Mass Audubon

Youth River Survival Canoe Challenge

Spend the afternoon learning survival skills on the Ipswich River with Mass Audubon!

In this outdoor survival skills program, we will venture out onto the Ipswich River. Learn the basics of canoe safety, paddle strokes, and the river knowledge needed to travel on the water. When we stop at Perkins Island, you will be challenged to explore the area and craft your own paddle out of natural materials, and then test it out on the paddle back to the mainland. No previous canoe or outdoor skills are necessary, just a strong survival instinct!  

When: 
Saturday, May 25, 2019 1-3:30pm

Spring Safari: Backyard Wilderness Watch

Learn about the animals that live in your back yard with Mass Audubon at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Do you know all the animals that you share your neighborhood with? You may be surprised to learn that many of the animals you see on a visit to the sanctuary might be living in your backyard, too. We'll hike the trails to learn how to identify the signs of aniamls that might be living in your backyard habitat and then give you the tools to make your yard more inviting to beneficial species.

When: 
Saturday, June 1, 2019 1:30-3pm

Spring Wildlife Safari: Stupendous Creature Superpowers

Turtle Power! A spotted turtle at the ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Scott Santino

Comic books and movies are filled with characters with superpowers that humans would love to have, like flight, super-hearing, super-vision, super-speed, and super-strength. But did you know that many animals possess these amazing abilities, and some animals even inspired our favorite superheroes? Come investigate some of the super-organisms that live on our sanctuary - you will be amazed!

When: 
Saturday, May 11, 2019 1:30-3pm

Adventure Day: Winged Wonders

Kids will explore and learn about the winged creatures of IRWS for Spring break

Kids will learn about the winged creatures that inhabit the sanctuary at this vacation week program. Spring is in full swing and all our flying friends are in a frenzy. If it has wings, we'll find it, and learn about the different ways creatures use their wings. Using binoculars, nets, and bug boxes, we'll take an up-close look at birds, dragonflies, butterflies, and other insects that make their homes at the sanctuary.

When: 
Tuesday, April 17, 2019 8:30am-3pm

Adventure Day: Soil Scientist

Kids will explore the IRWS and find out what lives in the soil there!

Kids will get their hands dirty and dig into the science of soil at this April vacation session. Meet the critters of the sanctuary that call dirt home. Worms, millipedes, sow bugs, weasels, and voles are a few soil creatures that we will hope to see. Find out what it takes to make a garden grow, before preparing and planting your own take-home garden.

When: 
Friday, April 19, 2019 8:30am-3pm

Adventure Day: Amazing Mammals

Kids will learn about plant-eating mammals that make their home at the IRWS sanctuary.

Kids explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary during April Vacation Week! Spring is a time when many baby animals are born. Join IRWS to learn about the plant-eating mammals that make their home at the sanctuary. We hope to catch glimpses of them, and certainly we'll see signs that they are living here. Participate in a mammal obstacle course. Build a beaver and muskrat lodge as a group, and track deer and other mammals in the fields and forests of the sanctuary.

When: 
Tuesday April 16, 2019 8:30am-3pm

Adventure Day: Water World

Kids will get a close-up look at creatures and bugs that live in IRWS wetlands.

Wetlands are wonderful places full of fascinating animals and plants. Together we will discover the wetland habitats of the sanctuary. We'll hike to Hassocky Meadow and search for ducks, turtles, snakes, and more. We will continue our explorations at a real vernal pool and look for breeding salamanders, wood frogs, and their egg masses.

When: 
Thursday, April 18, 2019 8:30am-3pm

Harbor Seals and Hot Chocolate

Learn all about harbor seals with Joppa Flats Education Center! Photo ©Bill O'Connor

Spend some weekend time with others who are interested in science and wildlife, and get in touch with your "inner scientist!" You'll get a chance to meet live creatures, design something "green," or explore a new field in science. Winter is prime time to see harbor seals from the beach! Join us as we head over to Salisbury Beach State Reservation to watch these charismatic creatures through our scopes and binoculars.

