Outdoor Activity

Family Wildlife Walks: Tide Pooling at Sandy Point

Have a tide pooling adventure at Sandy Point with a Mass Audubon Naturalist!

Did you know that our seafood does not begin its ife in the sea? Have you ever wondered what makes the round hole in seashells on the beach? When was the last time you looked for horseshoe crabs? Now is your chance for your family to learn together about the wonders of nature. Each program will focus on conservation updates, animal and plant interrelationships, changing environmental conditions, and an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our surroundings. Each experience will leave you excited for the next one!

When: 
Sunday, June 5, 2016 4:30-7pm

Let’s Go Fly a Kite: A Practically Perfect Mary Poppins Party

Come fly a kite at the Trustees of Reservations Castle Hill Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!  Photo by Bill O'Connor

It’s an afternoon of Poppins fun for the whole family at this Mary Poppins Party at Crane Estate. Activities include kite making and flying, chalk drawing, lawn games, and more. Kite aficionados from Kites Over New England are on hand to show their kites and flying techniques. Tea, lemonade, and cookies are served. 

When: 
Sunday, May 22, 2016 1-4pm

Renaissance of Ravenswood: Walk through the Centuries

Talk a walk through history at Ravenswood, and explore this wonderful park in Gl

Walk through history at Ravenswood Park! Ravenswood has changed from a main thoroughfare to a forgotten backwoods, and now to our favorite local refuge over time. See the evidence in cellar holes, stonewalls, and carriage paths. Learn the stories of a colorful cast of characters who transformed it into a such special place. Pre-registration requested.

When: 
Second Sunday of each month through September 2016
Location: 

Spring Wildlife Safari: Amazing Animal Families

Kids will learn about animal families that live at the IRWS

Spring is a time when many baby animals are born. How much do these animals depend on their families for survival? Come learn how some mammal, bird, amphibian, and insect families will spend their Mother's Day. We will walk through different habitats and investigate which young animals stay with their families and which go it alone.

When: 
Saturday, May 7, 2016 1:30-3pm

Amazing Amphibians

Search for frogs, salamanders and their eggs at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Spring is the season when frogs, toads, and salamanders return to the wetlands to lay their eggs. After a short introduction in our Nature Center where we will learn about the life cycles of these amazing creatures, we will search the sanctuary's wetlands and woodlands for amphibians on the move. If we're lucky, we might be able to catch a few of them! We'll also be sure to swing by our vernal pool where we should be able to find large masses of wood frog and spotted salamander eggs.

When: 
Saturday, April 23,2016 1:30-3pm

Garden Scavenger Hunt Challenge

Garden Scavenger Hunt ChallengeCome to a Scavenger Hunt at the Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover

Join the The Trustees of Reservations or some family fun this April Vacation week! We’ve got activities all week long! On Friday we will close out the week of activities with a scavenger hunt challenge in the gardens. Work together with your child to follow clues through the gardens and discover hidden treasures among the plants.

When: 
Friday, April 22, 2014 10am-Noon

Make Your Own Stamp-Quest Fest!

Kids and families will learn all about questing on an exploration in Ravenswood!

At this Family Quest Fest you'll learn all about Questing--clue-based treasure hunts discovering stories about this very special place--while on an expetition to find a treasure box!  You'll make your own stamp, grab a passport, and participate in the fastest growing family recreational activity this side of the Atlantic. 

When: 
Friday April 22, 2016 1-3pm
Location: 

Vernal Pool Exploration at Crane Refuge

Explore the vernal habitats of the Crane Wildlife Refuge with the Trustees at Ni

Join The Trustees of Reservations on a misty evening in early Spring, vernal pools are hopping! The swales we find tucked amongst the dunes are coming alive, host to a variety of creatures waking from a long winter’s nap and ready for action! We’ll hike out under cover of darkness to spy on – and listen to – this celebration of awakening. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, and wear boots!  We’ll have nets and buckets for up-close observations, but our specimen collecting is strictly catch-and-release.

When: 
Sunday, April 17, 2016 7-9pm

Eco Games Free-for-All: Sustaining the Sea

Is your Tuna farmed or wild and what's the difference? Find out at Joppa Flats!

We know how important it is to be "green," but how do we apply that to the way we live on the New England coast? Come to Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats for a full day of activities all about ocean creatures like whales, sea turtles and fish! We’ll learn about ocean sustainability and seashore conservation with fun, informative games like mini sporting events, quiz competitions, model building, and art projects for all ages!

When: 
Sunday, March 20, 2016 10am - 3pm

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Shore School in Beverly Massachusetts offers a host of Summer programs for kids aged 5-12

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

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

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

Gloucester Gratis Days at Hammond Castle

Bring your kids to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts during April Vacation
In keeping with John Hays Hammond, Jr's original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum will offer Gloucester residents free, self-guided tours each Tuesday throughout the regular...
10:00 am to 4:00 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

Manchester by the Sea Summer Concert Series

Summer Concerts happen at Masconomo Park in Manchester by the Sea every Tuesday through the Summer!
Come to Manchester Tuesday nights all summer for the annual Music in Masconomo Summer Concert Series. Each week from 6:00 - 8:00 pm a variety of Oldies, Swing, Rhythm & Blues & Classic Rock music will fill the air! Bring your family and friends, blankets and chairs, and dinner to enjoy a...
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays

Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays includes great dining live music, dancing & extended shopping hours for shopping Downtown Ipswich Massachusetts Tuesday evenings!
Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays includes great dining, live music, dancing at the Take-Out Terrace Stage on the Riverwalk  & extended shopping hours for shopping Downtown Ipswich Tuesday evenings!  Each week will feature live entertainment on the Riverwalk, making for a fun evening out for the whole...
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The North Shore Concert Band at Salem Willows

Kids enjoy the North Shore Concert Band performance at Salem Willows Park in Massachusetts
The North Shore Concert Band will perform its annual Summer Series of free outdoor concerts at the Robert Hayes Bandshell at Salem Willows Park beginning Tuesday, June 25th. 
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Thursday, July 17

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

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

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

Crane Estate Picnic Concert - Voodoo Lounge

Voodoo Lounge will rock Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts at a Thursday night picnic concert
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 18

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

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

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

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

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
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