Hike

DCR First Day Hikes on the North Shore

Explore a nearby state park on New Year's Day for a great start to the year!

First Day Hikes take place at nearby State Parks nationwide on New Year's Day. The annual hike originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. On the North Shore, there will be First Day hikes at Halibut Point State Park, Downtown Essex & Harold Parker State Forest.

When: 
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10am
Location: 
Halibut Point State Park
Breakheart Reservation
Harold Parker State Forest
Topsfield
Hike
Walk
New Year's Day
Outdoor Activity

CraneOutdoors: Winter Solstice Hike and Fire Pit Adventure

Hike to Cedar Point at the Crane Wildlife Refuge with the Trustees of Reservations in Ipswivch Massachusetts.

Join us for a beautiful hike to Cedar Point to celebrate the Winter Solstice! Winter at the Crane Estate has much to offer, and while just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, Cedar Point is a much less-explored part of the property. Offering maritime scrub forest, woodland Trails, beaches, and beautiful views of Fox Creek. These trails take you through Pitch Pine forests, prestine beach, Castle Hill views and the varied landscape of the Crane Estate.

When: 
Saturday, December 21, 2024 2-4pm
Location: 
Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
Ipswich
Hike
Walk
Outdoor Activity
Trustees of Reservations
Winter Solstice

CraneOutdoors: Sunday Family Snowy Owl Prowl

Join the Trustees of Reservations at dlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts in search of the Snowy Owl!

Wide-open coastal sites are the location of choice for wintering Snowy Owls; common perches are dunes and salt hay staddles. In winters past, these owls have been frequent visitors to the Crane Wildlife Refuge.

When: 
Sundays,December 1-29, 2024 1-3pm
Saturdays December 7-28, 2024 10am-Noon
Location: 
Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
Ipswich
Hike
Walk
Outdoor Activity
Owls
Trustees of Reservations
Birding

CraneOutdoors: Family Snowy Owl Prowl

Join the Trustees of Reservations at the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts in search of the Snowy Owl!

Wide-open coastal sites are the location of choice for wintering Snowy Owls; common perches are dunes and salt hay staddles. In winters past, these owls have been frequent visitors to the Crane Wildlife Refuge.

When: 
Saturdays, December 7-28, 2024 10am-Noon
Sundays, December 1-29, 2024 1-3pm
December 27 & 31, 2024 10am-Noon
December 26 & 30, 2024 1-3pm
Location: 
Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
Ipswich
Hike
Walk
Outdoor Activity
Owls
Trustees of Reservations
Birding

CraneOutdoors: Sunset Hike to Cedar Point

Sunset hike to Cedar Point at the Trustees Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

The Trustees of Reservations invite you to a sunset hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich,Massachusetts. There’s no better excuse to explore Cedar Point—the western-most part of the Crane Estate—than a hike at sunset. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property has it all…

When: 
Saturday, December 7, 2024 2-4PM
Location: 
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
Ipswich
Hike
Tour
Walk
Trustees of Reservations
Sunset

Predator vs. Prey | Family Nature Series

Essex County Greenbelt teams up with North Shore Nature Programs for a wildlife hike in Ipswich Massachusetts!

Look for signs of our local predators on the prowl and learn about how prey animals have evolved to evade them in this family-friendly walk. Appropriate for all ages - we’ll talk scientifically about what types of animals are predators or prey, without going into especially gory details.

When: 
Saturday, December 7, 2024 10:30-Noon
Location: 
Donibristle Reservation
Ipswich
ECGA
Hike
Walk
Ecology
Tracking
Wildlife

CraneExplorer: Animals in the Estuary

Families are invited to join us for an exploration of the Castle Hill grounds in Ipswich Massachusetts

Take in beautiful views of the Crane Wildlife Refuge while learning about estuary flora and fauna and environmental conditions at the Crane Boat Dock. Families will conduct measurements of water quality and weather, census native vs. Non-native crabs, collect and observe plankton using field microscopes, and observe the ever-shifting tides. Join this program to discover a lesser-known area of the Crane Estate, on the backside of Crane Beach along the picturesque Castle Neck River.

