Adults

Annual Ectathlon

The Essex County Trail Association ECTAthlon includes horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking and running!

The ECTA annual ECTAthlon is friendly relay competition held at Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield and Hamilton and on private trails in Ipswich where teams or individuals compete in running, mountain biking, horseback riding and kayaking events.  This unique event, which will be held on Saturday, June 4th, was envisioned as a way to bring diverse trail users together in a fun and exciting way, and to highlight the incredible network of trails in our area.  The June 4th date also coincides with American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, a series of nationwide events celebrating trails and trail access.

When: 
June 4, 2016 9am-2pm

Let’s Go Fly a Kite: A Practically Perfect Mary Poppins Party

Come fly a kite at the Trustees of Reservations Castle Hill Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!  Photo by Bill O'Connor

It’s an afternoon of Poppins fun for the whole family at this Mary Poppins Party at Crane Estate. Activities include kite making and flying, chalk drawing, lawn games, and more. Kite aficionados from Kites Over New England are on hand to show their kites and flying techniques. Tea, lemonade, and cookies are served. 

When: 
Sunday, May 22, 2016 1-4pm

Renaissance of Ravenswood: Walk through the Centuries

Talk a walk through history at Ravenswood, and explore this wonderful park in Gl

Walk through history at Ravenswood Park! Ravenswood has changed from a main thoroughfare to a forgotten backwoods, and now to our favorite local refuge over time. See the evidence in cellar holes, stonewalls, and carriage paths. Learn the stories of a colorful cast of characters who transformed it into a such special place. Pre-registration requested.

When: 
Second Sunday of each month through September 2016
Location: 

Anxious Adolescent Minds in a Hectic World

Learn how to identify teen and adolescent anxiety at this Lahey Health Behavioral Sercvices presentation.

Prom jitters? Or something more serious? Come to a Lahey Health Behavioral Services presentation, "Anxious Adolescent Minds in a Hectic World" at Holten Richmond Middle School in Danvers. This adult-oriented presentation is about the symptoms and triggers of adolescent anxiety, how to identify them and and ways one can help those dealing with anxiety. This is an informative program for parents of teenagers, teachers, youth workers and other adults that deal with adolescents and teens. There will be lots of time for questions and answers.

When: 
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 6:30-7:30pm
Location: 

Follow Footsteps--Animals and a Hermit!

From 1884 – 1917, Mason A. Walton lived a hermit's life in Ravenswood Park

Adventures in Animal Tracking at Ravenswood Park--just like our Hermit did, over 100 years ago!  From 1884 to 1917, Mason Walton lived as a "hermit" in Ravenswood.  He closely observed, wrote, and drew about wildlife and animal behaviors.  He published a book in 1903.  We will walk the hermit's footsteps, share tales from his book, and along the way we will closely observe wildlife signs and determine animal behavior. A Hermit's Wild Friends, only available used from Amazon: [amazon 1290053391 inline] or check it out from the Sawyer Free Library.

When: 
Friday, April 25, 2014 1-3pm
Location: 

Fairy Shrimp, Salamanders, and Frogs--Alive!

Ramona Latham - Directory of the Discovery Center at Ravenswood park in Gloucester, holds a yellow spotted salamander for closer inspection.

Venture to vernal pools where survival of fairy shrimp, salamanders, and wood frogs are crucial.  We will explore pools, learn how to protect them, and meet these creatures that depend on these pools.  This program is instructive to participants, so you can take home the techniques, forms, and methods to certify pools in your neighborhood...or back yard.  This is a family-friendly opportunity, so exploration is an important--and fun!--element in the program.  Directions to pre-registrants.

When: 
Saturday, April 16, 2016 1-3PM
Location: 

Vernal Pool Exploration at Crane Refuge

Explore the vernal habitats of the Crane Wildlife Refuge with the Trustees at Ni

Join The Trustees of Reservations on a misty evening in early Spring, vernal pools are hopping! The swales we find tucked amongst the dunes are coming alive, host to a variety of creatures waking from a long winter’s nap and ready for action! We’ll hike out under cover of darkness to spy on – and listen to – this celebration of awakening. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, and wear boots!  We’ll have nets and buckets for up-close observations, but our specimen collecting is strictly catch-and-release.

When: 
Sunday, April 17, 2016 7-9pm

NSMT: The Lightning Thief

North Shore Music Theatre for Kids.

Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school...again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen and Percy is the prime suspect.

