Self-Guided

Story Walk |This Is the Nest Robin Built

Kids will enjoy this self-guided story based tour of the Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts! Photo by Bill O'Connor

Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise at Halibut Point State Park ! Join us on the grounds of the for a self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book This is the Nest Robin Built, by Denise Fleming. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. A wonderful story awaits! For pre-K-age 7 with adult.

When: 
Daily February 17-25, 2024 8am-4pm

Ghoulish Gardens at Stevens-Coolidge

Come to the Stevens-Coolidge Place Ghoulish Gardens in North Andover Massachusetts!

Join The Trustees of Reservations at the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens for Halloween fun! The gardens have transformed in to our Ghoulish Gardens! Take a walk through the meadow to read our Story Stroll brought to you by the Stevens Memorial Library. Then, hunt down the hidden pumpkins throughout the rest of the property to win a prize at the end.

When: 
Thursday-Monday, October, 2023 10am-6pm

Self-guided Tours at Hammond Castle Museum

Take a self-guided tour of Hammond Castle in Gloucester as part of Trails and Sails!

Hammond Castle Museum was built in the 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. as a home for his extensive collection of medieval artifacts and his research laboratory.Guests may explore the breathtaking building and grounds of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester and take a SELF-GUIDED tour offering new insight into the inventor that was one of the North Shore’s most dynamic residents. Guests should plan 60 minutes to explore the Museum. We look forward to your visit!

When: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 10am-3pm
Location: 

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 three dimensional representation of a person, animal or mythical creature located at the bow (forward part) of a sailing ship. They were thought to bring good luck as the “eyes” of the ship. Each “Lady” has a unique story to tell. Enjoy your journey!

When: 
June-October 2023

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.

Take a self guided tour at Maudslay State Park during the spring bloom season! Maudslay’s laurels have covered the banks of the Merrimack River for centuries. From 1849 to 1870, Mr. and Mrs. William Ashby of Newburyport hosted annual literary parties at the Laurel Grounds called the “Feast of Flowers.” Guests included such famous figures as John Greenleaf Whittier, who composed several poems about the site. The formal gardens at Maudslay State Park bloom from May through August with a vast array of species and can be enjoyed before or after a wooded trail walk.

When: 
Daily Dawn to Dusk through Spring 2023

Hike & Seek: Tales of Trees

Come enjoy enjoy a self-guided outdoor activity adventure at the Trustees of Reservations Stevens-Coolidge Place.

The Trustees wants to bring you closer to the fantastical elements of the forest with this self-guided outdoor trail bundle for use on the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens property. Avoid the bugs and the crowds and get outside this winter to discover the hidden life of trees!

When: 
Daily through March 13, 2022 9am-5pm

Manchester 375th Scavenger Hunt

The Manchester Essex Conservation Trust Scavenger is a healthy challenge for the entire family!

—During the month of September explore conservation lands, learn a bit about Manchester’s history, and have some fun! Accept the challenge to visit multiple locations at surrounding conservation areas, learn some history and celebrate the 375th Anniversary of the founding of Manchester by the Sea! It's a healthy way for your family to engage with the beautiful habitats you can find on the North Shore.

When: 
Daily through September 30, 2021

Meet Cassie at Cape Ann Museum!

Meet Cassie the Sea Serpent at Cape Ann Museum during April Vacation Week

Take a break from the screen and come visit the Cape Ann Museum with your kids during April Vacation Week - Meet Cassie at the Cape ann Museum! Reserve a timed entrance for you and your family to follow the Museum's new family-friendly guide, Cassie the Sea Serpent, through the galleries. Inspired by the Cape Ann Sea Serpent, which was seen by hundreds in Gloucester Harbor between 1817-1819, Cassie poses questions and activities for students of all ages to engage with the collection. During April Vacation Week, all visitors will receive a free copy of Cassie’s Scavenger Hunt with activities and crayons included.

When: 
Thursday - Sunday, April 22 - 25, 2021 10am-3pm
Location: 

Autumn Feature Story Walk

Join DCR’s Autumn Feature StoryWalk® at Maudslay State Park, featuring One Small Place in a Tree, written by Barbara Brenner and illustrated by Tom Leonard

Join DCR’s Autumn Feature StoryWalk® at Maudslay State Park  Walk a trail and read the story One Small Place in a Tree, written by Barbara Brenner and illustrated by Tom Leonard.  Come and participate in this self Guided StoryWalk for Pre-K kids with adults!  Autumn is a perfect time to enjoy the magic of reading together outdoors!

