Nature

Butterflies & Bugs Free-for-All

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

Drop in at Joppa Flats and meet live caterpillars, moths, and butterflies! You’ll learn smart practices to attract birds and wildlife to your own yard as well as how to 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: 
Sunday, July 22, 2018 10am-3pm

What Do We Know About Whales?

 Kids will learn about whales at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport.

During this fun, hands-on program we will learn all about whales.  We will use different tools to help us understand how big adult whales get.  Each participant will choose their own special whale.  After coloring-in their whale, they will place it on the particular ocean it calls home.  There will be a fun activity for each child to make and take home.  “Friends of Whales” certificates will be given out at the end of the program.  This program is appropriate for home-schooled and other children in grades K-3.  Parent or adult chaperone must stay with their child during the program.  Children and accompanying adults will find themselves joining in the fun activities.

When: 
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 11-12:30 pm

Endangered Species Day at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and learn about endangered species like the piping plover!!

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge invites people of all ages to celebrate Endangered Species Day at the Refuge Visitor Center.  Endangered Species Day was designated to educate the American public on the importance of protecting endangered species and highlight the everyday actions that individuals can take to help protect our nation’s wildlife, fish and plants.

When: 
Saturday, May 19, 2018 1-4pm

April Vacation Treks & Trails: Joppa Flats

Identifying Minnows with naturalists from the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport Massachusetts.  Photo by Lisa Hutchings

Joppa Flats Education Center helps families beat the blahs and keep minds active and hands busy during school break! Head out into the wild with kids and families for great outdoor explorations this April vacation. For families with children ages 3 and up, School and Youth Education Coordinator Lisa Hutchings heads a program where kids will to learn all about the "nursery of the sea" with our salt marsh science stations including live minnow ID, salinity experiments, and a chance to meet some of the live inhabitants of the salt marsh.

When: 
Thursday, April 19, 2018 10am-Noon

Summits & Sea Creatures with Joppa Flats

Hike Mount Agamenticus in Maine with Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center during April Vacation!

Joppa Flats Education Center invites teens and tweens to explore a mountaintop and the ocean in one day - it's the best of both worlds! We'll start at Long Sands Beach, where we'll investigate the tide pools for marine life. The, we'll hike up Mount Agamenticus, where we'll keep an eye out for plants and animals unique to mountain habitats, and for evidence of the glaciers that covered the area thousands of years ago. We promise a lunch break, raptor search, and games at the summit! The two-mile hike is a combination of gentle and moderately hilly terrain. This is a great mountain for beginners and is full of natural history interest for more experienced hikers.

When: 
Friday, April 20, 2018 9am-3:30pm

Wind, Weather, and Snow, Oh My!

 Kids will learn about seasons, snow, wind and weather at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport.

Why do we have seasons? Why is it hotter in summer and colder in winter?  What is wind? How is it measured? How do clouds form? Where do snowflakes come from and why do they fall to Earth? Join us for fun, interactive learning activities to answer these questions about wind, weather, and snow. Learn how to make your own weather vane. Be a snowflake engineer (with the help of toothpicks and marshmallows) and take your tasty construction home! 

When: 
Sunday, March 25, 2018 1-2:30 pm

Adventures on the Wild Side

Kids can get outsoors andf explore the wilds of the North Shore with Kestrel Educational Adventures during February Vacation

Spend February vacation learning to survive in the wilds, track animals, and create your own adventure story. Our group will meet each day in an incredible heated greenhouse, and will venture out onto the many nearby trails to find clues left behind by wildlife about how they survive the winter, and practice our own survival skills. We will learn to become keen winter naturalists; figuring out what animal’s path we are following and how it eats and protects itself. As humans, we will build warm shelters, find food and water, perform basic first aid, make fires, and cook treats over the flames. At the end, use words, photographs, or drawings to create the story of your adventures. Hosted by Kestrel Educational Adventures at Glen Urquhart School.

Nelson Island Tour at Parker River

Tour and discover Nelson Island at Parker River Wildlife Refuge.

Join a ranger for a tour of a beautiful spot that few people visit: Nelson Island. If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of a nesting osprey. Learn about the history of this little known refuge jewel. If weather and tide permits, we’ll take a very short walk along the marsh. (Muddy, wet areas are possible so rubber boots are recommended.) Consider bringing binoculars and/or a camera. *Please note: Those who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation call from a refuge staff member.

When: 
Monday, July 17, 2017 10am-Noon

Animal Tracking Program

Kids will learn about animal tracks and behaviors at Parker River Wildlife Refuge.

