Nature

Let's Go Outside!

Head to Parker River Wildlife Refuge for a full day of FREE family fun that's focused on outdoor activity!

Join park staff from the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a full day of FREE family fun that's focused on outdoor activity! Our annual celebration of summer returns! Join us for a free day of outdoor activities at the refuge. Learn to surf cast, meet tidepool critters up close, dissect an owl pellet, and even view the sun through a solar scope. This is an open streets event, meaning most of the refuge road is closed to walk, bike, and roll!

When: 
Saturday, June 21, 2025 10am – 2pm

CraneExplorer: Owls Up Close!

Trustees of Reservations features live owl demonstration with Eyes on Owls at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

Join the Trustees for a special event with Marcia and Mark Wilson from Eyes on Owls, to meet 6 live owls up close and personal! By sharing photos, stories, and live owl demonstrations, the Wilsons highlight our local owls’ unique adaptations, habitats and behaviors in the wild, while sharing tips on how you can look and listen for owls yourself. And everyone gets to practice the owls’ calls during the hooting lessons!

When: 
Saturday, November 2, 2024 1-2pm or 4-5:15pm

Farm-Forest-Ice Cream Hike

Join this Trails and Sails Hike through the woods in Ipswich for a Ice Cream Treat!

Come to Marini Farm for a group hike through the forest to White Farms for an optional ice cream. The group will hike the same route back. Approximately two hours. Bring bug spray, water, sunscreen and hiking shoes. Meet at Linebrook Road entrance to Willowdale State Forest just west of Marini Farm - Look for the event sign.

When: 
Saturday, September 14, 2024 11am-1:30pm
Location: 

Feed the Beach Creatures at Joppa Flats

You can look at, AND touch the creatures in Joppa Flats touch tank! Feeding time is a lot of fun!

It's time to feed our touch tank animals! Assist our animal husbandry intern team with sorting, identifying, and actually feeding our live marine creatures. Feed periwinkles and rock crabs from the rocky shore, horseshoe crabs and minnows from the salt marsh and hermit crabs and shrimp from the sandy beach. Sign up for one or more and learn all about our creatures fascinating behaviors.

When: 
Wednesdays, June 12 & 26, 2024 4-5:30pm
Wednesdays in July 2024 4-5:30pm

Drop-in Open House at the Nature Center

Drop-in Open House at the Bradley Palmer State Park Nature Center in Hamilton Ipswich Massachusetts

Explore the Nature Center at your leisure. The Park Interpreter will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions. Come see and touch animal furs, replica skulls, animal models, and other natural history materials. For little artists, coloring pages and washable markers will be on hand. Open rain or shine. For ages Pre-K and up. This is a great family activity.

When: 
Friday-Sundays & Mondays, June-October 7, 2024 12:30-2:30pm

Science & Lore: Full Moon Walk at Appleton Farms

Hike at the Trustees Appleton Farms with your family under the Full Moon in Ipswich Massachusetts!

Join us as darkness settles on the farm to immerse yourself in a nighttime adventure, guided only by the glow of the full moon. On our journey, we will learn about both the science and the mystery that the full moon holds, celebrating her presence through a sharing of knowledge. We will venture out into the night to walk in her soft glow and listen for the sounds of nighttime on the farm. We hope to end with a newfound appreciation for the magic that the night sky holds.

When: 
Friday, May 24, 2024 8:45-9:45pm
Location: 

Hoo’s Up for Owls?

Look for owls in the woods of camp Denison in Gerogetown, Massachusetts with the folks from North Shore Nature Programs

March is a great month to look for owls. Both Great Horned and Barred owls will have babies in their nests, so these species tend to be vocal and active. Join us for a short hike through the woods at Camp Denison to look and listen for these majestic birds. We will also keep our ears open for howling coyotes and search Baldpate Pond for beavers!

When: 
Friday, March 29, 2024 7-8:30pm

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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!
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

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 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

Salem Heritage Days Festival

Salem Heritage Days is a week long celebration of Salem's history and tradition.
Celebrate the past and the present with neighbors, friends and visitors at the Annual Salem Heritage Days Festival. Events are scheduled around Salem throughout the week, kicking off with the annual Salem Maritime Festival and concluding with the Essex Street Fair, produced by the Salem Chamber of...
7:00 am to 9:00 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

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

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

Salem Farmers' Market

The Salem Farmer's Market bring the goodness of local farm to downtown Salem!
The Salem Farmers' Market brings fresh local produce and other foods from North Shore farms and other local resources to downtown Salem every Thursday at  Bentley Academy Charter School!
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Salisbury Farmers' Market

Salisbury Farmers Market is a great source of local produce.
The Salisbury Farmers' Market offers a vibrant community experience with a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, unprocessed honey, farm-fresh eggs, and maple syrup. Enjoy music, local market creations, and engage with local farmers. The market also features monthly craft markets, cooking...
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Summer Concert Series at Lynch Park

Free Summer Concerts hosted by Bev Rec at Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts
Enjoy free concerts this Summer at Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts!  Families are encourages to grab a chair and a blank and head to the park for a free concert at Lynch Park's ampitheater.
Where: Lynch Park
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Beverly Yankee Homecoming 5k

Come to Lynch Park for the Beverly Homecoming 5k hosted by the North Shore YMCA
Don't miss this historic Beverly Homecoming 5K Road Race The neighbors line the streets to cheer you on along this flat course that stretches through ocean side suburbs and ends with a fast, picturesque finish. It’s Homecoming!
Where: Lynch Park
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Castle Hill Picnic Concert - Soul Rebel Project

Soul Rebel Project brings reggae jams to Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!
Looking for a fun family outing on the North Shore of Massachusetts? Don't miss the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich! These concerts offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time with your loved ones in a beautiful and exclusive setting on the North...
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Friday, August 8

Salem Heritage Days Festival

Salem Heritage Days is a week long celebration of Salem's history and tradition.
Celebrate the past and the present with neighbors, friends and visitors at the Annual Salem Heritage Days Festival. Events are scheduled around Salem throughout the week, kicking off with the annual Salem Maritime Festival and concluding with the Essex Street Fair, produced by the Salem Chamber of...
7:00 am to 9:00 pm

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
7:00 am to 8:00 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

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

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

Beverly Homecoming Kids Carnival

Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts becomes a midway of carnival kids games during Beverly Homecoming!
Get ready for a day of festive fun at the Lynch Park Carnival! Join BevRec for an exciting event packed with thrilling games, delicious treats, and a lively atmosphere. Bring your children to experience the joy and wonder of a classic carnival.
Where: Lynch Park
10:00 am to 2:00 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

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

Bike Safety Rodeo at Lynch Park

Kids and families are invited to Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts for a the bike safety rodeo hosted by Beverly Police!
Free! Fun safety course, bike inspections, and free helmets in the parking lot at Lynch Park. The George Robertson memorial bike rodeo is hosted by the Beverly Police Department, with generous contributions by the Beverly Kiwanis. All who attend will be instructed in bicycle safety, and all can...
Where: Lynch Park
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
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