Touch Tank

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! Parker River NWR is excited to welcome community members back to our annual Let's Go Outside event, with an exciting new addition. This year we will celebrate Let's Go Outside as an Open Streets event. This means the refuge road will be temporarily transformed into a car-free zone for visitors to bike, walk, roll, and play! Parking will be provided at the refuge visitor center and Lot 1, and free shuttle service will be provided between key locations.

When: 
Saturday, June 25, 2022 10am – 3pm
Location: 
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Newburyport
Kayaking
Tour
Archery
Photography
Fishing
Birding
Nature
Touch Tank
Live Animals
Crafts
Activities

Team Haverhill’s River Ruckus

Come celebrate Haverhill's River Front at the River Ruckus in Haverhill Massachusetts!

Team Haverhill's River Ruckus is an annual city-wide festival celebrating the natural resources and beauty of the Merrimack River and the economic and cultural revitalization of the City of Haverhill, MA. Presented by Team Haverhill, a community-based volunteer organization, the festival attracts over 5,000 visitors and residents for a day of family activities including a Classic Car show, live music produced by 92.5 The River, children's activities in the Kids Zone, food from local restaurants, an art exhibition, a crafts show, and spectacular fireworks over the mighty Merrimack River!

When: 
Saturday, September 25, 2021 Noon-8:30pm
Location: 
Riverfront Park Haverhill
Haverhill
Face Painting
Touch Tank
Live Music
Food
Classic Cars
Antique Cars
Kids Zone
Vendors
Demonstration
Fireworks
Trails & Sails 2021

Feed the Beach Creatures - Rocky Shore Residents

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! You can help us with sea stars, sea urchins, and rock crabs from the rocky shore; moon snails, surf clams, and hermit crabs from the sandy beach; and minnows, mud whelks, and horseshoe crabs from the salt marsh. Assist our animal husbandry team in sorting, identifying, and then feeding all these creatures as you learn about their fascinating habits.

When: 
Wednesdays, June 22-August 17, 2022 4-5:30pm
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Exploration
Science
Nature
Conservation
Live Animals
Crafts
Touch Tank

Annual Endangered Species Day Celebration

Piping Plover isjust one of the endangered species you'll learn about at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge invites people of all ages to celebrate Endangered Species Day on Sunday May 19th from 12pm-3pm at the Refuge Visitor Center. Endangered Species Day was designated to educate the American public on the importance of protecting endangered species and highlight the everyday actions that individuals can take to help protect our nation’s wildlife, fish, and plants.

When: 
Sunday, May 19, 2019 Noon – 3pm
Location: 
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Newburyport
Kayaking
Tour
Archery
Photography
Fishing
Birding
Nature
Touch Tank
Live Animals
Crafts
Activities

Touch Tank Time

You can look at, AND touch the creatures in Joppa Flats touch tank!

Summer beach days are over, but our 110-gallon tide pool touch tank is still filled with marine life! Drop in for this free program at Joppa Flats and examine the critters you might have discovered on your own visits to the shore. Sea Urchiins, Moon Snails, Sand Dollars, hermits, Horseshoe Crabs, and more! This free programming for folks of all ages includes special features for little ones.

When: 
Weekends September 8-23, 2018 12:30-3:30pm
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Exploration
Science
Nature
Conservation
Live Animals
Crafts
Touch Tank

Family Flyby: Boats Afloat!

Make your own boat, then see if it floats at Joppa Flats Education Center!

Free-flow learning at Joppa Flats is fun for the whole family. There's simple science fun with coloring pages, crafts, and toys for ages 2 to 6; science experiments and group challenges for ages 7 and up; and outdoor exploration, seasonal live animals, and scheduled family presentations for everyone. Fly by for an hour or stay all day for family time that suits your schedule. There's something different to see and do with every visit!  This week, kids are encouraged to be a pirate for the day, learn the skills a sailor needs at sea, and learn about ocean conservation!

When: 
Saturday, July 7, 2012 10am - 2pm
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Exploration
Scavenger Hunt
Science
Nature
Conservation
Live Animals
Crafts
Touch Tank

Family Flyby: Return of the Touch Tank

You can look at, AND touch the creatures in Joppa Flats touch tank!

Free-flow learning at Joppa Flats is fun for the whole family. There's simple science fun with coloring pages, crafts, and toys for ages 2 to 6; science experiments and group challenges for ages 7 and up; and outdoor exploration, seasonal live animals, and scheduled family presentations for everyone. Fly by for an hour or stay all day for family time that suits your schedule. There's something different to see and do with every visit!  This week we're thrilled to have our touch tank back for the season. Come look AND touch the creature that live in our tank!

When: 
Saturday, June 2, 2012 10am - 2pm
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Exploration
Scavenger Hunt
Science
Nature
Conservation
Live Animals
Crafts
Touch Tank

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
♦ Read More →

We Walk the Woods!
Walk the trails in a group at Harold Parker State Forest Every Wednesday at 10am
Walk the trails with a group at Harold Parker State Forest every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – Meeting location varies weekly. Email trek.reef@mass.gov for location.
Where: Harold Parker State Forest
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Arts and Crafts for Little Ones with Colleen Apostolos
Art Classes for children with Colleen Apostolos
Certified Montessori teacher, artist and local mother, Colleen Apostolos-Marsh will guide your young artist in an exploration of color, shape, and texture. Using a variety of media, your child will be free to express their in a beautiful space while socializing and engaging in cooperative play....
10:15 am to 11:15 am
♦ Read More →

Bubbles & Books at the Castle
Kids will enjoy a story time and lots of bubble fun at the for Hammond Castle in Gloucester Massachsuetts
Join us every Wednesday morning in July & August for Bubbles and Books! Fairytales do come true at Castles by the Sea!
Where: Hammond Castle
10:15 am to 11:45 pm
♦ Read More →

