Health

Farmers Markets on the North Shore

You'll find locally grown food and much more at farmers markets on the North Shore, north of Boston Massachusetts.

The North Shore of Massachusetts, renowned for its fertile soil, is home to farms that produce an abundance of fresh, delicious foods. These can be purchased directly from the farms or at the local farmer's markets, where the experience is more than just shopping—it's about community. On a sunny Saturday morning, families can explore these vibrant markets, filled with colorful produce, homemade jams, fresh bread, and artisanal crafts.

How to Identify Poison Ivy and Treat Its Rash

Poison Ivy has three leaves on each branch node. "Leaves of Three, Let it Be."

Anybody who has ever had a case of poison ivy will tell you that they wish they could go back in time and avoid ever having contact with the plant - and that's precisely the best way to deal with it.  If you and your children can identify the plant and avoid coming into contact with the oily residue on its leaves, everyone is bound to have much more fun this summer!

Lyme Disease & Babesiosis: Dangerous Tick Borne Diseases

After a walk in the woods, check for ticks before getting in the car!

When enjoying the outdoors on the North Shore, it's crucial to understand ticks, their habitats, feeding habits, and how to handle tick bites. While infection rates overall are considered relatively low1, the threat of infection is serious, and of those infected, kids aged 5-14 have a higher rate of infection compared to adults 65 and younger. Preventative measures and swift actions are essential to protect yourself, your pets, and your family from serious infections.While in Removing an embedded tick properly is a critical part of avoiding tick-borne disease.

Gary Wheeler, DDS - Top Rated Family Dentist on North Shore

Gary Wheeler, DDS - Top Rated Family Dentist on NorthShore, 2019

Gary P. Wheeler DDS, INC. strives to provide our patients with the highest quality dental care. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and comfort of every patient. We promise compliance with the highest hygiene standards, while keeping an honest, ethical and friendly environment. Dental care will always be uniquely tailored to fit each patient’s needs. We are, indeed, committed to you.

Summer Special at Gloucester Karate Academy

Gloucester Karate Academy is offering a Summer special for new students looking to try the martial arts.

Gloucester Uechi Karate Academy is running a great Summer special for adults and children! For just $89, you can join the academy classes for a month of group classes starting in June, July or August.  This special offer includes two introductory private lessons and a karate uniform. A full schedule of classes is designed to cater to busy families. To enroll in this wonderful opportunity to gain life skills and have fun at the same time, please call or email the school.

Halloween Safety Tips

A Safe Halloween is a Happy Halloween!

Dressing up in a costume to go ask for free candy from anybody with a porch light on is a kids dream!  With these easy to follow tips and guidelines, having Halloween turn into a nightmare will be the farthest thing from everybody's mind. Talk to your kids about safety before they go out Trick or Treating and remind them that the best way to stay out of danger is to be aware of their surroundings! 

CSA Shares at Green Meadows Farm

Green Meadows CSA shares are a great source for locally grown organic produce!

You do not have access to view this node CSA Shares are available now!  The farm vegetable share starts in just a couple weeks. If you haven't signed up for your share yet, now is the time to do it. Members always have lots of choice in their share and we have flexible pick-up times. It's a great way to support the farm. So many members tell us that their weekly trips to the farm really help them unwind. The farm needs local support now to ensure that they can continue to grow some of the finest locally-grown, organic produce available on the North Shore!

Avoiding and Treating Sunburn

Prevention is the best bet with sunburn, but there are ways to ease the discomfort of sunburn if your get it.

There are all kinds of warnings out there by medical professionals and government agencies telling us that over exposure to the sun is not good, and we would all like to think that we stay diligent throughout the Summer to minimize our chances of sunburn, but it does eventually happen.  Best practices dictate that prevention through minimal exposure is best. Avoid mid-afternoon 10am - 2pm for full sun exposure, wear clothing and hats that shade your skin from the sun, protect your eyes with sunglasses that block as much sunlight as possible, and use sun screen products with a minimum SPF 15 (SPF 30 is better) on parts of our skin that are exposed during the day. If your skin starts to look pink, step into the shade.

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Summerquest Camp for kids aed 5-14 at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

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

Boston Bruins Annual Pajama Drive

Drop off new pajama donations at libraries across the North Shore of Massachusetts as part of the Boston Bruins PJ Drive.
The Boston Bruins will be hosting their 19th annual PJ Drive with the goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of pajamas from February 1st - March 15th, 2026. The drive will benefit Cradles to Crayons and Wonderfund MA, two non-profits that ensure positive living conditions for children. Local businesses...
7:00 am to 9:00 pm

Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
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

Fearless | The Taylor Swift Experience

Fearless Taylor Swift Experience at the Sea at Blue Ocean Music Hall in Salisbury MA
Bring your Swifties to Fearless | The Taylor Swift Experience in Salisbury for Fearless | The Taylor Swift Experience—a high-energy, family-friendly tribute that celebrates the music so many kids (and adults) love.
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Saturday, February 14

Valentine's Day

12:00 am to 11:59 pm

Boston Bruins Annual Pajama Drive

Drop off new pajama donations at libraries across the North Shore of Massachusetts as part of the Boston Bruins PJ Drive.
The Boston Bruins will be hosting their 19th annual PJ Drive with the goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of pajamas from February 1st - March 15th, 2026. The drive will benefit Cradles to Crayons and Wonderfund MA, two non-profits that ensure positive living conditions for children. Local businesses...
7:00 am to 9:00 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

The Merrimack River Eagle Festival

Come celebrate the return of the Eagles to the Merrimack Estuary! Photo: Eagle on Ice by Bill O'Connor
When winter returns to the lower Merrimack Valley, so do Bald Eagles and Snowy Owls and other exciting winter wildlife. Every year Mass Audubon hosts a grand event marking their return.  Come to Newburyport on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for a full day of fun indoor and outdoor activities that...
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

LEGO World: Wonderealms

Drop in at LEGO World: Wonderrealms at Wenham Museum in Wenham Massachusetts
This all-new experience invites visitors to explore an extraordinary LEGO world where creativity knows no bounds. From enchanted forests and futuristic skylines to pirate coves and steam-powered frontiers, each realm is packed with intricate details, playful surprises, and clever touches you won’t...
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Discover Saturdays at Cape Ann Museum

Discover Saturdays for Families at Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Enjoy a FREE guided activity (ages 4+) in the gallery. Learn about Cape Ann’s Granite Industry, try a fun art making activity, and join in gallery tour designed for kids and their caregivers, led by a CAM Educator. Afterwards grab a scavenger hunt to explore the property and enjoy the lawn.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us this season. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place…
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Quarry Quest Treasure Hunt

Kids will enjoy this treasure hunt at the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry in Rockport Massachusetts
Enjoy an outdoor treasure hunt at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations during February Vacation! Halibut Point State Park invites kids and families to follow clues then unscramble to find a treasure box!
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

StoryWalk at Halibut Point

StoryWalk®! Nest Robin Built, by Denise Fleming - a self guided reading tour at Halibut Point in Rockport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! StoryWalk®! Nest Robin Built, by Denise Fleming. Self-guided reading pages posted along a lovely Park trail near the visitor center. Connect with nature and each other while enjoying the...
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

February Vacation at MIT Museum

Kids will have a blast at the MIT Museum in Cambridge Massachusetts during February Vacation Week!
Come on your own, with friends, or bring the whole family to the museum for a special week of programming. The museum has a number of activities planned for the week of February 14-22, including extended Maker Hub and Learning Lab hours, tours, gallery cart demos and family workshops. With the...
Where: MIT Museum
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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