A Family Guide to the Geminid Meteor Shower on the North Shore

Winter Meteor Shower | Createed with Dall-E using prompt: imagine a meteor shower over a winter field with a single tree sihouetted against a starlit sky with no moon visible.

When December's early winter chill settles over the North Shore of Massachusetts, nature offers a spectacular celestial event to warm our spirits - the annual Geminid Meteor Shower. The Geminids, with its vibrant and frequent meteors, provide a mesmerizing show that create memorable experiences with families, neoghbors and friends through the magic of the night sky.

About the Geminids:

  • Duration
    • In 2024, The Geminids start in on December 12 and continue through December 20 as Earth's orbit around the Sun forces our planet to travel through the debris field of Asteroid 3200 Phaethon. 
  • Peak Nights | Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 15, 2023
    • The Geminid Meteor Shower typically reaches its peak around mid-December. Mark your calendars, as this is the best time to witness the highest number of meteors streaking across the sky, producing up to 120 meteors per hour!
  • Uniqueness
    • The Geminids originate from the debris of an asteroid, while most other meteor showers are the result of comet debris.

How to Maximizing Your Viewing:

  • Dark Sky Locations
  • Best Direction to Look
    • The Geminids appear to radiate from the constellation Gemini, located in the northeastern part of the sky after sunset. Looking directly at Gemini will result in seeing meteors with short streaks. Point your feet toward the direction of Gemini and look directly upward to catch more spectacular and longer meteor trails.
  • Comfortable Seating
    • Bring comfortable blankets or camping chairs to relax and enjoy the show. The Geminid Meteor Shower can be an extended event, and being comfortable enhances the experience.
  •     Bundle Up
    • December nights on the North Shore can be chilly. Dress warmly in layers, and don't forget to bring hot beverages and snacks for the family.  This is, without a doubt, a perfect event for a thermos filled with cocoa.
  • Stargazing Apps
    • Consider using stargazing apps like SkyView or Star Walk to identify constellations and track the radiant point (origin) of the Geminids.
    • We are fans of Star Walk - available on Apple and Android
  • Patience
    • Meteor showers are unpredictable, and patience is essential. Plan to spend a couple of hours stargazing to increase your chances of witnessing more meteors. Use the time to tell stories and spend time with your family.
  • Put Away Screens
    • Looking at a screen will affect your night vision, and keep you from looking up. Put the screen away, diconnect with the virtual world and enjoy the real one!

Family-Friendly Viewing Locations:

  • Crane Beach, Ipswich
    • With its expansive shoreline, Crane Beach offers an excellent vantage point for families. Set up near the dunes for an unobstructed view of the night sky.
  • Plum Island:
    • Plum Island Point, where the island narrows before reaching the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, is another fantastic location for stargazing. Positioned along the waterfront, families can settle in on the sandy shores and enjoy a clear view of the northeastern sky, enhancing their chances of spotting meteors
  • Halibut Point State Park, Rockport:
    • Its location at the edge of the Atlantic makes Halibut Point State Park a premium coastal backdrop for your meteor shower experience.

Remember to check local regulations and any restrictions related to stargazing in these areas.

With the right location, a little preparation, and a sense of cosmic wonder, families can create lasting memories while enjoying this winter outdoor show. Bundle up, find a dark sky location, and let the Geminid Meteor Shower illuminate your nights with its breathtaking display.

Summerquest Camp for kids aed 5-14 at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

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

April Vacation at Cape Ann Art Haven

April Vacation Programs at Art Haven in Gloucester Massachusetts
Cape Ann Art Haven has a week full of fun activities planned for kids during April Vacation week. There are programs for kids k-5th grade that will appeal to many styles of artistic expression with morning classes from 9am to Noon or 9am to 3pm. Scholarships are available. Open to elementary...
9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Aleppo Shriners Circus

Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 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

April Vacation Week at MFA - Boston

April Vacation Week at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston Massachusetts
All are invited to April Vacation Week for free activities exploring connections between the people, places, and art made in Massachusetts. All ages and abilities are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. See Visiting with Kids and Family for more information.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

April Vacation at MIT Museum

Kids will have a blast at the MIT Museum in Cambridge Massachusetts during April Vacation Week!
Come on your own, with friends, or bring the whole family to the museum for a special week of programming. The museum has a number of activities and pop-up surprises planned for the week of April 17-23. See our week-at-glance calendar to view the extended hours and additions for our drop-in...
Where: MIT Museum
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Music Together - Friday

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...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

April Vacation at CAM

Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts has some great April Vacation programs for school aged kids!
This April Vacation, young visitors are invited to discover the art and history of Cape Ann at the CAM Green!  Explore the newest exhibition, Breath of Life – C.B. Fisk, Designers & Builders of Pipe Organs to learn about these incredible instruments. View intricate models of the architectural...
10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Saturday, April 26

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

Teen Naturalist Club at IRWS: Spring/Summer Series

Join Mass Audubon for their Teen Naturalist Club at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts!
Explore a variety of local ecosystems, learn more about a wide range of natural history topics, and do real wildlife data collection and conservation projects in this exciting club for teens!
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Annual ECTA Equine Expo & Tack Sale

Essex County Trail Association is hosting the annual Equine EXPO at Topsfield Fairgrounds
Don't miss the 30th annual Equine EXPO & Tack Sale, Saturday, April 26th 2025 from 9-3 in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds on Route 1, Topsfield, MA. Individuals, groups & businesses will make up our booths offering new and used items as well as services for the horse and...
9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Family Day at the Bird Banding Station

Kids will learn about local and migrating birds at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport Massachusetts
There's nothing like a visit to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for wonderful family nature experiences, and seeing the bird banding station in operation is at the top of the list. See Mass Audubon scientists evaluate and release migrant songbirds while you learn about migration and habitat...
9:00 am to 11:30 am

Music Together - Saturday

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...
9:15 am to 11:15 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 4:00 pm

April Vacation at MIT Museum

Kids will have a blast at the MIT Museum in Cambridge Massachusetts during April Vacation Week!
Come on your own, with friends, or bring the whole family to the museum for a special week of programming. The museum has a number of activities and pop-up surprises planned for the week of April 17-23. See our week-at-glance calendar to view the extended hours and additions for our drop-in...
Where: MIT Museum
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
The annual Topsfield Home & Food Truck Show is ALL INDOORS with FREE admission and FREE parking. Come speak to leading home industry professionals about your spring home projects. Don't Forget to Enjoy the Food Trucks!
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Aleppo Shriners Circus

Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

April Vacation Week at MFA - Boston

April Vacation Week at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston Massachusetts
All are invited to April Vacation Week for free activities exploring connections between the people, places, and art made in Massachusetts. All ages and abilities are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. See Visiting with Kids and Family for more information.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm