Outdoor Activity

FREE Merrimack Boat Tours

Mass DCR offers free boat tours on the Merrimack River in Lawerence, MA!

Meet at the Community Boating Program's Bashara Boathouse at Riverfront State Park, Eaton Street, in South Lawrence.  Tours go rain or shine. Hats and sunscreen strongly recommended.  Limited capacity; reservations required.  Call Lawrence Heritage State Park at 978-794-1655 for information and reservations.

When: 
Saturdays July 8, 22, & 29, 2017, 10am-Noon
Sunday, July 16,2017 10am-Noon

Clam-O-Rama! Wild Edibles from the Marsh

Joiin the Trustees for a clamming adventure at Fox Creek in Ipswich MA!

The Trustees of Reservations invites families to an edible adventure for the whole family! Ipswich has long been renowned for it’s delicious soft-shell clams. Join us as we wander into Fox Creek to find out firsthand where our food comes from! We’ll dig for a variety of clams – and maybe find some vegetables to go with them – and then hike to the Pine Grove to cook and eat what we’ve gathered. You may want to bring a bag supper to supplement our harvest – clamming is harder than it looks! 

When: 
Friday, August 11, 2017 6:30-9pm

See, Think & Wonder Walks: Riverside Yard Bug Hunt

Explore the world of bugs in your backyard at Joppa Flats Education Center

In every kind of weather, our favorite thing is to head outdoors to our spectacular local habitats to see what's new! We love to find things, think about colors, shapes and patterns, and wonder why this place is a special home to wildlife. Each nature exploration will focus on the importance of a sense of place. Local and migrating birds, other wildlife, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness will be presented in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy. Come join us as we hunt for bugs and learn about their place in our envrionment.

When: 
Thursday, July 6, 2017 2-3:30pm

Endicott Park Day

Danvers Family Festival. Danvers MA - Family fun at Endicott Park

Endicott Park Day is a true family outing, with activities and events for people of all ages starting at 11:00. From the Doll Carriage Parade to face painting & temporary tattoos, and other kid’s activities, demonstrations, and rides. There is sure to be something for everyone. Local businesses and crafts-people will have booths. And bring an appetite, as a wide variety of food is available from fried dough to Boy Scout Troop 155’s grill.  *(for a nominal fee).  The Parent / Child Cookie Baking contest will be in Carriage House Conference Room, and the Entertainment will be in the Carriage House. All day rides for only $5.00  

When: 
Saturday, June 24, 2017 11am-3pm
Location: 

Hit the Street for Little Feet Family Fitness Festival

Hit the Street for Little Feet is sponsored by the Manchester Memorial PTO.

The Manchester Memorial PTO is gearing up for the annual "Hit the Street for Little Feet" 5K Road Race, 1M Fun Run and Family Fitness Festival. The 5k race route which goes throughout picturesque Manchester-by-the-Sea will precede the 1-mile Fun Run. Following the races, participants are invited to enjoy a community celebration with fun fitness challenges, obstacle courses, sport specific challenges, local food carts, vendors and more.

When: 
Saturday, May 13, 2017 5k - 8am
Saturday, May 13, 2017 1M Fun Run - 9 am

A Guide to the Early Springtime Night Sky

Learn about the stars in the Spring Sky at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

The early days of spring experience a transition in the evening sky. Winter constellations such as Orion and Taurus gently bow down towards the western horizon, while such springtime constellations as Leo and Cancer rise in the east. This evening's program will take you on a tour of these constellations and others in between. Some of the celestial treasures hidden amongst these stars will be revealed, including galaxies, star clusters, and more.

When: 
Friday, April 14, 2017 7:30-9pm

Stargazing Fools at Crane Beach

Learn about the stars at Crane Beach in Ipswich!

Bundle up and join the Trustees at Crane Beach in Ipswich for a chance to learn to identify the constellations of Spring! At this time of year there are no fewer than ten first-magnitude (really bright!) stars in the evening sky at once. No other season, not even winter, can offer so many. We’ll set up our viewing station on the boardwalk at Crane Beach to gaze at the more common clusters such as the Big Dipper, and also at those we might not be familiar with, including the zodiacal constellations Leo the Lion and Virgo the Maiden. We will have a couple of telescopes to share, but folks are welcome and encouraged to bring their own.

When: 
Saturday, April 1, 2017 8-9:30pm
Location: 

Sense of Wonder Walk: Where Have all the Insects Gone?

Where do insects go in the Winter?  Find out on this Wonder Walk at IRWS.

During the warmer months of the year, we see insects all around us. But don't be fooled--even in March insects are still with us in one form or another. Become an insect detective and join us for a few "buggy" activities inside, and then we will take a walk to search for hibernating and even some active insects.

When: 
Sunday, March 19, 2017 1:30-3pm

Out Like A Lamb Hike

Enjoy a night hike at the Crane Estate to celebrate the end of March!

Join the Trustees to celebrate the last evening of the month of March with a night hike through the dunes of the Crane Wildlife Refuge! We’ll hope for the almost-spring temperatures of the month going out like a lamb, but we’ll have a great hike even if the roaring cold lion is still around!  At the end of our walk we’ll warm ourselves with hot cider around a beach fire.

When: 
Friday, March 31, 2017 7-9pm

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Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 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

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

Run for the Beach 5K

Runners, walkers and kids are invited to particitpate in the Coastal 5k Run/Walk for the Beach in Beverly Massachusetts
Every summer, community members come together at Dane Street Beach in Beverly for a fun, family-friendly 5K race to support Salem Sound Coastwatch.
8:00 am to 12:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Kayak Historic Fox Creek

Kayak the twists and turns of Fox Creek in Ipswich with the Trustees of Reservations
The Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England—is not only brimming with fascinating natural history, it is also home to a rich cultural history. Nowhere is this more evident than in the meandering waters of Fox Creek. Connecting the tidal estuaries of the Essex River basin and...
9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Newburyport Farmers' Market

Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine!  Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Salem Arts Festival 2025

The Salem Arts Festival is a joint project of Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective in Salem Massachusetts
For three days, this annual family friendly art festival transforms downtown Salem into an opportunity for the arts community to showcase their talents. The popular free event will feature many artists and performers, and includes a variety of art, music, dance, and theatre performances. The family...
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Crane Outdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River

Take a guided kayak paddle adventure on the Castle Neck River with the Trustees of Reservations!
One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a vast barrier...
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

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 4:00 pm

Annual Walk/Run for HAWC

The annual walk for HAWC in Salem Massachusetts is a major fundraiser for the organization!
HAWC hosts their annual fundraiser run and walk in Salem, Massachusetts.  Join as as we come together to raise critical funds for HAWC's life saving programs and services while celebrating HAWC's work and the resilience of survivors of domestic/partner abuse. Each year HAWC provides free and...
10:00 am to 1:00 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

Long Hill Garden Tours

Tour the Gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants. Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate...
11:00 am to 12:00 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

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

Walk through the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts with the Trustees under the full moon.
There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading...
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Wednesday, June 18

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 4:00 pm

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, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am 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,...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

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

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

The Backyard Growcery

Join Backyard Growers at Burnham's Field in Gloucester Massachusetts for a weekly Farmer's Market
Stop by Gloucester’s new weekly farmers market, the Backyard Growcery, managed by Backyard Growers. The Backyard Growcery is located at Burnham's Field, an urban park near Gloucester’s thriving waterfront, and features small-scale North Shore farmers, bakers, a seafood vendor, an artisanal pizza...
2:30 pm to 6:30 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

Thursday, June 19

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

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 4:00 pm
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