Exploration

Full Moon & Folklore Walk at Appleton Farms

Hike at the Trustees Appleton Farms with your family under the Full Moon in Ipswich Massachusetts!

Join us at as darkness settles on the farm to immerse yourself in a nighttime adventure, guided only by the glow of the full moon. We will start the evening at the farmhouse where we will learn about the mysteries that the full moon holds, and read folk lore from around the world that celebrates her presence. We will then venture out into the night to walk in her soft glow and listen for the sounds of nighttime on the farm. The evening will end with hot chocolate and a newfound appreciate for the magic that the night sky holds.

When: 
Saturday, November 25, 2023 5-6:30pm
Thursday, December 28, 2023 6-7:30pm
Friday, January 26, 2024 5:30-7pm
Location: 

Tour | When Granite Was King!

Find out the story behind the history of granite quarrying at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport!

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. Learn about the buildings, bridges, and breakwaters built to last. Touch tools of the trade. Find out how they moved these large, heavy stone pieces, and how they “paved” dirt streets in our Nation’s growing cities—and around the world! Heavy rain/snow cancels.

When: 
Tuesdays, December 5, 12 & 19 11am-12:30pm

All Family Field Trips: Mushroom Hunting

Join the hunt for mushrooms with Massachusetts Audubon in Gloucester Massachusetts

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!

When: 
Friday, November 10, 2023 10am-Noon

Farmer for a Day | Winter Break Week

Appleton Farm's Farmer for a Day program is geared to children aged 6-9 in Ipswich Massachusetts

Ever wanted to know what a farmer’s life is like? Find out at Appleton Farms for one or more of our “Farmer for a Day” drop-off programs! In the holiday week before New Years, we’ll be exploring a farmer’s life through authentic barnyard chores, fun-filled farm adventures, and traditional crafts. On one day, your child may learn about dairy farming through hands-on games and a tour of the milking barn. On another, they’ll discover the process of making clothes by collecting fibers from our Angora rabbits and creating yarn of their own. Every day, they’ll explore the forests and fields of Appleton, enjoy a craft and a story, and get their hands dirty with animal chores!

When: 
Tuesday-Friday, December 27-30, 2022 9am-Noon
Location: 

Inclusive Hiking Experience with Waypoint Adventures

 Join Trustees staff in conjunction with Waypoint Adventure for an inclusive hike around Ravenswood Reservation in Gloucester Massachusetts!

Welcome all! Join Trustees staff in conjunction with Waypoint Adventure for an inclusive hike around Ravenswood Reservation. This special outing invites individuals both with and without disabilities to participate in an outdoor adventure. Enjoy connecting with nature and other hikers in a safe and supportive environment.

When: 
Saturday, November 18, 2023 10am-1pm
Location: 

Autumn Adventure Walk

Walk the trails of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary looking for signs of animals preparing for winter!

Focus your "peepers" on more than just leaves this fall! Autumn is an exciting time of change in nature, when both plants and animals get ready for the coming cold. Walk the sanctuary trails while investigting some of the signs of this beautiful season. Learn about the amazing ways that plants and animals prepare themselves for survival and test some of your own skills.

When: 
Saturday, November 4, 2023 10-11:30am

Cranberry Bogging at Parker River Wildlife Refuge

Discover and explore the cranberry bogs at Parker River Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport

Join us for a tour of the naturally occurring cranberry bogs on the refuge! Get behind the scenes to learn about the history, ecology, and wildlife in the bogs. Then, pick your own bag of cranberries to take home!  *Note: Waterproof shoes recommended - the bog is wet.

When: 
November 10, 2023 1-2:30pm
November 15, 2023 1-2:30pm

Fiddleheads | Preschool Drop-Off Series

The Fiddlehead program at Appleton Farms encourages kids 3-5 to explore their environment in Ipswich Massachusetts

Fall is here and harvest is in full swing! It’s a great time for your preschooler to learn what our fields, barnyard, and forest have to offer. Join us on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-12:30 for a preschool drop-off series on farm animals, life cycles, plant parts, and farm fun!

When: 
Wednesdays through November 29, 2023 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: 

Otters, Beavers, and Muskrats, Oh My!