Amesbury Farmers Market
The Amesbury Farmers Market happens every Wednesday at Barewolf Brewing in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
The Amesbury Farmers' Market is a local community farmers’ and artisans’ market located in the heart of the historic mills of Amesbury, Massachusetts at BareWolf Brewing. We are a regularly scheduled community market supporting our local food system, small businesses and neighborhood community...
Where: Barewolf Brewing
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Feed the Beach Creatures - Rocky Shore Residents
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! You can help us with sea stars, sea urchins, and rock crabs from the rocky shore; moon snails, surf clams, and hermit crabs from the sandy beach; and minnows, mud whelks, and horseshoe crabs from the salt marsh. Assist our animal husbandry team in sorting,...
Where: Joppa Flats Education Center
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

$1 Wednesdays at the Cabot: Detective Pikachu
Come see Detective Pikachu at the Cabot Theater in Beverly Massachusetts for just $1/child!
$1 Movies are general admission and tickets are not available in advance. The theater will open a half hour before showtime. Tickets can be purchased upon entry to the theater.
Where: The Cabot
6:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Evening Stroll at Maudslay

Enjoy and evening stroll with the park interpreter at Maudlsay State Park in Newburyport
Join the park interpreter for a moderately paced walk to view different areas of the park and experience the changes at Maudslay over the spring, summer and fall.  Rain or shine. Rain cancels.  For ages 6 and up.  Wear walking shoes, bring water and bug spray is recommended.
Where: Maudslay State Park
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Stargazing at Mendel Observatory
Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
Where: Mendel Observatory at Merrimack College
7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Castle Hill Picnic Concert - Entrain
Entrain brings rock funk jam music to the Crane Estate in this Thursday evening
Part of the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, this is a great way to get together and have fun with the whole family in an exclusive setting. You can pack a picnic dinner, bring the kids, and get ready to dance the night away under the stars on the Grand...
Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
♦ Read More →

NYS Summer Movie Madness
NYS hosts a free movie each Wednesday at Newburyport City Hall!
Each Wednesday, Newburyport Youth Services host a free movie for kids and families at the Newburyport City Hall. The weekly schedule is as follows:
Where: Newburyport City Hall Auditorium
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Full Moon Hike at Appleton Farms
Hike at the Trustees Appleton Farms with your family under the Full Moon!
Celebrate the full moon with a special evening hike guided by lunar light, led by Appleton staff. Be sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and boots or shoes that are appropriate for hiking in potentially wet and muddy spots or over uneven terrain. All hikes are weather permitting.
Where: Appleton Farms
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Thursday, August 11

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
♦ Read More →

Sing & Dance with the Music Man
Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician, Brian...
Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham
10:00 am to 10:45 am
♦ Read More →

DROP IN Preschool Farm Explorers
Farm Explorers is a great way for preschoolers to explore Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts!
Spring is here, the plants are blooming, and the farmers are busy! We invite your little farmers to experience life at the farm as they explore the farmstead harvesting, hiking, and playing. Through farm “chores,” such as collecting eggs, brushing rabbits, and other age appropriate hands on...
Where: Appleton Farms
10:00 am to 11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Beach Discovery at Parker River Wildlife Refuge
Discover and explore the facts of the creatures you find at the beach at Joppa
Join Parker River NWR for our weekly beach discovery event featuring Mass Audubon's traveling touch tank! This program allows you to get up close and personal to live beach creatures including crabs, snails, hermit crabs and more. Through hands-on activities, you'll get to explore what makes Plum...
Where: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Arts and Crafts for Little Ones with Colleen Apostolos
Art Classes for children with Colleen Apostolos
Certified Montessori teacher, artist and local mother, Colleen Apostolos-Marsh will guide your young artist in an exploration of color, shape, and texture. Using a variety of media, your child will be free to express their in a beautiful space while socializing and engaging in cooperative play....
10:15 am to 11:15 am
♦ Read More →

Outdoor Ecology for Families: Rocky Shore Ecology
Kids and families are invited to come explore the rocky shore with naturalists from the Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.
It is summer! Join us in the riverside yard at Joppa Flats to learn about wildlife in the salt marsh, pond, rocky shore, and backyard habitats! You'll identify wild creatures, design small habitats, participate in small group challenges, and more. Sign up for one or all and see nature through the...
Where: Joppa Flats Education Center
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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! Due to COVID-19, the market has needed to make some adjustments please read their new COVID-19 guidelines and...
Where: Derby Square
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

STEM-tastic Thursday!
Join us in Children's Services at Sawyer Free Library for a drop-in STEM activity
Sawyer Free Library invites families to join us in Children's Services at Sawyer Free Library for a drop-in STEM activity celebrating the amazing women (both past and present) who make space exploration possible.  We'll be making mini-straw rockets! 
Where: Sawyer Free Library
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Moonrise Markets in Emerson Inn
Moonrise Maker Markets at the Emerson Inn in Rockport Massachusetts
The market event will feature over a dozen Cape Ann Artisans, Crafters & Makers offering nature and coastal inspired handmade art and crafts, including jewelry, metalsmithing, painting, photography, fiber arts, candles, hand harvested artisanal sea salts, natural body care and much more.
Where: Emerson Inn
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Castle Hill Picnic Concert - Studio Two
elebrate the legacy of the Beatles with Studio Two at The Trustees Castle Hill Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!
Part of the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, this is a great way to get together and have fun with the whole family in an exclusive setting. Castle Hill Picnic Concerts are back! Pack a picnic supper and enjoy an evening of live music on the magnificent...
Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
♦ Read More →
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