When: 
Saturday, October 20, 2024 10am-Noon
Saturday, November 11, 2024 10am-Noon
Location: 
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
Ipswich
Trustees of Reservations
Science
Marsh
Hike
Walk
History
Ecology
Natural History

ECGA Family Series - Spooky Animals

Essex County Greenbelt Association and North Shore Nature Programs team up for a hike in search of Spooky Animals!

Canceled - The Essex County Greenbelt Association and North Shore Nature Programs to meet some of our favorite critters! Some critters get a bad rap! But there is lots to love about the creepy, wiggly, and crawly creatures in our woods! We'll look for spiders, bugs, centipedes and millipedes, as well as signs of cool predators like owls, coyotes, and weasels.

When: 
Saturday, October 21, 2023 3-4:30pm
Location: 
Bailey Pond
Essex
Animals
Ecology
Walk
Hike
Natural History
ECGA

Lanterns in the Village

Come celebrate the the spooky feeling of October at Pioneer Village in Salem Massachusetts!

Come stroll through historic Pioneer Village for this 6th annual family-friendly event. You will be enchanted by the soft light of jack-o-lanterns while listening to spooky tales (Flashlights Optional).  This Lanterns in the Village fundraiser supports all positive events for the students of Collins Middle School located in Salem. 100% of the proceeds will support our school!

When: 
Friday, October 4, 2024 6:30-9:30pm
Location: 
Pioneer Village
Salem
Hike
Walk
Outdoor Activity
Haunted Happenings

Love Your Neighbor 5k

The Ipswich Human Rights Commission and Town of Ipswich Massachusetts are happy to hos the Annual Love Your Neighbors 5K Walk/Run!

The Ipswich Human Rights Commission and Town of Ipswich are happy to hos the Annual Love Your Neighbors 5K Walk/Run! The Love Your Neighbors 5K is an event meant to bring the Ipswich community and others together in the spirit of unity, and to advance social awareness. Each year, the Love Your Neighbors 5K will highlight & emphasize an event, group, or person who represents the spirit of equity, inclusion, and diversity.

When: 
Saturday, October 5, 2024 10am-1pm
Location: 
Downtown Ipswich
Ipswich
Hike
Walk
Fundraiser
Charity
5k

Pages

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 →

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 →

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School in Hmailton Massachusetts hosts their annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture exhibit each Fall. Sculpture: Phoenix by Robin Tost.
Pingree School hosts the 16th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, Massachusetts .
Where: Pingree School
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour
Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
Where: Downtown Salem
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Turkey Trot at Breakheart Reservation
Come to Breakheart Reservation for a pre-Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Saugus Massachusetts!
Breakheart Reservation invites you to a Thanksgiving run/walk! Join us for the annual Breakheart Turkey Trot, a fun-filled event for runners and walkers of all ages! Lace up your sneakers and get ready to hit the scenic trails of Breakheart Reservation in Saugus, Massachusetts. Whether you're a...
Where: Breakheart Reservation
9:30 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle
A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Travel back in time to a castle filled with lush, opulent textures inspired by the great medieval and Renaissance castles of Europe. Wander through rooms adorned with White Birch and Christmas trees, sparkling fairy lights, hydrangea-lace garlands, and elegant bows, each space transformed with its...
Where: Hammond Castle Museum
10:00 am to 8:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Essex Turkey Trot 5K Race & Fun Walk
The Essex Massachusetts Lions host their annual 5k Turkey Trot!
The Essex Lion's Club hosts the annual turkey trot in beautiful Essex Massachusetts!
Where: Downtown Essex
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Family & Friends CPR Course
Learn about infant and child cpr and choke saving skills at Beath Israel Lahey Health's Beverly Hospital in Massachusetts!
It is only a matter of a few short minutes before it is too late to save a life … learning what to do provides you precious minutes and gives someone a chance to survive.  The Family & Friends CPR Course teaches the lifesaving skills of child CPR with breaths, child AED use, infant CPR, and m
Where: Beverly Hospital
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Swampscott Thanksgiving Farmer's Market
The Swampscott Farmers Market hosts a special Thanksgiving market in Massachusetts
The outdoor markets are done for the season but we will have one last indoor Thanksgiving Market on Sunday, November 19th at Swampscott High School Cafe. Stock up with fresh produce for your Thanksgiving table and get your Christmas shopping started early with our crafters!
Where: Swampscott High School
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
♦ Read More →

