the full moon. This is a great opportunity to get the kids outside, share the joys of nature at twillight, and bond with your family.
Immerse your family in the heartwarming experience of being up close and personal with one of our favorite farm animals – cows! Cuddle, brush, and sit with our hand-raised cows at Appleton Farms. Visit our scenic and historic farm and enjoy Family Cow Connection session with our two Jersey Dairy Cows, Gray and Jasmine. This class is designed for young children alongside their parents to get up close and personal with our friendly cattle in their paddock or pasture guided by an Appleton Livestock Farmer. Come learn all about cattle and how we raise livestock for food at Appleton Farms.
One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a vast barrier beach that protects the tidal estuary of the Essex River basin. Running along its back side is the Castle Neck River, a superb location for paddlers of all skill levels to explore these sheltered waters.
The Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England—is not only brimming with fascinating natural history, it is also home to a rich cultural history. Nowhere is this more evident than in the meandering waters of Fox Creek. Connecting the tidal estuaries of the Essex River basin and the Ipswich River, it contains the oldest saltwater canal in the United States and the remains of the historic Robinson’s Shipyard, where over 100 minesweepers used in WWII were once built.
Stroll our seaside treasure with birding basics. Hear the symphony of spring bird song! Watch for them at the field’s, woodland’s, and ocean’s edge. Learn about their sounds, habits, and flight patterns. Enjoy extraordinary views.
The Pan-Mass Challenge North Shore Kids' Ride will be one of many PMC Kids Rides held in neighborhoods throughout New England and beyond. Kids from Gloucester, Rockport, Beverly, Salem, Ipswich, Manchester, Hamilton-Wenham and other North Shore Towns will be riding in this event. Through the PMC Kids Rides program, nearly 6,000 cyclists between the ages of two and 15 will ride between one and 26 miles in mini-bike-a-thons to raise money for cancer research.
This April Vacation, young visitors are invited to discover the art and history of Cape Ann at the CAM Green! Explore the newest exhibition, Breath of Life – C.B. Fisk, Designers & Builders of Pipe Organs to learn about these incredible instruments. View intricate models of the architectural spaces and pipe organs they design, see tools used in the construction process, take an audio scavenger hunt, and enjoy one of the daily drop-in art making activities.
