Outdoor Activity

Popsicles on Perkins Island

Spend the afternoon on the Ipswich River and Perkins Island with Mass Audubon!

Bring your young naturalist to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to enjoy an afternoon on the Ipswich River! As the summer starts to heat up, cool down with us on a leisurely canoe paddle to Perkins Island. We'll look for sunbathing turtles and other river creatures on the banks and in the backwaters of the beautiful Ipswich River. Once we get to the island, we'll stretch our legs and enjoy some popsicles.

When: 
Saturday, June 11, 2016 1-3:30pm

Sense of Wonder Walk: Red Fox and Friends

Sense of Wonder Walk: Red Fox and Friends at IRWS. Image of Public Domain painting by Wilhelm Kuhnert

The red fox is a clever and attractive mammal that is active during winter, stalking rabbits, mice, meadow voles, and birds. We will read [amazon 0399214550 inline] by Keizabur Tejima. Then we will wander along the trails to look for tracks or signs left by foxes and other mammals. Perhaps we will be lucky enough to track the red fox back to its den.

When: 
Sunday, February 12, 2017 1:30-3pm

See, Think & Wonder: Frogs at Mill Pond

Join a naturalist from Joppa Flats Education Center on a frog hunt at Mill Pond in West Newbury!

In every kind of weather, we love to head outdoors to our spectacular local habitats, so join us for one, two, or more of these nature explorations! Each one will focus on the importance of a sense of place as we explore the ecology, sights, and sounds of our natural landscape. Wildlife, local and migrating birds, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness will be presented in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy.

When: 
Thursday, August 17, 2017 2-3:30 pm
Location: 

Free Community Day in the Gardens

Come to the free community day at the Trustees of Reservations'Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover

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.

When: 
Monday, April 16, 2018 11am-2pm

Storytime on The Green presented by the Lynnfield Public Library

Storytime and other events and things to do at MarketStreet Lynnfield

Bring a blanket, a snack and join us on the MarketStreet Green as we enjoy a story read by the Lynnfield Public Library every Friday in April! Lynnfield Public Library Wonderful Storytime Series is a 4 week series that will take place every Friday in April at 10am! Join us for one or all!

When: 
Every Friday, April 6 - Apr 27, 2018 at 10am

Notch Traveling Biergarten at Stevens-Coolidge

Come to the Notch Brewery Biergarten at the Trustees of Reservations' Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover

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.

When: 
Thursday, September 12, 2018 4-9pm
Friday, September 13, 2018 4-9pm
Saturday, September 14, 2018 12-9pm
Sunday, September 15, 2018 12-6pm

Notch Traveling Biergarten at Appleton Farms

Come to the Notch Brewery Biergarten at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich!

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.

When: 
Friday, October 4, 2019 5-9PM
Saturday, October 5, 2019 2-7PM
Sunday, October 6, 2019 1-6PM
Location: 

Stories in the Garden with NPL

Join NPL in the pollinator garden at at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a tory time!

Join us in the pollinator garden at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge! We'll read lots of books geared toward kids ages 0-5, after which patrons are invited to do a craft and take a self-guided walk to see the animals at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. This story time takes place the second Wednesday of the month in June, July & August

When: 
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 11-11:30am

Water Telescope Adventure

Kids can make water telescopes at the Trustees of Reservations Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

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!

When: 
Thursday, June 29, 2017 10-11:30am

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Adirondack Leadership Program at Gordon College’s La Vida Center

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

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

Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay | Thread

Artists will install their sculptures at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts for public viewing!
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the 25th Annual Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay Exhibit September 8-29 featuring 50 site specific sculptures by local artists addressing this year’s theme, ‘Thread' within the magnificence of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport. Look for the large green trail head...
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Trails & Sails

Explore the North Shore with over 150 Free Events in Essex National Heritage Area's Trails & Sails celebration in Massachusetts.
Essex National Heritage Area sites will offer over 150 free family fun events from September 14-29, 2024 for the annual celebration of TRAILS & SAILS. Discover special places in your backyard and be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in...
7:00 am to 10:00 pm

