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.

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

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

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

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

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

LEGO Club at Salem Public Library

Come to the Salem Massachusetts Public Library for an afternoon of LEGO and fun!
Salem Public Library hosts a morning session of LEGO fun! We provide the LEGO, you provide the imagination.  Stop by the library on Saturday mornings (every other Saturday) to play and build.
10:30 am to 11:30 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

Earth Day Live Animal Demo at Halibut Point

Earthday Frog Turtle and Salamander Demo at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Massachusetts
DCR hosts a live animal demonstration at Halibut Point State Park to celebrate Earth Day! Live frogs, turtles, and salamanders, our vernal pond ambassadors, will visit Halibut Point with Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk at Pettengill Farm

Pettengill Farm and Salisbury PTA in Salisbury is hosting a gnome and fairy discovery walk
Come to the tenth annual Fairy Gnome Discovery Walk at Pettengill Farm. The gems of the event are the near 200 Fairy and Gnome Homes peppered throughout a 1 mile wooded path that leads to the salt marsh and back. Homes are created by very talented professionals, families, school children, and local...
11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Live Animal Presentation at Halibut Point

Come to Halibut Point State Park for a live animal presentation featuring turtles, frogs and salamanders.
Come to a Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team presentation at Halibut Point State Park to get an up-close view and learn all about vernal pond creatures you
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

YMCAs Healthy Kids Day in Danvers

The Danvers YMCA is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active all summer long. Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being. Free community event on Saturday, April 26 (12:30-3:00) with fun for the whole...
12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Sunday, April 27

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

Beverly YMCA Rhino Run 10k

North Shore Beverly YMCA 'Rhino Run' 10k Beverly Massachusetts.
Join North Shore YMCA and the Beverly YMCA host the 'Rhino Run 10k'. North Shore YMCA reinvests millions of dollars each year through financial assistance and scholarships to ensure thousands of families and individuals in the 25 communities we serve have access to programming, services and the...
Where: Lynch Park
9:00 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

Monday, April 28

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

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