Exploration

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 beach that protects the tidal estuary of the Essex River basin. Running along its back side is the Castle Neck River, a superb location for paddlers of all skill levels to explore these sheltered waters.

When: 
Saturday-Tuesday, and Thursdays, July 2-August 31, 2023 Time Varies
Other Dates Available
Location: 
Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
Ipswich
Paddle
Exploration
Trustees of Reservations
Kayak
Kayaking
Instruction

All Family Field Trips: Monarchs and More

Learn about butterflies with Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport!

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!

When: 
Friday, September 15, 2023 10am-Noon
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newbury
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Conservation
Discovery

All Family Field Trips: Exploring at the Shore

Explore the shore at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester with Massachusetts Audubon!

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, September 22, 2023 10am-Noon
Location: 
Wingaersheek Beach
Gloucester
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Conservation
Discovery
Beach
Swim
Ecology
Natural History
Mass Audubon

Imagine, Sing, & Learn 3A: Is it Spring?

Learn about the creatures of Spring at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newbury Massachusetts

This Imagine, Sing and Learn with Lisa Hutchings is all about asking the question IS IT SPRING YET? This is an active indoor program for ages 3-6 and a favorite grown-up with some outdoor time (weather permitting). We will learn all about WOOD FROGS, SALAMANDERS, LADYBUGS, SONG BIRDS and more! Using props, group role play, song and movement, we will learn about the fascinating ways animals wake up and come back in springtime – each animal has its own special way of greeting the longer, warmer days of spring!

When: 
Thursday, March 10, 2016 1-2:30 pm
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Exploration
Sing Along
Dance
Science
Discovery
Crafts

All Family Field Trips: A Maritime Forest Walk & Bird Migration

A heron stalks prey at the PArker River Wildlife Sanctuary in Newbury 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, October 27, 2023 10am-Noon
Location: 
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Newburyport
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Scavenger Hunt
Conservation
Discovery

All Family Field Trips: Foliage and Fall Preparations for Wildlife

All Family Field Trips: Foliage and Fall Preparations for Wildlife with Massachusetts Audubon at Cedar Pond Sanctuary

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, October 20, 2023 10am-Noon
Location: 
Cedar Pond Wildlife Sactuary
Wenham
Exploration
Foliage
Wildlife
Science
Nature
Conservation
Natural History
Mass Audubon

First Day Hike at Ward Reservation

Enjoy a First Day Hike at the Trustees of Reservations' Ward Reservation in Andover!

The first day of the new year is best spent outside! Join Danielle Sugrue for a First Day Hike at Ward Reservation. Start the new year with a mindful walk to the top of Holt Hill then set intentions for the new year around the solstice stones. Warm up with some hot chocolate and walk in to the this new year with a clear vision.

When: 
Sunday, January 1, 2023 11am-1pm
Location: 
Ward Reservation
Andover
Gloucester
North Andover
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Discovery
Trustees of Reservations

Nature Walk Wednesdays - Who's Awake?

Kids ages 4-8 will explore the Deer Island Reservation in Amesbury Massachusetts with Mass Audubon!

Miss Lisa invites you to join her for some family-friendly seasonal nature walks in the area. Together we will explore the salt marsh, the woods, and more. We will look for birds, mammals, and of course, mushrooms! We'll use our "science eyes" and "nature ears" and learn, play, and discover together. Some mammals store food, grow thicker fur, and make dens or burrows in winter. Let's find out which animals are active and look for their tracks in the snow!

When: 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 10-11:30am
Location: 
Hans Morris Reservation
Newburyport
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Scavenger Hunt
Conservation
Discovery
Mass Audubon

CraneOutdoors: Sunset Kayak in the Crane Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy a sunset paddle with the Trustees of Reservations at the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts

Join The Trustees of Reservations for a sunset paddle in Essex Bay! On this outing into the heart of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, we will be paddling in the protected waters of one of the most scenic sections of the Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England. We’ll either paddle around Choate Island with a landing on Long Island, or down the Castle Neck River, landing on Castle Neck (varies based on wind/tide conditions on the day of the event). Along the way, we’ll observe the wide variety of wildlife found in the marsh, including egrets, herons, and other shore birds. You can count on making an amazing connection with nature and creating enduring memories as we paddle home into the setting sun.