When: 
Saturday, April 9, 2016, 2 pm

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Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras

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!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic

The Annual Hampton Beach, NH Master Sandsculpting Competition 2024 is Star Wars themed.
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 26. Watch Greg Grady and “The Grady Bunch” build a mammoth Sand Demo Site. View all entries online on...
7:00 am to 11:00 pm

Explore the Pond at Bradley Palmer

Join the park interpreter exploringt he ponds of Bradley Palmer State Park in Massachusetts!
What kinds of fascinating creatures live in or visit the ponds?  Come and visit with the Park Interpreter to see if any creatures are stirring, and if any plants are flowering.  For ages pre-K and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
8:30 am to 10:30 am

Yoga for Kids at NSCM

Yoga for Children during 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

Contemporary Art Wetu Installation

Visit the Native American WETU at Cape Ann Museum Green in Gloucester Massachusetts
This summer, the Cape Ann Museum is proud to unveil a Contemporary Art Wetu at the Cape Ann Museum Green. Join the Museum to see the installation in process on Friday, June 21 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.  
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

Music Together - Friday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

Kidleidoscope

Kidleidoscope at Maudslay State Park is a chance for preschoolers to explore the park, enjoy a story and make a craft!
Maudslay State Park has created this program for their youngest crowd! For the young set that loves nature, the park interpreter will lead a three-part preschool aged program that includes a story, craft & walk that involves outdoor exploration. A different nature topic each week so come every...
11:00 am

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.
11:00 am

Salt Marsh Boat Tour with Parker River NWR

Learn how Plum Island and the Great Marsh were formed and how important they are on this boat tour of the estuary.
Pristine beauty, wide open space, gorgeous views, and the chance to float up and down the peaceful, winding creeks of the world's second most productive ecosystem. Learn how Plum Island and the Great Marsh were formed and how important they are. Boat tours are offered through a private outfitter. ...
11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Drop-in Open House at the Nature Center

Drop-in Open House at the Bradley Palmer State Park Nature Center in Hamilton Ipswich Massachusetts
Explore the Nature Center at your leisure. The Park Interpreter will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions. Come see and touch animal furs, replica skulls, animal models, and other natural history materials. For little artists, coloring pages and washable markers will be on hand.
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

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.
2:00 pm

Family Solstice Full Moon Beach Hike

Walk the beach under the full moon with naturalists from Joppa Flats Education Center
Have you ever gone tide pooling as the sun is setting or explored a a sandy beach under the light of a full moon? Engage in on-the-beach nocturnal experiments about night vision, bioluminescence and more. Attract live minnows with your flashlight and watch barnacles open up to feed. For kids ages 4...
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Schooner Ardelle Date Night

Schooner Ardelle turns into the love boat for date night sailing out of Gloucester Massachusetts!
Maritime Gloucester and  Schooner Ardelle have teamed up to create Date Night! Schooner Ardelle becomes the 'Love Boat' for moms and dads, while kids (ages 5-11) enjoy the care of the staff at Maritime Gloucester, the aquarium and lots of fun activities. You'll have a nice romantic sail around...
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

Walk through the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts with the Trustees under the full moon.
There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading...
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Full Moon Hike at Ward Reservation

Join the Trustees on a journey up Holt Hill under the light of the full moon at Ward Reservation in Andover!
Join Within Wildlight in a mindful journey up Holt Hill under the light of the full moon. Together, we will gather for a meditative hike up the trail as night falls, and circle for a gentle guided meditation beneath the moon & stars. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and unique tastes of...
8:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Friday, June 28

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

Meet Beach Creatures and More!

Discover and explore the facts of the creatures you find at the beach at Joppa Flats Education Center Newburyport
Come to Joppa Flats this summer to enjoy some live animal encounters both outdoors in our riverside yard and indoors in our air conditioned lobby! You'll rotate through different live animal stations at your own pace and stay as long as you like!
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Music Together - Friday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

Kidleidoscope

Kidleidoscope at Maudslay State Park is a chance for preschoolers to explore the park, enjoy a story and make a craft!
Maudslay State Park has created this program for their youngest crowd! For the young set that loves nature, the park interpreter will lead a three-part preschool aged program that includes a story, craft & walk that involves outdoor exploration. A different nature topic each week so come every...
11:00 am

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.
11:00 am

Drop-in Open House at the Nature Center

Drop-in Open House at the Bradley Palmer State Park Nature Center in Hamilton Ipswich Massachusetts
Explore the Nature Center at your leisure. The Park Interpreter will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions. Come see and touch animal furs, replica skulls, animal models, and other natural history materials. For little artists, coloring pages and washable markers will be on hand.
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Saint Peter's Fiesta | Friday

The St. Peter's Fiesta in Gloucester, MA tradtionally hosts the Women's Seine Boat Races on Friday of the Festival
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...
2:00 pm to 11:30 pm

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.
2:00 pm

DJ Beach Party at Salisbury Beach

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...
7:15 pm to 10:00 pm

Saturday, June 29

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.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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