When: 
Sunday, March 31, 2019 2:30-4pm

Geminid Meteor Shower at IRWS

Come to Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about the Gemenid meteor shower

The Geminid meteor shower is one of the most prolific of the annual meteor showers, rivaling in strength the better-known Perseid meteor shower of mid-August. This year, the Geminids reach maximum activity on the night of December 13, when as many as 120 shooting stars might be seen each hour under clear skies far removed from city lights and completely free of light pollution. We'll meet several days ahead of the peak activity to discuss the general nature of meteor showers, their origins, and the best ways to observe them. Weather permitting, we'll step outside afterward in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the Geminid shower in its early stages. There will also be viewing of the night sky through a large reflector telescope.

When: 
Saturday, December 8, 2018 7:30-9pm

Imagine, Sing & Learn: Salmon & Sharks

Kids will learn about sharks and salmon in this fun learning session at Joppa Flats Education Center! Photo: Atlantic Blacktip Sharks courtesy of NOAA

These fun-filled morning programs are perfect for you and your active preschooler! Our structured activities include hands-on science, music and movement, a thematic snack, and an outdoor adventure if the weather complies. Keep learning with coloring pages and follow-up activities to continue the fun at home.

When: 
Friday, December 7, 2018 10-11:30am

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Art Academy Summer Program at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly MA

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

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 19th, 2024, 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

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

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

When Spring Comes Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts!
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes is the subject of this STORYWALK Series.  Watch the world transform when Spring comes!Enjoy this preschool storywalk at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time outside in nature!
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

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

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

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

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

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 3:59 pm

Interpretation Station at Maudslay

Learn about the bloom cycles at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Join the park interpreter and discover more about the bloom cycle at Maudslay. View the beautiful varieties featrued throughout the park, and peak bloom locations through the growing season.Check the bulletin board in the parking lot for the Interpetation Station location each day.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm

Befriend the Barnyard

Befriend the Barnyard is a hands-on barnyard experience at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Discover our special barnyard animals! Our Angora rabbits Violet, Mabel, Oiver and Charles; Nubian goats Maeve, Morgana, and Mordred; dairy cows Gray, Jasmine, their calves Gigi and Joanie and our friendly flock of heritage chickens will take center stage as we learn about what makes them so unique...
11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Revere Beach Kite Festival

The Annual Revere Beach Kite Festival is a great excuse to hit the beach!
On Sunday, May 19th, we will host our 8th Annual Kite Festival on Revere Beach. This is our way of kicking off beach season with fun for the whole family! Children will have the opportunity to build, decorate, and fly their kites.
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

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 it’s most known for. In addition to learning about what plants are in bloom as well as the rare and unique species in our collection, you...
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

TitO presents Petrushka's Puppet Theater

Theater in the Open presents Petrushka's Puppet Theater at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Come one! Come all! Join us in Maudslay State Park for Petrushka and the Catapillar! 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...
2:00 pm to 4:30 pm

NMYO Spring Concert

The Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras presents their Afternoon of Spring Concerts on Sunday, May 19, 2024 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

Saturday, June 1

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm

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 it’s most known for. In addition to learning about what plants are in bloom as well as the rare and unique species in our collection, you...
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Take a guided kayak paddle and hike to Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon?  Circumnavigating an island is one of the great rewards of kayaking and reaching the summit of a hill that offers a great view is one of the payoffs of a good hike. This adventure in the Crane...
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

STEM Club at MPL

Stem Club for kids in grades 3-6 at the public library in Manchester Public Library
This club is for grades 3-6 and meets every second Friday of the month from 3:45-4:45. Join Miss Audrey for some hands on science fun!
3:45 pm to 4:45 pm

Sunday, June 2

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

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

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 3:59 pm

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
April 20th & 21st. FREE admission and FREE parking. All INDOORS & Enjoy the Food Trucks outside. Speak to leading home industry professionals to plan your spring home projects.
10:00 am to 6:59 pm
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