Self-Guided

Story Walk |This Is the Nest Robin Built

Kids will enjoy this self-guided story based tour of the Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts! Photo by Bill O'Connor

Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise at Halibut Point State Park ! Join us on the grounds of the for a self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book This is the Nest Robin Built, by Denise Fleming. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. A wonderful story awaits! For pre-K-age 7 with adult.

When: 
Daily February 17-25, 2024 8am-4pm

Ghoulish Gardens at Stevens-Coolidge

Come to the Stevens-Coolidge Place Ghoulish Gardens in North Andover Massachusetts!

Join The Trustees of Reservations at the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens for Halloween fun! The gardens have transformed in to our Ghoulish Gardens! Take a walk through the meadow to read our Story Stroll brought to you by the Stevens Memorial Library. Then, hunt down the hidden pumpkins throughout the rest of the property to win a prize at the end.

When: 
Thursday-Monday, October, 2023 10am-6pm

Self-guided Tours at Hammond Castle Museum

Take a self-guided tour of Hammond Castle in Gloucester as part of Trails and Sails!

Hammond Castle Museum was built in the 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. as a home for his extensive collection of medieval artifacts and his research laboratory.Guests may explore the breathtaking building and grounds of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester and take a SELF-GUIDED tour offering new insight into the inventor that was one of the North Shore’s most dynamic residents. Guests should plan 60 minutes to explore the Museum. We look forward to your visit!

When: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 10am-3pm
Location: 

The Lady of Salem: Maritime Art

Learn about the history of Salem Massachusetts through this unique public art installation self-guided tour!

Discover Salem’s Golden Age of Sail as you uncover clues! Celebrate America’s Maritime History! The Ladies of Salem will have you looking up at whimsical and beautifully designed figureheads gracing lampposts downtown. “What is a figurehead ?” you may ask? It’s a large carved wooden decorative three dimensional representation of a person, animal or mythical creature located at the bow (forward part) of a sailing ship. They were thought to bring good luck as the “eyes” of the ship. Each “Lady” has a unique story to tell. Enjoy your journey!

When: 
June-October 2023

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.

Take a self guided tour at Maudslay State Park during the spring bloom season! Maudslay’s laurels have covered the banks of the Merrimack River for centuries. From 1849 to 1870, Mr. and Mrs. William Ashby of Newburyport hosted annual literary parties at the Laurel Grounds called the “Feast of Flowers.” Guests included such famous figures as John Greenleaf Whittier, who composed several poems about the site. The formal gardens at Maudslay State Park bloom from May through August with a vast array of species and can be enjoyed before or after a wooded trail walk.

When: 
Daily Dawn to Dusk through Spring 2023

Hike & Seek: Tales of Trees

Come enjoy enjoy a self-guided outdoor activity adventure at the Trustees of Reservations Stevens-Coolidge Place.

The Trustees wants to bring you closer to the fantastical elements of the forest with this self-guided outdoor trail bundle for use on the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens property. Avoid the bugs and the crowds and get outside this winter to discover the hidden life of trees!

When: 
Daily through March 13, 2022 9am-5pm

Manchester 375th Scavenger Hunt

The Manchester Essex Conservation Trust Scavenger is a healthy challenge for the entire family!

—During the month of September explore conservation lands, learn a bit about Manchester’s history, and have some fun! Accept the challenge to visit multiple locations at surrounding conservation areas, learn some history and celebrate the 375th Anniversary of the founding of Manchester by the Sea! It's a healthy way for your family to engage with the beautiful habitats you can find on the North Shore.

When: 
Daily through September 30, 2021

Meet Cassie at Cape Ann Museum!

Meet Cassie the Sea Serpent at Cape Ann Museum during April Vacation Week

Take a break from the screen and come visit the Cape Ann Museum with your kids during April Vacation Week - Meet Cassie at the Cape ann Museum! Reserve a timed entrance for you and your family to follow the Museum's new family-friendly guide, Cassie the Sea Serpent, through the galleries. Inspired by the Cape Ann Sea Serpent, which was seen by hundreds in Gloucester Harbor between 1817-1819, Cassie poses questions and activities for students of all ages to engage with the collection. During April Vacation Week, all visitors will receive a free copy of Cassie’s Scavenger Hunt with activities and crayons included.

When: 
Thursday - Sunday, April 22 - 25, 2021 10am-3pm
Location: 

Autumn Feature Story Walk

Join DCR’s Autumn Feature StoryWalk® at Maudslay State Park, featuring One Small Place in a Tree, written by Barbara Brenner and illustrated by Tom Leonard

Join DCR’s Autumn Feature StoryWalk® at Maudslay State Park  Walk a trail and read the story One Small Place in a Tree, written by Barbara Brenner and illustrated by Tom Leonard.  Come and participate in this self Guided StoryWalk for Pre-K kids with adults!  Autumn is a perfect time to enjoy the magic of reading together outdoors!