Many animals live on the refuge, but are hard to find.  They are either active at night, wary of people, or both.  Though you may not see them, their tracks can be just as interesting to find.  Go out on the refuge with intern Dominic Noce as he teaches you how to find and identify tracks of different types of animals.  Meet the program leader in the refuge visitor center auditorium for a brief slide show, after which he’ll lead you on a tracking exploration on the refuge.  Please wear long pants and boots (for tick prevention) and otherwise dress for the weather.  NO preregistration for th

When: 
Sunday, July 16, 2017 10am-Noon

Kids’ Nature Walks - Explore the Refuge

Take your 3-5 year old youngster on a good old fashioned nature discovery walk at Parker River Wildlife Refuge.

Take your 3-5 year old youngster on a good old fashioned nature discovery walk. Meet at the refuge visitor center before driving together to the head of the day's trail on the refuge (no parking fee charged). For each session, a refuge volunteer will lead the children and their caregivers on a walk to explore different aspects of the refuge: beach, dune, marsh, scrub forest, cranberry bog. Come dressed for the weather. If the weather is completely unsuitable for outdoor enjoyment, then an indoor program comprised of a story, activity and craft will be held at the visitor center instead.

When: 
Monday, July 24, 2017 10:00-11:30am

Pages

Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties

Friends of Abbot Library Moving/Book Sale

The Abbot Library is holding a moving & book sale in Marblehead Massachusetts! Image is AI generated
The Abbot Library is holding a moving & book sale in Marblehead Massachusetts! The Friends of Abbot Public Library will be having a moving sale from Monday, March 25 through Saturday, March 30! Stop by the Sail Away Book Shop located in the gym space at Abbot Public Library's interim location...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Bradley Palmer State Park
Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately 1 mile, though not accessible for strollers. Appropriate for families with children 3-5 years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Friday 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 & Sundays
Every day has a full list of barnyard chores we need to accomplish to make sure our farmyard friends are happy and healthy. Let’s get to work! Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays and Saturdays! Get on your muck boots – your whole family will get to be...
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Salisbury Beach Carousel - Free Friday 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.
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

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...
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Hoo’s Up for Owls?

Look for owls in the woods of camp Denison in Gerogetown, Massachusetts with the folks from North Shore Nature Programs
March is a great month to look for owls. Both Great Horned and Barred owls will have babies in their nests, so these species tend to be vocal and active. Join us for a short hike through the woods at Camp Denison to look and listen for these majestic birds. We will also keep our ears open for...
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Thursday, April 18

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

Weather at Sea at Maritime Gloucester

Kids will learn about Weather at Sea during April Vacation at Maritime Gloucester in Massachusetts. Image is AI Generated
Join Maritime Gloucester's educators for fun hands-on activities exploring different marine life found in Gloucester while discussing the importance of the ocean. Some of the most extreme weather on Earth can be credited to the ocean. From underwater earthquakes and tsunamis to hurricanes and water...
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Aleppo Shriners Circus

Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Lego Club at MPL

Children in grades 2 and up are invited to come to the Manchester Massachusetts Library's Lego Club
Drop in from 3:45-4:45 to make your own Lego creation! This program is for kids in grades 2 and up.
3:45 pm to 4:45 pm

Friday, April 19

A Whale of a Time at Maritime Gloucester

Kids will learn all about whales at this Maritime Gloucester April Vacation drop off program in Gloucester Massachusetts
Here in Massachusetts we are lucky enough to host some of the largest animals on earth - whales! Join us in learning more about these majestic mammals! Particitpants learn all about whale behaviors and observe their food source under our microscopes. Create your own unique whale tail design to take...
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Aleppo Shriners Circus

Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Cape Ann Symphony Concert | Katy and the Big Snow

Sawyer Free Library hosts a family friendly concert based on Katy and the Big Snow in Gloucester Massachusetts
Vacation week free fun for families! Cape Ann Symphony, along with the Sawyer Free Library, presents Katy and the Big Snow. Enjoy the beloved story by Gloucester's own Virginia Lee Burton read aloud by local actress Heidi Dallin, and set to music for this ensemble performance. Musicians will also...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

Friday 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 & Sundays
Every day has a full list of barnyard chores we need to accomplish to make sure our farmyard friends are happy and healthy. Let’s get to work! Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays and Saturdays! Get on your muck boots – your whole family will get to be...
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Salisbury Beach Carousel - Free Friday 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.
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saturday, April 20

Annual ECTA Equine Expo & Tack Sale

Essex County Trail Association is hosting the annual Equine EXPO at Topsfield Fairgrounds
Essex County Trail Association is hosting the 29th annual Equine Expo & Tack Sale to be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 9-3 in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds on Route 1, Topsfield, MA.  Individuals, groups & businesses make up our booths offering new and used items...
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Subscribe to Nature