Exploration

See, Think & Wonder: Frogs at Mill Pond

Join a naturalist from Joppa Flats Education Center on a frog hunt at Mill Pond in West Newbury!

In every kind of weather, we love to head outdoors to our spectacular local habitats, so join us for one, two, or more of these nature explorations! Each one will focus on the importance of a sense of place as we explore the ecology, sights, and sounds of our natural landscape. Wildlife, local and migrating birds, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness will be presented in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy.

When: 
Thursday, August 17, 2017 2-3:30 pm
Location: 
Mill Pond
Topsfield
Exploration
Story Telling
Outdoor Activity
Discovery
Mass Audubon

Nature Discovery 2 for 1!

Kid scan learn about nature and earn a juniro ranger badge at Mausdlay State Park in Newburyport

Maudslay State Park has a program that's a perfect pick for 8-12 year olds. Come just for fun or the “2 for 1”! Join the park interpreter for this fun program using nets, magnifiers and capture tanks to discover the hidden secrets in nature, and at the same time be eligible for Junior Rangers.

When: 
Fridays, July 5, 12 & 26, 2019 2:30-3:30pm
Location: 
Maudslay State Park
Newburyport
Walk
Exploration
Story Telling
Discovery
Crafts

Blueberries for Sale at Weir Hill

Join the Trustees on a hike up Weir Hill in North Andover in search of wild blueberries!

Join the Trustees on a hike up Weir Hill in North Andover in search of wild blueberries! Children and their caregivers are invited to take a stroll through Weir Hill and celebrate blueberry season with a story time of the classic children’s book, [amazon:978-0670175918:inline] by Robert McCloskey. With lowbush blueberries abound, participants will feel like they have joined Sal on her adventure on Blueberry Hill. “Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk!”

When: 
Monday, July 16, 2018 9:30-10:30am
Location: 
Weir Hill
North Andover
Story Telling
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Discovery
Trustees of Reservations

Imagine, Sing, & Learn 4D: Duck, Swan, Goose!

Kids will learn about swan ducks and geese at Mass Audubon's Jopp Flats Center

Preschoolers will Imagine, Sing the Learn about water fowl and swans! This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. You'll receive coloring pages, song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list in an electronic goody bag!

When: 
Friday, Apr 12, 2013 1 - 2:30 pm
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Class
Exploration
Birding
Music
Crafts
Story Telling
Songs
Mass Audubon

Friday Morning

Kids will learn about swan ducks and geese at Mass Audubon's Jopp Flats Center

Preschoolers will Imagine, Sing the Learn about water fowl and swans! This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. You'll receive coloring pages, song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list in an electronic goody bag!

When: 
Friday, Apr 12, 2013 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Class
Exploration
Birding
Music
Crafts
Story Telling
Songs
Mass Audubon

Sense of Wonder Walks for Families: Witches' Brooms and Gingerbread Houses

Galls can be seen on all sorts of plants and are actually temporary bug homes!

Can you imagine eating the home that you grew up in? Some insects lay eggs inside plants and cause strange-looking growths called galls. The walls of these miniature "bug castles" give the developing insect larvae food and shelter. This is evidence of another fascinating relationship between insects and plants. We will examine a variety of galls and learn about the lives of their inhabitants. On our walk, we'll hunt for as many kinds of galls as we can find.

When: 
Sunday, October 18, 2015 1:30-3pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Walk
Outdoor Activity
Discovery
Exploration

Winter Homeschool for Ages 12 to 15

Tweens and Teens will explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to learn wilderness skills on the North Shore Massachusetts!

Ipswich River's weekly homeschool classes promote an active engagement with nature through inquiry-based, hands-on environmental education. Join us as we explore the many different habitats provided by our nearly 2,000-acre sanctuary, and lay the foundation for a lifelong connection with nature. This season, we will focus on the survival skills that all animals (including humans) need to survive the harsh New England winter.

Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Tweens
Teens
Mass Audubon
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
North Shore as Classroom
Story Telling
Walk
Hike
Art
Crafts

Discovering Nature Through Story, Music, and Art

Kids will explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to connect with nature and learn about the creatures of the North Shore Massachusetts wilderness!

Preschoolers and young kids will explore the wonders of winter in the "enchanted woods" of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in this four-session series. We'll begin in the Nature Center with story, poetry, and imagination. Next, we'll bundle up for a winter walk to awaken our sense of wonder to the silence, scents, and scenery of the sleeping winter woods. Along the way, discover how the trees, plants, birds, beavers, squirrels, chipmunks, and other wildlife spend the winter. We'll look for animal stories in the snow (tracking) and much more. After our walks, we'll create artwork that reflects the wonders of winter that we discovered, while listening to winter nature songs. These keepsakes will bring home winter's secrets and beauty as we await the signs of spring.

Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Pre-School
Kids
Mass Audubon
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
North Shore as Classroom
Story Telling
Walk
Hike
Art
Crafts

Pages

Shore School in Beverly Massachusetts offers a host of Summer programs for kids aged 5-12

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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Music Together - Wednesday
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...
Where: St. John's Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms
9:30 am to 11:15 am
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Saturday, April 26

Annual ECTA Equine Expo & Tack Sale
Essex County Trail Association is hosting the annual Equine EXPO at Topsfield Fairgrounds
Don't miss the 30th annual Equine EXPO & Tack Sale, Saturday, April 26th 2025 from 9-3 in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds on Route 1, Topsfield, MA. Individuals, groups & businesses will make up our booths offering new and used items as well as services for the horse and...
Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Family Day at the Bird Banding Station
Kids will learn about local and migrating birds at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport Massachusetts
There's nothing like a visit to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for wonderful family nature experiences, and seeing the bird banding station in operation is at the top of the list. See Mass Audubon scientists evaluate and release migrant songbirds while you learn about migration and habitat...
Where: Joppa Flats Education Center
9:00 am to 11:30 am
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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...
Where: Grace Episcopal Church in Salem
9:15 am to 11:15 am
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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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April Vacation at MIT Museum
Kids will have a blast at the MIT Museum in Cambridge Massachusetts during April Vacation Week!
Come on your own, with friends, or bring the whole family to the museum for a special week of programming. The museum has a number of activities and pop-up surprises planned for the week of April 17-23. See our week-at-glance calendar to view the extended hours and additions for our drop-in...
Where: MIT Museum
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield
Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
The annual Topsfield Home & Food Truck Show is ALL INDOORS with FREE admission and FREE parking. Come speak to leading home industry professionals about your spring home projects. Don't Forget to Enjoy the Food Trucks!
Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
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Aleppo Shriners Circus
Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 pm
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April Vacation Week at MFA - Boston
April Vacation Week at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston Massachusetts
All are invited to April Vacation Week for free activities exploring connections between the people, places, and art made in Massachusetts. All ages and abilities are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. See Visiting with Kids and Family for more information.
Where: Museum of Fine Arts
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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April Vacation at CAM
Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts has some great April Vacation programs for school aged kids!
This April Vacation, young visitors are invited to discover the art and history of Cape Ann at the CAM Green!  Explore the newest exhibition, Breath of Life – C.B. Fisk, Designers & Builders of Pipe Organs to learn about these incredible instruments. View intricate models of the architectural...
Where: Cape Ann Museum Green
10:30 am to 12:30 pm
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LEGO Club at Salem Public Library

Come to the Salem Massachusetts Public Library for an afternoon of LEGO and fun!
Salem Public Library hosts a morning session of LEGO fun! We provide the LEGO, you provide the imagination.  Stop by the library on Saturday mornings (every other Saturday) to play and build.
Where: Salem Public Library
10:30 am to 11:30 am
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