Exploration

Family Open House: Butterflies & Bugs

Joppa Flats will have Free indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families!

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.

When: 
Saturday, July 22, 2023 10am - 3pm

Feed the Beach Creatures - Rocky Shore Residents

You can look at, AND touch the creatures in Joppa Flats touch tank! Feeding time is a lot of fun!

It's time to feed our touch tank animals! Assist our animal husbandry intern team with sorting, identifying, and then feeding all our in-house marine creatures as you learn about their fascinating behaviors and unique habitats. You can help us with sea stars, sea urchins, and rock crabs from the rocky shore; moon snails, surf clams, and hermit crabs from the sandy beach; and minnows, mud whelks, and horseshoe crabs from the salt marsh.

When: 
Wednesdays, June 14-August 16, 2023 4-5:30pm

Turtle Time at IRWS

Kids and families will explore IRWS wetland in search of painted and snapping turtles.

As late spring transitions to early summer, one thing is for sure: it's turtle time! Join us to explore our wetlands in search of these fascinating reptiles. We'll visit areas where turtles like to nest and bask in the sun, look at and touch real turtle shells, and, with a little luck, get an up-close look at a Painted Turtle. We'll conclude with a trip to the Rockery to see if we can summon our resident Snapping Turtle, Godzilla.

When: 
Saturday, June 10, 2023 10-11:30am

Firefly Foray

Come Explore Maudslay State Park on a Firefly Expedition in Newburyport Massachusetts!

Fireflys, also called lightning bugs, appear for only a few weeks in the early summer to delight us with their luminous nighttime dance and light show. In June, the fireflies delight us with their nighttime dance and spectacular light show. Learn about the life of a firefly then go on a walk led by the park interpreter, to observe firefly behavior and see them close up. Bring a net or jar to catch fireflies. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bug spray are recommended.

When: 
Saturdays, June 17 & 24, 2023 8:30-9:30pm

Walk Thru the Mountain Laurels

Maudslay State Park has one of the best shows of flower bloom in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Come walk the laurel loop along the river to view this beautiful area of the park, and learn about the natural, cultural and historical content of this resource rich location. Join the Park Interpreter on the laurel loop along the river to this beautiful area of the park, to discover natural, cultural and historical content of this resource rich location. J.G. Whittier’s famous poem “The Laurels” will be highlighted. For ages 8 & up.

When: 
Saturdays, June 17 & 24, 2023 2-3:30pm

Kidleidoscope

Kidleidoscope at Maudslay State Park is a chance for preschoolers to explore the park, enjoy a story and make a craft!

Maudslay State Park has created this program for their youngest crowd! For the young set that loves nature, the park interpreter will lead a three-part preschool aged program that includes a Story, Craft & Walk that involves outdoor exploration. A different nature topic each week so come every week! Rain or shine. Wear appropriate walking shoes, sunscreen and bring water.

When: 
Fridays through September 2023 11am-Noon

Farmhouse Wood-Fired at Appleton Farms

Farmhouse Wood-Fired Pizza at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts

Join the Trustees at Farmhouse Wood-Fired every Friday through Sunday, throughout the summer and fall. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a perfect wood-fired dining experience surrounded by the idyllic beauty of Appleton Farms. The menu will change weekly, featuring local and seasonal ingredients, including produce from our own farm. Pizza varieties will include cheese, meat and seasonal veggie, with other options available such as artisan pastries, seasonal salads and lighter fare.

When: 
Fridays through November 2023 4-7pm
Saturdays & Sundays through November 2023 12-5pm
Location: 

Full Moon Hike at Appleton Farms

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

Discover the magic of hiking at night while the moon is at its fullest, when even the most familiar trails reveal sights and sounds, they only share with the cool, quiet night. Perhaps the sound of a coyote will be heard, or an owl will be seen. This hike is perfect for all experience levels, and participants should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain. You will come away with some knowledge of the night sky as well as memories that can only be made in the night.

When: 
Saturday, June 3, 2023 7-8PM
Location: 

Full Moon Hike at Ward Reservation

Join the Trustees on a journey up Holt Hill under the light of the full moon at Ward Reservation in Andover!

