Maple Stroll at Appleton Farms
Visit the historic maple stand and sugar shack at Appleton Farms and learn all about maple sugaring, its history at the farm and in New England, and how you can try your hand at it at home!
Visit the historic maple stand and sugar shack at Appleton Farms and learn all about maple sugaring, its history at the farm and in New England, and how you can try your hand at it at home!
Each year on the first warm rainy night of spring, wood frogs and mole salamanders begin a mass migration to the vernal pools where they breed. If you happen to be out on one of these evenings, the experience can be like a spectacular amphibian celebration. It's called "Big Night!" For families and kids ages 4 and up.
Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore. Our 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! For kids 4-11.
Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore. Our 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! For kids aged 4-11.
Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore. Our 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!
Spring has sprung! It is an excellent time of year for exploring and learning on the farm. We will be planting and harvesting in our garden, taking care of our animals and finding all the signs of spring that nature divulges. Join us on Wednesday mornings from 9:30AM to 12:30PM for a preschool drop-off series to educate your preschooler on farm animals, life cycles, plant parts, and farm fun!
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.
The Museum is free all day for Cape Ann residents* on the second Saturday of every month in 2021! The second Saturday of every month is free for Cape Ann families. Pre-registration and timed tickets are required.
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.
Join IRWS sugaring staff for a 2 hour, small group, maple sugaring experience! You'll learn how to identify a sugar maple, tap it, and produce delicious maple syrup in the traditional New England way!