SeaFestival of Trees | Sundays
Browse our maze of festively decorated trees and enjoy a little holiday sparkleat the SeaFestival of Trees in Salisbury Massachusetts
The Seacoast’s most magical holiday tradition is back! The 13th Annual SeaFestival of Trees opens Saturday, November 22 at the Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury, transforming the oceanfront venue into a sparkling winter wonderland of more than 145 themed trees, a giant sand sculpture, Santa’s...
Where: Blue Ocean Music Hall
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

DIY Holiday Centerpieces | Camp Kent
DIY Holiday Centerpiece Workshop at Camp Kent in Amesbury Massachusetts
Join us at Camp Kent for a DIY holiday centerpiece event! We will be collecting materials from our gardens and the forest, as we prepare for the festivities to come. Each family will receive a beautiful glass jar, as well as a chopped and stained, wooden disk to accent the arrangement. There will...
Where: Camp Kent Envrionmental Center
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
♦ Read More →

CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes
Hiking the Dunes at the Crane Wildlife refuge with the Trustees of Reservations.
While just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, the dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes, maritime...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
1:00 pm to 3:30 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
♦ Read More →

Sunday, November 30

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 →

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 →

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School in Hmailton Massachusetts hosts their annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture exhibit each Fall. Sculpture: Phoenix by Robin Tost.
Pingree School hosts the 16th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, Massachusetts .
Where: Pingree School
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour
Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
Where: Downtown Salem
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Tree Jubilee at Marini Farm
The Tree Jubilee hosted by Marini Farm in Ipswich Massachusetts is a fun and unique charity event!
Come to Marini Farm for the Tree Jubilee fundraiser to benefit The Ipswich Humane Group.  Tour the gallery of uniquely decorated trees and wreaths donated by local organizations, families, and businesses then choose the ones you want a chance to win! OVER 100 spectacularly decorated trees and...
Where: Marini Farm
10:00 am
♦ Read More →

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle
A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Travel back in time to a castle filled with lush, opulent textures inspired by the great medieval and Renaissance castles of Europe. Wander through rooms adorned with White Birch and Christmas trees, sparkling fairy lights, hydrangea-lace garlands, and elegant bows, each space transformed with its...
Where: Hammond Castle Museum
10:00 am to 8:00 pm
♦ Read More →

SeaFestival of Trees | Sundays
Browse our maze of festively decorated trees and enjoy a little holiday sparkleat the SeaFestival of Trees in Salisbury Massachusetts
The Seacoast’s most magical holiday tradition is back! The 13th Annual SeaFestival of Trees opens Saturday, November 22 at the Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury, transforming the oceanfront venue into a sparkling winter wonderland of more than 145 themed trees, a giant sand sculpture, Santa’s...
Where: Blue Ocean Music Hall
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

SeaFestival of Trees | Elf Day
Experience the joy and excitement of Salisbury’s most popular holiday tradition with glittering trees, Elves, Santa, Candy Canes and more!
Don’t be a cotton headed ninny muggins! Spread some Christmas cheer with Buddy the Elf, have a snowball fight, make paper snowflakes, test toys at Santa’s Workshop and more! FREE with admission.
Where: Blue Ocean Music Hall
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes
Hiking the Dunes at the Crane Wildlife refuge with the Trustees of Reservations.
While just about everybody on the North Shore has probably been to Crane Beach, the dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes, maritime...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Take a Trolley Ride with Scrooge!

Salem Trolley Christmas Carol, Fun Holiday Events north of Boston, Trolley Ride with Scrooge
Join Scrooge on the Salem Trolley as you ride through Salem Massachusetts in this rolling production performed by the Griffen Theater . Now entering into it's 39th Season, this humorous & whimsical interactive performance reanimates Dickens’ timeless seasonal holiday classic. Experience...
Where: Salem Trolley
2:00 pm to 9:30 pm
♦ Read More →
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