Outdoor Activity

Sense of Wonder Walk: Friends of the Fields

Come see what you find when you explore the fields at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary!

Fields are homes and resting places for many insects, birds, and animals in the summer.  Become a scientist and explore a forest and field for yourself. Using sweep nets and other scientific tools, we will look at insects and plants up-close, and watch for signs of other animals of our sanctuary.

When: 
Sunday, June 9, 2019 1:30-3pm

PMC Greater Newburyport Kids Ride

Kids are encouraged to ride their bikes to raise money for the Pan Mass Challenge in Newburyport

This summer, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) Greater Newburyport Kids Ride will be one of many PMC Kids Rides throughout New England and beyond. Come join the fun, camaraderie and inspiration at the  PMC Greater Newburyport Kids Ride as kids ages 3-13 ride the Clipper City Rail Trail or a tricycle obstacle course at Cashman Park to raise money for Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund.  Many kids, many bikes, one mission…cure cancer! Refreshments, entertainment and fun!  Pre-register online or on site!

When: 
Sunday, June 9, 2019 9am-12pm

Moon Walk at Bradely Palmer

Come to Bradley Palmer State Park for a hike under the moon!

Enjoy the view from Moon Hill as you learn about the moon cycle and its importance to people over the centuries.  The easy walk will be enjoyed by beginners and experienced hikers alike.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Wear sturdy closed toe shoes and insect repellent.  Bring water, flashlights and if you have them, binoculars.  Inclement weather cancels the program. Appropriate for ages 5 and up.  Meet at the Parking Lot Bulletin Board, 40 Asbury Street.

When: 
Saturday, June 15, 2019 8-9:30pm

National Trails Day: Whittier Hill

Celebrate National Trails Day at Whittier Hill Reservation in Amesbury Massachusetts with the Essex County Greenbelt Association.

Celebrate National Trails Day at Whittier Hill Reservation! This hike will take us up and over Whittier Hill along a historic woodland way and over to Woodsom Farm Park and back. Meet at parking area for Whittier Hill Reservation at the end of Whitcher Court. Hike will go to Woodsom Farm and back Rolling hills. Please wear proper footwear (at least sneakers) and we suggest participants bring water, snacks, and bug spray. Rain cancels. Park at the small lot at the trailhead on Whicher Court or nearby on Friend Street, at the Town Park.

When: 
Saturday, June 1, 2019 10-11:30am

Morning Bird Walk

Enjoy a biring excursion on the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

Join birding expert and former Crane Beach Ranger, Dave Williams, on a walk through the woodlands and fields of the Crane Estate to talk about birds. If you have never been birding before, Dave will teach you how to use binoculars to watch birds and pick out characteristics that will help you identify what species you see. If you’re a seasoned pro, bring your bird list and keep an eye out for spring migrants! If you’re not into birds (yet), come for a pleasant morning stroll. There’s something for everyone on this walk!

When: 
Saturday, May 25, 2019 9-11am

Biergarten at Project Adventure

Notch Traveling Biergarten will be at Project Adventure on the Moraine Farm in Beverly, Massachusetts

The Notch Mobile Biergarten will be visiting Project Adventure on Moraine Farm in Beverly. Admission is free, there will be food for sale from the crew at Bambolina, and visitors will be able to explore the private property designed by the renown landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. Enjoy a day outside with friends, family, good food, and great beer. Dogs are welcome and there is on-site parking available.

When: 
Saturday, May 18, 2019 1-5pm

Composting for Kids at Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Kids will learn about composting at the Trustees of Reservations' Stevens-Coolidge Estate in North Andover

Spend your early release day building and playing at The Stevens-Coolidge Place. This drop-off program will introduce garden lifecycles, get your hands dirty building a composter to take home and finish outside with games in the gardens.

When: 
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 2-4PM

Teddy Bear Picnic at Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Bring your favorite Stuffies to the Teddy Bear Picnic at the Trustees of Reservations' Stevens-Coolidge Estate in North Andover

Join The Trustees of Reservations at the Stevens Coolidge Place for a a fun afternoon of Teddy Bears and Tea! There will be a storytime and picnic at the teddy bear garden.  We will begin with crafts, bubbles and a Bear Scavenger Hunt, followed by a storytime at 2PM and a picnic with light refreshments provided. Stuffed animal best friends encouraged to attend! Our friends at the Andover Bear Company will also be in attendance to fulfill all your teddy bear needs.

When: 
Sunday, June 22, 2019 1-3PM

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Art Academy Summer Program at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly MA

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

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

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

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

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

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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