Outdoor Activity

Winter Mindful Nature Experience for Families

Get outside with your family for some fresh air and to experience the beauty of the ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Get outside with your family for some fresh air and to experience the beauty of the sanctuary. A Mindful Nature Experience incorporates elements of mindfulness, forest bathing, ayurveda, and yoga to connect mind and body in community with the outdoors, reinvigorate your senses, and deeply immerse you in the healing power of nature. As a family, awaken your bodies with easy, flowing exercises, and use mindful breathing techniques to connect with and offer gratitude for the natural world. Walk with awareness to immerse deeply in nature, explore your senses using various sensory techniques that awaken curiosity, and find your own personal sit spot to meditate as one with nature.

When: 
Sunday, February 9, 2020 3-5pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Outdoor Activity
Snowshoeing
Mass Audubon

Family Snowshoe & Winter World Hike

If it ever snows, this will be a great exploration of IRWS on snowshoes!

Have you ever wanted to try snowshoeing but didn't know where to start? Join us for a leisurely snowshoe hike through the sanctuary. Along the way, we will search for animal tracks and keep our eyes open for wildlife. If you don't own snowshoes, we'll provide them for you. Snow or not, we will enjoy a wonderful winter hike and end with some hot chocolate to warm up!

When: 
Saturday, February 8, 2020 1:30-3pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Boxford
Hike
Outdoor Activity
Snowshoeing
Mass Audubon

Sense of Wonder Walk: Backyard Birds

Learn about and help feed local birds that spend the winter in New England at Mass Audubon's Ipwich River Wildlife Sanctuary

There's a lot going on in the natural world in winter, so bundle up the family and join us for an outdoor exploration! This walk will begin with a short introduction indoors, and then we'll go outside to explore. What birds visit your house in winter? We'll walk the trails looking, listening, and calling for birds. After our hike, we'll return to the Nature Center to warm up and view birds from our observation window.

When: 
Sunday, February 2, 2020 1:30-3pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Walk
Outdoor Activity
Mass Audubon
Birding

Youth Outdoor Survival Challenge: Shelters

Teens will learn outdoors survival skills at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary!

In this outdoor survival skills program, older children will learn the basics of the ancient outdoor skill of shelter building. We will look at real examples of animal homes for inspiration, learn some different shelter types and their pros and cons, discuss shelter safety, and make our own full-size shelters on the sanctuary. If there is snow we will make cozy quinzhee huts and if there is no snow we will make leafy lean-to huts. No experience necessary--just a desire to survive and thrive in the wild!

When: 
Saturday, February 1, 2020 1:30-3:30pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Discovery
Mass Audubon
Skill Building

Newburyport Winter Kite Festival

Come join the fun at the Winter Kite Festival at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport.

Newburyport Youth Services and Kites Over New England invite you to join the fun for a day of winter wonder as kite flyers from around New England bring their large kites to fly over the field at Maudslay State Park. Bring your favorite kite as well! Come to one of two kite making lessons in the morning then fly the kites in the afternoon at Maudslay State Park.

When: 
Saturday, February 1, 2020 10am-3pm
Location: 
Maudslay State Park
Newburyport
Festival
Outdoor Activity
Hike
Kite

North Shore Nordic Ski & Smores

Join the Trustees for a snowy exploration of Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts on snowshoes.

Join The Trustees of Reservations for a snowy exploration of Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts on snowshoes. We'll loop through the pastures and woodlands and return to the farmstead to warm ourselves by the fire with hot cocoa and s'mores. All ages and abilities are welcome. No experience is necessary. If there isn't enough snow, we'll take a hike!

When: 
Saturday, February 1, 2020 1-3pm
Location: 
Appleton Farms
Ipswich
Farm
Trustees of Reservations
Outdoor Activity
Cross Country Ski

Winter Solstice Celebration

Come for a solstice hike at Ward Reservation to celebrate the Winter Solstice and watch a fire-themed performance by Tetra!

Celebrating the winter solstice goes back 5,000 years. Join us as we light up the night with a Solstice stroll and celebration at Ward Reservation. Participants will meet in the parking lot for a guided candlelit walk through the woods that will include presented passages from the story "The Shortest Day" by Wendy Pfeffer.

When: 
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 6-8:30pm
Strolls at 6-7pm or 7:30-8:30pm
Location: 
Ward Reservation
Andover
Gloucester
North Andover
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Discovery
Trustees of Reservations

Family Forest Festival

Join Mass Audubon to celebrate the forest with your family at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Journey back in time with Mass Audubon and the Topsfield Historical Society on a child-friendly guided hike with hands-on games and activities to learn about the people and wildlife who have called these forests home. Try your hand at building a kid-sized log cabin, see and use real historical carpentry tools, and learn the names and stories of the towering trees and woodland wildlife all around us. Late fall is a wonderful time to take a hike with friends and family and give thanks for the resources and beauty that nature provides for us all. The hike is approximately 1 hour long, set at a leisurely pace with stops to explore. Fun forest activities, snacks, hot drinks, and a roaring fire in our cozy barn are ongoing throughout the program.

When: 
Saturday, November 23, 2019 1-4pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Tour
Walk
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Mass Audubon
History

Pages

Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts

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...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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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...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
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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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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Gloucester Schooner Festival 2025
The Gloucester Schooner Festival celebrates maritime, sailing and fishing heritage of Cape Ann Massachusetts
The Gloucester Schooner Festival is a  wonderful celebration of Gloucester's fishing and maritime history during labor day weekend. This year's festival, hosted by Maritime Gloucester, is Gloucester’s major marine event, with participating vessels coming from ports along the Eastern seaboard and...
Where: Downtown Gloucester, Where: Gloucester Harbor, Where: Gloucester Harbor Walk, Where: Ocean Alliance
7:00 am to 10:00 pm
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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.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
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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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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!
Where: Derby Square
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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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...
Where: Salisbury Town Common
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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Castle Hill Picnic Concert - Orville Giddings Band
Orville Giddings brings boogie blues music to Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in this Thursday evening concert. Photo ©David Stone
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...
Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
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Sunday, September 7

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...
Where: Tannery Marketplace
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Rowley Farmers Market
Rowley Farmers Market - a seasonal open-air market every Sunday July-September on Rowley Common
The Rowley Farmers Market is an open air market held on Sundays on the Rowley Town Common.  There's always a great selection of fresh local produce, food stuffs and locally hand-made goods. Come pick up some great locally grown food, freshly baked bread by Faith Anne's Unique bread, specialty teas...
Where: Rowley Town Common
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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North Andover Farmers' Market
North Andover Farmers Market every Sunday Through October 2, 2022
The North Andover Farmers Market is the perfect destination for anyone living in the Merrimack Valley or the North Shore to shop and enjoy locally-sourced products. The market will take place in the center of town at the intersection of First Street and Main Street. The market has become known for...
Where: Downtown North Andover
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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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. Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
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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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Essex Heritage Boat Tours to Bakers Island Lighthouse - Salem
Boat and Light Station Tour Bakers Island Tour out of Salem Massachusetts
Climb aboard Naumkeag, Essex Heritage’s landing craft for a trip to Bakers Island Light Station. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise from Salem past rugged coastline, harbor islands, and five lighthouses to Bakers Island. The light station is a 10-acre property that has been in use aiding in maritime...
Where: Salem Ferry Terminal
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum
Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
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Monday, September 8

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →
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