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School in Hmailton Massachusetts hosts their annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture exhibit each Fall. Sculpture: Phoenix by Robin Tost.
Pingree School hosts the 15th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, MA. Pingree . The exhibit will open in early September with more than 50 temporary works on display in addition to the 20 pieces in the permanent collection of Pingree School. The exhibit ...
8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Self-guided Tours at Hammond Castle Museum

Take a self-guided tour of Hammond Castle in Gloucester as part of Trails and Sails!
Hammond Castle Museum was built in the 1920s by inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. as a home for his extensive collection of medieval artifacts and his research laboratory.Guests may explore the breathtaking building and grounds of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester and take a SELF-GUIDED tour...
10:00 am to 3:00 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

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
Essex Hertiage invites you to learn the true causes and events behind the Salem Witch Trials in our documentary film, then discover the myths during our walking tour. The Salem Witch Trials happened over 300 years ago, and it has been dramatized in books, documentaries, movies, and even TV shows....
11:45 am to 3:00 pm

Board Game Club at Ipswich Library

Join the Ipswich Public Library for a fun day of boards games! All ages Welcome. Trails & Sails 2023
Do you love playing board games with other people who like playing board games?  Join the board game club!  every month we will have snacks and play a new game together! Show off your board game strategies, make some friends and have some fun!
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Sunday, September 22

Vintage BaseBall at Spencer-Peirce Little Farm

Come see how baseball used to be played at Spencer Pierce Little Farm. Photo: Matthew Muise Photography
It’s Base Ball, 1864 style at Spencer Peirce Little Farm! These fun, historically accurate games feature underhand pitching and no gloves are allowed. A ball bounced once and caught is an out! Snacks, baseballs, and cards are available for purchase. Come and see for yourself how this game was...
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Touch a Truck Salisbury

Kids (and adults) can get up close and personal with all kinds of trucks in Salisbury Massachusetts
The Salisbury Historic Society will host a 'Touch-a-Truck' Event to celebrate Salisbury Days! Kids (and adults) can get up close and personal with all kinds of trucks in Salisbury Massachusetts.
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

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.
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Brocklebank Museum Open House

Explore the Brocklebank Museum in Georgetown Massachusetts as part of Trails and Sails!
Visit the Brocklebank Museum, built in the late 1600s, with ties to the abolitionist movement and the famous Beecher family.
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Fireman's Muster in Salisbury

Join the fun of the Fireman's Muster in the heart of Salisbury Massachusetts as part of Salisbury Days
The Town of Salisbury hosts a fireman's muster as part of Salisbury Days! Come join the fun with your family and watch the teamwork involved in this New England Tradition! As Part of Salisbury Days Celebration, on Sunday, in addition to the Muster event attendees can enjoy:
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Step Aboard the Friendship of Salem

Permission to come aboard the Friendship of Salem is granted at Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!
Explore the FRIENDSHIP OF SALEM, a replica tall ship based on a 1796 Salem vessel at Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Powow Scenic Vista Hike

Take a Trails & Sails hike to the top of Powow Hill in Amesbury Massachusetts!
Come join the Lake Gardener Improvement Association for a guided up Powow Hill. We will hike to the top of Powow Hill, the highest point on the Essex County seacoast! Hike through hundreds of acres of unspoiled greenspace to reach the summit vista, from which you can see three states and the...
2:00 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

Monday, September 23

Trails & Sails

Explore the North Shore with over 150 Free Events in Essex National Heritage Area's Trails & Sails celebration in Massachusetts.
Essex National Heritage Area sites will offer over 150 free family fun events from September 14-29, 2024 for the annual celebration of TRAILS & SAILS. Discover special places in your backyard and be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in...
7:00 am to 10:00 pm

Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay | Thread

Artists will install their sculptures at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts for public viewing!
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the 25th Annual Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay Exhibit September 8-29 featuring 50 site specific sculptures by local artists addressing this year’s theme, ‘Thread' within the magnificence of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport. Look for the large green trail head...
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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