Outdoor Activity

Plein Air Painting for Kids at Halibut Point

Kid ages 7-15 are invited to Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts for a a Plein Air painting session!

Plein air painting is experiencing painting and drawing in the landscape. The practice goes back for centuries but was truly developed as an art form by the French Impressionists. Their desire to paint light and its changing, ephemeral qualities, coupled with the creation of transportable paint tubes and the box easel—the precursor to the plein air easels of today—allowed artists the freedom to paint “en plein air,” which is the French expression for “in the open air.” Space is limited to 15.  Rain cancels.  Co-Sponsored by Friends of Halibut Point State Park.

When: 
Thursday, July 13, 2023 10am-Noon

The Bridges of Maudslay

Learn about the bridges of Maudslay State Park at this FREE Tour in Newburyport.

Maudslay State Park invites you to take a snapshot look at the three stone bridges erected by the Moseleys – and their history. Join the park interpreter on a walk to see the unique stone bridges of the former Moseley Family Estate. Learn about their construction and historical use, plus interesting stories about the family and their property.

When: 
Saturday, July 1 & 15, 2023 2-3:30pm

Castle Hill Butterfly Encounter

Come to the Butterfly Encounter in the gardens at Castle Hill in Ipswich Massachusetts!

The Trustees of Reservations hosts the Butterfly Encounter in the gardens at Castle Hill Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts.  You will hear directly from a giant monarch butterfly puppet, who will recount the adventures growing up in the milkweed patch, metamorphosis and then the amazing journey across continents.

When: 
Saturday, July 15, 2023 1-1:45pm

Beverly Homecoming Kids Carnival

Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts becomes a midway of carnival kids games during Beverly Homecoming!

Join Bev Rec at the Lynch Park Carnival for a day of festive fun! Experience the excitement of thrilling games, tasty treats, and a lively atmosphere. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the classic carnival ambiance. Enjoy cotton candy, test your skills at game booths, and partake in engaging entertainment and activities. The Midway at Lynch Park offers a delightful carnival experience with games, a dunk tank, prizes, and more. Kids can enjoy various activities at a reasonable price, and there will be special carnival food available for purchase. All are welcome.

When: 
Friday, August 4, 2023 9am-2pm
Location: 

Chalk this Way

Marblehead Festival of the Arts Chalk Art Display for Amateurs and Professionals

Chalk This Way is Marblehead Festival of the Arts inaugural event highlighting 23 amateur and professional chalk artists who will transform our sidewalks into a captivating one-of-a-kind arts experience. ​ Sidewalk Art will be distributed throughout the main areas of town and where other festival activities are happening. ​ If you are an amateur or professional artist and would like to display your favorite place in town through chalk.

Interested Artist Information:​

When: 
Saturday July 1, 2023 6-9am

Moonlight Movies | Avatar: The Way of Water

Join us for fun under the stars at Patton Homestead in Hamilton Massachusetts for an outdoor showing of Avatar: The Way of Water!

Join us for fun under the stars at Patton Homestead on the fourth fairweather Friday May 26 - August 25, 2023. Gates open at 6:30, and you can buy food on site or bring a picnic dinner before the show. The movie for June is Avatar: The Way of Water! Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their home.

When: 
Friday, June 23, 2023 6:30-10pm
Location: 

Father's Day at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

Celebrate Dad at the Father's Day Bash at the Trustee's Stevens Coolidge Place

Join the The Trustees of Reservations and get outside with your family this Father’s Day! Celebrate Dad at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, where We will have good tunes, good food, and good brews along with lawn games. Stroll the gardens during golden hour before settling in for a show by Cold Chocolate.

When: 
Sunday, June 18, 2023 5-7pm

Sketching to See at Halibut Point

A Free lesson on Sketching by Artist Jess Yurwitz of Slow River Studio at Halibut Point State PArk in Rockport, Massachusetts.

Capture the beauty of Halibut Point State Park on paper! Join Jess Yurwitz from Slow River Studio for a beginner sketching lesson in the Park. No artistic experience necessary. Learn easy techniques to help you “see” the park in new ways by sketching. Supplies are included and this lesson is free! for Kids 8 and up.

When: 
Saturday, June 24, 2023 1-3pm

Moonlight Movies: Top Gun Maverick

Join us for fun under the stars at Patton Homestead in Hamilton Massachusetts for an outdoor showing of Top Gun Maverick!

Join us for fun under the stars at Patton Homestead on the fourth fairweather Friday May 26 - August 25, 2023. Gates open at 6:30, and you can buy food on site or bring a picnic dinner before the show. The movie for May is Top Gun Maverick! in this second part of the Top Gun saga Maverick confronts his past while training a group of younger Top Gun graduates, including the son of his deceased best friend, for a dangerous mission.

When: 
Friday, May 26, 2023 6:30-10pm
Location: 

Fabulous Flowers

Rhododendron flowers are just one of the flowering trees you'll see at Maudslay State Park along the Merrimack River in Newburyport, Massachusetts

Join the Park Interpreter on a walk to view the fantastic floral landscape and identify the different varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom! Maudslay State Park has one of the best stands of rhododendrons in New England, and well worth the trip!  Come stroll the park check the sign at headquarters to find the park interpreter location and learn about some of these beauties. 

