Festival

ECTA Trail Jamboree

Essex County Trail Association Jamboree at Groton House Farm in Hamilton Massachusetts!

Come Walk, Run, Bike and Ride on guided trail adventures (for all levels) followed by a party featuring live music, live animals, games, great food trucks and local beer from the Tapmobiles of Ipswich Ale Brewery. Trail activities from 1-3pm and party from 3-6pm. Get outdoors and have fun while supporting ECTA and the 450 miles of trails that we maintain for your access to walk, run, cycle and ride!

When: 
June 23, 2018 1-6pm

Smolak Farms Fall Family Fun

There's all kinds of fun going on at Smolak Farm Weekend  Festival!

Take your first bite into a crisp and delicious New England apple this weekend at Smolak Farms located in North Andover, Massachusetts.

Hay wagon rides, playground, animals, duck races, wee wagons, pick your own fruit….it all happens at Smolak Farms! Apple picking, pumpkins, hayrides, festival, food court, cider donuts and more!

ALL NEW Fall Festival area with extended activities for children that include Wee Wagons, Duck Races, Games, Pop corn, Cotton Candy, Face Painting, Bouncy House, Batting Cage, HUGE slide, Hay Pyramid Animals and more!

When: 
Weekends from now until October 30, 2017
Location: 

Mayor's Cup Schooner Race

The Mayor's Cup Race at the Gloucester Schooner Festival is just part of the fun

Note: Due to the weather, these events have been postponed to Labor Day Monday. The Mayor's Race is a major part of the Gloucester Schooner Festival 2024, where participating schooners in the weekend activities compete for for the Esperanto Cup, Ned Cameron Trophy and Betty Ramsey Trophy off Eastern Point and East Gloucester.

When: 
Rain Date: Monday September 4, 2017 1pm

Swim and Fin Race for Salem Sound

Swim for clean water, or swim just for fun at the Race for Salem Sound fundraiser - Swim and Fin

Swim & Fin — a fun tradition for swimmers and the whole family in beautiful historic Salem, MA. Great races geared to all ages! Choose between 500 meters, 1 mile or 5k. All proceeds benefit Salem Sound Coastwatch, a nonprofit environmental organization working to make our coastal waters clean and safe–now and for future generations. Swim for clean water! Register now for reduced rate. Special entry fees for youth 17 and under. Bring the family! We’ll have music, raffles, a marine touch tank and more. Admission to the park has been waived–families can picnic and enjoy the playground, walking paths and incredible views from Forest River Park.

When: 
Sunday, August 20, 2017 9:00am

Salem Cultural Festival

Celebrate the diversity of the North Shore on Salem Common!

The Salem CultureFest 2014  will feature live bands who showcase many cultures and styles, as well as other performers (TBA) who will entertain you while you enjoy exploring the unique arts, crafts, and wares of our areas finest artists and crafters. Over 2000 visitors are expected to attend this fun family-friendly event.

When: 
Saturday, July 19, 2014 10am-8pm
Sunday, July 20, 2014 10am-6pm
Location: 

Summer Moon Pow-Wow

Come to the Annual Native American Summer Moon Pow-Wow at Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts!

Come to Danvers Massachusetts for the Annual Summer Moon Pow-Wow! Sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness, this festival is a showcase for traditional Native American culture including dance, music, storytelling, craft making, singing, tipi building, interactive games and more. Bring the family, learn about the culture of the Native American tribes that were here when European settlers arrived, and enjoy the beautiful setting of Endicott Park in Danvers!

When: 
Saturday & Sunday, July 16-17, 2016 11am-5pm
Location: 

Endicott Park Day

Danvers Family Festival. Danvers MA - Family fun at Endicott Park

Endicott Park Day is a true family outing, with activities and events for people of all ages starting at 11:00. From the Doll Carriage Parade to face painting & temporary tattoos, and other kid’s activities, demonstrations, and rides. There is sure to be something for everyone. Local businesses and crafts-people will have booths. And bring an appetite, as a wide variety of food is available from fried dough to Boy Scout Troop 155’s grill.  *(for a nominal fee).  The Parent / Child Cookie Baking contest will be in Carriage House Conference Room, and the Entertainment will be in the Carriage House. All day rides for only $5.00  

