Solstice

Ipswich Evergreen

Celebrate the onset of Winter with Ipswich Massachusetts' community-centered events!

Ipswich Evergreen is a Holiday festival and civic celebration at the  Ipswich Visitor Center , and Ipswich's Old South Meetinghouse Green. Ipswich has great cause for merriment and jubilation! With the new year in sight, let us gather as a community to reflect on what makes living in Ipswich the year round most wonderful with a make and take wreath session. Celebrate the solstice, make and take an evergreen wreath, and join the community celebration!

When: 
Saturday, December 16, 2023 1-3pm

Preschool Winter Solstice Lantern Walk

Come celebrate the Winter solstice at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary with a night time walk using lanterns!

Celebrate the shortest day of the year and welcome the lengthening days ahead with a candlelit evening walk on the trails of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Sanctuary naturalists will share solstice stories and folklore outdoors by bonfire then, with candles in hand, we'll light up the night with a stroll through the forest and perhaps catch sights or sounds of animals active during the winter season.

When: 
Saturday, January 13, 2023 4:30-6pm

A Winter Solstice Celebration at Harold Parker

Come celebrate the longest night - Winter Solstice - at Harold Parker State Forest

Come celebrate the longest night and shortest day of the year at Harold Parker State Forest! What causes the winter solstice, and what does it mean for us? Come to Harold Parker State Forest and discover this most important day of the year to ancient peoples and also to ourselves. Join us for a cup of hot chocolate! We will celebrate the solstice at sunset at exactly 4:14 pm and usher out the shortest day of the year. Dress warmly and wear hiking footwear, bring water with you. We will be taking a short hike prior to the solstice sunset ritual.  

When: 
Thursday, December 21, 2023 3-5pm

Appleton Farms' Winter Solstice Walk

Celebrate the solstice with the Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farm in Ipswich Massachusetts

This Event is Full! Join us for a wintery lantern-lit stroll through the property to one of the many beautiful secluded spots on the farm. Once there, our staff will lead you in a solstice ritual of reflection and meditation around the fire, looking back on the past year and welcoming the new year, celebrating the end of days getting darker and looking forward to the increasing of the light. We look forward to having you at Appleton to mark this moment in our journey together.

When: 
Thursday, December 21, 2023 4-6pm or 6:15-8:15pm
Location: 

CraneOutdoors: Summer Solstice Celebration

Start the summer right by hitting the trail in the dunes and taking in the beautiful scenery of Castle Neck in Ipswich Massachusetts

Start the summer right by hitting the trail in the dunes and taking in the beautiful scenery of Castle Neck. We’ll take a brisk stroll through some of the unique environments of the dune system and if we’re lucky we’ll spot some seasonal wildlife including Piping Plovers!

When: 
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 10am-12:30pm

Solstice in the Shipyard

Solstice in the Shipyard celbration at the Essex Shipbuilding Musuem

Come join us for a day of activities and crafts for adults and kids to get you through the long winter, including star carving, log splitting, ditty bag kits, knitting, and a holiday shop! We will be celebrating the solstice in the Waterline Center with warm drinks and baked goods. Activities range from $2 to $20 each and come with a kit for you to do by the fire this winter!

When: 
Monday, December 21, 2019 11am-4pm

Winter Solstice Stroll at Halibut Point

Come celebrate the start of Winter with a solstice stroll at Halibut Point State Park

As the sun begins to set, join us for a stroll into the woodland trails of Halibut Point State Park on this darkest day of the year.  We will wonder about changes happening, what animals are doing for winter, and we will share tales centuries old cultural traditions.  Celebrate the seasonal changes as we warm up by the fire with S’mores! For all ages. Heavy rain cancels. 

When: 
Saturday, December 21, 2019 4-6pm
A Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts prepare students for success in the fall and beyond.

Historic Beverly Scavenger Hunt at Lynch Park

Historic Beverly April Vacation Scavenger Hunt at Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts
NEW for April school vacation week this year! If you loved our Independence Park Scavenger Hunt you’ll love this one even more! More space to roam and much more to find!
Where: Lynch Park
9:00 am to 11:00 am

A Whale of a Time at Maritime Gloucester

Kids will learn all about whales at this Maritime Gloucester April Vacation drop off program in Gloucester Massachusetts
Here in Massachusetts we are lucky enough to host some of the largest animals on earth - whales! Join us in learning more about these majestic mammals! Particitpants learn all about whale behaviors and observe their food source under our microscopes. Create your own unique whale tail design to take...
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

