Outdoor Activity

Geminid Meteor Shower at IRWS

Come to Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about the Gemenid meteor shower

The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most prolific of the annual meteor showers, rivaling in strength the better-known Perseid meteor shower of mid-August. This year, the Geminids reach maximum activity on the night of December 13, when as many as 120 shooting stars might be seen each hour under clear skies far removed from city lights and completely free of light pollution. We'll meet several days ahead of the peak activity to discuss the general nature of meteor showers, their origins, and the best ways to observe them. Weather permitting, we'll step outside afterward in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the Geminid shower in its early stages. There will also be viewing of the night sky through a large reflector telescope.

When: 
Saturday, December 8, 2018 7:30-9pm

Vacation Week Family Fun Days: Winter Survival

Come learn survival skills like how to build a shelter at Ipswich River Sanctuar

Using teamwork and problem solving, we will explore the woodlands of the sanctuary and imagine that we are explorers stranded in the wilderness. In order to survive, we will need to build shelters, collect firewood, and find food and a water source. We will end by roasting marshmallows over a fire and trying out some pine needle tea.

When: 
Wednesday, December 29, 2018 1-2:30pm

Family Nature Night: Half-Moon Stroll

Hike to Spencer Peirce-Little Farm in Newburyport Massachusetts with the Mass Audubon under the half moon.

Join naturalists from Joppa Flats Education Center on a nocturnal hike and learn about nocturnal animal senses, the moon, and the stars! We'll go on a short walk to Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm's back field to stargaze before returning to Joppa Flats' back yard for hot cocoa around the fire pit.

When: 
Friday, November 30, 2018 6:30-8:30pm

Appleton Farms Bird Count

Come to Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachussetts to learn birding basics!

Purple Finch, Pileated Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Broad-Winged Hawk, Catbird, just some of the hundreds of birds that come to Massachusetts every year. Finding them all is like a giant game of hide and seek. Every walk in nature is an opportunity to find something you have never seen before! It brings a whole new energy and excitement to the outdoors.

When: 
Saturday, November 3, 2018 10am-12pm
Location: 

Fall Concert Series at Appleton Farms

Down on the Farm Fall Concert Series at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts

Join Appleton Farms for the Down on the Farm Fall Concert Series at Appleton Farms! These family-friendly concerts will feature live music, food trucks, lawn games, and an opportunity to meet our dairy cows and farm animals. series continues with a performance by Rust Never Sleeps.  Bring your own picnic or purchase food from Joe's on a Roll and CopperDome Pizza.  Beer and wine will also be available for purchase from Ipswich Ale and Old Planters Brewing.

When: 
Sunday, September 23, 2018 4-7pm
Sunday, October 7, 2018 4-7pm
Sunday, October 21, 2018 4-7pm
Location: 

Deep Sky Tour of the Milky Way

Stars are born, live for eons, and explode in a colorful display of gas & light.  Find out more at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Stretching high overhead at this time of the year once the sun has fully set and darkness has settled in, from vantage points far removed from light-polluted city skies, is the starry river we call the Milky Way. In the indoor portion of this evening's program, we will go on a photographic tour of the celestial jewels strewn within its starry fields that are best viewed through a telescope. Such so-called deep sky objects include star clusters, stellar nurseries, supernova remnants, and more. Presented by physicist Gary Meehan

When: 
Saturday, October 13, 2018 7:30-9pm

Haunted Movies on the Common: “Toy Story of Terror"

Come watch a FREE showing of the Goonies on the Salem Common as part of Haunted Happenings!

Grab a blanket and the kids and head over to Salem Common at dusk for an outdoor showing of some favorite family-friendly movies that will get you in the mood for a spooktacular Halloween!  Each weekend Magic 106.7 will sponsor a different movie through October, so come to one or all!

When: 
Saturday, October 13, 2018 6pm
Location: 

Castle Neck River Boat Tours

Explore the the Crane Wildlife Refuge by boat with the Trustees of Reservations!

Explore the waters Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate by boat with the Trustees of Reservations! Join us for a cruise in Essex Bay aboard our pontoon boat the Osprey! We’ll view the seldom seen backside of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, and take a turn around Choate Island to view the open fields, wooded hillside and historic structures from the water.  

When: 
Saturday, October 6, 2018 9-10:30am
Saturday, October 13, 2018 1:30-3PM

Night Hike: Sounds, Stars & S'mores

Explore The Trustees of Reservations Appleton Farms and learn about what the creatures of the habitat as night falls!

When the sun starts to go down a whole new world comes alive. Owls wake up from a long days rest, tree frogs call in the distance, stars create a magical light display, your body changes in accomadate the new world, and so much more. Join us for an evening walk at Appleton Farms where our Farm Educator will show you what amazing things exist when the night begins. You will learn night animal sounds, explore for nocturnal creatures, experience how the human body changes at night with hands on activities to test things like your night vision, and enjoy the mood of Autumn with some warm apple cider and smores.

When: 
Thursday, October 4, 2018 5:30-7:30pm
Location: 

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Art Academy Summer Program at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly MA

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

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

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 .
8:00 am to 6:00 pm

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

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

Gloucester Gratis Days at Hammond Castle

Bring your kids to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts during April Vacation
In keeping with John Hays Hammond, Jr's original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum will offer Gloucester residents free, self-guided tours each Tuesday throughout the regular...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Monday, September 15

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

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

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

Beverly Farmers' Market

Get fresh local produce at the Beverly Farmers Market in downtown Beverly Massac
The Beverly Farmers’ Market supports local agriculture while making healthy food available to all members of the Beverly community at affordable prices; the market promotes sustainable living practices and fosters community connections through our vendors, free activities and events. The market...
Where: Odell Park
3:00 pm to 7:00 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

Tuesday, September 16

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

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 .
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
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