Nature

All Family Field Trip: Winter Bird Survival

Woodpeckers winter over in Massachusetts' North Shore. Find out more with Mass Audubon 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: 
Sunday, December 16, 2012 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Tracking Tales

Kids will learn about tracks and signs at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts!

Some animals hibernate, some migrate, and some stay active in winter. Explore the sanctuary woodlands looking for clues of what animals have been eating and where they have been sleeping. Discover tracks in the snow and guess which animals made them. We will cover the basics during a short indoor introduction, but most of our time will be spent in the woods following the trails of raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and other woodland animals!

When: 
Saturday, January 6, 2024 10-11:30am
Saturday, January 20, 2024 10-11:30am
Saturday, January 27, 2024 10-11:30am

Audubon Nature Festival 2019

This year's Audubon Nature Festival features live owl demonstrations with Eyes on Owls!

Enjoy ongoing activities throughout the day at Mass Audubon's Annual Audubon Nature Festival. This year's special feature will be live owl presentations by Marcia and Mark Wilson of Eyes On Owls. Come see live owls up close, learn about their natural history, and join in a hooting lesson.

When: 
Sunday, June 2, 2019 10am-4pm

Full Moon Hike at Patton Homestead

Hike at the Patton Homestead in Hamilton Massachusetts with your family and Essex County Greenbelt under the Full Moon in Hamilton Massachusetts!

Join Hamilton-Wenham Recreation to enjoy the “Wolf" Full Moon with guided walks, treats, fire-pits and a craft for kids! Hike one or both routes, or just come out to enjoy a warm drink by the fire in the light of the full moon. Fire-pits, warm drinks, light snacks and a “wolf moon” inspired craft are included in the registration fee.

When: 
Thursday, January 25, 2024 5-7:30pm
Location: 

Parker River NWR | Sowing Native Seeds Workshop

Milkweed is a plant native to the Parker River NWR habitat in Newburyport Massachusetts!

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge invites teens to join refuge staff and members of West Newbury Wild & Native for a workshop on the importance of collecting and sowing native seeds. Learn about local native plants and seed collecting, then rotate through stations to create 3-4 pots of different seed mixes to take home!

When: 
Monday, January 15, 2024 10am-Noon

Otters, Beavers, and Muskrats, Oh My!

Join us as we look for elusive river mammals at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: American Beaver ©Scott Santino

Wetlands are home to many fascinating creatures, including some unique mammals. While visiting the numerous wetlands on the sanctuary, we will explore active and abandoned beaver lodges, scan the marshes for signs of muskrats, and search for signs of otter activity. With a little luck, we may see some of these mammals making their final preparations for winter.

When: 
Saturday, December 2, 2023 10-11:30am
Saturday, December 9, 2023 10-11:30am
Saturday, December 16, 2023 10-11:30am

Flocktober at IRWS

Gather your flock and head to Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts for Flocktoberfest!

Join us at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary for Flocktober on November 4 from 3:00-6:00PM! Spend the afternoon, outdoors, listening to live music, guided hikes in the foliage, playing a round of cornhole and other lawn games, and viewing birds in their natural habitat. You can get your fill of food from Butter Ur Biscuit food truck and craft beer from Ipswich's True North Brewery. This event is part of Mass Audubon's first ever Flocktober. Gather your flock of family and friends for a fun fall evening!

When: 
Saturday, November 4, 2023 3-6pm

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

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Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts offers farm-based Summer Programs for kids ages 5-15

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.
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

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

Spring Bloom Fest at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Bloom Fest at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations  for the start of Spring at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens with a celebration of bulbs at our Spring BloomFest weekend! Stroll through our beautiful gardens with budding tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs while enjoying the crisp spring air and...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Pajama Story Time at Manchester Public Library

Kids are invited to the pajama time book reading at the Public Library in Manchester by the Sea Massachusetts.
Join Miss Audrey for a cozy pajama storytime and craft the first Thursday of every month from 6-7. This program is for kids ages 4 and up and their families. 
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 3

Spring Bloom Fest at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Bloom Fest at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations  for the start of Spring at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens with a celebration of bulbs at our Spring BloomFest weekend! Stroll through our beautiful gardens with budding tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs while enjoying the crisp spring air and...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

North Shore Nature Fair | Glen Urquhart School

Celebrate nature at GUS with a variety of hands-on activities and nature-based projects led by GUS educators and partners from across the North Shore. This free, family-friendly event, is open to the public.
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Square-Foot Gardening Workshop

Celebrate sustainable living with Backyard Growers Program in Gloucester MA
In this workshop, the Backyard Growers team will introduce you to the Square-Foot Gardening Method, which helps gardeners make the most of often limited growing space, and grow the most food possible for a household. We'll show you how to do this by using gridded square-feet instead of rows. You'll...
9:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Sunday, May 4

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

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

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

Step up for Colleen 5k

The Step up for Colleen 5k is a memorial fundraiser in memory of Colleen Ritzer a beloved North Shore Lacal Teacher.
The friends and family of Colleen Ritzer have created this 5K walk/run to celebrate Colleen’s life and her commitment to help and inspire others. Through the Step Up for Colleen event, organizers hope to enhance a sense of community and overall goodwill as we come together to honor Colleen and the...
8:30 am

Tulip Festival at Cider Hill Farm

Come cut your own tulips at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury Massachusetts
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...
8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Newburyport Farmers' Market

Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
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...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Twin Lights Half Marathon

Twin Lights Half Marathon starts at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester and follows a route along the Gloucester's beautiful back shore.
Come enjoy beautiful ocean views as you run along the scenic coastline on Cape Ann and race towards our huge finish line arch! The Twin Lights Half Marathon offers a spectacular course with the seashore visible for much of the race's 13.1-mile route. Runners will also enjoy an up-close look at many...
9:00 am
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