Outdoor Activity

Discovering Nature Through Story, Music, and Art

Kids will explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to connect with nature and learn about the creatures of the North Shore Massachusetts wilderness!

Preschoolers and young kids will explore the wonders of winter in the "enchanted woods" of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in this four-session series. We'll begin in the Nature Center with story, poetry, and imagination. Next, we'll bundle up for a winter walk to awaken our sense of wonder to the silence, scents, and scenery of the sleeping winter woods. Along the way, discover how the trees, plants, birds, beavers, squirrels, chipmunks, and other wildlife spend the winter. We'll look for animal stories in the snow (tracking) and much more. After our walks, we'll create artwork that reflects the wonders of winter that we discovered, while listening to winter nature songs. These keepsakes will bring home winter's secrets and beauty as we await the signs of spring.

Joppa Flats Summer Solstice Celebration

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Mass Audubon at the Joppa Flats Education Center

Celebrate the longest day of the year (and the first day of summer) with us! Learn why we have seasons and express your appreciation for the summer with sun-themed activities, crafts, and songs. We'll make cosmic suncatchers and flower-power crowns, conduct a human sundial experiment, and make sun-themed snacks.

When: 
Friday, June 21, 2019 3:30-5pm

Wee Farmers at Appleton Farms

Wee Farmers at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts. Photo: ©2011 Bill O'Connor

Wee Farmers is designed for our 3-5 year old friends who want to explore the farm, meet our animals, and get a taste of what Farm Camp is like at Appleton! You’ll get to dig into life on the farm and lend a helping hand brushing our goats, feeding our bunnies, making butter and taste testing in the education garden! Learn about how we grow our vegetables and see how good your senses are with Harvest Blanket. Meet our cows and learn how we milk them. We’ll start our morning with a quick craft before venturing out for some farm discovery and nature exploration.

When: 
Monday-Friday through August 2019 9-10:30am
Location: 

Summer Solstice Yoga Hike at Ward

Holt Hill at Ward Reservation is marked with Solstice Stones and has panoramic

Join HER Wellness & The Trustees to celebrate the summer solstice at Ward Reservation! Participants will enjoy hiking up to the solstice stones to practice an all-levels yoga flow under the sunset and glowing moon. There, we will embrace the sun reaching its highest peak and welcome the fruitful summer upon us, both inside and out! Handcrafted herbal tea and bath salts created for the astrological moment will be provided, along with self-care tips for the summer season.

When: 
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 6:30-8:30pm
Location: 

CAM on the Green: A Summer Celebration

Summer Celebration at the Cape Ann Museum Green in Gloucester Massachusetts

Enjoy inspired cocktails, creative bites, and the company of art aficionados as the sun sets over Cape Ann.  This special celebration encourages meaningful connection and community engagement while supporting CAM’s programs, exhibitions, and the inspiring and rewarding experiences offered throughout the year.

When: 
Saturday, July 30, 2022 6-9pm

Family Fishing at Breakheart Reservation

Come to Breakheart Reservation for a full day of family fishing fun!

Join the park interpreter for a drop-in fishing program! Learn how to fish, what fish live in our ponds, and how to catch and release responsibly. Bait and a handful of rods will be provided but feel free to bring your own gear and fish with us and share your tips! No license required if fishing in this program. Best Appropriate for children 5 years and up. Meet at the left side of
Pearce Lake Beach. Rain cancels.

When: 
Saturday, June 11 & 25, 2022 10-11:30am

Afternoon Adventures Drop-In Spring Series

Appleton Farms' popular Afternoon Adventures program now has a drop-in option on Wednesdays in Ipswich Massachusetts.

New this spring, the Trustee's popular Afternoon Adventures program now has a drop-in option on Wednesdays! Bring a friend, pick and choose the days you’d like to attend, or try it out for the first time. This 2.5-hour drop-off program on Wednesday afternoons provides your child with immersive, farm-based play and chores that foster social-emotional learning, wellbeing, and a love of nature. Skilled educators with a flair for fun and a knack for outdoor skills supervise your young farmers as they explore the barnyard, garden, and trails. This entirely-outdoors program uses our historic Carriage Barn (where the goats live!) for shelter in severe weather.

When: 
Wednesdays, May 4 - June 8, 2022 2-4:30PM
Location: 

Free Ferry Day on Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor Free Ferry Day departs from Long Wharf in Boston Massachusetts

Celebrate the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park Anniversaries and Park Opening Day with a FREE trip to Spectacle or Georges Island! Explore historic Fort Warren on Georges Island or walk Spectacle Island’s beaches and winding trails. Catch the ferry to either island right from downtown Boston’s Long Wharf North… for free!

When: 
Saturday, May 21, 2022 8am-5pm

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

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

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

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

Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic

The Annual Hampton Beach, NH Master Sandsculpting Competition 2025
The fun starts when 200 tons of imported sand is dropped on Hampton Beach and the “Grady Bunch” starts pounding up the sponsor site. The entire area is illuminated for night viewing through June 23rd. Watch Greg Grady and “The Grady Bunch” build a mammoth Sand Demo Site. 
7:00 am to 11:00 pm

Amesbury Days Celebration

Amesbury Days is a celebration of the onset of Summer and community.
Amesbury Days is a a 8-day celebration of all things Amesbury that kicks off the summer with fun and exciting community events in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Fireworks, a block party and a 5k walk/run will be just some of the highlights of this years' Amesbury Days celebration. There will be events...
9:00 am to 9:00 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

