Gloucester

Heritage Day in Gloucester

Maritime Gloucester & Ocean Alliance hosts a day of free exciting demonstrations and interactive fun for all ages in Gloucester Massachusetts.

Maritime Gloucester is hosting their annual Heritage Day in honor of the Gloucester Schooner Festival 2024. Step aboard a schooner, learn about traditional shipbuilding and fitting out, watch America’s oldest marine railway in action, or explore the unique biology that makes our oceans so amazing. You can find it all at Maritime Heritage Day! Maritime Gloucester will be hosting a variety of local community organizations with an exciting array of demonstrations and interactive options for all ages.

When: 
Saturday, August 31, 2024 10am-4pm
Location: 
Maritime Gloucester
Gloucester Harbor Walk
Ocean Alliance
Gloucester
Workshop
Food
Demonstration
History
Games
Art
Gloucester Schooner Festival
Activity
Crafts
Heritage

Creature of the Week at Maritime Gloucester

Come to Maritime Gloucester for a Creature of the Week Session on Cape Ann Massachusetts! Photo ©Bill O'Connor

Every week, we will highlight a different ocean animal that lives in our aquarium and can be found in and around Gloucester. Learn some interesting fun facts about the creature as you get up and close and personal through a meet and greet and a take-home craft. For kids aged 4-8.

When: 
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays 10:30-11:30am or 2-3pm
Location: 
Maritime Gloucester
Gloucester
Exploration
Story Telling
Discovery
Biology
Lab
Experiential Learning
Live Animals

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.

Amesbury
Andover
Beverly
Danvers
Gloucester
Ipswich
Magnolia
Marblehead
Newburyport
North Andover
Peabody
Rockport
Rowley
Salem
Swampscott
Haverhill
Locations
Local Food
Health
Health and Wellness
Farmers Market

Schooner Ardelle Date Night

Schooner Ardelle turns into the love boat for date night sailing out of Gloucester Massachusetts!

Maritime Gloucester and  Schooner Ardelle have teamed up to create Date Night! Schooner Ardelle becomes the 'Love Boat' for moms and dads, while kids (ages 5-11) enjoy the care of the staff at Maritime Gloucester, the aquarium and lots of fun activities. You'll have a nice romantic sail around Gloucester with a cocktail, and can rest easy knowing that your child is happy and engaged with a trusted team of professionals!

When: 
Friday, June 21, 2024 6-8pm
Friday, July 26, 2024 6-8pm
Friday, August 23, 2024 6-8pm
Location: 
Maritime Gloucester
Gloucester
Sailing
Schooner
Child Care
Date Night

Plankton Safari

Join the team at Maritime Gloucester Massachusetts for a Plankton Safari every Monday and Thursday

Come to Maritime Gloucester and discover what lives near the bottom of the oceanic food chain using digital microscopes! Join Maritime Gloucester’s education and aquarium staff as we take a deep dive into some of the ocean’s smallest, yet most important, organisms. Learn about plankton’s vital role in the marine ecosystem, and look under our microscopes to see what local species you can identify!. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

When: 
Tuesdays & Thursdays through August 22, 2024 10:30-3:30pm
Location: 
Maritime Gloucester
Gloucester
Science
Ecology
Marine
Biology
Environment
Hands-On

Gloucester Waterfront Festival

Come to Stage Fort Park in Gloucester for the 42nd Annual Waterfront Festival.

Join the Fun at Gloucester's Waterfront Festival! A Perfect Day Out for Families Looking for a fun and colorful weekend outing with the family? Look no further! Historic Stage Fort Park in Gloucester is transforming into a vibrant celebration of art, music, and delicious food at the 43rd Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival. This is the perfect event to make lasting memories with your loved ones!

When: 
Saturday, August 17, 2024 9am-6pm
Sunday, August 18, 2024 9am-5pm
Location: 
Stage Fort Park
Gloucester
Food
Festival
Games
Rides
Antique Cars
Art
Crafts
Lobster Bake

Kids Sail Free on the Schooner Lannon

Kids ride free on the 10:30am an Noon Saturday Cruise on the Schooner Lannon through Summer

Schooner Thomas E. Lannon is a fixture on the Gloucester Harbor vista throughout the day in the warm months, but to really experience the Lannon, you need to come aboard and go for a cruise!  Sail and see lighthouses, castles, scenic beaches, and magnificent waterfront homes.

When: 
Saturdays through July and August 2023, 10:30am or Noon
Location: 
Schooner Thomas E. Lannon
Gloucester
History
Boat Ride
Schooner
Boat
Sail
Heritage

Snakes of New England and the World with Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team!

Albino Milk Snake being held by a child at Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team Booth

Come to Sawyer Free Library's presentation of 'Snakes of New England and the World'*. Summer is here and it's time to welcome Rick Roth and the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team! Come learn about, meet & handle (if you'd like!) many types of snakes, some of which are from our local area! Rick and his team share their knowledge and enthusiasm as they bring science to us in this unique & fun way! The ecology focused summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat strives to bring attention to our natural world, and caring for the environment as well as the living creatures that call it home. This event will be held at Trinity Congregational Church, lower level, 70 Middle Street

When: 
Saturday, August 10, 2024 11:15am
Location: 
Trinity Congregational Church of Gloucester
Gloucester
Demonstration
Live Animals
Presentation
Library

Kids Sail Free on Schooner Adventure!

Schooner Adventure in Gloucester Massachusetts announces free sailing for kids in 2022!

