Join your friends and neighbors at the Stevens-Coolidge Place for a free day of outdoor enjoyment! This free mid-day event is the perfect low-key introduction to the Stevens-Coolidge gardens, including assorted lawn games, a variety of paths through the gardens to see what spring has sprung, and several tables set up for communal picnicking.
The Trustees and Notch Brewing are partnering to bring a series of family-friendly, outdoor ‘biergarten’ experiences to some of our parks, farms, and cultural sites this year.
Back by popular demand! The Trustees and Notch Brewing are partnering up again to bring you another series of family-friendly outdoor Biergartens. Relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our gardens, farms, historic homes, and parks throughout the summer while enjoying one of Notch’s locally crafted session beers. Not just for grown-ups and beer drinkers – modeled after the popular European style Biergartens, it’s a family affair. Scavenger hunts and quests for children, property tours for adults, plus lawn games with plenty of room to spread out and explore for all.
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!”
Water telescopes are long tubes with glass at the bottom to view things underwater. Fishermen in Norway have used them for centuries to search for herring and cod. We’ll make our own water telescopes, and then head to the beach to try them out by the tidepools. Who knows what we’ll discover!
May is Historic Preservation month and we are celebrating by offering Preservation focused programs throughout the month. May 4th and 14th, join the The Trustees of Reservations with your family for a NEW tour offering of the Stevens-Coolidge House. This hands-on family friendly tour will bring the past to life for you and your child. Stories, photos, and objects allow kids to consider differences and similarities between the past and today. Please note that space is limited and pre-registration is required!
Join us among the flowers to hear a story, make a craft, and explore the gardens with your pre-schoolers and early elementary students. Each week, a new theme will tie together stories with accompanying activities that will enliven imaginations and deepen connections to the natural world.
Step back into the 1920s during this season’s monthly Open Houses at The Stevens-Coolidge Place. Curious to see the full house? Join the Trustees for full house tours being offered every half hour from 10am to 2pm on a first come, first serve basis. The last house tour will begin around 1:30. The tours will bring you through the whole house and will lead you in the story of Helen and John Coolidge.
The Trustees of Reservations hosts an adventure-filled weekend camping at the Crane Estate! Our special site in the Pine Grove is an ideal location for both experienced campers and first-timers. This overnight includes a choice of optional programs and activities on Saturday afternoon, which may include a Great Marsh Creek Walk, a Dune Hike through the Crane Wildlife Refuge, a Guided Kayak Paddle in Essex Bay, or a Scavenger Hunt for the little ones. Of course you are also free to simply lounge on the beach, or explore the property on your own. Bring a bag lunch for Saturday. REI will teach us how to make a delicious, nutritious camp out supper – and we’ll follow that with s’mores around the campfire on Saturday night. A light breakfast will be provided on Sunday morning. After you pack up on Sunday morning, you are welcome to spend Sunday afternoon at the beach (parking in the lot by the Barn only).
Appleton Farms' final two Farmers Markets of the year are coming up soon. November 13th will be our Late Fall Farmers Market, perfect for your pre-Thanksgiving shopping. Our Holiday Market will be on December 11th, with lots of items for your winter holiday gift giving, dinners or gatherings.