When: 
Saturdays, June 17 & 24, 2023 Time Varies
Wednesdays, Friday-Sunday, June 28-September 17, 2023 Time Varies
Location: 
Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
Ipswich
Hike
Tour
Walk
Exploration
Trustees of Reservations
Kayak
Boat

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Tree Planting at Veasey Park
Help reforest/rewild Veasey Park in Georgetown Massachusetts by volunteering to plant seedlings! Image AI Generated
We need many hands to help us in planting THOUSANDS of trees at Veasey Park in April! Any amount of time you can donate to this project will be much appreciated. Please use the this link to sign up.
Where: Veasey Park
8:00 am to 5:30 pm
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Early Spring Birds at IRWS
Come learn what birds are returning to the North Shore at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary! Image: Mass Audubon
Come learn what birds are returning after spending the winter months in the warm south. Equipped with binoculars, let's see how many different colors, sizes and sounds of birds we can find. We'll observe nests and attempt to build one of our own!
Where: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
10:00 am to 11:30 am
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The Boston Outdoor Expo
Boston Outdoor Expo
If your family loves adventure, join us for a 2-day outdoor expo that offers a full weekend of inspiration for outdoor enthusiasts, like you. You'll meet famous explorers and adventurers hundreds of brands, plus 20+ hands-on activities including Bushcraft Skills workshops.
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate
Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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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,...
Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham
10:00 am to 10:45 am
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Whiz Kid at North Shore Children's Museum
Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on the excitement on Saturday at 10 am for a foam-spewing, rocket-launching, mummifying, vortex-making blast of fun! Children are awed and amazed. Whiz Kidz provides science-themed entertainment for children aged 5-13.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 11:00 am
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Art in Bloom at MFA - Boston
Art in Bloom at MFA - Boston
Celebrate the return of spring with Art in Bloom, the Museum’s annual festival of fine art and flowers. Enjoy exquisite art from across the MFA’s collection paired with magnificent floral interpretations created by New England-area garden clubs. Professional designers delight with creative designs...
Where: Museum of Fine Arts
10:00 am to 3:45 pm
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Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield
Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds
10:00 am to 6:59 pm
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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 3:59 pm
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Portraits in Silhouette at Wenham Museum
Portraits in Silhouette will have portrait sittings at the Wenham Museum!
Portraits In Silhouette is the combined expertise of silhouette artists and mother-daughter team, Jean Comerford and Marcella Comerford-Foley. Portraits In Silhouette is focused on bringing you original, personalized work, full of inventive detail and creative spark. The silhouettes are never...
Where: Wenham Museum
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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Annual Sheepshearing Festival
Gore Place Sheep Shearing Festival Waltham MA for North Shore Children Families
Since 1987, this annual event has entertained guests with music, 100+ craft and fiber artists, demonstrations of traditional shearing and herding dogs, and historic re-enactors on the beautiful grounds of this historic, 50-acre estate. People often tell us that spring doesn't begin until the...
Where: Gore Place
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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LEGO Club at Salem Public Library

Come to the Salem Massachusetts Public Library for an afternoon of LEGO and fun!
Salem Public Library hosts a morning session of LEGO fun! We provide the LEGO, you provide the imagination.  Stop by the library on Saturday mornings (every other Saturday) to play and build.
Where: Salem Public Library
10:30 am to 11:30 am
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Befriend the Barnyard
Befriend the Barnyard is a hands-on barnyard experience at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Discover our special barnyard animals! Our Angora rabbits Violet, Mabel, Oiver and Charles; Nubian goats Maeve, Morgana, and Mordred; dairy cows Gray, Jasmine, their calves Gigi and Joanie and our friendly flock of heritage chickens will take center stage as we learn about what makes them so unique...
Where: Appleton Farms
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Live Animal Presentation at Halibut Point
Come to Halibut Point State Park for a live animal presentation featuring turtles, frogs and salamanders.
Come to a Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team presentation at Halibut Point State Park to get an up-close view and learn all about vernal pond creat
Where: Halibut Point State Park
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
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Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk at Pettengill Farm
Pettengill Farm and Salisbury PTA in Salisbury is hosting a gnome and fairy discovery walk
Come to the eighth annual Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk at Pettengill Farm. The gems of the event are the 200+ Fairy and Gnome Homes peppered throughout a 1 mile wooded path that leads to the marsh and back. Homes are created by very talented professionals, families, school children, and local...
Where: Pettengill Farm
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Earth Day Live Animal Demo at Halibut Point

