Fall Terrific Toddlers
This four-session series introduces toddlers, accompanied by a favorite adult, to the natural delights of late autumn as mammals, birds, and even plants prepare for the coming winter. We'll go out for a hike to look and listen for signs of the season. This program is also offered on Tuesdays or Fridays.
Location:
The Great Duck Migration
Come enjoy an early evening excursion at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield! During the autumn months, thousands of migratory waterfowl fly directly over the sanctuary as they travel from their summer breeding grounds in the north to their winter homes in the south. Each night, hundreds of ducks drop into Bunker Meadows to rest and refuel for their journey. We will hike down to Bunker Meadows and climb the observation tower to observe the magnificent spectacle of ducks coming in to roost. Learn to identify different species, use counters to keep track of numbers, hear the sounds of ducks settling in for the night, and listen for the call of a great horned owl across the marsh. This is an evening not to be missed.
When:
Saturday, October 19, 2019 5-7pm
Location:
Explore Underwater Salem with Salem Sound Coastwatch and Mahi Cruises
Join Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) aboard the Finback, owned and operated by Mahi Cruises & Charters to explore Salem Sound. Did you ever wonder what lives on the ocean bottom in our coastal area? Come check it out with an underwater camera and a Remote Operated Vehicle that you build yourself with SSCW as your guide. Participants must be comfortable on the water for almost 2 hours. Open to all ages.
When:
Sunday September 22, 2019 10am-Noon
Location:
Vikings in Port
Experience life on and around an authentic Viking ship. Vikings are known for their “raiding and trading” but they were also master crafters in wood, metal and fabric arts. Based around our flagship Polaris, visitors will get to see, feel, and hear the sounds of costume, metal working, and wood working. They will get to experience what it was like aboard a small Viking longship and even try their hand at rowing.
When:
Daily, September 21-25, 2019 9am-7pm
Location:
Sense of Wonder Walk: Meadow Exploration
A meadow with grasses and wildflowers is home to many insects, from bees and butterflies to grasshoppers and crickets. Take a walk to a meadow to see how many different wildflowers you can find, and then take a closer look at insects using nets and collecting jars.
When:
Sunday, September 15, 2019 1:30-3pm
Location:
Creature Catch!
Meet at Frye Pond Beach - Fish, frogs, snakes, and salamanders, let’s discover what lives in our tranquil New England ponds! Nets and buckets are provided. This activity can be wet and muddy. Recommend bringing water, insect repellent, sun screen, binoculars and camera. Appropriate for all ages.
When:
Fridays September 6 & 13, 2019 2:30-3:30pm
Location:
Reading the Granite Landscape
Halibut Point State Park is also a granite quarry with a history that goes back billions of years! A rock is not a thing but a drama, it can teach us about the great unifying science and the unique geology of Cape Ann. Rocks can tell us a lot about how the landscape was formed and the geology of Cape Ann tells us great stories, all visible at Halibut Point. Meet at the Visitors Center in the park. For all ages. Rain or shine, pouring rain cancels.
When:
Thursdays, August 22, 2019 10-11am
Location:
Family Campouts: Summer Owl Prowl
Explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary after hours and join us for a night of camping under the stars. Have an early dinner at home and then come with your family, your tent, and a dessert to share. Join us as we explore the habitats of the elusive owls.
When:
Saturday, August 10 6pm - Sunday, August 11, 2019 9am
Location:
Seashore Adventures: Beachcombers
Enjoy a summer afternoon at Grace Oliver Beach during low tide and discover the living wonders of the sandy coastline. Walk across the mudflats to Crowninshield Island, where we will search for tiny fish, hermit crabs, periwinkles, and other sea creatures living in this delicate habitat. Explore the five-acre island and its unusual variety of landforms, from granite rocks and tidal pools to sandy beach, salt marsh, and wooded hilltop.
When:
Wednesday, August 7, 2019 9:30-11am
Location:
Family Dusk Paddles: Discovering Wetlands
Explore the Ipswich River at dusk. Bring your family and join us for an evening paddle in a canoe as we learn more about the river and some of its inhabitants. Being on the water is one of the best ways to explore and discover the wonders of wetlands. We will paddle through the winding backwaters lined with cattails and other marsh plants, looking for hidden wildlife. Using buckets and strainers, we'll stop and sample the rich aquatic life to learn more about what lives under the water.
When:
Friday, August 9, 2019 6-8 pm
Location:
