Exploration

Archaeology Day at Maudlsay State Park

Learn about the archaeology of and the first people of Massachusetts of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport.

Maudslay State Park invites you to be an archaeologist for the day! Learn how to think like an archaeologist…excavate a test unit, screen for and identify artifacts, and document and record soil levels. Other activities focus on the extensive and rich peopling of the area dating back thousands of years. Find out why this place was and is so special to the First People of Massachusetts. Learn how to use a bow-drill, grind corn with a mortar and pestle, weave a fishing net, make a ground stone-tool fishing weight, make a ceramic pot in the traditional indigenous way, play the game of Hubhub, bring an artifact for the experts to ID, and even try your hand (arm) at throwing an atlatl!

When:

Saturday, October 6, 2018 10am-2pm

Location:

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Imagine, Sing, & Learn: The Mighty Merrimack

The mouth of the Merrimack River lies on the doorstep of the Joppa Flats Center

This 'Imagine, Sing and Learn' is an active, fun, program where you and your child will learn all about the Merrimack River and how it was formed, how it has changed over the years, and who lives in and needs the river. We will learn how the river can “change” rocks, we’ll play river bingo, and sing a few river songs. We’ll make a fun take-home fishing pole craft, and we’ll enjoy a “fishy” snack!

When:

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 10-11:30am

Location:

Joppa Flats Education Center

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Arts in Parks at Maudslay

Poison Ivy Eco Art at Maudslays Art in the Park!

Maudslay State Park has a strong connection to the arts. Join the interpreter for this art program incorporating natural materials gathered and assembled into a piece of art that will be reclaimed by nature. Photo cataloging will be used for the website. This program teaches cooperation, and creative thinking, as well as problem-solving, all in the great outdoors. This is a fun evening activity for the whole family!

When:

Fridays, August 9, 16, 30 2019 6:30-7:30pm

Location:

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Fall Family Monarch Conservation Program & Butterfly Tagging!

Come to Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about Monarch Butterflies!

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge invites families to join Katie Hone, The Monarch Gardener, for this fun and interesting one hour program about the monarch butterfly. The program will include a presentation about monarchs with interactive role playing and live animals AND making milkweed “seed bombs” (to take home). Meet, tag and release live monarch butterflies to the wild! This program is geared to younger children and their parents. This program will take place in the refuge visitor center classroom. NO preregistration for this program.

When:

Saturday, September 21, 2019 10:30-11:30am

Location:

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

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Monarch Magic

Come to Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about Monarch Butterflies!

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary invites families to join them at Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary to discover the amazing journey of the monarch butterfly to Mexico. Learn about the monarch life cycle and the challenges facing its habitat. Find out more about butterfly gardening and create a paper butterfly that will spend the winter with children who live near the monarch sanctuaries in the mountains of Michoacan, Mexico. We will then work together as citizen scientists to tag and release several monarchs to start their journey south.

When:

Saturday, September 14, 2019 1:30-3pm

Location:

Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary

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Sense of Wonder Walks: Ponds

Ponds and puddles offer endless hours of exploration and discovery.

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary invites families for a great exploration of the pond habitat! Though they are small, ponds contain a rich variety of plant and animal life. Explore Waterfowl Pond for a close-up look at a place where hungry creatures are always on the hunt. Using nets and other collecting equipment, dip into the water, sweep through the weeds, and scoop up mud to discover the creatures that live there.

When:

Sunday, October 6, 2019 1:30-3pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Second Saturday - Faces of the Community

Cape Ann residents of all ages are invited to join Museum Educator Kendall Reynolds for a collograph printmaking workshop!

The Museum is free all day for Cape Ann residents on the second Saturday of every month in 2020! The second Saturday of every month is free for families with school-aged children. From 10am to 12pm, families are invited to tour the galleries or take a free workshop in the Activity Center. Each month has a different theme or special guest related to the art, history and culture of Cape Ann. Reservations required for workshops and events.

When:

Second Saturday Monthly 10am-12pm

Location:

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Teen Night at Cape Ann Museum

Join the Cape Ann Museum’s Teen Art Council at CAM Green to celebrate teen artists from the North Shore. Open to ages 13-19, the Teen Arts Night includes live music, field games, and art activities. This new event series was created by the Teens Arts Council to connect young artists from local communities and engage teens with the Cape Ann Museum.

When:

Friday, August 20, 2021 5-8pm

Location:

Cape Ann Museum Green

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Cape Ann Museum Green Opening Celebration

On Saturday, September 25, 2021, the Cape Ann Museum is presenting an opening community celebration for the Cape Ann Museum Green. Finished in 2020, the CAM Green was used for innovative projects during the COVID Pandemic. The Museum is excited to be able to invite the public to explore this new community and cultural resource. Spend the day picnicking on the Green, learning about the historic houses, viewing art in the Janet + William Ellery James Center, and making art of your own!

When:

Saturday, September 25, 2021 10:00am-5pm

Location:

Cape Ann Museum Green

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Tidepools and Wracklines Exploration

Explore the beaches of the Crane Estate in IPswich with thte Trustees of Reservations!

Join us as we investigate the tidepools and the wrackline on Steep Hill Beach to discover and record the many creatures that live along the shore. We’ll (carefully and gently!) use nets to capture specimens and magnifying glasses to take an up-close-and-personal look, before releasing our new friends back to where we found them. We’ll talk about our observations and discoveries – and surprise ourselves with how much we can learn by looking. An educational adventure for the whole family. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

When:

Thursday, August 24, 2017 9-11AM

Location:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

Beach

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Todd Farm Market

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!

Where: Todd Farm Market

5:00 am to 3:00 pm

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Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

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

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Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Tulip Festival at Cider Hill Farm

A gorgeous, fan-favorite variety of 100k tulips are scheduled to bloom in early May. Welcome spring with this multi-weekend festival featuring free live music, self-guided blooming orchard walks, outdoor hard cider bars, food trucks, fitness n' family activities and cut-your-tulips. General...

Where: Cider Hill Farm

8:30 am to 4:30 pm

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Beverly Library Spring Book Sale

Our annual Friends' Spring Book Sale takes place daily at the main library from Saturday, Saturday May 10 through May 17. The sale will be open daily during regular library hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9AM-9PM; Fri.

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

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Newburyport Farmers' Market

The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine! Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...

Where: Tannery Marketplace

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

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

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"Lilac Sunday" at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Take part in a beloved Boston tradition! Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only one, the lilac, is singled out each year for a day-long celebration. Tours of the lilacs, dance performances, picnicking (allowed on this special day only), and family activities make for a...

Where: The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

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Marblehead Junior Class Carnival

Come join the annual Marblehead Carnival sponsored by Junior Class at Devereaux Beach. Each year this carnival serves as a major fundraiser. You'll find rides, games, and great food!

Where: Devereux Beach

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

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Sunday, May 25

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

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Newburyport Spring Festival 2025

The Newburyport Chamber of Commerce invites you to welcome Spring's arrival to Newburyport at the 2025 Spring Fest!

Where: Downtown Newburyport

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

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TitO presents Petrushka & the Caterpillar

What happens when your favorite stories need a new ending? Everyone's favorite clown upends iconic fables and fairytales in our signature storytelling style – with tons of imagination, humor, and heart. Join Petrushka and the gang as they retell old stories for our times!

Where: Maudslay State Park

2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

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