Join Within Wildlight in a mindful journey up Holt Hill under the light of the full moon. Together, we will gather for a meditative hike up the trail as night falls, and circle for a gentle guided meditation beneath the moon & stars. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and unique tastes of evening in the magic of Ward Reservation. May this practice nourish your being and settle your mind as you return for a peaceful slumber at the end of the night.

When: 
Friday, June 2, 2023 6:30-8pm
Location: 

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A Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts prepare students for success in the fall and beyond.

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!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Take a self guided tour at Maudslay State Park during the spring bloom season! Maudslay’s laurels have covered the banks of the Merrimack River for centuries. From 1849 to 1870, Mr. and Mrs.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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...
9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Second Saturdays at Cape Ann Museum

Second Saturdays mean free admission for local Families at Cape Ann Museum!
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.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Annual Art in the Barn Exhibit and Sale

Art in the Barn is a fundraiser for the Essex County Greenbelt Association Essex Mass
Art in the Barn is recognized as one of the North Shore’s premier art events, featuring the most talented artists in the region. An annual event for over 30 years, the show normally takes place at Greenbelt's headquarters, Cox Reservation in Essex, and this year we will bring the fine art paintings...
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Befriend the Barnyard

Befriend the Barnyard is a hands-on barnyard experience at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come discover our special barnyard animals! Our Angora rabbits Violet and Vanilla, Nubian goats Merlin, Maeve, Morgana, and Mordred, and our friendly flock of heritage chickens will take center stage as we learn about what makes them so unique. Befriend the Barnyard is a hands-on barnyard...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Faerie Houses in the Gardens

Explore the gardens in a fun and magical way at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate in North Andover Massachusetts!
Explore the gardens in a fun and magical way! Moonrise Fae have made faerie houses and nestled them in to corners of the garden. Join us to explore and let your imagination lead you on an adventure among the flowers.
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday Family Farm Chores at Appleton Farms

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays & Saturdays
Every day is full of a list of barnyard chores we need to get down to make sure our farmyard friends are happy and healthy! Let’s get to work.
10:00 am to 4:30 pm

Turtle Time at IRWS

Kids and families will explore IRWS wetland in search of painted and snapping turtles.
As late spring transitions to early summer, one thing is for sure: it's turtle time! Join us to explore our wetlands in search of these fascinating reptiles.
10:00 am to 11:30 am

Sing & Dance with the Music Man

Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

Second Saturday at Lynn Museum

Lynn Museum in Massachusetts offers free admission on the second Saturday of each month.
Join the Lynn Museum and Historical Society for FREE family fun. Join us the second Saturday of each month from 10 am – 2 pm for free admission to the Museum! View our latest exhibitions, grab a take-home art kit for the family, enjoy special activities, and purchase one-of-a-kind Lynn merchandise...
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Topsfield Strawberry Festival 2023

NorthShore Kids' and Parents' Events Calendar for Boston's North Shore families
The soil in the garden has barely been turned and already the first sign of Summer has appeared. Strawberries! With Strawberries comes the Topsfield Historical Society's 50th Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair in early June which offers a spectacle of strawberry fun for each and every one. The...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Long Hill Garden Tours

Tour the Spring 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 it’s most known for. In addition to learning about what plants are in bloom as well as the rare and unique species in our collection, you...
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Amesbury Farmers Market

The Amesbury Farmers Market happens every Saturday at Barewolf Brewing in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
he Amesbury Farmers' Market is a local community farmers’ and artisans’ market located in the heart of the historic mills of Amesbury, Massachusetts at BareWolf Brewing. We are a regularly scheduled community market supporting our local food system, small businesses and neighborhood community where...
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Farmhouse Wood-Fired at Appleton Farms

Farmhouse Wood-Fired Pizza at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Join the Trustees at Farmhouse Wood-Fired every Friday through Sunday, throughout the summer and fall. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a perfect wood-fired dining experience surrounded by the idyllic beauty of Appleton Farms. The menu will change weekly, featuring local and seasonal...
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Teen Naturalist Club at IRWS: Spring/Summer Series