CraneExplorer: Shifting Sands

The Trustees' Crane Estate hosts a beach-centric science learning experience for kids in Ipswich Massachusetts
The beach is much more than just sand! In this family education program, participants will learn about the diverse habitats of the sandy beach and dunes. Learners discover shells, seaweed, plants, animal tracks, and other signs of life on the beach and in the dunes, get an up-close look at sand to...
10:00 am to 12:00 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 3:59 pm

Yoga for Kids at NSCM

Yoga for Children during February Vacation at North Shore Children's Museum in Peabody Massachusetts
In Miss Shelleys yoga class for kids, the focus is on making the practice fun, interactive, and age-appropriate. The class includes warm-up activities, teaching yoga poses through storytelling and games, and incorporating music, props, and visuals.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

April Vacation at PEM 2024

PEM has a great lineup for kids and families during April Vacation 2024
Looking for things to do during your April Vacation on the North Shore? Peabody Essex Museum has a fabulous line-up of fun activities, performances, and tours for kids and families. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cultural exchange project that brought Yin Yu Tang to Peabody Essex Museum !...
10:00 am to 3:59 pm

April Vacation at CAM | Celebrate Spring

Cape Ann Museum has some great April Vacation programs for school aged kids! Photo: Still life by Harold Rotneberg
Celebrate the return of spring with a visit to the Cape Ann Museum during April School Vacation Week! The Museum will be free for school-age children, 18 and under, and their guardians from Tuesday, April 16 – Friday, April 19. Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt and family-friendly...
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Aleppo Shriners Circus

Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

April Vacation Week at Ipswich Library

sapring Vacation Activities at Ipswich Public Library in Massachusetts
Come to Ipswich Public Library during April Vacation week for family fun. We'll have 4 days of family activities from Tuesday - Friday! Schedule as follows:
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

HWPL: Wish

Hamilton Wenham Library in Massachusetts shows Disney's 'Wish' during April Vacation
Come to the library for a Friday morning movie series for a popular hit movie! This weeks movie is Disney's "Wish". Water and movie snacks will be served. No sign up required.
10:30 am to 1:00 pm

Cape Ann Symphony Concert | Katy and the Big Snow

Sawyer Free Library hosts a family friendly concert based on Katy and the Big Snow in Gloucester Massachusetts
Vacation week free fun for families! Cape Ann Symphony, along with the Sawyer Free Library, presents Katy and the Big Snow. Enjoy the beloved story by Gloucester's own Virginia Lee Burton read aloud by local actress Heidi Dallin, and set to music for this ensemble performance. Musicians will also...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

Friday Family Farm Chores at Appleton Farms

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Every day has a full list of barnyard chores we need to accomplish to make sure our farmyard friends are happy and healthy. Let’s get to work! Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program held on Fridays and Saturdays! Get on your muck boots – your whole family will get to be...
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Salisbury Beach Carousel - Free Friday Hours

Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties
Salisbury Beach Carousel Hours: Friday: 4 pm to 8 pm Saturday: 12 pm to 8 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm Hours of operation are to change.
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saturday, April 20

Annual ECTA Equine Expo & Tack Sale

Essex County Trail Association is hosting the annual Equine EXPO at Topsfield Fairgrounds
Essex County Trail Association is hosting the 29th annual Equine Expo & Tack Sale to be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 9-3 in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds on Route 1, Topsfield, MA.  Individuals, groups & businesses make up our booths offering new and used items...
9:00 am to 3:00 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 3:59 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

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm

Aleppo Shriners Circus

Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Early Spring Birds at IRWS

Come learn what birds are returning to the North Shore at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary! Image: Mass Audubon
Come learn what birds are returning after spending the winter months in the warm south. Equipped with binoculars, let's see how many different colors, sizes and sounds of birds we can find. We'll observe nests and attempt to build one of our own!
10:00 am to 11:30 am

Earth Day Volunteer Clean Up at Appleton Farms

Kids and familiers are encourage to volunteer on Earth Day at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts!!
Join the Trustees on Saturday April 20th to celebrate Earth Day on the farm! Neighbors, families, and community members will work together to clean up the farm, complete barnyard projects, restore the chicken enclosure, clean up trails, split and stack wood, assist with property enhancements, and...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us this season. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place…
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Family LEGO Fun

Families are invited to come build using LEGOs at the Danvers MA Public Library
Come to the Danvers Library for a LEGO Family Build. We’ll provide the LEGOs; you provide the family and the building ideas. Ages 4 and up -- join us for inter-generational LEGO building! 
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Earth Day Program with IRWA at NSCM

Celebrate Earth Day with the Ipswich River Watershed Association
Celebrate with art, conversation, and water! This is the biggest holiday of the year for IRWA, and we’re ready to celebrate.
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Subscribe to Solstice