Latest Stories, Events, Activities, Camps & Recipes

Fourth of July Fireworks at Salisbury Beach include a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach.
Get ready for four fantastic days of family fun at Salisbury Beach! From patriotic pet parades and live music to Independence Day fireworks, here’s what’s in store:
Location: Salisbury Beach Stage
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Salisbury Beach Summer Beach Party every Friday through the Summer.
Get ready for family fun every Friday night all summer long at Salisbury Beach! Starting at 7:15 PM on the Salisbury Beach stage, enjoy a full evening of summer tunes and excitement. DJ Ralphie B will be spinning your favorite hits, while hosting kid-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained.
Location: Salisbury Beach Stage
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The Annual Hampton Beach, NH Master Sandsculpting Competition 2025
The fun starts when 200 tons of imported sand is dropped on Hampton Beach and the “Grady Bunch” starts pounding up the sponsor site. The entire area is illuminated for night viewing through June 23rd. Watch Greg Grady and “The Grady Bunch” build a mammoth Sand Demo Site. 
Location: Hampton Beach
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Kids bowl free is a program designed to help kids stay active and safe.
Kids Bowl Free is a program where select bowling centers offer free bowling to kids all summer long. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.
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Find fresh local produce and other foods at the Marblehead Farmer's Market!
The Marblehead Farmer's Market boasts 15+ local farms, and booths with an educational spin nutrition, vendors and farms selling homemade prepared goods and craft vendors that are switched up in a rotation basis week to week. Additionally there are entertainers and exhibits by environmentally conscious organizations and non-profits.
Location: Marblehead Farmers' Market
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Salisbury Farmers Market is a great source of local produce.
The Salisbury Farmers' Market offers a vibrant community experience with a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, unprocessed honey, farm-fresh eggs, and maple syrup. Enjoy music, local market creations, and engage with local farmers. The market also features monthly craft markets, cooking demonstrations, and various fun events such as tomato tastings, watermelon weigh-ins, and children's activities.
Location: Salisbury Town Common
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Ipswich Homegrown Market on the Middle Green in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Every Thursday through the Summer, you will find fresh local produce and other foods from local vendors at the Middle Green in Ipswich Massachusetts! Come enjoy this weekly community event featuring local growers, makers, artists, and dreamers.
Location: Middle Green Ipswich MA
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Amesbury Days hosts a night of fun for kids of all ages in the Upper Millyard in downtown Amesbury
Amesbury Days hosts a night of fun for kids of all ages! DJ Dance Party, Magician, Photo Booth, Games, Food & More. Join us for a magic show from 5:30-6:15 followed by a DJ Dance Party from 6:15-7:30, food, ice cream, games, balloons, face painting, and much more! 
Location: Downtown Amesbury, Millyard Ampitheater
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Come to the Swampscott Farmers Market opening day native plant salein Massachusetts
Come to the Farmers Market for the annual native plant sale! There will be a variety of native plants from perennial flowering plants to native bushes and shrubs for you to grow in your yard to enhance your landscape while supporting the ecosystem.
Location: Swampscott Town Hall
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Wednesday night is the unofficial 1st night of Saint Peter's Fiesta in Glouceste
The Saint Peter's Fiesta is an annual festival in Gloucester, Massachusetts celebrating the city's fishing heritage, close-knit families, community, and religious traditions.  The five-day celebration includes a carnival, live entertainment, and unique traditional events like the infamous 'Greasy Pole' contest and classic seine boat races. The festival is proudly sponsored by the Italian-American fishing community of Gloucester, and has all kinds of family-oriented activities and events, making it a great early Summer destination weekend event.
Location: Saint Peter's Square, Stage Fort Park
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Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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StoryWalk Series at Maudslay
“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
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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...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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Amesbury Days Celebration
Amesbury Days is a celebration of the onset of Summer and community.
Amesbury Days is a a 8-day celebration of all things Amesbury that kicks off the summer with fun and exciting community events in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Fireworks, a block party and a 5k walk/run will be just some of the highlights of this years' Amesbury Days celebration. There will be events...
Where: Amesbury Town Park, Where: Downtown Amesbury, Where: Amesbury Heritage Park
9:00 am to 9:00 pm
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Marblehead Festival of the Arts
There's plenty to see and do for kids and families at the Marblehead Festival of the Arts in Massachusetts!
Marblehead, Massachusetts has a long-standing tradition of hosting an annual summer arts festival during the week of July 4th. This highly esteemed festival showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions that include: painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, photography, crafts,...
