Discovery

Beginner Bird Walk in the Great Marsh

Beginner Bird Walk in the Great Marsh | A Trails & Sails Event at Parker River Wildlife Refuge in Rowley Massachusetts

You're invited to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to learn about the endangered birding as part of Trails and Sail. Plum Island is a bird magnet. We will walk from the salt marsh to the dunes overlooking the ocean using the Hellcat Boardwalk, then go out on the dike to see many of the habitats in the Great Marsh and the birds that are there in the late fall. Plum Island is an important stopover for birds migrating back south after breeding in the Arctic tundra and the forests of Canada and northern New England, providing food to fuel their onward journey to avoid the cold and dark of winter. We will have an easy walk of about a mile over two hours.

When: 
Saturday, September 23, 2023 10am-Noon

Maritime History Walking Tour

Learn about 400 Years of Maritime History on a walking tour at Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!

Join the Salem Maritime National Historic Site for a 30-minute walking tour on the grounds of Salem Maritime National Historic Site. During the tour, learn about Salem’s rich maritime history, from its earliest days as a fishing village to the height of its global trade empire. Explore the historic wharves and buildings along Salem Harbor. Part of Trails & Sails.

When: 
Saturdays, September 16 & 23, 2023 10:30-11am
Sundays, September 17 & 24, 2023 10:30-11am

Drop in Station | Explore the Pond at Bradley Palmer

Here is your chance to go inside the Willowdale Mansion (willowdaleestate.com) for a unique guided tour. Now an event and wedding venue, this over 100 years-old Arts and Crafts style home has been beautifully restored. The second floor is not accessible. Best for ages 8 years & up.

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. Best for ages pre-K and up. This is a great family activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

When: 
Fridays through October 6, 2023 9-11am

All Family Field Trips: Study Between the Tides

Explore the tide pools of Sandy Point Reservation with Joppa Flats Educators in Ipswich Massachusetts

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the North Shore. Joppa Flats' engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!

When: 
Friday, October 6, 2023 10am - 12pm

All Family Field Trips: Monarchs and More

Learn about butterflies with Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport!

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore. Our engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!

When: 
Friday, September 15, 2023 10am-Noon

All Family Field Trips: Exploring at the Shore

Explore the shore at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester with Massachusetts Audubon!

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the North Shore. Joppa Flats' engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!

When: 
Friday, September 22, 2023 10am-Noon

Imagine, Sing, & Learn 3A: Is it Spring?

Learn about the creatures of Spring at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newbury Massachusetts

This Imagine, Sing and Learn with Lisa Hutchings is all about asking the question IS IT SPRING YET? This is an active indoor program for ages 3-6 and a favorite grown-up with some outdoor time (weather permitting). We will learn all about WOOD FROGS, SALAMANDERS, LADYBUGS, SONG BIRDS and more! Using props, group role play, song and movement, we will learn about the fascinating ways animals wake up and come back in springtime – each animal has its own special way of greeting the longer, warmer days of spring!

When: 
Thursday, March 10, 2016 1-2:30 pm

All Family Field Trips: A Maritime Forest Walk & Bird Migration

A heron stalks prey at the PArker River Wildlife Sanctuary in Newbury Massachusetts

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the North Shore. Joppa Flats' engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!

When: 
Friday, October 27, 2023 10am-Noon

First Day Hike at Ward Reservation

Enjoy a First Day Hike at the Trustees of Reservations' Ward Reservation in Andover!

The first day of the new year is best spent outside! Join Danielle Sugrue for a First Day Hike at Ward Reservation. Start the new year with a mindful walk to the top of Holt Hill then set intentions for the new year around the solstice stones. Warm up with some hot chocolate and walk in to the this new year with a clear vision.

When: 
Sunday, January 1, 2023 11am-1pm
Location: 

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Adirondack Leadership Program at Gordon College’s La Vida Center

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

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

Run for the Beach 5K

Runners, walkers and kids are invited to particitpate in the Coastal 5k Run/Walk for the Beach in Beverly Massachusetts
Every summer, community members come together at Dane Street Beach in Beverly for a fun, family-friendly 5K race to support Salem Sound Coastwatch.
8:00 am to 12:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Kayak Historic Fox Creek

Kayak the twists and turns of Fox Creek in Ipswich with the Trustees of Reservations
The Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England—is not only brimming with fascinating natural history, it is also home to a rich cultural history. Nowhere is this more evident than in the meandering waters of Fox Creek. Connecting the tidal estuaries of the Essex River basin and...
9:00 am to 12:30 pm

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

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

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...
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

Annual Walk/Run for HAWC

The annual walk for HAWC in Salem Massachusetts is a major fundraiser for the organization!
HAWC hosts their annual fundraiser run and walk in Salem, Massachusetts.  Join as as we come together to raise critical funds for HAWC's life saving programs and services while celebrating HAWC's work and the resilience of survivors of domestic/partner abuse. Each year HAWC provides free and...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

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

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...
11:00 am to 12:00 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

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

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

Saturday, June 14

Marblehead Farmers' Market

Find fresh local produce and other foods at the Marblehead Farmer's Market!
The Marblehead Farmer's Market boasts 15+ local farms, and booths with an educational spin nutrition, vendors and farms selling homemade prepared goods and craft vendors that are switched up in a rotation basis week to week. Additionally there are entertainers and exhibits by environmentally...
9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Rockport Farmers' Market

The Rockport Farmers' Market runs every Saturday at Rockport Music in Downtown Rockport!
The Rockport Farmers Market offers a variety of locally-grown produce, hand-crafted products, baked goods, and live music. It provides a community space to support local farmers and artisans.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

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...
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Kayak Historic Fox Creek

Kayak the twists and turns of Fox Creek in Ipswich with the Trustees of Reservations
The Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England—is not only brimming with fascinating natural history, it is also home to a rich cultural history. Nowhere is this more evident than in the meandering waters of Fox Creek. Connecting the tidal estuaries of the Essex River basin and...
9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Music Together - Saturday

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...
9:15 am to 11:15 am

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

Topsfield Strawberry Festival 2025

NorthShore Kids' and Parents' Events Calendar for Boston's North Shore families
The soil in the garden has barely been turned and already the first sign of Summer has appeared. Strawberries! With Strawberries comes the Topsfield Historical Society's 56th Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair in early June which offers a spectacle of strawberry fun for each and every one. The...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Arts Fest Beverly

Arts Fest Beverly is a free outdoor festival that's fun for the whole family in the heart of downtown Beverly Massachusetts
Beverly Main Streets will be hosting their 22nd annual Arts Fest Beverly in downtown Beverly . This community event is free and open to the public, and will bring thousands of people to Cabot St for a day of shopping, live music, local food, and activities for the whole family. Over 125+ juried...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Annual Art in the Barn Exhibit and Sale

Art in the Barn is a fundraiser for the Essex County Greenbelt Association Essex Mass
Art in the Barn is recognized as one of the North Shore’s premier art events, showcasing the work of some of the most talented artists in the region. An annual fundraising event for over 30 years, the show takes place at Greenbelt’s headquarters, Cox Reservation in Essex, an iconic plein air...
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Ipswich RiverFest

Ipswich River Watershed Association Paddle-a-thon is a fun day on the Ipswich River for the whole family!
Celebrate the start of summer and Father’s Day weekend at RiverFest—a free, family-friendly festival full of outdoor fun, nature, music, and more—on Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ipswich River Park in North Reading.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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