Schooner Adventure in Gloucester Massachusetts offers free sailing for kids in 2024!* Sail into history on Gloucester's flagship vessel, a National Historic Landmark and icon of the American fisheries. Enjoy an engaging sail on historic Gloucester Harbor, America's oldest fishing port.  Help the crew raise the sails, take a turn at the helm, learn about Adventure's legacy and restoration, or sit back and enjoy the iconic sites of Gloucester Harbor.

When: 
Fridays July 5, 12 & 19, 2024 Times Vary - Check Calendar
Sundays through June 30 - July 21, 2024 Times Vary - Check Calendar
Location: 
Schooner Adventure
Gloucester
History
Boats
Sailing
Tour
Cruise
Boat Tour

Mike Bent's Eco-Magic at Sawyer Free

Mike Bent Eco-Magic show at Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester Massachusetts

Magician Mike Bent presents Eco-Magic! This environmentally-themed magic show brings unforgettable magic, comedy and fun to our summer reading program! The conservation focused summer reading theme of Read, Renew, Repeat strives to bring attention to our natural world, and caring for the environment as well as the living creatures that call it home.  This event will be held in the City Hall auditorium, 9 Dale Avenue.

When: 
Friday, July 19, 2024 10am
Location: 
Gloucester City Hall
Gloucester
Library
Magic

Pages

Camp Whirlygig for kids ages 4-10 at the Wenham Museum in 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
♦ Read More →

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
♦ Read More →

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 →

Teen Naturalist Club at IRWS: Spring/Summer Series
Join Mass Audubon for their Teen Naturalist Club at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts!
Explore a variety of local ecosystems, learn more about a wide range of natural history topics, and do real wildlife data collection and conservation projects in this exciting club for teens!
Where: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Marblehead Farmers' Market
Find fresh local produce and other foods at the Marblehead Farmer's Market!
The Marblehead Farmer's Market boasts 15+ local farms, and booths with an educational spin nutrition, vendors and farms selling homemade prepared goods and craft vendors that are switched up in a rotation basis week to week. Additionally there are entertainers and exhibits by environmentally...
Where: Marblehead Farmers' Market
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Salem Arts Festival 2025
The Salem Arts Festival is a joint project of Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective in Salem Massachusetts
For three days, this annual family friendly art festival transforms downtown Salem into an opportunity for the arts community to showcase their talents. The popular free event will feature many artists and performers, and includes a variety of art, music, dance, and theatre performances. The family...
Where: Downtown Salem
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Crane Outdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River
Take a guided kayak paddle adventure on the Castle Neck River with the Trustees of Reservations!
One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a vast barrier...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Music Together - Saturday
Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
Where: Grace Episcopal Church in Salem
9:15 am to 11:15 am
♦ Read More →

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
♦ Read More →

Explore! North Shore – Trails Day Hike at Ravenswood
Giant boulders can be found all over Ravenswood Park. How'd they get there?
Join the Trustees to celebrate National Trails Day with a guided hike of Ravenswood Park in Gloucester. On this intermediate hike, you will enjoy a ~3 mile loop with moderate elevation gain, as you are guided up the rocky and narrow Ledge Trail up to a scenic overlook of the harbor and then descend...
Where: Ravenswood Park
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Music and Movement at North Shore Children's Museum
North Shore, North Shore Childrens Museum in Peabody MA
Music and Movement with Marybeth Maes is an engaging music and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Marybeth brings her guitar and instruments for the children to use while they sing, dance, and play.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Turtle Time at IRWS
Kids and families will explore IRWS wetland in search of painted and snapping turtles.
As late spring transitions to early summer, one thing is for sure: it's turtle time! Join us to explore our wetlands in search of these fascinating reptiles.
Where: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
10:00 am to 11:30 am
♦ Read More →

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
♦ Read More →

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 →

Guided Tour | When Granite Was King!
Find out the story behind the history of granite quarrying at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Massachusetts!
Halibut Point State Park is also a granite quarry with a history that goes back billions of years! Over one hundred years ago, the Rockport Granite Company quarried granite stone here.
Where: Halibut Point State Park
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
♦ Read More →

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure
Take a guided kayak paddle and hike to Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
1:00 pm to 4:30 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 →

Thursday, June 12

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
♦ Read More →

Cow Connection at Appleton Farms
Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for Cow Connection in Ipswich Massachusetts
Immerse your family in the heartwarming experience of being up close and personal with one of our favorite farm animals – cows! Cuddle, brush, and sit with our hand-raised cows at Appleton Farms. Visit our scenic and historic farm and enjoy Family Cow Connection session with our two Jersey Dairy...
Where: Appleton Farms
4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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
♦ Read More →

Friday, June 13

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 →

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
♦ Read More →

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
♦ Read More →

Annual Art in the Barn Exhibit and Sale
Art in the Barn is a fundraiser for the Essex County Greenbelt Association Essex Mass
Art in the Barn is recognized as one of the North Shore’s premier art events, showcasing the work of some of the most talented artists in the region. An annual fundraising event for over 30 years, the show takes place at Greenbelt’s headquarters, Cox Reservation in Essex, an iconic plein air...
Where: Cox Reservation
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Inclyousion Sports at North Shore Children's Museum
Inclyousion Paly Session at the North Shore Children's Museum in Peabody Massachusetts
Join coaches from Inclyousion Sports to learn and play. Inclyousion Sports provides inclusive sports enrichment programs to children in Massachusetts, using innovative behavioral methods to teach sports, fitness, and social skills.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 11:00 am
♦ Read More →
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