Mass Audubon

Discovering Nature Through Story, Music, and Art

Kids will explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to connect with nature and learn about the creatures of the North Shore Massachusetts wilderness!

Preschoolers and young kids will explore the wonders of winter in the "enchanted woods" of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in this four-session series. We'll begin in the Nature Center with story, poetry, and imagination. Next, we'll bundle up for a winter walk to awaken our sense of wonder to the silence, scents, and scenery of the sleeping winter woods. Along the way, discover how the trees, plants, birds, beavers, squirrels, chipmunks, and other wildlife spend the winter. We'll look for animal stories in the snow (tracking) and much more. After our walks, we'll create artwork that reflects the wonders of winter that we discovered, while listening to winter nature songs. These keepsakes will bring home winter's secrets and beauty as we await the signs of spring.

Outdoor Ecology for Families: Backyard Ecology

Kids and families are invited to come explore the Ecology of the back yard with naturalists from the Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.

It is summer! Join us in the riverside yard at Joppa Flats to learn about wildlife in the salt marsh, pond, rocky shore, and backyard habitats! You'll identify wild creatures, design small habitats, participate in small group challenges, and more. Sign up for one or all and see nature through the lens of a naturalist!

When: 
Thursday, August 4, 2022 1-3pm

Seal Walk with the Seacoast Science Center

Join MRWC and naturalists from Marine Mammal Rescue at the Seacoast Science Center to observe harbor seals at Salisbury Beach.

Join MRWC and naturalists from Marine Mammal Rescue at the Seacoast Science Center to observe harbor seals at Salisbury Beach. The lack of boat traffic in the winter allows for greater seal activity close to shore. Our group will be viewing these seals from a safe distance of at least 150 feet away. After introductions, we will walk together a short distance to where the seals are hauled out.

When: 
Saturday, April 9, 2022 Noon

Outdoor Adventures for Families: Spring Ponding

Explore the ponds of Dow Brook Conservation Area with Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Educators!

As spring takes over, it's a great time to explore green spaces with your family in the woods, on trails, and along the shore. "Miss Lisa" and her team will assist with the identification of creatures, provide small group challenges, and share our joy and knowledge about the natural world. Sign up for one or all of these educational outdoor excursions and see nature through the lens of a naturalist!

When: 
Saturday, April 16, 2022 10am-12pm
Location: 

Nature Walks for Tots: Spring is on its Way!

Come see the signs of emerging Spring at Moseley Woods in Newburyport

As warmer temperatures tell us spring is coming, Miss Lisa wants you to join her for some family friendly nature walks. Let's explore the woods, the salt marsh, and the streams to look for creatures like birds, fish, frogs, and more while we learn, play, and explore. We'll use our "science eyes" and "nature ears" and discover wildife together!

When: 
Wednesday, March 16, 2022 10-11:30am
Location: 

Halloween Family Fun Free-for-All

Dress up the Kids and head over to Joppa Flats Education Center for Halloween

Get into the Halloween spirit! Examine live creepy crawlies, enjoy (semi) spooky attractions, and take home creative crafts. For ages 7 and up, explore a “crime scene” and perform a series of forensic investigations (e.g., soil sample comparisons, water sampling, chromatography, pH tests, and track identification) to solve the mystery and pinpoint the culprit. For ages 2 to 6, there will be stories and songs, silly and festive crafts, and a kooky treasure hunt. Family presentations will be offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Fly in on your broom for an hour or stay all day for some fun pre-Halloween family time!

When: 
Saturday, October 24, 2015 10am - 3pm

Imagine, Sing, & Learn 7A: Splish Splash Science

Learn about water and the scientific principles behind it at Joppa Flats

Splish Splash Science is an active, fun, program where you and your child will learn all about water properties such as sinking, floating, surface tension, buoyancy, and waterproofing. Using fun props and lots of hands on science, we’ll look at everything from ducks to scuba divers and how water works!