Kidleidoscope

Kidleidoscope at Maudslay State Park is a chance for preschoolers to explore the park, enjoy a story and make a craft!
Maudslay State Park has created this program for their youngest crowd! The park interpreter will lead a weekly nature themed preschool aged program that involves a story time and outdoor exploration of Maudslay trails and gardens! 
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Amesbury Kids Day in the Park

The Amesbury Kids Day in the Park at the Town Park in Amesbury Massachusetts
Hosted by Amesbury Recreation and part of Amesbury Days.  Come with the kids to enjoy face painting, bounce house, games & prizes, music, train rides, and a patriotic teddy bear parade.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

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

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

Salem Farmers' Market

The Salem Farmer's Market bring the goodness of local farm to downtown Salem!
The Salem Farmers' Market brings fresh local produce and other foods from North Shore farms and other local resources to downtown Salem every Thursday at  Bentley Academy Charter School!
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Saint Peter's Fiesta | Thursday

Wednesday night is the unofficial 1st night of Saint Peter's Fiesta in Glouceste
The Saint Peter's Fiesta is an annual festival in Gloucester, Massachusetts celebrating the city's fishing heritage, close-knit families, community, and religious traditions.  The five-day celebration includes a carnival, live entertainment, and unique traditional events like the infamous 'Greasy...
5:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Salisbury Farmers' Market

Salisbury Farmers Market is a great source of local produce.
The Salisbury Farmers' Market offers a vibrant community experience with a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, unprocessed honey, farm-fresh eggs, and maple syrup. Enjoy music, local market creations, and engage with local farmers. The market also features monthly craft markets, cooking...
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Amesbury Block Party

The Amesbury Days Block Party takes place at Heritage Park Lower Mill Yard in Amesbury Massachusetts
We will be bringing back all of the familiar favorites like face painting, pony rides, balloon twisting, train rides and a dunk tank plus plenty of delicious food and drinks, entertainment and much more!  
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Summer Concert Series at Lynch Park

Free Summer Concerts hosted by Bev Rec at Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts
Enjoy free concerts this Summer at Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts!  Families are encourages to grab a chair and a blank and head to the park for a free concert at Lynch Park's ampitheater.
Where: Lynch Park
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saint Peter's Fiesta 5k

The Cape Ann YMCA Saint Peter's Fiesta 5k encourages kids to enter.
The Saint Peter's Fiesta 5k Road Race hosted by the Cape Ann YMCA is a healthy opportunity for families to be directly involved with this traditional community celebration in Gloucester!  Kids are encouraged to enter, and all funds raised by the race go to the Cape Ann YMCA Summer Camps program....
6:00 pm

Castle Hill Picnic Concert | The Far Out

The Far Out Thursday night picnic concert performance at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
Looking for a fun family outing on the North Shore of Massachusetts? Don't miss the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich! These concerts offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time with your loved ones in a beautiful and exclusive setting on the North...
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Friday, July 4

Marblehead Festival of the Arts

There's plenty to see and do for kids and families at the Marblehead Festival of the Arts in Massachusetts!
Marblehead, Massachusetts has a long-standing tradition of hosting an annual summer arts festival during the week of July 4th. This highly esteemed festival showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions that include: painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, photography, crafts,...
9:00 am to 9:00 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

Fourth of July Parade in Manchester

Fourth of July Parade in Manchester MA for North Shore Families
Manchester’s annual salute to America is a wonderful tradition, complete with stirring music, precision marching bands, imaginative home made floats, antique cars, and just about everything else that represents the pride and patriotism we all share for our country. Simply stated, Manchester’s...
10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Fireworks & Harbor Illumination in Marblehead

Marblehead Fireworks as seen from Chandler Hovey Park by Jeff Folger
Independence Day in Marblehead is a full-day affair along the picturesque harbor front. Start the day at 10 am with the Horribles Parade, a whimsical procession of unique and often creatively opinionated homemade floats, accompanied by lively music and other festive elements. As the day progresses...
10:00 am to 9:45 pm

Marblehead Street Festival

There's plenty to see and do for kids at the Marblehead Street Festival! Part of the Marblehead Festival of the Arts
Come to the Marblehead Street Festival at Bank Square (intersection of Washington and Hooper Street).  This festival is a fun tradition that's part of 4th of July celebrations!  There will be something for everyone including magic, street performers, live music, face painting, sidewalk chalk art,...
11:00 am to 3:00 pm

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

Waterfront Concerts @ Crocker Park in Marblehead

Marblehead Festival of Arts hosts live music performances throughout Fourth of July weekend at Crocker Park
The Marblehead Festival of the Arts hosts its  58th Performing Arts Program featuring 16 acts over 4 nights and 3 days. As always, we thank the Town of Marblehead for the opportunity to present our program in the beautiful natural concert venue that is Crocker Park and to you, for your generous...
12:00 pm to 10:30 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

Amesbury Days Fireworks

Amesbury MA Amesbury Days Fireworks and Music
Amesbury Days fireworks display will be on July 4th beginning at around 9pm. Food vendors, favorites from years past and a couple of new ones added in for your enjoyment. Parking is available at Woodsom Farm or Amesbury High School.
5:30 pm to 10:00 pm

4th of July Celebration at Salisbury Beach

Fourth of July Fireworks at Salisbury Beach include a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach.
Get ready for four fantastic days of family fun at Salisbury Beach! From patriotic pet parades and live music to Independence Day fireworks, here’s what’s in store:
6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
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