When: 
Daily, October 1st - October 20, 2019

Sing & Dance with the Music Man

Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

Silly Stories with Susie Magoozy at North Shore Children's Museum

NorthShore Children's Museum hosts Suzie Magoozy telling stories in Peabody Massachusetts!
Are you looking for excitement? Enthusiasm? Wild rants of singing and dancing?? Or maybe you just like furry puppets! As a former children's librarian, Susie Lord has performed thousands of story times for children and adults.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm

Art in Bloom at MFA - Boston

Art in Bloom at MFA - Boston
Celebrate the return of spring with Art in Bloom, the Museum’s annual festival of fine art and flowers. Enjoy exquisite art from across the MFA’s collection paired with magnificent floral interpretations created by New England-area garden clubs. Professional designers delight with creative designs...
10:00 am to 3:45 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 3:59 pm

Silly Stories with Susie Magoozy at North Shore Children's Museum

NorthShore Children's Museum hosts Suzie Magoozy telling stories in Peabody Massachusetts!
Are you looking for excitement? Enthusiasm? Wild rants of singing and dancing?? Or maybe you just like furry puppets! As a former children's librarian, Susie Lord has performed thousands of story times for children and adults.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Salisbury Beach Carousel - Vacation Hours

Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties
Salisbury Beach Carousel Hours: Monday - Saturday 12 - 7:00 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 5:00 pm Hours of operation are to change.
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Pokemon Club at Newbury Library

Pokemon Club Newbury Town Public Library in Massachusetts.
Newbury Town Library invites kids of all ages for some Pokemon fun!  Grab your trading cards and come join us for Pokemon Club! Recommended for ages 7+.
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Read to a Dog at APL

Kids are invited to read to a dog at Amesbury Massachusetts Public Library. Image generated with AI.
The Amesbury Public Library invites kids to come read to a dog at the Library! Gus, a mixed lab and certified reading partner dog, would love to hear you read aloud!
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

LEGO Club at Danvers Library

LEGO club at Danvers Library Massachusetts
Peabody Institute Library - Danvers invites kids to an afternoon of building and fun! Activities will include free build, themes and instructional design. All structures will remain on display in the Children’s Room till the following weeks's session
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Pajama Story Time at Manchester Public Library

Kids are invited to the pajama time book reading at the Public Library in Manchester by the Sea Massachusetts.
Get cozy at the library! Come dressed in your pjs for a storytime and craft with Miss Audrey on February 22nd at 6 pm. This program is for ages 4-7.
6:00 pm to 6:45 pm

Friday, April 26

Lil Kickers Soccer at North Shore Children's Museum

 Danvers Indoor Sports host a Lil Kickers soccer program for little ones at North Shore Children's Museum
Coach Lex from Danvers Indoor Sports Clinic will engage budding soccer players for a fun morning of active learning through sports! Warm up, run, and work on skill drills during our 9-12 play session.
9:00 am to 12:00 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 3:59 pm

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm

Spring Blooms at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Blooms at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations at our new entrance location showcasing contemporary gardens, historical gardens, and our Garden Gateway visitor orientation center at 153 Chickering Road, North Andover MA.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Art in Bloom at MFA - Boston

Art in Bloom at MFA - Boston
Celebrate the return of spring with Art in Bloom, the Museum’s annual festival of fine art and flowers. Enjoy exquisite art from across the MFA’s collection paired with magnificent floral interpretations created by New England-area garden clubs. Professional designers delight with creative designs...
10:00 am to 3:45 pm

Salisbury Beach Carousel - Vacation Hours

Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties
Salisbury Beach Carousel Hours: Monday - Saturday 12 - 7:00 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 5:00 pm Hours of operation are to change.
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Drop-In Family LEGO at HWPL

Wednesdays are LEGO Build Days at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
Put your imagination and building skills to the test at this self-directed drop-in program. All ages are welcome with a caregiver.
3:15 pm to 4:15 pm

Friday Family Farm Chores at Appleton Farms

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Every day has a full list of barnyard chores we need to accomplish to make sure our farmyard friends are happy and healthy. Let’s get to work! Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays and Saturdays! Get on your muck boots – your whole family will get to be...
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Salisbury Beach Carousel - Free Friday Hours

Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties
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.
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saturday, April 27

Tree Planting at Veasey Park

Help reforest/rewild Veasey Park in Georgetown Massachusetts by volunteering to plant seedlings! Image AI Generated
We need many hands to help us in planting THOUSANDS of trees at Veasey Park in April! Any amount of time you can donate to this project will be much appreciated. Please use the this link to sign up.
8:00 am to 5:30 pm
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