Pre-School

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.

When: 
Fridays, December 2024 - February 2025 10:30-11:30am
Location: 
Breakheart Reservation
Topsfield
Story
Crafts
Outdoor Activity

Children's Maple in the Barnyard at Appleton Farms

Visit Appleton Farms' sugaring operation and learn about making maple sugar syrup!

Maple Season is here! This special program for ages 3-11 & their families will focus on the magic of maple from start to finish. We will discover this tradition by observing trees, tasting sap, learning the tools involved, and finally, tasting the sweet product. We will make sure to have time to visit our barnyard animals!

When: 
Saturdays, February 8-March 1, 2025 10:45am, Noon, 1pm or 2pm
Location: 
Appleton Farms
Ipswich
Tour
Maple Sugaring
Trustees of Reservations

Eagle Festival: Everything Eagles

Kids will learn about eagles, their migrations and varied habitat at Joppa Flats. Image ©David Morris

During Eagle Festival Week, join North Shore Field Teachers at a popular viewing area to spot Bald Eagles along the Merrimack River and learn about behaviors such as soaring, fishing, and showing courtship displays. Using sound effects, props, and group role play, you'll stay active and warm outdoors as you and your family learn together. Three date and time choices!

When: 
Friday, February 14, 2025 1-3pm
Saturday, February 15, 2025 10am-Noon
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Education
Exploration
Sing Along
Dance
Science
Discovery
Crafts

Animal Adventures Series: Inside & Out

Come learn about your favorite animals and their habitats at the Joppa Flats Center in Newburyport Massachusetts! Photo: Kathy Crane, NOAA Arctic Research Program

Joppa Flats Education Center invites families for family fun about your favorite animals with hands-on science, songs, a take-home craft and outdoor time, weather permitting. This is a three-week series for young "naturalists" and their adventure-loving adult to learn about animals together. Please note there are no live animals in these programs.

When: 
Friday, January 24, 2025 1:30-3pm
Friday, February 7, 2025 1:30-3pm
Friday, March 7, 2025 1:30-3pm
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Animals
Science
Natural History
Art
Biology
Activity
Crafts
Drop-in
Mass Audubon

Family Owl Prowl

Join a Family Owl Prowl Campout at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Scott Santino

People of all ages love owls, and many species of owls can be found right here in Massachusetts year-round. Experience the excitement of an owl prowl as we take a night hike to look and listen for Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech-owls. Before we head out on our nocturnal adventure, we'll learn fun owl facts in our cozy Barn using real owl mounts, feathers, talons, and a brief slide show. We'll end our evening with an owl-hooting lesson.

When: 
Saturday, February 8, 2025 5:30-7:30pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Exploration
Birding
Camping
Ecology
Mass Audubon
Owls
Discovery

Kids New Year's Eve at Wenham Museum

Families have a blast celebrating New Year's Eve at Wenham Museum in Massachusetts!

Wenham Museum has a special New Year's Eve celebration planned just for kids and families!With music, movement, performance, and art we will welcome 2025 in a fun and family-friendly way. We’ll countdown to “midnight” at 12 p.m. with streamers and a balloon drop! All of the museum’s galleries will be open as well, for you to enjoy. 

When: 
Saturday, December 31, 2024 10am-1pm
Location: 
Wenham Museum
Wenham
Magic Show
Museum
Live Performance
Puppet Show
New Year's Eve

Beanstalk Adventure Indoor Ropes Course - Sunday

Beanstalk Adventure Indoor Ropes Course at Jordans Furniture

Channel your inner tightrope walker as you take on Beanstalk Adventure Ropes Course at Jordan's Furniture in Reading MA. Participants are safely harnessed before climbing the 3-story tall ropes course attraction and embarking through elements like cargo nets, angled rope ladders and more. The adventure continues on the Sky Rail zip line that stretches 69-feet over Beanstown.