Where: Downtown Marblehead, Where: Crocker Park
9:00 am to 9:00 pm
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Mini Movers at North Shore Children's Museum
Things to do for children in Peabody MA
Mini Movers is an engaging dance and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by experienced instructors, the program introduces young children to the world of dance in a safe and nurturing environment.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 11:00 am
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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 4:00 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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Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
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Waterfront Concerts @ Crocker Park in Marblehead
Marblehead Festival of Arts hosts live music performances throughout Fourth of July weekend at Crocker Park
The Marblehead Festival of the Arts hosts its  58th Performing Arts Program featuring 16 acts over 4 nights and 3 days. As always, we thank the Town of Marblehead for the opportunity to present our program in the beautiful natural concert venue that is Crocker Park and to you, for your generous...
Where: Downtown Marblehead
12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
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Saugus Iron Works Tours
Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
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The Backyard Growcery
Join Backyard Growers at Burnham's Field in Gloucester Massachusetts for a weekly Farmer's Market
Stop by Gloucester’s new weekly farmers market, the Backyard Growcery, managed by Backyard Growers. The Backyard Growcery is located at Burnham's Field, an urban park near Gloucester’s thriving waterfront, and features small-scale North Shore farmers, bakers, a seafood vendor, an artisanal pizza...
Where: Burnham's Field
2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
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Topsfield HomeGrown Market
Come to Topsfield Massachusetts Common for a homegrown market on the Wednesdays through July
The mission of the HomeGrown Market is to provide the Topsfield community with a series of family-friendly events that emphasize supporting local and offer the opportunity for Topsfield and surrounding North Shore farmers, gardeners, artisans, creators, performers, musicians, nonprofits, young...
Where: Topsfield Town Common
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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Stargazing at Mendel Observatory
Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
Where: Mendel Observatory at Merrimack College
7:00 pm
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Friday, July 4

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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July 4th in Beverly Farms
West Beach Fireworks, Parades and More on July 4. Celebrate July 4th in Beverly Farms!
Beverly Farms has a lot going on for the 4th of July including cookouts, softball games, live music, a parade and, of course, fireworks! Come celebrate Independence Day filled with history and community tradition!
Where: West Beach
8:00 am to 10:00 pm
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Marblehead Festival of the Arts
There's plenty to see and do for kids and families at the Marblehead Festival of the Arts in Massachusetts!
Marblehead, Massachusetts has a long-standing tradition of hosting an annual summer arts festival during the week of July 4th. This highly esteemed festival showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions that include: painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, photography, crafts,...
Where: Downtown Marblehead, Where: Crocker Park
9:00 am to 9:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Amesbury Days Celebration
Amesbury Days is a celebration of the onset of Summer and community.
Amesbury Days is a a 8-day celebration of all things Amesbury that kicks off the summer with fun and exciting community events in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Fireworks, a block party and a 5k walk/run will be just some of the highlights of this years' Amesbury Days celebration. There will be events...
Where: Amesbury Town Park, Where: Downtown Amesbury, Where: Amesbury Heritage Park
9:00 am to 9:00 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 4:00 pm
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Fourth of July Parade in Manchester
Fourth of July Parade in Manchester MA for North Shore Families
Manchester’s annual salute to America is a wonderful tradition, complete with stirring music, precision marching bands, imaginative home made floats, antique cars, and just about everything else that represents the pride and patriotism we all share for our country. Simply stated, Manchester’s...
Where: Manchester Memorial Elementary School, Where: Downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
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Fireworks & Harbor Illumination in Marblehead
Marblehead Fireworks as seen from Chandler Hovey Park by Jeff Folger
Independence Day in Marblehead is a full-day affair along the picturesque harbor front. Start the day at 10 am with the Horribles Parade, a whimsical procession of unique and often creatively opinionated homemade floats, accompanied by lively music and other festive elements. As the day progresses...
Where: Downtown Marblehead
10:00 am to 9:45 pm
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July 4th Boat Parade in Essex
The Chebacco Boat Parade is a great Fourth of July tradition in Essex MA
The Chebacco Lake and Watershed Association will sponsor its annual Fourth of July Boat Parade on at 10am Sunday, July 4th.  All boats will meet at Gregory Island Cove on the South Side of Gregory Island (small cove) and proceed around the lake counterclockwise. Prizes will be awarded for Most...
Where: Centennial Grove
10:00 am
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Ipswich Independence Day Field Day
Ipswich's Independence Day Field Day at the Town Hall in Ipswich Massachusetts
Ipswich's Independence Day Field Day is a great way to celebrate community on this national holiday. Come to the Fun of Patriotic Games, Pomp and Circumstance!
Where: Downtown Ipswich, Where: Ipswich Town Hall
10:00 am
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Marblehead Lobster Lunch
Enjoy a lobster lunch on the lawn in Marblehead over July 4th Weekend!
St. Michael's holds its famous Lobster Luncheon during the Marblehead Festival of Arts over the Fourth of July weekend. All proceeds from the luncheon, after expenses, support local and global ministries. Tours of St. Michael's historic building and a free organ concert are typically offered during...
Where: Saint Michael's Episcopal Church
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
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