Ecology

Drop-in Open House at the Nature Center

Drop-in Open House at the Bradley Palmer State Park Nature Center in Hamilton Ipswich Massachusetts

Explore the Nature Center at your leisure. The Park Interpreter will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions. Come see and touch animal furs, replica skulls, animal models, and other natural history materials. For little artists, coloring pages and washable markers will be on hand. Open rain or shine. For ages Pre-K and up. This is a great family activity.

When: 
Friday-Sundays & Mondays, June-October 7, 2024 12:30-2:30pm

Salt Marsh Boat Tour with Parker River NWR

Learn how Plum Island and the Great Marsh were formed and how important they are on this boat tour of the estuary.

Pristine beauty, wide open space, gorgeous views, and the chance to float up and down the peaceful, winding creeks of the world's second most productive ecosystem. Learn how Plum Island and the Great Marsh were formed and how important they are. Boat tours are offered through a private outfitter.  More information can be found by visiting the Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours website or by sending an email to info@harbortours.com

When: 
Saturday, June 8, 2024 11:30am-1:30pm
Thursday, June 21, 2024 10:30-12:30pm

CraneExplorer: Cold Weather Feathers

Come explore the world of our resident winter birds here at Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

Join The Trustees of Reservations to explore the world of our resident winter birds here at Crane—beyond the Snowy Owl! Bring your binoculars (or borrow ours!) and join us in searching the water for Loons, Long-Tail ducks, Eiders, Scoters, Mergansers, and more! In the trees and sky, we might spot birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles, alongside hardy songbirds and woodpeckers. A variety of shorebirds round out the viewing possibilities!

When: 
Thursday, March 24, 2024 10am-Noon

Youth Shorebird Art Contest Crafting Day

Stop by the Visitor's Center classroom to join Refuge staff and local artist Patricia Lane Evans for a morning of shorebird art! Our annual Youth Shorebird Art Contest is currently accepting submissions from students grades K-12. We need your help to spread the word about shorebird conservation- so stop by anytime this morning to learn more about the contest and get started on your own original artwork.  We will provide art materials and information about all the amazing shorebirds who use our beaches, as w

Stop by the Visitor's Center classroom to join Refuge staff and local artist Patricia Lane Evans for a morning of shorebird art! Our annual Youth Shorebird Art Contest is currently accepting submissions from students grades K-12. We need your help to spread the word about shorebird conservation- so stop by anytime this morning to learn more about the contest and get started on your own original artwork.  We will provide art materials and information about all the amazing shorebirds who use our beaches, as well as some tips and tricks for how to draw birds!

When: 
Saturday, March 30, 2024 10am-Noon

Winter Walk & Animal Tracking

Learn about Winter tracking with the Ipswich Watershed Association in Massachusetts!

The woods in winter are full of life! Bring your family to scout out signs of life around Riverbend headquarters on Saturday, February 24th, 10am-noon. Environmental Educator Emma will teach us four basic animal track patterns and lead a scavenger hunt for other interesting animal and plant signs around the property. Keep your eyes open for “chew clues,” scat, and tracks, if there’s snow!

When: 
February 24, 2024 10am-Noon

Wild Winter February Break: Youth Drop Off at Parker River NWR

February Vacation Drop-off program for kids at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, Massachusetts

Join Parker River Staff for the week of February Vacation (Feb. 20-23) for our youth drop off program 9:00am - 11:30am. Participants will learn about the the wonderful wildlife that call Parker River home in the winter, including adaptations for survival, animal evidence, and winter habitats. Program includes in-class and outside learning.

When: 
Tuesday-Friday, February 20-23, 2024 9-11:30am

All Family Field Trip: Winter Bird Survival

Woodpeckers winter over in Massachusetts' North Shore. Find out more with Mass Audubon in Newburyport!

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore. Our engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!

When: 
Sunday, December 16, 2012 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Watercolor Workshop: Winter Scenes & Valentines Day Cards

Watercolor Workshop: Winter Scenes & Valentines Day Cards at Parker River NWR in Massachusetts. Image is the reult of an AI prompt.

Whether you're a painting beginner or a pro, join us to appreciate just how beautiful winter can be by painting winter scenes with watercolors. Local artist and Refuge volunteer Patricia Lane Evans will teach participants techniques on how to paint snowy landscapes and how to frame a scene. We'll also have time to make creative watercolor Valentines Day themed cards! All ages welcome, and materials will be provided.

When: 
Saturday, January 27, 2024 1-3pm

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

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

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

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

Model Boat Building and Regatta

Kids can build a model boat and race it in a regatta on Redd's Pond in Marblehead
BRING THE KIDS - BRING YOUR FOLKS - BUILD & SAIL YOUR VERY OWN BOAT! This popular event begins with a workshop where participants construct model boats from provided kits at the Lee Mansion Gardens and ends with a competitive regatta at Redd's Pond. These small treasures are more than just toys...
10:00 am to 4:00 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

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

Gloucester Waterfront Concert & Fireworks 2025

The FREE Annual Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza Concert on Gloucester Harbor Fourth of July
Gloucester is gearing up for an exciting Independence Day celebration. Experience the beauty of Gloucester’s skyline with a mesmerizing fireworks display. Watch the night sky light up with vibrant colors over popular locations around Gloucester.  
5:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Gloucester Horribles Parade and Fireworks

Gloucester Massachusetts hosts an annual Horribles Parade to celebrate Independence Day every year on July 3rd.
Gloucester hosts their annual Horribles Parade followed by a concert and fireworks over Gloucester Harbor! The parade will follow its traditional route out Centennial Avenue, left on Western Avenue to Washington Street at Tally’s Corner, right down Washington and left onto Rogers Street, left on...
6:00 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

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

July 4th Fireworks in Lynn Massachusetts

Independence Day Fireworks and concert in Lynn, Massachusetts, July 3
Lynn's Fireworks Display Begins at 9 PM from Red Rock Park. Prior to the Fireworks, there will be a live music perform starting at 7pm. Lynn Shore Drive and Surrounding Streets Will begin at 6PM and remain closed until after the show. Parking restrictions go into effect at 3PM. The best viewing  is...
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Saturday, July 5

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

Andover Farmers' Market

Find Fresh Local Produce at the Andover Massachusetts Farmers Market North of Boston
The Andover Farmers Market is a vibrant hub connecting local farmers, artisans and the community through the joy of local food. Whether you come for carrots or conversation, it is a place to nourish the body, mind and spirit.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Rockport Farmers' Market

The Rockport Farmers' Market runs every Saturday at Rockport Music in Downtown Rockport!
The Rockport Farmers Market offers a variety of locally-grown produce, hand-crafted products, baked goods, and live music. It provides a community space to support local farmers and artisans.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

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...
9:00 am to 5:00 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

Children's Festival in Marblehead

The Children's Festival is just one event of many in the Marblehead Festival of the Arts
The Children's Festival is a fun-filled program of arts and activities designed especially for children aged ten years and younger. All activities are free of charge, providing an excellent opportunity for young children to explore their creativity and engage in interactive fun. It is important to...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

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.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Marblehead Lobster Lunch

Enjoy a lobster lunch on the lawn in Marblehead over July 4th Weekend!
St. Michael's holds its famous Lobster Luncheon during the Marblehead Festival of Arts over the Fourth of July weekend. All proceeds from the luncheon, after expenses, support local and global ministries. Tours of St. Michael's historic building and a free organ concert are typically offered during...
11:00 am to 3:00 pm

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...
11:00 am to 12:00 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
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