Latest Stories, Events, Activities, Camps & Recipes

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. Sign up for one, some, or all! For kids aged 4-11.
Location: Joppa Flats Education Center
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Boston String Academy at Shalin Liu Performing Arts Center. Visit Rockport Massachusetts, Cape Ann, North of Boston.
Boston String Academy (BSA) is a non-profit organization, inspired by the Venezuelan El Sistema model which believes in music as a vehicle for social change. We provide rigorous string instrument instruction to children in under-served communities, laying a solid musical foundation and creating a path for young people to become sensitive, responsible, and creative human beings.  Our program makes mastery of a string instrument reachable by eliminating obstacles that stand in an inner-city family’s way.
Location: Shalin Liu Performance Center
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Runners, walkers and kids are invited to particitpate in the Coastal 5k Run/Walk for the Beach in Beverly Massachusetts
Welcome to Salem Sound Coastwatch’s 15th annual Run for the Beach 5K! Every summer, community members gather at Dane St. Beach in Beverly for a fun, family-friendly race to raise money for Salem Sound Coastwatch.
Location: Dane Street Beach
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Salem Sound Coastwatch, Essex Heritage and Salem Public library host a Tales & Touch session in Salem Massachusetts
Join Salem Coastwatch during April school vacation week for a special family event where we will be “diving in” to all things under the sea! Come enjoy some ocean-themed stories, songs, and games, followed by a craft and the chance to meet and learn about real Salem sea creatures from Salem Sound Coastwatch’s touch tank!
Location: Salem Maritime National Historic Visitor Center
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Proceeds from the Open Door Empty Bowl Circus benefit community programs sponsored by tthe Open Door in Gloucester Massachusetts.
The Open Door hosts a new twist on an old tradition.  The Empty Bowl Dinner has been reimagined with a new twist—a circus-themed event at Cruiseport in Gloucester.
Location: Cruiseport Gloucester
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Kimball Farm in Haverhill, Massachusetts hosts a Vintage Bazaar New England in June
Join us at Kimball Farm in Haverhill, MA (just minutes 30 minutes north of Boston) for a two-day vintage & hand makers festival that will leave you in a bazaar daydream! Named one of the TOP VINTAGE MARKETS in the Country! Held on a beautiful 300+ acre farm, over 160 curated vendor booths showcasing antiques, vintage finds, home décor, architectural salvage, rusty junk, repurposed goodies and one-of-a-kind handmade wares. This is the perfect time to kick off the summer season in New England!
Location: Kimball Farm
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Four days of exploring and natural adventure await your child at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary this April Vacation in Topsfield Massachusetts
Spring is an exciting time for outdoor discovery. This April Vacation week Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary has put together four days of hands-on, engaging and educational hikes to explore the natural world in spring. Kids will sharpen their  observation skills as they locate and learn about bugs, search for salamanders, watch birds gather nesting materials, and much more. Participants will be divided into groups by age: 5-6, 7-8 and 9-11.
Location: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
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The Motif #1 5k run takes place on Motif #1 Day in Rockport, Massachusetts
This 5k Road Race and Kid's Fun Run is a great way to kick off Motif #1 Day! The 5k road race and 1 mile fun run that starts and ends at T Wharf in beautiful downtown Rockport. Run the race and then spend the day with your family enjoying the fun, food and entertainment of the day-log festival.
Location: Downtown Rockport
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Sidewalk Chalk art at Motif #1 Day in Rockport Massachusetts - a day of family fun!
The Motif No.1 Day Festival celebrates Rockport across the arts! The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back Motif No. 1 Day, a beloved event celebrating the long history of artists featuring Motif No.1 in their works. The event will be held on Saturday, May 18 (rain date Sunday, May 19). Motif No. 1 Day is an artistic festival, which showcases Rockport as a premier arts destination. The event aims to promote Rockport businesses to the local community and regional visitors alike. All Rockport Art Galleries are invited to participate!
Location: Downtown Rockport
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Run the Flag Day 5k and raise funds for Massachusetts Veterans who have sustained serious injury in the line of duty
The 1st LT Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Fund is excited to return to Cashman Park for the 13th Annual Flag Day 5K road race. The 5K walk or run will be hosted on June 15th, 2024 at Cashman Park in Newburyport, MA. We look forward to gathering in person this year as we continue to honor 1st LT Derek Hines and provide financial assistance for Massachusetts’ soldiers, and their families, who have incurred serious, career-ending, and life-altering injuries while on active duty.
Location: Downtown Newburyport, Cashman Park
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A Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts prepare students for success in the fall and beyond.

