April Vacation

Adventure Day: Winged Wonders

Kids will explore and learn about the winged creatures of IRWS for Spring break

Kids will learn about the winged creatures that inhabit the sanctuary at this vacation week program. Spring is in full swing and all our flying friends are in a frenzy. If it has wings, we'll find it, and learn about the different ways creatures use their wings. Using binoculars, nets, and bug boxes, we'll take an up-close look at birds, dragonflies, butterflies, and other insects that make their homes at the sanctuary.

When: 
Tuesday, April 17, 2019 8:30am-3pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Discovery
April Vacation
Mass Audubon

Beverly Commons Hike

Learn about the area once called the "witches' woods" while enjoying the new greenery in Beverly Massachsuetts.

Learn about the area once called the "witches' woods" while enjoying the new greenery. Beverly Commons Conservation Area is 126 acres of trails of all kinds-- soft dirt, rock slabs, bog bridge, and old carriage road. Learn about the history of the conservation area while we get our arms and legs moving on this fun hike.

When: 
Thursday, April 18, 2019 9:30-11:30am
Location: 
Beverly Commons Conservation Area
Beverly
Hike
History
Walk
April Vacation

Adventure Day: Soil Scientist

Kids will explore the IRWS and find out what lives in the soil there!

Kids will get their hands dirty and dig into the science of soil at this April vacation session. Meet the critters of the sanctuary that call dirt home. Worms, millipedes, sow bugs, weasels, and voles are a few soil creatures that we will hope to see. Find out what it takes to make a garden grow, before preparing and planting your own take-home garden.

When: 
Friday, April 19, 2019 8:30am-3pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Discovery
April Vacation
Mass Audubon

Adventure Day: Water World

Kids will get a close-up look at creatures and bugs that live in IRWS wetlands.

Wetlands are wonderful places full of fascinating animals and plants. Together we will discover the wetland habitats of the sanctuary. We'll hike to Hassocky Meadow and search for ducks, turtles, snakes, and more. We will continue our explorations at a real vernal pool and look for breeding salamanders, wood frogs, and their egg masses.

When: 
Thursday, April 18, 2019 8:30am-3pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Discovery
Mass Audubon
April Vacation

Farmer for a Day: Dairy Detectives

This April vacation program at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts will follow the farms dairy operation.

The farm is coming alive in April and there is so much to do! Dig into vacation at Appleton Farms and become a farmer for a day (or 4)! You’ll get to help care for our animals, learn to grow and eat farm fresh food, create natural crafts, and explore the farm as it wakes up to spring!  Your little farmers will come home with stories of adventure, a deeper understanding of where their food comes from, a sense of responsibility, and memories made with new friends. This session will focus on Appleton Farm's dairy operations.

When: 
Friday, April 20, 2018 9am-12pm
Location: 
Appleton Farms
Ipswich
Exploration
Farm
April Vacation

April Vacation Treks & Trails: Joppa Flats

Identifying Minnows with naturalists from the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport Massachusetts. Photo by Lisa Hutchings

Joppa Flats Education Center helps families beat the blahs and keep minds active and hands busy during school break! Head out into the wild with kids and families for great outdoor explorations this April vacation. For families with children ages 3 and up, School and Youth Education Coordinator Lisa Hutchings heads a program where kids will to learn all about the "nursery of the sea" with our salt marsh science stations including live minnow ID, salinity experiments, and a chance to meet some of the live inhabitants of the salt marsh.

When: 
Thursday, April 19, 2018 10am-Noon
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Exploration
Scavenger Hunt
Science
Nature
Conservation
April Vacation
Crafts
Mass Audubon

Summits & Sea Creatures with Joppa Flats

Hike Mount Agamenticus in Maine with Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center during April Vacation!

