Outdoor Activity

Popsicles on Perkins Island

Spend the afternoon on the Ipswich River and Perkins Island with Mass Audubon!

Bring your young naturalist to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to enjoy an afternoon on the Ipswich River! As the summer starts to heat up, cool down with us on a leisurely canoe paddle to Perkins Island. We'll look for sunbathing turtles and other river creatures on the banks and in the backwaters of the beautiful Ipswich River. Once we get to the island, we'll stretch our legs and enjoy some popsicles.

When: 
Saturday, June 11, 2016 1-3:30pm

Sense of Wonder Walk: Red Fox and Friends

Sense of Wonder Walk: Red Fox and Friends at IRWS. Image of Public Domain painting by Wilhelm Kuhnert

The red fox is a clever and attractive mammal that is active during winter, stalking rabbits, mice, meadow voles, and birds. We will read [amazon 0399214550 inline] by Keizabur Tejima. Then we will wander along the trails to look for tracks or signs left by foxes and other mammals. Perhaps we will be lucky enough to track the red fox back to its den.

When: 
Sunday, February 12, 2017 1:30-3pm

See, Think & Wonder: Frogs at Mill Pond

Join a naturalist from Joppa Flats Education Center on a frog hunt at Mill Pond in West Newbury!

In every kind of weather, we love to head outdoors to our spectacular local habitats, so join us for one, two, or more of these nature explorations! Each one will focus on the importance of a sense of place as we explore the ecology, sights, and sounds of our natural landscape. Wildlife, local and migrating birds, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness will be presented in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy.

When: 
Thursday, August 17, 2017 2-3:30 pm
Location: 

Free Community Day in the Gardens

Come to the free community day at the Trustees of Reservations'Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover

Join your friends and neighbors at the Stevens-Coolidge Place for a free day of outdoor enjoyment! This free mid-day event is the perfect low-key introduction to the Stevens-Coolidge gardens, including assorted lawn games, a variety of paths through the gardens to see what spring has sprung, and several tables set up for communal picnicking.

When: 
Monday, April 16, 2018 11am-2pm

Storytime on The Green presented by the Lynnfield Public Library

Storytime and other events and things to do at MarketStreet Lynnfield

Bring a blanket, a snack and join us on the MarketStreet Green as we enjoy a story read by the Lynnfield Public Library every Friday in April! Lynnfield Public Library Wonderful Storytime Series is a 4 week series that will take place every Friday in April at 10am! Join us for one or all!

When: 
Every Friday, April 6 - Apr 27, 2018 at 10am

Notch Traveling Biergarten at Stevens-Coolidge

Come to the Notch Brewery Biergarten at the Trustees of Reservations' Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover

The Trustees and Notch Brewing are partnering to bring a series of family-friendly, outdoor ‘biergarten’ experiences to some of our parks, farms, and cultural sites this year.

When: 
Thursday, September 12, 2018 4-9pm
Friday, September 13, 2018 4-9pm
Saturday, September 14, 2018 12-9pm
Sunday, September 15, 2018 12-6pm

Notch Traveling Biergarten at Appleton Farms

Come to the Notch Brewery Biergarten at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich!

Back by popular demand! The Trustees and Notch Brewing are partnering up again to bring you another series of family-friendly outdoor Biergartens. Relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our gardens, farms, historic homes, and parks throughout the summer while enjoying one of Notch’s locally crafted session beers. Not just for grown-ups and beer drinkers – modeled after the popular European style Biergartens, it’s a family affair. Scavenger hunts and quests for children, property tours for adults, plus lawn games with plenty of room to spread out and explore for all.

When: 
Friday, October 4, 2019 5-9PM
Saturday, October 5, 2019 2-7PM
Sunday, October 6, 2019 1-6PM
Location: 

Stories in the Garden with NPL

Join NPL in the pollinator garden at at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a tory time!

Join us in the pollinator garden at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge! We'll read lots of books geared toward kids ages 0-5, after which patrons are invited to do a craft and take a self-guided walk to see the animals at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. This story time takes place the second Wednesday of the month in June, July & August

When: 
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 11-11:30am

Water Telescope Adventure

Kids can make water telescopes at the Trustees of Reservations Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

Water telescopes are long tubes with glass at the bottom to view things underwater. Fishermen in Norway have used them for centuries to search for herring and cod. We’ll make our own water telescopes, and then head to the beach to try them out by the tidepools. Who knows what we’ll discover!

When: 
Thursday, June 29, 2017 10-11:30am

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

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 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

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

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...
8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Newburyport Farmers' Market

Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine!  Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Rowley Farmers Market

Rowley Farmers Market - a seasonal open-air market every Sunday July-September on Rowley Common
The Rowley Farmers Market is an open air market held on Sundays on the Rowley Town Common.  There's always a great selection of fresh local produce, food stuffs and locally hand-made goods. Come pick up some great locally grown food, freshly baked bread by Faith Anne's Unique bread, specialty teas...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

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....
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Open Boarding on the Hannah (AKA the Fame)

Board Schooner Fame at the waterfront in Marblehead Massachusetts as part of trails and sails!
The Hannah, the first of several schooners commissioned by General George Washington, began her career as an armed cruiser in September 1775. To commemorate that important part of Marblehead’s history, the Fame – similar in size and appearance to the Hannah (aka Schooner Fame)– will be docked at...
9:00 am

Crescent Farm Corn Maze

Crescent Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
Imagine the biggest puzzle you’ve ever seen. Now imagine a day in the sunshine with your friends or family. Now add an adventure that takes teamwork and memory skills. All these things and more can be found at Crescent Farms Corn Maze. Crescent Farm Corn Maze trails cut into 9 acres of corn. Inside...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Marini Farm Corn Maze

The 2025 Marini Farm Corn Maze in Ipswich Massachusetts is themed for The Wizard of Oz
Come to Marini Farm for a fun journey through our corn maze! The Maze Park, corn maze, farm stand, bakery and other attractions provide a great destination for kids birthday parties, school trips, corporate team building, scout outings, and family activities. Marini Farm is located in beautiful...
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

North Andover Farmers' Market

North Andover Farmers Market every Sunday Through October 2, 2022
The North Andover Farmers Market is the perfect destination for anyone living in the Merrimack Valley or the North Shore to shop and enjoy locally-sourced products. The market will take place in the center of town at the intersection of First Street and Main Street. The market has become known for...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Doggy Maze Daze at Marini Farm

Marini Farm in Ipswich is teaming up with the Ipswich Humane Group to host a Doggy Maze Daze Fundraiser.
The Ipswich Humane Group is teaming up with Marini Farm in Ipswich to host a Doggy Maze Daze Fundraiser to support the Ipswich animal shelter. One weekend only Marini Farm will open the corn maze for pet owners and their four legged friends! Guests can bring their canine companions and get lost in...
10:00 am to 6:00 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

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

Vintage BaseBall at Spencer-Peirce Little Farm

Come see how baseball used to be played at Spencer Pierce Little Farm. Photo: Matthew Muise Photography
It’s Base Ball, 1864 style at Spencer Peirce Little Farm! These fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching and no gloves are allowed. A ball bounced once and caught is an out! Snacks, baseballs, and cards are available for purchase. Come and see for yourself how this game was...
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Beverly Harbor Fest

Families are invited to the Beverly Harbor Fest for an afternoon of family fun at lynch park iun Beverly Massachusetts
The 13th annual Harbor Fest is a lively family celebration on the water hosted by Beverly Harbor Management Authority. Join us for games on the lawn, food trucks, music in the shell, and a beer garden at the Carriage House.
Where: Lynch Park
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Essex Heritage Boat Tours to Bakers Island Lighthouse - Salem

Boat and Light Station Tour Bakers Island Tour out of Salem Massachusetts
Climb aboard Naumkeag, Essex Heritage’s landing craft for a trip to Bakers Island Light Station. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise from Salem past rugged coastline, harbor islands, and five lighthouses to Bakers Island. The light station is a 10-acre property that has been in use aiding in maritime...
1:00 pm to 3:30 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

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...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

Walk through the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts with the Trustees under the full moon.
There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading...
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Sunday, September 14

Essex Heritage Boat Tours to Bakers Island Lighthouse - Salem

Boat and Light Station Tour Bakers Island Tour out of Salem Massachusetts
Climb aboard Naumkeag, Essex Heritage’s landing craft for a trip to Bakers Island Light Station. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise from Salem past rugged coastline, harbor islands, and five lighthouses to Bakers Island. The light station is a 10-acre property that has been in use aiding in maritime...
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Brocklebank Museum Open House

Explore the Brocklebank Museum in Georgetown Massachusetts as part of Trails and Sails!
Visit the Brocklebank Museum, built in the late 1600s, with ties to the abolitionist movement and the famous Beecher family. tep back in time to the birth of our Nation. The Revolutionary War era in Essex County. Stop by and visit the Georgetown Historical Society in our tavern room at the...
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Step Aboard the Friendship of Salem

Permission to come aboard the Friendship of Salem is granted at Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!
Explore the FRIENDSHIP OF SALEM, a replica tall ship based on a 1796 Salem vessel at Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
1:30 pm to 4:30 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

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...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Paddle Around Historic Rockport Harbor

Paddle around Rockport Massachusetts Harbor for FREE as part of Trails and Sails
Come join North Shore Adventures and Outdoor Center for some fun on the water! No experience necessary. Depart from our private beach in one of our safe, stable kayaks or paddle boards and paddle around the historic Rockport Harbor for 30 mins. See lobster boats, Motif #1, the Rockport Break water...
10:30 pm

Monday, September 15

Trails & Sails

Explore the North Shore with over 150 Free Events in Essex National Heritage Area's Trails & Sails celebration in Massachusetts.
Essex National Heritage Area sites will offer over 150 free family fun events from September 14-29, 2024 for the annual celebration of TRAILS & SAILS. Discover special places in your backyard and be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in...
7:00 am to 10:00 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
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