Play and Picnic North of Boston

Great Picnic Spots for North Shore Families and Children

When it's not raining, I've enjoyed time these past few weeks at a few of my favorite family-friendly parks. We're so lucky to have a summer's worth of options to play and picnic here on the north shore.

Maudslay State Park
The lavish rhododendrons and gardens dating back to the family estate in the 19th century make this an idyllic spot for lunching al fresco. The arching stone bridge over the Merrimack River is a good spot for resting, or you might seek out a quiet spot along the rolling river bank. The white pine trees provide a towering canopy and serve as nesting areas for a population of bald eagles. During the summer, the park hosts open-air theater events. Parking is $2.

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Castle Hill offers something for everyone! You can take tours of the castle, explore the surround ing grounds, have a picnic on the Grande Allée, or walk and hike along the grassy trails orund the estate. Members of the Trustees get free admission, Non-members pay $8 per car on weekends, $5 per car on weekdays.  Lower rates apply for smaller vehicles like bikes and motorcycles.

Halibut Point State Park
Tide pools, seabirds, and wildflowers make up part of the scenery at this state park, but the real attraction is the sloping granite ledges from which you can see all the way to Maine and New Hampshire. “It’s a rocky outcropping on the ocean,’’ says Wendy Fox of Department of Conservation and Recreation. “It’s stunning. You can get up high and have beautiful views.’’ A longtime quarry in the 1800s, the area is primarily used for sightseeing and by picnickers who want to get close to nature.

Smolak Farms
This 300-year-old farm is a painted picture of lush fields and bountiful orchards. “It is as quintessential New England as you’ll find anywhere,’’ says owner Michael Smolak. “Twenty-five acres of apples are blooming right now — it’s just as beautiful as it gets.’’ Also in bloom now: strawberries. Don’t miss the farm stand (with bakery) and the ice cream counter. Parking is free.

Stage Fort Park
This Park is the historic site of Gloucester's first settlers in 1623. Dorchestermen set up fishing stages on this land. The Park consists of Half Moon and Cressy's beaches. Half Moon is a lovely small beach ideal for families with children. Cressy's Beach is a rocky, more natural beach. Stage Fort Park has an information center open during the season, rest rooms and on the grounds, a privately owned restaurant open to the public.

There is a playground. Visitors can bring grills for cookouts. During the season, there are outdoor concerts and story telling. Check the Calendar of Events for details. Stage Fort Park is pet friendly! Dogs are allowed in the Park but not on the beaches from May 1st to September 15th. Owners must pick up after their dogs. Parking is $10 per car in season. Anyone interested in obtaining permits for outings and functions in Stage Fort Park should contact Beach, Recreation and Public Properties at 978-281-9785.

Lynch Park
On a sunny afternoon under the shade trees this is the place for "B" and me. 67 years ago, Beverly's beloved Lynch Park was born.  Previously it existed as a Revolutionary War fortress, a leased home to President Taft, and was bequeathed to Beverly Hospital before David S. Lynch bought the land on June 23, 1943 specifically to provide Beverly residents with beautiful public parkland. This gorgeous 16-acre oceanfront park has plenty of open spaces for sports such as volleyball, badminton,  and children's soccer; there are picnic tables and a concession area where you can buy hotdogs, pizza, beverages, and ice cream. Two beaches provide endless enjoyment - be sure to check the tide schedule.

On Sunday summer evenings from 6 - 8 you can stop by to hear a free concert played in the bandshell; different kinds of music are featured: classical, semi-classical, folk, blues, swing, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and more! The sunken rose garden dates to 1910 and is a dramatic backdrop where weddings still take place. Access is free to Beverly residents, yet another wonderful perk of living in the city of Beverly.

The stickers are available in the summers only, and only at the park. There is a small fee for non-residents. The park is open 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, dogs are allowed in Lynch Park from 6:00 - 7:45AM. Restrooms are available from 9:00 AM until dusk. Don't forget to check out the summer movie schedule at Lynch Park! Bring a blanket and spread out under the stars, feel the breeze from the ocean, and watch movies this summer.

Bradley Palmer State Park
Whether you want to hike, run, walk the dog, or just spread out on one of the 700-plus acres of rolling meadow on this former estate, you’ve got options. On hot summer days the wading pool and picnic area get busy (parking is $5 per car). Consider grilling here, or, if you want to get away from the crowds, grab a map from the park headquarters and find a secluded spot along the Ipswich River. Just watch out for the wild turkeys.

Camp Whirlygig for kids ages 4-10 at the Wenham Museum in 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

Yukan Fool's Run | Half Marathon & 5k

Yukan hosts the Fool's Dual Half Marathon and Half Marathon in Gloucester Massahcusetts
Yukan hosts the Fool's Dual Half Marathon and Half Marathon in Gloucester Massahcusetts! Jump into spring with beautiful ocean views as you run along the scenic coastline on Cape Ann. Kids 5K only $10.00! (12 & under, Open to ages 6 and up)
9:00 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

Vernal Pools | Family Nature Series

Vernal Pools - Family Nature Series with Essex County Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs
Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs team up for this event for all ages! What sound do frogs make? Turns out, they make a lot of different sounds! Come meet the residents of the vernal pools to learn who says ribbit, quack, chirp, peep and more!​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We recommend...
10:00 am to 11:30 am

Girls in STEM Session at Acera School

Acera Schools Girls in STEM Hands-On Science Event for K-8 Kids in grade K-8
Do you know a girl who is curious about science? Join Acera School on Saturday, April 5th from 10AM to 12PM for an exciting – and FREE – morning of interactive STEM! The event will be held at Acera School, located at 5 Lowell Ave in Winchester. Free on site parking is available.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Sunday, April 6

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

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

CoastalExplorer: Sand Dune Safari

Come hike the dunes of Crane Beach at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
The sand dunes at Crane Beach are like a desert. Water is hard to come by; the sand is hot and the dunes are always moving & shifting with the strong ocean winds. Despite these stressors, a variety of life thrives here. Come explore the dunes of Crane Beach, and learn how animals and plants...
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Boston Children's Chorus at Shalin Liu

Boston Children's Chorus will perform live at the Shalin Liu Center for the Performing Arts in Rockport Massachusetts
Experience an uplifting and dynamic performance of the Boston Children’s Chorus, where the diverse and talented voices of Boston’s youth shine, captivate and inspire! BCC’s vibrant, jubilant and powerful performances have established them as leading young artists in the city of Boston and beyond. ...
3:00 pm

Chess Night at Beverly Library

BevRec and the Beverly Public Library are teaming up to offer Chess Nights in the Beverly Massachusetts Library.
You do not have access to view this node and BevRec are teaming up to offer Chess Nights in the Barnett Gallery in the main Library at 32 Essex St, Beverly. The first Monday of each month through May, come and play the world’s greatest game (if you don’t count Pac Man) with your neighbors. This is...
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Monday, April 7

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

Tuesday, April 8

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

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

Chess Club at Salem Public Library

Salem Public Library hosts a weekly chess club for all ages on Tuesday evenings.
Salem Public Library the library is hosting weekly chess nights where players of all ages can play and learn from each other.  Whether you're new to the game or a veteran player, all skill levels welcome, and basic instruction
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm