Live Animals

The return of summer means warmth, sun, and the return of jewel-like damselflies and dragonflies. Can you tell the difference between the two? These insects have an amazing life history and eat our least favorite flying insects, mosquitoes! We will spend the afternoon in the sanctuary's fields and wetlands catching dragonflies and observing them in their aquatic naiad stage. And by the end of the afternoon, you will know the difference between a dragon and a damsel and may even have the opportunity to hold one in your hand!

Late spring is a great time to experience on-the-water ecology, and kayaking is the perfect way to capture every moment. From wading birds to waterfowl, the salt marshes provide the backdrop to sights and sounds that are uniquely available from the water. Kayaking quietly on the calm waters of the Plum Island Sound, we'll visit secluded areas where we can witness wildlife without disturbing their activities. We may even see horseshoe crabs mating!

Join us as we share a children's nature story before we explore the woods, fields, and wetlands of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.  This month we'll focus on the birds of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Free-flow learning at Joppa Flats is fun for the whole family. There's simple science fun with coloring pages, crafts, and toys for ages 2 to 6; science experiments and group challenges for ages 7 and up; and outdoor exploration, seasonal live animals, and scheduled family presentations for everyone. Fly by for an hour or stay all day for family time that suits your schedule. There's something different to see and do with every visit!  This week we're thrilled to have our touch tank back for the season. Come look AND touch the creature that live in our tank!

Newburyport Public Library will host Jim Parks of  Wingmasters for his 'World of Owls' presentation!  Jim will be teaching children about magnificent owls and how they use their specialized powers of sight, hearing, and flight to survive in the wild. A variety of live owls will be at the show. Entering grades 1 - 6; for the safety of the owls NO younger siblings will allowed at this event. Tickets will be available in the Children's Room beginning Monday, June 11.

Birds of prey - masters in free-flight. That's what you'll find daily at the interactive bird show at Stone Zoo. The wildly popular seasonal bird show features more than a dozen different bird species from around the world, including the Egyptian Vulture, Military Macaw, the magnificent Spectacled Owl and the White-Necked Raven, in this engaging, memorable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Saturday, May 25: Today's Turtle Time is canceled. As late Spring becomes early Summer, it means one thing: turtle time! Join us for an afternoon of exploring our wetlands in search of these fascinating reptiles. We'll visit areas where turtles like to nest in hopes of finding some eggs, and, with a little luck, get an up-close look at a painted turtle. We'll conclude with a trip to the Rockery to see if we can summon our resident snapping turtle, Godzilla.

Join us as we share a children's nature story before we explore the woods, fields, and wetlands of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.  This month we'll focus on the birds of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wear your comfy PJ's and slippers to the library for Pajama Movie Night! Kids in Grades 1-6 are invited to the Newburyport Public Library for a FREE showing of the new Muppet Movie.  Juice and Popcorn will be served. This program is a drop in and no sign up is required!

The McCarthy-Trifone Recreation Committee is sponsoring a Spring Carnival Fundraiser from Wednesday, March 21st through Sunday, April 15th.The carnival fundraiser will feature rides, games and food. Featured rides this year include the Vertigo, Freakout and the Zipper along with many more exciting carnival rides. In addition, there will be a petting zoo daily and magic shows Wednesday – Sunday.