Join Mass Audubon for their Teen Naturalist Club at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts!
Interesting hikes, natural history topics to explore, hands-on projects, and real wildlife data-collection opportunities will be based on your input and interests in this exciting club for teens. This is your chance to get involved behind the scenes with Mass Audubon's science and conservation work...
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

TitO presents Petrushka's Puppet Theater

Theater in the Open presents Petrushka's Puppet Theater at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Come one! Come all! Join us in Maudslay State Park for Petrushka’s Flying Puppet Circus! Your favorite Panto clown is bringing her puppet friends to life in feats of daring to tell fairy tale stories in ways you’ve never heard before. Grab your sunscreen and a blanket and join us for a puppet-...
2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Derek Hines Flag Day 5k

Run the Flag Day 5k and raise funds for Massachusetts Veterans who have sustained serious injury in the line of duty
The 1st LT Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Fund is excited to return to Cashman Park for the 11th Annual Flag Day 5K road race. The 5K walk or run will be hosted on June 10th, 2023 at Cashman Park in Newburyport, MA. We look forward to gathering in person this year as we continue to honor 1st LT...
4:00 pm

Nature at Night | Maudslay State Park

Kids will stroll on a night adventure through Maudslay State Park in Newburyport.
Join the park interpreter for an evening walk to view the changes in nature as sunset approaches. For Ages 6 & up.
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Sunday, June 11

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 pm

Sunday, June 11

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Take a self guided tour at Maudslay State Park during the spring bloom season! Maudslay’s laurels have covered the banks of the Merrimack River for centuries. From 1849 to 1870, Mr. and Mrs.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday, June 11

Run for the Beach 5K

Runners, walkers and kids are invited to particitpate in the Coastal 5k Run/Walk for the Beach in Beverly Massachusetts
Welcome to Salem Sound Coastwatch’s 14th annual Run for the Beach 5K! Every summer community members gather at Dane St. Beach in Beverly for a fun, family-friendly race to raise money for Salem Sound Coastwatch. The race starts at the intersection of Lothrop Street and Dane St, Beverly...
8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Sunday, June 11

Swampscott Farmer's Market

The Swampscott Farmers Market happens every Sunday through October.
Rain or shine, the Swampscott Farmers’ Market features a wide variety of produce, meats, fish, breads, flowers and crafts from farmers, food producers, and artisans from around Massachusetts and nearby New England states. Anchoring the market, Swampscott will have Clark Farm providing a large...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Faerie Houses in the Gardens

Explore the gardens in a fun and magical way at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate in North Andover Massachusetts!
Explore the gardens in a fun and magical way! Moonrise Fae have made faerie houses and nestled them in to corners of the garden. Join us to explore and let your imagination lead you on an adventure among the flowers.
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Historic Dogtown: A Walk Back in Time

Hike the trails of Dogtown in Gloucester with Cape Ann Museum
On Cape Ann, the name “Dogtown” conjures up many things — vast woodlands and trails; stone walls and cellar holes; tales of witches and widows; an ill-fated bullfighter; pastures, picnics and blueberries; a sea of rocks. Dogtown is all of these things and more. But first, it is a place where proud...
Where: Dogtown
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Sunday, June 11

Long Hill Garden Tours

Tour the Spring 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 it’s most known for. In addition to learning about what plants are in bloom as well as the rare and unique species in our collection, you...
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Sunday, June 11

Farmhouse Wood-Fired at Appleton Farms

Farmhouse Wood-Fired Pizza at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Join the Trustees at Farmhouse Wood-Fired every Friday through Sunday, throughout the summer and fall. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a perfect wood-fired dining experience surrounded by the idyllic beauty of Appleton Farms. The menu will change weekly, featuring local and seasonal...
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Sunday, June 11

TitO presents Petrushka's Puppet Theater

Theater in the Open presents Petrushka's Puppet Theater at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Come one! Come all! Join us in Maudslay State Park for Petrushka’s Flying Puppet Circus! Your favorite Panto clown is bringing her puppet friends to life in feats of daring to tell fairy tale stories in ways you’ve never heard before. Grab your sunscreen and a blanket and join us for a puppet-...
2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
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