Join us as we look for elusive river mammals at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: American Beaver ©Scott Santino

Wetlands are home to many fascinating creatures, including some unique mammals. While visiting the numerous wetlands on the sanctuary, we will explore active and abandoned beaver lodges, scan the marshes for signs of muskrats, and search for signs of otter activity. With a little luck, we may see some of these mammals making their final preparations for winter.

When: 
Saturday, December 2, 2023 10-11:30am
Saturday, December 9, 2023 10-11:30am
Saturday, December 16, 2023 10-11:30am

Pages

Sea Festival of Trees at Blue Ocean Event Center Salisbury MA

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Salisbury Tree Lighting

Come to Salisbury Massachusetts for the Annual Tree lighting an lots of community holiday fun!
This year's Tree Lighting will celebrate all of the old traditions and has added some new just for YOU! The Tuesday after Thanksgiving will be jam packed with free activities for folks of ALL ages. Come join the fun for some long lasting holiday memories!
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

Wednesday, November 29

Fiddleheads | Preschool Drop-Off Series

The Fiddlehead program at Appleton Farms encourages kids 3-5 to explore their environment in Ipswich Massachusetts
Fall is here and harvest is in full swing! It’s a great time for your preschooler to learn what our fields, barnyard, and forest have to offer. Join us on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-12:30 for a preschool drop-off series on farm animals, life cycles, plant parts, and farm fun!
9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Nature Playgroup at Appleton Farms

Come to Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts for a nature playgroup for toddlers
To encourage outdoor play and familiarity with the natural world, a nature-based toddler play group will be held at Appleton Farms every Wednesday. Come to one or all of the sessions, explore the fields and forest, and imagine hidden worlds beneath our feet and above our heads.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

MPL: Mother Goose Storytime

Manchester Public Library Storytime with Miss Audrey Manchester by the Sea Massachusetts
Join Miss Audrey for Storytime for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers! We'll share books, songs, and games. Registration is required each week as space is limited.
10:30 am

Cow Connection at Appleton Farms

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for Cow Connection in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come and meet, cuddle, brush, scratch, talk, and sit with our hand-raised cows at Appleton Farms! The mild heart rate and warm body temperature of the cows induces a slowing of our own heart rate, as well as the release of Oxytocin, our social bonding hormone. Visit our scenic and historic dairy...
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Trustees Winterlights at Stevens Coolidge Place

The Trustees of Reservations Winterlights at the Stevents-Coolidge Place North Andover North Andover.
Winterlights is back! Join the Trustees for a magical outdoor experience at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, and see the gardens aglow with your favorite light installations as well as marveling at new components. Bring the whole family for a fun and safe outdoor experience. Winterlights runs...
4:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Wreath Making Workshop

Annual Wreath Making Workshop at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum
Join us at the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum as Susie Talbot guides the group through decorating a 20" wreath. Susie is an extraordinarily talented individual who not only designed, but takes care of our front gardens. Amongst her many talents is decorating Holiday greens.
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

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
7:00 pm

Thursday, November 30

Marblehead Christmas Walk

The Marblehead Christmas Walk is several days of local Holiday events in Marblehead Massachusetts
The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce invites you to Marblehead to enjoy several days of holiday festivities, family events and activities!  Come for one or all days with highlights that include Santa's arrival by lobster boat,Festive shopping, Tree Lightings, a holiday parade, Artisan Markets,...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Science Thursday at Essex Library

CFCE's Science Thursdays at the TOHP Library in Essex Massachusetts!
Please join Ms. Christine for some STEAM fun! Children ages 2-6yo and their adult will listen to stories, then explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math!
9:00 am to 10:00 am

Sea Festival of Trees in Salisbury

Experience the joy and excitement of Salisbury’s most popular holiday tradition with glittering trees, indoor ice skating, Santa visits and more,
Now entering its 11th year, SeaFestival of Trees is a popular seasonal event that attracts 25,000+ people annually. This annual holiday fundraiser presents a magnificent display of Christmas trees donated and decorated by regional businesses, individuals, student groups, families and organizations...
11:00 am to 8:00 pm
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