Joppa Flats Education Center invites teens and tweens to explore a mountaintop and the ocean in one day - it's the best of both worlds! We'll start at Long Sands Beach, where we'll investigate the tide pools for marine life. The, we'll hike up Mount Agamenticus, where we'll keep an eye out for plants and animals unique to mountain habitats, and for evidence of the glaciers that covered the area thousands of years ago. We promise a lunch break, raptor search, and games at the summit! The two-mile hike is a combination of gentle and moderately hilly terrain. This is a great mountain for beginners and is full of natural history interest for more experienced hikers.

When: 
Friday, April 20, 2018 9am-3:30pm
Location: 
Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
Newburyport
Exploration
Scavenger Hunt
Science
Nature
Conservation
April Vacation
Crafts
Mass Audubon

Vacation Week Flyby: Birds and Buds

Buds are a certain sign of Spring, and appear magically at the turn of the Seaso

Joppa Flats Education Center offers April vacation programs offering a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities - keeping minds active and hands busy during school break! Come all day or as your schedule allows! This Vacation Week Flyby will focus on the birds and Spring buds.

When: 
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 10am-3pm
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Exploration
Scavenger Hunt
Science
Nature
Conservation
April Vacation
Crafts
Mass Audubon

Pages

Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay
“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
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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...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Red, White & Blue Pancake Breakfast
Pancake Breakfast at Tuck's Point Manchester Ma is a July 4th tradition!
The Annual Red, White & Blue Pancake Breakfast at Tuck's Point will feature live music, pony rides, a great breakfast and more at the beautiful seaside setting of Tuck's Point! There of course will be pancakes with all the fixings, eggs, bacon, coffee, pony rides and face painting for the kids...
Where: Tuck's Point
7:30 am to 11:30 am
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Haverhill Farmers' Market
Haverhill Farmers Market, North Shore Farmers Market, Cape Ann Farmers Marke
The vibrant, colorful Haverhill Farmers Market is where local farmers and food producers meet to sell directly to the community. Established in 1978, the Haverhill Farmers Market mission is to provide access to farm-fresh products and promote local agriculture, as well as serve as a social...
Where: Haverhill Farmers' Market
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Interpretation Station at Maudslay

Learn about the bloom cycles at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Join the park interpreter at this station to discover the many park perks at Maudslay! Each week a different feature and area will be highlighted. Check the board at each entrance to find the location of the Interpretation Station. For all ages.
Where: Maudslay State Park
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
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Rockport Farmers' Market
The Rockport Farmers' Market runs every Saturday at Rockport Music in Downtown Rockport!
The Rockport Farmers Market offers a variety of locally-grown produce, hand-crafted products, baked goods, and live music. It provides a community space to support local farmers and artisans.
Where: Harvey Park - Rockport
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Marblehead Farmers' Market
Find fresh local produce and other foods at the Marblehead Farmer's Market!
The Marblehead Farmer's Market boasts 15+ local farms, and booths with an educational spin nutrition, vendors and farms selling homemade prepared goods and craft vendors that are switched up in a rotation basis week to week. Additionally there are entertainers and exhibits by environmentally...
Where: Marblehead Farmers' Market
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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CraneOutdoors: Kayak Historic Fox Creek
Kayak the twists and turns of Fox Creek in Ipswich with the Trustees of Reservations
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...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
9:00 am to 12:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Andover Farmers' Market
Find Fresh Local Produce at the Andover Massachusetts Farmers Market North of Boston
The Andover Farmers Market is a vibrant hub connecting local farmers, artisans and the community through the joy of local food. Whether you come for carrots or conversation, it is a place to nourish the body, mind and spirit.
Where: South Church in Andover
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Crane Outdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River
Take a guided kayak paddle adventure on the Castle Neck River with the Trustees of Reservations!
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...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Amesbury Days 5k
Start a new summer tradition with the Amesbury Days 5k on July 4th weekend.
Hosted by High5Em, and sponsored by Amesbury Chevrolet. Make some fitness and fun part of your Amesbury Day celebrations with this Amesbury Days 5k event, whether you want to run, jog or walk, this event caters for all abilities. 
Where: Amesbury Heritage Park, Where: Downtown Amesbury
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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Amesbury Days Celebration
Amesbury Days is a celebration of the onset of Summer and community.
Amesbury Days is a a 8-day celebration of all things Amesbury that kicks off the summer with fun and exciting community events in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Fireworks, a block party and a 5k walk/run will be just some of the highlights of this years' Amesbury Days celebration. There will be events...
Where: Amesbury Town Park, Where: Downtown Amesbury, Where: Amesbury Heritage Park
9:00 am to 9:00 pm
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Saint Peter's Fiesta | Saturday
A highlight event at St. Peter's Fiesta in Gloucester, MA is the infamous Greasy Pole contest near Pavilion Beach
The Saint Peter's Fiesta is an annual festival in Gloucester, Massachusetts celebrating the city's fishing heritage, close-knit families, community, and religious traditions.  The five-day celebration includes a carnival, live entertainment, and unique traditional events like the infamous 'Greasy...
Where: Saint Peter's Square, Where: Beach Court, Where: Pavilion Beach Gloucester
10:00 am to 11:30 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Guided Tour | When Granite Was King!
Find out the story behind the history of granite quarrying at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Massachusetts!
Halibut Point State Park is also a granite quarry with a history that goes back billions of years! Over one hundred years ago, the Rockport Granite Company quarried granite stone here.
Where: Halibut Point State Park
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

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...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Newburyport Lantern Festival
Greater Newburyport Ovarian Cancer Awarness GNOCA will host the annual Lantern Festival.
Greater Newburyport Ovarian Cancer Awarness GNOCA will host the annual Lantern Festival at Downtown Newburyport. In the Asian tradition, we will remember families & friends & make wishes for the future. Come decorate, light, & float lanterns at dusk.
Where: Bartlet Mall
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
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Fireworks and Beach Concerts at Salisbury Beach
Fourth of July Fireworks at Salisbury Beach include a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach.
Join us at Salisbury Beach for an unforgettable family night out! Every Saturday through the summer, enjoy spectacular fireworks (weather permitting) that light up the sky. Before the fireworks, there's a live concert starting at 7:30 PM on the Salisbury Oceanfront Stage, perfect for families with...
Where: Salisbury Beach Stage
7:30 pm to 11:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Firefly Foray
Come Explore Maudslay State Park on a Firefly Expedition in Newburyport Massachusetts!
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.
Where: Maudslay State Park
8:30 pm to 9:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Wednesday, July 2

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Waterfront Concerts @ Crocker Park in Marblehead
Marblehead Festival of Arts hosts live music performances throughout Fourth of July weekend at Crocker Park
The Marblehead Festival of the Arts hosts its  58th Performing Arts Program featuring 16 acts over 4 nights and 3 days. As always, we thank the Town of Marblehead for the opportunity to present our program in the beautiful natural concert venue that is Crocker Park and to you, for your generous...
Where: Downtown Marblehead
12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

The Backyard Growcery
Join Backyard Growers at Burnham's Field in Gloucester Massachusetts for a weekly Farmer's Market
Stop by Gloucester’s new weekly farmers market, the Backyard Growcery, managed by Backyard Growers. The Backyard Growcery is located at Burnham's Field, an urban park near Gloucester’s thriving waterfront, and features small-scale North Shore farmers, bakers, a seafood vendor, an artisanal pizza...
Where: Burnham's Field
2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Topsfield HomeGrown Market
Come to Topsfield Massachusetts Common for a homegrown market on the Wednesdays through July
The mission of the HomeGrown Market is to provide the Topsfield community with a series of family-friendly events that emphasize supporting local and offer the opportunity for Topsfield and surrounding North Shore farmers, gardeners, artisans, creators, performers, musicians, nonprofits, young...
Where: Topsfield Town Common
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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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
Where: Mendel Observatory at Merrimack College
7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Thursday, July 3

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay
“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →
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