When: 
Saturday, June 24, 2017 11am-3pm
Location: 

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Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
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...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
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

Gloucester Gratis Days at Hammond Castle

Bring your kids to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts during April Vacation
In keeping with John Hays Hammond, Jr's original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum will offer Gloucester residents free, self-guided tours each Tuesday throughout the regular...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

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.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Marketplace

Shop to your heart’s content in our open air bazaar-like market place right in the heart of historic Newburyport’s center. Covering two square blocks, this extravaganza of food and great finds is sure to tantalize all your senses.
10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Yankee Homecoming Craft Show

Yankeee Homecoming Craft Show (formerly Market Square Day) has been a Newburyport tradition for over 50 years!
The Yankee Homecoming Craft Show (Formerly Market Square Day) features is a juried craft show offering unique, high quality, handmade items from artisans across New England.  Enjoy the free entertainment while you shop in historical Newburyport.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Yankee Homecoming Road Race

The Yankee Homecoming Road Race has been a tradition Since 1960 and Running Strong through the heart of Newburyport
The tradition continues in 2025 on Tuesday, July 29th as we celebrate the 65th running of the NBPT Lions Yankee Homecoming Race. Imagine a beautiful Summer evening in the seaport town of Newburyport, MA.  Thousands of runners will enjoy our breathtaking 5K and 10 Miles courses along the ocean,...
6:00 pm

Manchester by the Sea Summer Concert Series

Summer Concerts happen at Masconomo Park in Manchester by the Sea every Tuesday through the Summer!
Come to Manchester Tuesday nights all summer for the annual Music in Masconomo Summer Concert Series. Each week from 6:00 - 8:00 pm a variety of Oldies, Swing, Rhythm & Blues & Classic Rock music will fill the air! Bring your family and friends, blankets and chairs, and dinner to enjoy a...
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays

Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays includes great dining live music, dancing & extended shopping hours for shopping Downtown Ipswich Massachusetts Tuesday evenings!
Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays includes great dining, live music, dancing at the Take-Out Terrace Stage on the Riverwalk  & extended shopping hours for shopping Downtown Ipswich Tuesday evenings!  Each week will feature live entertainment on the Riverwalk, making for a fun evening out for the whole...
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The North Shore Concert Band at Salem Willows

Kids enjoy the North Shore Concert Band performance at Salem Willows Park in Massachusetts
The North Shore Concert Band will perform its annual Summer Series of free outdoor concerts at the Robert Hayes Bandshell at Salem Willows Park beginning Tuesday, June 25th. 
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Wednesday, August 6

Mini Movers at North Shore Children's Museum

Things to do for children in Peabody MA
Mini Movers is an engaging dance and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by experienced instructors, the program introduces young children to the world of dance in a safe and nurturing environment.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Beverly Homecoming Lobster Festival

Lobster, Chowder, Summer fun at Lynch Park - part of Beverly Massachusetts homecoming!
Make time for a Traditional Lobster Bake, Chowder, Chicken, etc. available all day at Lynch Park.  Dine at picnic tables under the tent while listening to local bands.  Local businesses, politicians, and non-profits will be set up around the park to share information with you.  Amazingly, 90% all...
Where: Lynch Park
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

The Backyard Growcery

Join Backyard Growers at Burnham's Field in Gloucester Massachusetts for a weekly Farmer's Market
Stop by Gloucester’s new weekly farmers market, the Backyard Growcery, managed by Backyard Growers. The Backyard Growcery is located at Burnham's Field, an urban park near Gloucester’s thriving waterfront, and features small-scale North Shore farmers, bakers, a seafood vendor, an artisanal pizza...
2:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Topsfield HomeGrown Market

Come to Topsfield Massachusetts Common for a homegrown market on the Wednesdays through July
The mission of the HomeGrown Market is to provide the Topsfield community with a series of family-friendly events that emphasize supporting local and offer the opportunity for Topsfield and surrounding North Shore farmers, gardeners, artisans, creators, performers, musicians, nonprofits, young...
4:00 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, August 7

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
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...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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