When: 
Daily, October 1st - October 20, 2019
Carousel at Salisbury Beach MA. Parties, Family Reunions, Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties

Story Walk |This Is the Nest Robin Built

Kids will enjoy this self-guided story based tour of the Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts! Photo by Bill O'Connor
Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise at Halibut Point State Park ! Join us on the grounds of the for a self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book This is the Nest Robin Built, by Denise Fleming. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. A wonderful story awaits! For...
8:00 am to 4:00 pm

All Family Field Trip | Early Spring Walk in the Woods

Come explore the woods with Joppa Flats and see if you can find the signs of Spring in Newburyport Massachusetts
Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore. Our engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors....
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Friends of Abbot Library Moving/Book Sale

The Abbot Library is holding a moving & book sale in Marblehead Massachusetts! Image is AI generated
The Abbot Library is holding a moving & book sale in Marblehead Massachusetts! The Friends of Abbot Public Library will be having a moving sale from Monday, March 25 through Saturday, March 30! Stop by the Sail Away Book Shop located in the gym space at Abbot Public Library's interim location...
10:00 am to 4:00 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

Tabletop Gaming for Teens at APL

Abbott Library in Marblehead Massachusetts invites teens to an afternoon session of board gaming!
Need a break from your console? Hang out at the library for an hour of analog tabletop gaming to meet new friends and discover a favorite new thing to play. 
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Read to a Dog at APL

Kids are invited to read to a dog at Amesbury Massachusetts Public Library. Image generated with AI.
The Amesbury Public Library invites kids to come read to a dog at the Library! Gus, a mixed lab and certified reading partner dog, would love to hear you read aloud!
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Post Secondary School Fair at Landmark

Landmark School hosts a post secondary school fair for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities.
Meet representatives from college and university admissions and student support services, gap year programs, technical schools, and other non-traditional options. We have more exhibitors this year than ever before and we're very excited to welcome you to our high school campus!
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Felted Bunny Craft at Salisbury Library

The Salisbury Massachusetts Library hosts a crafting session featuring felted bunnies.
The Salisbury Library invites kids to join Rachelle for a fun craft night featuring fellted bunnies! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For kids aged 8 and older (we'll be using sewing needles). Sign-up is required and space is limited.
6:00 pm

Intermediate Sourdough Bread Workshop at Appleton Farms

Learn the ins and outs of sourdough bread at Appleton Farms in in Ipswich Massachusetts!
Have you taken the Sourdough Bread Baking class and want to learn more? Level up your bread baking skills with this workshop led by Culinary Manager Jess Porter. Participants will learn to make a variety of sourdough breads using one base dough. We’ll discuss how to incorporate whole grains,...
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Friday, March 29

Friends of Abbot Library Moving/Book Sale

The Abbot Library is holding a moving & book sale in Marblehead Massachusetts! Image is AI generated
The Abbot Library is holding a moving & book sale in Marblehead Massachusetts! The Friends of Abbot Public Library will be having a moving sale from Monday, March 25 through Saturday, March 30! Stop by the Sail Away Book Shop located in the gym space at Abbot Public Library's interim location...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Bradley Palmer State Park
Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately 1 mile, though not accessible for strollers. Appropriate for families with children 3-5 years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.
10:30 am to 11:30 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

Cow Connection at Appleton Farms

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Appleton Farms for Cow Connection in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come and meet, cuddle, brush, scratch, talk, and sit with our hand-raised cows at Appleton Farms! The mild heart rate and warm body temperature of the cows induces a slowing of our own heart rate, as well as the release of Oxytocin, our social bonding hormone. Visit our scenic and historic dairy...
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Hoo’s Up for Owls?

Look for owls in the woods of camp Denison in Gerogetown, Massachusetts with the folks from North Shore Nature Programs
March is a great month to look for owls. Both Great Horned and Barred owls will have babies in their nests, so these species tend to be vocal and active. Join us for a short hike through the woods at Camp Denison to look and listen for these majestic birds. We will also keep our ears open for...
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Saturday, March 30

Star Party with the NSAAC

Community Egg Hunt at Masconomo Park in Manchester Massachusetts.
The Easter Egg Hunt is sponsored by Manchester Mothers’ Club and Manchester Community Center. This event is open to the entire community. Please join us for a festive morning of crafts, games, the egg hunt, and a visit with the Easter Bunny.
9:00 am to 11:00 am

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

Egg Buoy Painting at Cape Ann Art Haven

Come to Cape Ann Art Haven to paint your own egg shaped buoy in Gloucester Massachusetts
Kids are invited to Cape Ann Art Haven for for a great Spring crafting experience! Paint an egg shaped buoy for Easter! All materials are included. Free for all ages. Please wear clothing that could be stained. Adult participation required this is not a drop-off event.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Youth Shorebird Art Contest Crafting Day

Stop by the Visitor's Center classroom to join Refuge staff and local artist Patricia Lane Evans for a morning of shorebird art! Our annual Youth Shorebird Art Contest is currently accepting submissions from students grades K-12. We need your help to spread the word about shorebird conservation- so stop by anytime this morning to learn more about the contest and get started on your own original artwork.  We will provide art materials and information about all the amazing shorebirds who use our beaches, as w
Stop by the Visitor's Center classroom to join Refuge staff and local artist Patricia Lane Evans for a morning of shorebird art! Our annual Youth Shorebird Art Contest is currently accepting submissions from students grades K-12. We need your help to spread the word about shorebird conservation- so...
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
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