When: 
Mon-Thurs: 10am-9pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 11am-7pm
Location: 
Beanstalk Ropes Course at Jordan's Furniture
Reading
Adventure
Athletics

Ropes Course for Kids

Beanstalk Adventure Indoor Ropes Course at Jordans Furniture

Channel your inner tightrope walker as you take on Beanstalk Adventure Ropes Course at Jordan's Furniture in Reading MA. Participants are safely harnessed before climbing the 3-story tall ropes course attraction and embarking through elements like cargo nets, angled rope ladders and more. The adventure continues on the Sky Rail zip line that stretches 69-feet over Beanstown.

When: 
Mon-Thurs: 10am-9pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 11am-7pm
Location: 
Beanstalk Ropes Course at Jordan's Furniture
Reading
Adventure
Athletics

Pages

Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Marblehead Street Festival
There's plenty to see and do for kids at the Marblehead Street Festival! Part of the Marblehead Festival of the Arts
Come to the Marblehead Street Festival at Bank Square (intersection of Washington and Hooper Street).  This festival is a fun tradition that's part of 4th of July celebrations!  There will be something for everyone including magic, street performers, live music, face painting, sidewalk chalk art,...
Where: Downtown Marblehead, Where: Crocker Park
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
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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
♦ Read More →

Salem Celebrates the Fourth of July
Salem Massachsuetts Celebrates the Fourth of July Independence Day Fireworks
Join the City of Salem at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site for a 4th of July Celebration! The evening includes live music by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra and Fireworks starting after dark from Derby Wharf.
Where: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Where: Downtown Salem
12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
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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
♦ Read More →

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
♦ Read More →

Amesbury Days Fireworks
Amesbury MA Amesbury Days Fireworks and Music
Amesbury Days fireworks display will be on July 4th beginning at around 9pm. Food vendors, favorites from years past and a couple of new ones added in for your enjoyment. Parking is available at Woodsom Farm or Amesbury High School.
Where: Woodsom Farm
5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
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4th of July Celebration at Salisbury Beach
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:
Where: Salisbury Beach Stage
6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
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Independence Day Celebration in Rockport
Independence Day Celebration in Rockport 2022 includes a traditional parade, bandstand concert and massive bonfire.
Celebrate the 4th of July in Rockport, Massachusetts! Rockport’s Independence Day celebration is full of hometown charm and high-energy tradition—and this year promises to be unforgettable! Come experience an evening of patriotic fun featuring a festive parade, live music, and the town’s iconic...
Where: Downtown Rockport, Where: Back Beach
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
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Friday Night 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...
Where: Salisbury Beach Stage
7:15 pm to 10:00 pm
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Fireworks and Beach Concerts at Salisbury Beach
Fourth of July Fireworks at Salisbury Beach include a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach.
Join us at Salisbury Beach for an unforgettable family night out! Every Saturday through the summer, enjoy spectacular fireworks (weather permitting) that light up the sky. Before the fireworks, there's a live concert starting at 7:30 PM on the Salisbury Oceanfront Stage, perfect for families with...
Where: Salisbury Beach Stage
7:30 pm to 11:00 pm
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Saturday, July 5

Crane Outdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River
Take a guided kayak paddle adventure on the Castle Neck River with the Trustees of Reservations!
One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a vast barrier...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
9:00 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 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Children's Festival in Marblehead
The Children's Festival is just one event of many in the Marblehead Festival of the Arts
The Children's Festival is a fun-filled program of arts and activities designed especially for children aged ten years and younger. All activities are free of charge, providing an excellent opportunity for young children to explore their creativity and engage in interactive fun. It is important to...
Where: Jeremiah Lee Mansion
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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Music and Movement at North Shore Children's Museum
North Shore, North Shore Childrens Museum in Peabody MA
Music and Movement with Marybeth Maes is an engaging music and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Marybeth brings her guitar and instruments for the children to use while they sing, dance, and play.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 11:00 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
♦ Read More →

Long Hill Garden Tours
Tour the Gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants. Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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
♦ Read More →

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
♦ Read More →

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure
Take a guided kayak paddle and hike to Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
♦ Read More →

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
♦ Read More →
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