Discovery

Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Mud Flats at Joppa

Explore the transitional zone of the Joppa Mud Flats in Newburyport

Come to Joppa Flats Education Center where adults and children can learn about the transitional habitat of the mud flats at Joppa and spend quality family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife. Excursions include a group game to burn off some steam, an on-the-water scavenger hunt, or a guided tour. We'll observe, investigate, and compare coastal environments and their inhabitants, both on- and offshore.

When: 
Sunday, April 7, 2013 9:30am - 12:00 pm

Kayak Family Paddle on Plum Island Sound

Kayaking basics are taught along with this family kayak exploration at Joppa

Late spring is a great time to experience on-the-water ecology, and kayaking is the perfect way to capture every moment. From wading birds to waterfowl, the salt marshes provide the backdrop to sights and sounds that are uniquely available from the water. Kayaking quietly on the calm waters of the Plum Island Sound, we'll visit secluded areas where we can witness wildlife without disturbing their activities. We may even see horseshoe crabs mating!

When: 
Sunday, June 9, 2013 10am - 2pm

Kids Flower Ramble at Maudslay State Park

Rhododendron's are plentiful at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport!

Flowers are for kids, too! Children ages 6 – 10 can accompany their parents and the park interpreter to learn about the fabulous flowers at Maudslay, one of the premier viewing locations in Massachusetts. Meet at the park headquarters on Curzon Mill Rd. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Children must be accompanied by an adult!

When: 
Fridays in May 2013 10:30-11:30 am

New England Forests Exhibit

The New England Forest Exhibit at Harvard's Museum of Natural History

The Harvard Museum of Natural History presents a multi-media exhibition that explores the natural history and ecology of our regional forests, their responses to human activity, and their environmental significance. Visitors are invited to explore the ecology of woodland caribou, wolves, and other wildlife of New England; learn about lichen cities that cling to rocks; and the circle of life within and around a forest pond from tiny aquatic insects to giant moose.

When: 
Daily 9am-5pm

Afterschool at Joppa: Early Birds!

This Afterschool Session at Joppa Flats focuses on red winged blackbirds

Come to Joppa Flats after school to learn about song birds! Our afternoon starts off with self-guided activities, challenges, or puzzles that lead us to our topic for the day. As a group, we'll observe, investigate, and compare wildlife, their adaptations, and the changes that they undergo each season. Participants may play the role of a zoologist, a naturalist, or even an Arctic explorer throughout this series. Each experience will leave your young scientist eager for the next session.

When: 
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 3:30 - 5pm

Sense of Wonder Walk: Summer's Grand Finale

Come explore IRWS and see it's creatures preparing for the change of seasons

Monarch butterflies are feeding along their migration routes. Plants are still flowering and dispersing seeds, insects and spiders are laying eggs, and the forest is abuzz with activity. Using sweep nets and hand lenses, we will investigate field and forest, determine air temperature by counting the chirps of a cricket, explore life under a log, and much more.

When: 
Sun, September 18, 2011 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Afterschool at Joppa: A Waterfowl Welcome

Kids can be game wardens for the day in this afterschool program at Joppa Flats

Our afternoon starts off with self-guided activities, challenges, or puzzles that lead us to our topic for the day. As a group, we'll observe, investigate, and compare wildlife, their adaptations, and the changes that they undergo each season. Participants may play the role of a zoologist, a naturalist, or even an Arctic explorer throughout this series. Each experience will leave your young scientist eager for the next session.

When: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2013 3:30 - 5pm

Afterschool at Joppa: Get to Know Night Creatures!

Learn about nocturnal animals like racoons at this Afterschool workshop

Our afternoon starts off with self-guided activities, challenges, or puzzles that lead us to our topic for the day. As a group, we'll observe, investigate, and compare wildlife, their adaptations, and the changes that they undergo each season. Participants may play the role of a zoologist, a naturalist, or even an Arctic explorer throughout this series. Each experience will leave your young scientist eager for the next session.

When: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 3:30 - 5pm

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Summerquest Camp for kids aed 5-14 at the Crane Estate in Ipswich 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!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
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.
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Unraveling Winters Wild Tales - Animal Tracking for Families

Kids will learn about tracks and signs and how they can tell a story at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts!
Welcome to the wild world of animal tracking! Participants will learn how to identify animal tracks by focusing on key details such as number of toes, toenail impressions, and overall size of the print.
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Saturday, February 28

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us this season. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place…
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Sunday, March 1

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

Watching the Coastal Edge at Halibut Point

Tour the WWII era observation tower at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts.
Meet at the Halibut Point State Park visitors center to learn about the role Halibut Point has played in America’s military history. One day after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, U.S.
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

CraneOutdoors: Family Winter Wildlife Walk

Come explore the dunes on Castle Neck and Crane Beach in Ipswich Massachusetts to learn about winter wildlife.
A CraneOutdoors Family Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are a much...
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Monday, March 2

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
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