Beverly Scavenger Hunt at Independence Park
Historic Beverly hosts scavenger hunt at Independence Park in Beverly Massachusetts
Drop-in at Independence Park on the hour for a scavenger hunt in the park! We will provide the scavenger hunt, clipboards, pencils, and prizes, you bring the smiles and your keen attention to detail and let’s have some fun! Prizes for everyone who completes the hunt; and bring your completed hunt...
Where: Independence Park
9:00 am to 11:00 am
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We Walk the Woods!
Walk the trails in a group at Harold Parker State Forest Every Wednesday at 10am
Walk the trails with a group at Harold Parker State Forest every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – Meeting location varies weekly. Email trek.reef@mass.gov for location.
Where: Harold Parker State Forest
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
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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:
Where: Ipswich Public Library
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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LEGO-Palooza at North Shore Children's Museum
Kids are invited to a freestyle LEGO buiild session
Come and build Legos with us at NSCM! With TONS of Legos available, come and build your creations. This will be a casual club where all participants can follow whatever direction their engineering intuition takes them, we will not be teaching how to make specific models.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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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...
Where: Cape Ann Museum
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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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.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 3:59 pm
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Curious Creatures at Joe's Playland
Joe's Playland in Salisbury Massachusetts hosts a free Curious Creatures presentation during April Vacation!
Joe's Playland hosts Curious Creatures, New England's original ​interactive and educational ​live animal program during April vacation week!
Where: Joe's Playland
12:30 pm
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Migration at IPL
Come to the Ipswich Public Library in Massachusetts for a free showing of Migration during April Vacation
Ipswich Public Library host a movie during April Vacation! Movie Screening of Migration by Illumination Stuidios in the Collins Room with a great projection and sound system. Popcorn and bottled water provided. One per guest. Rated PG.
Where: Ipswich Public Library
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
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Chess Club for Teens at Danvers Library
Teens are invited to play chess at the Peabody Institute Public Library in Danvers Massachusetts
Teen chess club! Bring your brain and your sportspersonship, we have the games and the friends! For ages 11-18 only. Registration required. 
Where: Peabody Institute Library - Danvers
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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Lego Club at MPL
Children in grades 2 and up are invited to come to the Manchester Massachusetts Library's Lego Club
Drop in from 3:45-4:45 to make your own Lego creation! This program is for kids in grades 2 and up.
Where: Manchester Public Library
3:45 pm to 4:45 pm
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Teen Candy BINGO: "The Cover Was Green"
Teen Candy BINGO session at the Ipswich Public Library in Massachusetts. Image is AI generated.
Grab a board and your candy markers and get ready to BINGO! If you've never played BINGO, now is the time to learn, with treats and prizes in the mix. The winner each session will have their name entered into a very stylish hat. Once we have hit the end of our program time, Teen Librarian Katy will...
Where: Ipswich Public Library
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
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$1 Movie | Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Come to the Cabot Theater in Beverly Massachusetts for a $1 showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Come to the Cabot theater for a $1 showing of the classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder sponsored by Harbor Sweets Handmade Chocolates.  A sweet boy from a poor family dreams of finding one of five golden tickets hidden inside chocolate bar wrappers which will admit him...
Where: The Cabot
5:30 pm
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Friday, April 19

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
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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:
Where: Ipswich Public Library
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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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.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 11:00 am
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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...
Where: Trinity Congregational Church of Gloucester
10:30 am to 11:15 am
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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.
Where: Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
10:30 am to 1:00 pm
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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...
Where: Appleton Farms
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
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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.
Where: Salisbury Beach Carousel
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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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...
Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
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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.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 3:59 pm
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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,...
Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham
10:00 am to 10:45 am
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