Earthday Frog Turtle and Salamander Demo at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Massachusetts
DCR hosts a live animal demonstration at Halibut Point State Park to celebrate Earth Day! Live frogs, turtles, and salamanders, our vernal pond ambassadors, will visit Halibut Point with Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.
Where: Halibut Point State Park
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
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Plant a Seed – Paint a Pot at MPL
Come to the library to plant some seeds and paint your own pot in Manchester by the Sea Massachusetts
During the plant swap kids and kids of all ages can paint a pot and plant a seed of their choice. Bring it home your creation and watch it grow! 
Where: Manchester Public Library
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Gloucester Zinefest at SFL
Come the the Gloucester Zinefest at Sawyer Free Library in Massachusetts
 come to the the Sawyer Free Library (21 Main Street) and our event space across the street (20 Main Street) for a day that celebrates the library’s new zine collection, zine-making, and zine culture! Enjoy: Zine Marketplace | Music | Speakers | Make your own zine | Holy Cow Ice Cream | Free stuff...
Where: Sawyer Free Library Temporary Space
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Salisbury Beach Carousel - Saturday Hours
Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties
Salisbury Beach Carousel Hours: Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm Saturday: 12 pm to 8 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm Hours of operation are to change.
Where: Salisbury Beach Carousel
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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Salisbury Beach Carousel - Vacation Hours
Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties
Salisbury Beach Carousel Hours: Monday - Saturday 12 - 7:00 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 5:00 pm Hours of operation are to change.
Where: Salisbury Beach Carousel
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes
Hiking the Dunes at the Crane Wildlife refuge with the Trustees of Reservations.
While just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, the dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes, maritime...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
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Board Game Afternoon in Salem
Come to the Salem Massachusetts Public Library for an afternoon of board games and fun!
Salem Public Library hosts a an afternoon of board games and fun! Drop by and play!  A variety of board games will be provided. Open to all ages!
Where: Salem Public Library
2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
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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...
Where: Appleton Farms
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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Tuesday, May 7

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...
Where: Appleton Farms
10:30 am to 11:30 am
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Tabletop Club at Newburyport Library
Kids are invited to come to Newburyport Public Library to play board games.
Are you a fan of... Board games? Dungeons and Dragons? Magic the Gathering? Then the Tabletop Club is for you! Once a month we set up a space for you to get your game on!
Where: Newburyport Public Library
3:30 pm to 4:45 pm
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Wednesday, May 8

Fiddleheads | Preschool Drop-Off Series
The Fiddlehead program at Appleton Farms encourages kids 3-5 to explore their environment in Ipswich Massachusetts
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...
Where: Appleton Farms
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
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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 3:59 pm
♦ Read More →

We Walk the Woods!
Walk the trails in a group at Harold Parker State Forest Every Wednesday at 10am
Walk the trails with a group at Harold Parker State Forest every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – Meeting location varies weekly. Email trek.reef@mass.gov for location.
Where: Harold Parker State Forest
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
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Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield
Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds
10:00 am to 6:59 pm
♦ Read More →

Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate
Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

D&D (Tween Session) at Amesbury Library
Dungeons and Dragons for Tweens at the Public Library in Amesbury Massachusetts
Come play in a Dungeons and Dragons ongoing campaign! You'll create your own characters and build the story session to session. Come if you're a beginner or if you know the rules. All are welcome!  Registration is required and is for all 7 weeks.
Where: Amesbury Public Library
10:00 am to 12:00 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
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Thursday, May 9

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 3:59 pm
♦ Read More →
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