Outdoor Activity

CraneExplorer: Reading the Trail – Tracking

Learn about reading tracks and other signs of wildlife at the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts.

Join this indoor workshop followed by dune hike to learn tracking basics and identification skills allowing you to experience the outdoors in a new way. Enjoy an indoor presentation on tracking at the Casino at Castle Hill, then reconvene at Crane Beach for a guided dune walk, investigating the trail for footprints, scat, burrows, and other signs left behind by dune dwellers. Via our observations, we will collect clues as to what animals are using this habitat. Bring your sharp senses and observation skills for this learning adventure.

When:

Sunday, January 22, 2023 11am-2:30pm

Location:

Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

Read more about CraneExplorer: Reading the Trail – Tracking

Griffin's Gift Run/Walk

Griffin's Gift Fund charity walk run fundraiser during the Danvers Family Festival

Join us for the 2nd Annual Griffin’s Gift Run/Walk on the evening of July 3rd to celebrate the late Griffin Lamar’s 4th birthday with a FUN, family friendly, timed 3.5 mile run or non-timed 1 mile walk. Custom event shirts for pre-registered participants, age group awards, a BBQ and more!! This event is in conjunction with Griffin's Gift Family Field Day, and is a fundraiser for the Griffin's Gift Fund.

When:

Saturday, July 3, 2019 6:30-8:30pm

Location:

Danvers Family Festival

Read more about Griffin's Gift Run/Walk

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! It's a fun outdoor activity, your kids will learn a little history from the objects they observe and you may just find a wonderful treasure to bring home!

When:

Sundays, Spring through Fall 5am-3pm

Location:

Read more about Todd Farm Market

Growing Strong | Free Youth Fitness Program

Growing Strong is a free youth fitness program hosted by Beverly Massachusetts Recreation Department

A free youth fitness class run by Beverly High School volunteers. Children are welcome to attend any number of the classes. Growing Strong is a new, free, youth program that aims to provide a welcoming, social environment for children to begin a healthy lifestyle. Fitness is so important, especially for young children. It not only benefits a child’s overall physical health but also improves self esteem, concentration and decreases stress.

When:

Sunday, July 23, 2023 10-11am

Sundays, August 6, 13 & 20, 2023 10-11am

Location:

Cove Elementary School

Read more about Growing Strong | Free Youth Fitness Program

Stargazing at Halibut Point

The GAAC invites you to discover the the world of Astromony at the Halibut Point

Come join the fun at Halibut Point State Park when the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club brings their powerful telescopes to view stars, galaxies, and planets! No telescope necessary, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. Don’t forget a flashlight and insect repellent. Rain or Clouds Cancels Program.

When:

Saturday, August 12, 2023 9-11pm

Location:

Halibut Point State Park

Read more about Stargazing at Halibut Point

Merrimac Old Home Days

Merrimac Old Home Days is a family-friendly weekend celebrating the town of Merrimac, MA! Enjoy an outdoor movie, bonfire, beer garden, games, music, sports, crafts and food; there is something for everyone!

When:

Friday, August 11 - Sunday, August 13, 2023

Read more about Merrimac Old Home Days

Student Explorations: The Great Marsh and Climate Change

Join Essex County Greenbelt Association at the Cox Reservation in Essex, Massachusetts where art, science and the Great Marsh all come together in a collaborative exhibit hosted by Greenbelt at Cox Reservation in Essex.

When:

Friday-Sunday, September 22, 2023 10am-4pm

Saturday, September 23, 2023 Noon-4pm

Sunday, September 23, 2023 Noon-3pm

Location:

Read more about Student Explorations: The Great Marsh and Climate Change

Long Hill Garden Tours

Tour the Gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts!

The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants it’s most known for. In addition to learning about what plants are in bloom as well as the rare and unique species in our collection, you’ll hear how the gardens were developed by the fascinating Sedgwick family.

When:

Saturdays through September 30, 2023 11am-12pm

Location:

Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens

Trustees of Reservations

Read more about Long Hill Garden Tours

Moonlight Paddle on Lake Gardner

BYOB- bring your own boat - to this Trails & Sails twilight paddle at Lake Gardner!

