Ecology

Kids’ Conservation Cinema: Charlotte's Web

Watch March of the Penguins at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport

On alternating Sunday afternoons through March, the refuge will be screening FREE, child-friendly films that feature a wildlife and/or environmental theme.  All films will be projected on the big screen in the refuge visitor center’s awesome auditorium. No preregistration; simply show up! All movies begin at 1:30 pm.

When: 
Sunday, January 24, 2016 1:30pm

Snowy Owls at Parker River

As birders and nature photographers already know, snowy owls are often seen in this region during the winter months.   But where do these magnificent animals come from?  And why is their seasonal occurrence so variable from year to year?  And what to do about the “snowies” that are attracted to the tundra-like landscape that surrounds the runways at Logan International Airport?  These compelling questions, and many more, will be addressed by Massachusetts Audubon’s Norman Smith, who will present a narrated slide program at the refuge visitor center.  Mr. Smith has been heading up the effort to trap and relocate snowy owls from Logan for many years. 

When: 
Saturday, January 16, 2016 1:30pm

Owls & Art at Ipswich River

Learn about owls, then create art from what you learn at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary!

We are all intrigued by the elusive owls. We'll learn about these creatures and have the opportunity to observe owls mounts and touch feathers, followed by a walk outside to look and listen for owls. Upon our return, we will let Mother Nature be our inspiration and create owl art from a variety of mediums at different work stations.

When: 
Friday, November 13, 2015 5-7pm

Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Family Whale Watch

A whale breaches on Stellwagen Bank off of the coast of Massachusetts.

This is a whale watch with a birding twist! Joppa Flats Education Center invites families on a special excursion offshore to discover the wonder of whales aboard the Captain's Lady III! Play the part of a whale researcher and learn about the lives of whales and the habitats they use to feed, live and breed.

When: 
Sunday, July 7, 2013 8am-1pm

Wild Science with Clay

Kestrel Adventures present Wild Science with Clayton Kern!

Kestrel Educational Adventures invites you meet at the 'Get Outside Center' and caravan to a nearby wild to explore, get muddy, go wading, or stay dry and just watch! Kestrel naturalist Clayton Kern will lead an adventure in the study of reptiles and amphibians. Each week, participants will learn to catch and identify animals and will participate in a wildlife study. Your findings will be displayed at the Kestrel Educational Adventures Get Outside Center in Gloucester!

When: 
Fridays, July 25 - August 29, 2014 3:30-5:30pm

It's Sand Man! - Saturday

Kids will learn all about sand at Sandy Point Reservation!

You're invited to Sandy Point State Reservation to learn all about sand, where it comes from and surprising facts about the make up of sand!  Join the interpreter in a sand sifting excursion to find the composition of the material that covers our New England beaches. Appropriate for children.

When: 
Saturday, June 14, 2014 9-11am

World Fish Migration Day in Rockport

Eels travel 1000's of miles to spawn at Millbrook Park in Rockport

The public will be introduced to the eels of Millbrook, the site of Rockport’s first European-American residents and the center of their early industry. With the help of the Millbrook Meadow Conservancy and Rockport High School students, Eric Hutchins, of the NOAA Fisheries Restoration Center, will provide a tour of Rockport, Massachusett's historic Millbrook.  

When: 
Saturday, May 24, 2014 from 9-10am

Lights, Camera, Nature!

Kids will learn about ecology, film-making and working in teams in this workshop

Lights, Camera, Nature! is a nature filmmaking class for kids ages 9-12! We will venture into the nearby wilds with a professional naturalist and a local filmmaker. Kids will explore the wildlife and capture the action on their cameras. When finished with shooting they will work in a small team to craft a fun story, then use simple editing software to create and edit their movie.