When: 
Thursday, July 10, 2014 10 - 11:30 am

Vacation Week Flyby: March in the Marsh!

March the Marsh Habitat during the vacation week fly-by.

Joppa Flats Education Center offers April vacation programs offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities - keeping minds active and hands busy during school break! Come all day or as your schedule allows! This Vacation Week Flyby will focus on the salt marshes, the important role they play in the ecosystem and the creatures that use them to feed, live and breed.

When: 
Frisday, April 19, 2013 10am-2pm

Imagine, Sing, & Learn 6A: Beat the Heat!

Beat the Heat at this Imagine Sing and Learn at Joppa Flats Education Center

This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. When it's time to go home, you'll receive coloring pages, song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list via email.

When: 
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 10:00 am - 11:30 am

February Vacation at Joppa: Caribbean Carnival

February Vacation Week at Joppa Flats: Caribbean Carnival is a drop-in program

Joppa Flats Education Center vacation programs offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities while we keep minds active and hands busy during school break. Each session offers a different theme, with art activities, experiments, group games, and scheduled family presentations for everyone. It's free-flow learning for the whole family. Come once or make it a multiple-day adventure; drop in for an hour or stay all day for a vacation activity that suits your family schedule.

When: 
Wednesday, February 20, 2013 10am-3pm

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Adirondack Leadership Program at Gordon College’s La Vida Center

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

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

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

CraneExplorer: Shipwreck Scholars

Families learn about shipwrecks at Castle Hill and Crane Beach in Ipswich Massachusetts
Coastal views with a side of shipwreck! Families will be guided on a Castle Hill hike through the salt marsh, dunes, and beach, while learning about local nautical history, including the role of Fox Creek Canal and Robinson Boat Yard in the area’s shipbuilding legacy, and the fascinating tale of...
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Foraged Fall Wreath Workshop at Long Hill

Wreath Making Workshop at the Trustees of Reservations' Long Hill Garden in Beverly, Massachusetts
Bring the energy of the season into your home or onto your door with our Fall Wreath Workshop, partnered with bioregional herbalist and foraging instructor, Iris Weaver. In this hands-on workshop, create a 8” to 12” unique wreath using foraged dried plant stalks, pine cones, nuts, acorns, and more...
10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Cat's Meow at the Crane Estate

Kids will have a blast exploring the Trustees of Reservations Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!
Our imagination is one of our greatest assets. Imagine living in 1929 and visiting the Crane family at their summer home in Ipswich. The house is so big and Mrs. Crane’s kitty, Ptolemy, has gone missing just before the party! Can you help a family servant find our mischievous Siamese? Once he’s...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Beverly Pumpkin Smash

Join the fun of the post Halloween pumpkin smash at Moraine Farm in Beverly Massachusetts
Green Beverly is excited to host our Beverly Pumpkin Smash! Bring your pumpkins to New Entry at Moraine Farm, and participate in our composting event! Enjoy the beautiful farm scenery while you launch your pumpkins from a trebuchet into a giant compost pile!  We also offer classic lawn games and...
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Tuesday, November 26

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Come to Hammond Castle for the 6th annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration. Hammond Castle Museum will be dressed for the holidays inside and out. Delight in the enchanting ambiance of Christmas and White Birch trees, meticulously arranged garlands, festive wreaths, and the warm embrace of...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Wednesday, November 27

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

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 - Wednesday

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...
9:30 am to 11:15 am

We Walk the Woods!

Walk the trails in a group at Harold Parker State Forest Every Wednesday at 10am
Walk the trails with a group at Harold Parker State Forest every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – Meeting location varies weekly. Email trek.reef@mass.gov for location.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Come to Hammond Castle for the 6th annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration. Hammond Castle Museum will be dressed for the holidays inside and out. Delight in the enchanting ambiance of Christmas and White Birch trees, meticulously arranged garlands, festive wreaths, and the warm embrace of...
10:00 am to 4:00 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, November 28

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
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