Paddle the quiet waters of the Powow and enjoy the late summer evening air! On this date an afternoon moonrise will progress to 74% of full Harvest Moon illumination at 8:46 PM. Shine on!! This provides the optimum opportunity for a beautiful moonlit paddle along the shores of the Powwow Conservation Area on scenic Lake Gardner. Starting at the recently refurbished Lake Gardner Beach, we will leisurely paddle from the placid waters of the lake into the quiet canopy of the Powow River and back.

When:

Sunday, September 24, 2023 7:30-9:30pm

Location:

Read more about Moonlight Paddle on Lake Gardner

Powow Greenspace Sensory Hike

Take a Trails & Sails hike to the top of Powow Hill in Amesbury!

Come join the Lake Gardener Improvement Association for a morning guided “Sensory Hike” up Powow Hill. This hike of the Powow Hill Greenspace is an opportunity to explore Amesbury’s urban forest, located within walking distance of the restaurants and shops in the heart of the city. The approximately hour-long hike will bring you from the beach at Lake Gardner to the summit of Powow Hill, sporting views of three states and the ocean. Along the way, try to take the time to use all of your senses to soak in the nature around you as you explore the sights, smells, sounds and textures of the changing forest around you during this easy hike.

When:

Saturday, September 17, 2022 10-11am

Location:

Read more about Powow Greenspace Sensory Hike

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

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

♦ Read More →

Salisbury Tree Lighting

This year's Tree Lighting will celebrate all of the old traditions and has added some new just for YOU! The Tuesday after Thanksgiving will be jam packed with free activities for folks of ALL ages. Come join the fun for some long lasting holiday memories!

Where: Salisbury Town Common

5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Sunday, December 3

Seaside Ice - Skating by the Sea

No hats, gloves, or jackets required. Glide around our indoor artificial ice rink as you skate to festive music, surrounded by sparkling snowflakes, mirror balls, and breathtaking views of the ocean. Fun for the entire family! Children's and adult skate sizes available for rental ($5).

Where: Blue Ocean Event Center

11:00 am to 8:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Lowell's Boat Shop Holiday Open House

Visit Lowell’s Boat Shop during their Annual Holiday Open House is a two day family event during the first weekend in December. Festivities include old time music by violinist Gus La Casse and banjo player Mathias Kamin III; a children’s workshop with arts and crafts projects; visits from Santa (12...

Where: Lowell’s Boat Shop

11:00 am to 4:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Sea Festival of Trees (Sundays) in Salisbury

Now entering its 11th year, SeaFestival of Trees is a popular seasonal event that attracts 25,000+ people annually. This annual holiday fundraiser presents a magnificent display of Christmas trees donated and decorated by regional businesses, individuals, student groups, families and organizations...

Where: Blue Ocean Music Hall

11:00 am to 5:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Holidays on the Hill

The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour* the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate the Holidays! The first three weekends of December, join us for our annual Holidays on the Hill event! This festive celebration with music and cheer is sure to get the whole...

Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens

11:00 am to 3:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Gingerbread Contest at Wenham Museum

Everyone's invited to enter Wenham Museum’s gingerbread contest! Individuals, families, groups, teams–all are encouraged to create a Gingerbread House for this friendly community competition.

Where: Wenham Museum

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Gingerbread Contest at Wenham Museum

Everyone's invited to enter Wenham Museum’s gingerbread contest! Individuals, families, groups, teams–all are encouraged to create a Gingerbread House for this friendly community competition.

Where: Wenham Museum

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Amesbury Winter Market

Welcome to Amesbury Market Daze at BareWolf Brewing, a weekly vendor market where local surrounding Amesbury talent and community spirit converge.

Where: Barewolf Brewing

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Salisbury Beach Carousel - Sunday Hours

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 6:00 pm

♦ Read More →

CraneOutdoors: Sunday Family Snowy Owl Prowl

Wide-open coastal sites are the location of choice for wintering Snowy Owls; common perches are dunes and salt hay staddles. In winters past, these owls have been frequent visitors to the Crane Wildlife Refuge.

Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

♦ Read More →