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Summerquest Camp for kids aed 5-14 at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 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

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

Bluefin Blowout Family 5k to Benefit Alzheimer's Association

The Bluefin Blowout Family Fun Run in Gloucester Massachusetts raises funds to combat the diseases of Alzheimer's and all other dementias
On Sunday, May 18th, 2025, come to Stage Fort Park, Gloucester for the Bluefin Blowout Family Fun Run 5K, Presented by the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group - Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Run, walk, or stroll from Stage Fort Park to Hammond Castle and back to Stage Fort Park for a 5K loop. Enjoy the...
7:00 am to 10:30 am

Spring Birding Walk—Symphony of Bird Song!

You and your child can learn the basics of birding at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts
Stroll the trails of this seaside treasure while learning birding basics. Hear the symphony of spring bird song, watch for them in the woodland’s and at water’s edges. Learn about bird sounds, habits, and flight patterns. Enjoy extraordinary views. Bring binoculars if you have them!
8:00 am to 10:00 am

Hill to Harbor 10k Road Race

North Shore Lynch Van Otterloo YMCA Hill to Harbor 10k Marblehead Massachusetts
Join North Shore YMCA and the Lynch van Otterloo YMCA for the 2025 Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA Hills to Harbor 10K Road Race on May 18th! Traverse the hills and shoreline of Marblehead and finish the 'Hill to Harbor 10K at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA!
9:00 am

Newburyport Farmers' Market

Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine!  Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Beverly Warrior Weekend

Warrior Weekend at Beverly Massachusetts HighSchool
Warrior Weekend is a two day event that pays tribute to veterans through demonstrations and other events for the community. There will be all kinds of military hardware on site including tanks!
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Touch a Truck Beverly

The Annual Touch-a-Truck event is hosted at the Beverly High School Massachusetts.
The annual Touch-a-Truck Event is a unique, interactive, one-day event held in Beverly Massachusetts during National Public Works Week.
10:00 am to 1:00 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 4:00 pm

Lungstrong 5k & 1.5 Mile Walk

Join the Lungstrong 5k in Beverly Massachusetts
Support the fight against lung cancer and join us for our 10th annual LUNGSTRONG LIVE & VIRTUAL 5K Run & 1.5mi Walk! This family-friendly event gives 100% of race proceeds and donations to Mass General Cancer Center for Thoracic Cancer Research under the direction of Dr. Justin Gainor. MGH...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

TitO presents Petrushka & the Caterpillar

Theater in the Open presents Petrushka and the Catapillar at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
What happens when your favorite stories need a new ending? Everyone's favorite clown upends iconic fables and fairytales in our signature storytelling style – with tons of imagination, humor, and heart. Join Petrushka and the gang as they retell old stories for our times!
2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

NMYO Spring Concert

The Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras presents their Afternoon of Spring Concerts on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the Dolan Performing Arts Center, 130 High Street, in Ipswich, MA. There will be two performances; a concert at 2pm and a second concert at 4pm. The concerts are free to the general...
2:00 pm

Boston String Academy at Shalin Liu

Boston String Academy at Shalin Liu Performing Arts Center. Visit Rockport Massachusetts, Cape Ann, North of Boston.
Enjoy an inspirational performance from the talented youth musicians from the Boston String Academy. Serving 130 students each year in the Greater Boston community, the BSA was cofounded in 2012 by violinists Mariesther and Marielisa Alvarez, twin sisters who learned music in Venezuela’s storied...
3:00 pm

Thursday, June 5

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 4:00 pm

Salisbury Farmers' Market

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...
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Friday, June 6

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

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

Salem Arts Festival 2025

The Salem Arts Festival is a joint project of Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective in Salem Massachusetts
For three days, this annual family friendly art festival transforms downtown Salem into an opportunity for the arts community to showcase their talents. The popular free event will feature many artists and performers, and includes a variety of art, music, dance, and theatre performances. The family...
9:00 am to 5:00 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 4:00 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

Saturday, June 7

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

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

Teen Naturalist Club at IRWS: Spring/Summer Series

Join Mass Audubon for their Teen Naturalist Club at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts!
Explore a variety of local ecosystems, learn more about a wide range of natural history topics, and do real wildlife data collection and conservation projects in this exciting club for teens!
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
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