Mass Audubon

Songs and Tales of the Earth with Musician Steve Schuch

Steve Schuch perfroms a live concert at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Join Mass Audubon for a family concert with acclaimed singer-songwriter and storyteller Steve Schuch. Steve has delighted audiences across the U.S. and Europe with his toe-tapping music, humor, and captivating stories. Come hear beautiful fiddle playing, listen to songs about the wildlife and wild places right here in New England, and enjoy stories about the natural world that the whole family will love.   Also check out our morning workshop with Steve for adults who are interested in learning to use music and storytelling at home and in the classroom to connect children with nature.

When: 
Saturday, November 7, 2015 3-4pm

Fungi and Lichens: A Closer Look

Find out everything about fungus and become a fungus detective at IRWS!

As fall descends, we will explore the sanctuary forests and wetlands for various fungi and lichens. We will learn what they are and how they are different, and what habitats are common to each. Their beautiful colors, textures, and patterns reveal a beautiful world in all seasons. This can become a wonderful family outdoor hobby, and you will always find new treasures awaiting you if you look closely.

When: 
Sunday October 11, 2015 1:30-3pm

Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Family Whale Watch

A whale breaches on Stellwagen Bank off of the coast of Massachusetts.

This is a whale watch with a birding twist! Joppa Flats Education Center invites families on a special excursion offshore to discover the wonder of whales aboard the Captain's Lady III! Play the part of a whale researcher and learn about the lives of whales and the habitats they use to feed, live and breed.

When: 
Sunday, July 7, 2013 8am-1pm

Vernal Pool Safari at IRWS

Amphibian eggs are just part of the natural wonders found in vernal pools.

Have you ever seen a spotted salamander or a mass of frog eggs? Many frogs, toads, salamanders, and macroinvertebrates depend on the vernal pool, a unique seasonal habitat, for their survival. Join us for a fun afternoon exploring the amazing life cycles of the animals of the vernal pool.

When: 
Saturday, Apr 16, 2011 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Parent/Child Walkabouts: Tide Pool Treasure Hunt

This parent/child walkabout focuses on tidal pool creatures and habitat.

We will be exploring the tide-pools of Sandy Point to learn about the relationships between the water, plants, and animals that live in this habitat. We will learn how to search and handle a wide variety of intertidal animals including  snails, mussels, crabs, and other small invertebrates. We plan to play a game that shows what life in a tide-pool is like, sing some songs and get a little wet too!

When: 
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 2-3:30pm
Location: 

Eco-Art: Pond Dipping

Discover the creatures of your local pond through art at IRWS

Have you ever seen a water boatman up close? How about a caddisfly larva or water scorpion? If not, then join us for a summer morning of pond dipping. Using hand lenses, microscopes, and strainers, we'll search for turtles and frogs and delight in the sights and smells of a morning on the pond. We will provide sketch pads, pastels, and watercolors so you can recreate your findings in detail.

When: 
Thursday, July 17, 2014 9-11:00 am

Imagine, Sing, & Learn: Friends in the Garden

Come discover the wonder of the garden at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newbur

Preschoolers will Imagine, Sing the Learn about animal groups in this session! This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. This is a 90 minute program for preschoolers and a grown-up all about t ladybugs and honey bees and how they are friends of the garden. Today “Miss Jan” had a full class and had so much fun singing songs, teaching about how insects help the garden and the farmers, and making bug puppets, and eating our “bugs in a bowl” snack made from fresh fruit: see attached photo for a quick sneak peek.

When: 
Friday, June 13, 2014 10-11:30am

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Shore School in Beverly Massachusetts offers a host of Summer programs for kids aged 5-12

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

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

Tulip Festival at Cider Hill Farm

Come cut your own tulips at Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury Massachusetts
A gorgeous, fan-favorite variety of 100k tulips are scheduled to bloom in early May. Welcome spring with this multi-weekend festival featuring free live music, self-guided blooming orchard walks, outdoor hard cider bars, food trucks, fitness n' family activities and cut-your-tulips. General...
8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Step up for Colleen 5k

The Step up for Colleen 5k is a memorial fundraiser in memory of Colleen Ritzer a beloved North Shore Lacal Teacher.
The friends and family of Colleen Ritzer have created this 5K walk/run to celebrate Colleen’s life and her commitment to help and inspire others. Through the Step Up for Colleen event, organizers hope to enhance a sense of community and overall goodwill as we come together to honor Colleen and the...
8:30 am

Twin Lights Half Marathon

Twin Lights Half Marathon starts at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester and follows a route along the Gloucester's beautiful back shore.
Come enjoy beautiful ocean views as you run along the scenic coastline on Cape Ann and race towards our huge finish line arch! The Twin Lights Half Marathon offers a spectacular course with the seashore visible for much of the race's 13.1-mile route. Runners will also enjoy an up-close look at many...
9:00 am

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

Spring Bloom Fest at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate

Spring Bloom Fest at the Trustees Stevens Coolidge Estate in North Andover!
Join The Trustees of Reservations  for the start of Spring at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens with a celebration of bulbs at our Spring BloomFest weekend! Stroll through our beautiful gardens with budding tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs while enjoying the crisp spring air and...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Chase the Butterfly 5k

Chase the Butterfly Family 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run is a benefit for the YMCA of Ipswich Massachusetts
Ipswich's own, Talia Duff, is fighting CMT4J. Your involvement not only helps ensure that programs like swim safety, childcare, and youth development remain accessible to everyone who needs them but also strengthens our community bond. We can’t wait to see you at the starting line.
10:00 am to 12:00 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

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

Sunday, May 18

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

Bluefin Blowout Family 5k to Benefit Alzheimer's Association

The Bluefin Blowout Family Fun Run in Gloucester Massachusetts raises funds to combat the diseases of Alzheimer's and all other dementias
On Sunday, May 18th, 2025, come to Stage Fort Park, Gloucester for the Bluefin Blowout Family Fun Run 5K, Presented by the Lyon-Waugh Auto Group - Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Run, walk, or stroll from Stage Fort Park to Hammond Castle and back to Stage Fort Park for a 5K loop. Enjoy the...
7:00 am to 10:30 am

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

Spring Birding Walk—Symphony of Bird Song!

You and your child can learn the basics of birding at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport Massachusetts
Stroll the trails of this seaside treasure while learning birding basics. Hear the symphony of spring bird song, watch for them in the woodland’s and at water’s edges. Learn about bird sounds, habits, and flight patterns. Enjoy extraordinary views. Bring binoculars if you have them!
8:00 am to 10:00 am

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

Hill to Harbor 10k Road Race

North Shore Lynch Van Otterloo YMCA Hill to Harbor 10k Marblehead Massachusetts
Join North Shore YMCA and the Lynch van Otterloo YMCA for the 2025 Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA Hills to Harbor 10K Road Race on May 18th! Traverse the hills and shoreline of Marblehead and finish the 'Hill to Harbor 10K at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA!
9:00 am

Beverly Warrior Weekend

Warrior Weekend at Beverly Massachusetts HighSchool
Warrior Weekend is a two day event that pays tribute to veterans through demonstrations and other events for the community. There will be all kinds of military hardware on site including tanks!
9:00 am to 4:00 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

Touch a Truck Beverly

The Annual Touch-a-Truck event is hosted at the Beverly High School Massachusetts.
The annual Touch-a-Truck Event is a unique, interactive, one-day event held in Beverly Massachusetts during National Public Works Week.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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