When: 
Saturday, May 20 & 27, 2023 2-3pm

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A Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts prepare students for success in the fall and beyond.

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

It's Summer by Linda Glaser storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Its Summer by Linda Glaser 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

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

Marblehead Festival of the Arts

There's plenty to see and do for kids and families at the Marblehead Festival of the Arts in Massachusetts!
Marblehead, Massachusetts has a long-standing tradition of hosting an annual summer arts festival during the week of July 4th. This highly esteemed festival showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions that include: painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, photography, crafts,...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Amesbury Days Celebration

Amesbury Days is a celebration of the onset of Summer and community.
Amesbury Days is a a 8-day celebration of all things Amesbury that kicks off the summer with fun and exciting community events in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Fireworks, a block party and a 5k walk/run will be just some of the highlights of this years' Amesbury Days celebration. There will be events...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

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...
9:30 am to 11:15 am

Bubbles & Books at the Castle

Kids will enjoy a story time and lots of bubble fun at the for Hammond Castle in Gloucester Massachsuetts
Come to Hammond Castle in Gloucester Massachusetts every Wednesday morning in July & August for Bubbles and Books on our seaside lawn. Fairytales do come true at castles by the sea! Doors open at 10 am. Stories start at 10:15 am.
10:00 am

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

Mini Movers at North Shore Children's Museum

Things to do for children in Peabody MA
Mini Movers is an engaging dance and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by experienced instructors, the program introduces young children to the world of dance in a safe and nurturing environment.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

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.
10:00 am to 12:00 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

Waterfront Concerts @ Crocker Park in Marblehead

Marblehead Festival of Arts hosts live music performances throughout Fourth of July weekend at Crocker Park
The Marblehead Festival of the Arts hosts its  58th Performing Arts Program featuring 16 acts over 4 nights and 3 days.
12:00 pm to 10:30 pm

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

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...
4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Gloucester Horribles Parade and Fireworks

Gloucester Massachusetts hosts an annual Horribles Parade to celebrate Independence Day every year on July 3rd.
Gloucester hosts their annual Horribles Parade followed by a concert and fireworks over Gloucester Harbor! The parade will follow its traditional route out Centennial Avenue, left on Western Avenue to Washington Street at Tally’s Corner, right down Washington and left onto Rogers Street, left on...
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Gloucester Waterfront Concert & Fireworks 2024

The FREE Annual Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza Concert on Gloucester Harbor Fourth of July
Gloucester is gearing up for an exciting Independence Day celebration. Experience the beauty of Gloucester’s skyline with a mesmerizing fireworks display. Watch the night sky light up with vibrant colors over popular locations around Gloucester.  
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

July 4th Fireworks in Lynn Massachusetts

Independence Day Fireworks and concert in Lynn, Massachusetts, July 3
Lynn's Fireworks Display Begins at 9 PM from Red Rock Park. Prior to the Fireworks, there will be a live music perform starting at 7pm. Lynn Shore Drive and Surrounding Streets Will begin at 6PM and remain closed until after the show. Parking restrictions go into effect at 3PM. The best viewing  is...
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Manchester by the Sea July 4th Celebration

Part of Manchester by the Sea's July 4th celebrations kick off with a concert at Masconomo Park on July 3
Part of Manchester by the Sea's July 4th celebrations kick off with a concert at Singing Beach on July 3rd, followed by a Fireworks at 9pm.
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

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
7:00 pm

Tuesday, July 9

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

Acera School Information Session

Acera School focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Art in Winchester Massachusetts
Discover Acera: Where Your Child's Potential Soars! Join us for an engaging two-hour information session designed for parents, guardians, and caregivers eager to explore the innovative learning environment at Acera School.
9:30 am to 11:30 am

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

Tuesdays are for Everyone at Salisbury Beach

Tuesdays are for everyone special events and activities at Salisbury Beach in Massachusetts
Come to Salisbury Beach every Tuesday, July through August for FREE seaside, family friendly activities! Starting July 11th, every Tuesday, thorugh August 22 there will be free family friendly programing at the Salisbury Beach Center.
10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Gloucester Gratis Days at Hammond Castle

Bring your kids to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts during April Vacation
In keeping with John Hays Hammond, Jr's original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum will offer Gloucester residents free, self-guided tours each Tuesday throughout the regular...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Music Together - Tuesday in Marblehead

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® of Salem classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays

Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays includes great dining live music, dancing & extended shopping hours for shopping Downtown Ipswich Massachusetts Tuesday evenings!
Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays includes great dining, live music, dancing at the Take-Out Terrace Stage on the Riverwalk  & extended shopping hours for shopping Downtown Ipswich Tuesday evenings!  Each week will feature live entertainment on the Riverwalk, making for a fun evening out for the whole...
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Manchester by the Sea Summer Concert Series

Summer Concerts happen at Masconomo Park in Manchester by the Sea every Tuesday through the Summer!
Come to Manchester Tuesday nights all summer for the annual Music in Masconomo Summer Concert Series. Each week from 6:00 - 8:00 pm a variety of Oldies, Swing, Rhythm & Blues & Classic Rock music will fill the air! Bring your family and friends, blankets and chairs, and dinner to enjoy a...
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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