Trustees of Reservations

Fairy Party in the Garden

Fairy Garden Party at Crane Estate at Castle Hill Ipswich MA

Don your wings and wands and come to a Fairy Party in the Garden at the Crane Estate. The Trustees welcome children of all ages to an afternoon of hunting treasure, fairy stories and songs, and create a potted fairy garden to take home. Lemonade and cookies will be served.

Tickets are $12/Member child and $20/Nonmember child. Accompanying adults are free. Advance tickets available at www.thetrustees.org.

When: 
Friday, July 15, 2016 from 1:30 to 3PM

Butter in the Barnyard

Butter in the Barnyard is for families and children 2-7 to meet our dairy herd at Appleton Farms.

Everyone loves rich and creamy butter, but have you ever discovered where butter begins?  Join us for a guided stroll around the farm learning all about our dairy, explore the milking parlor, enjoy a calf close encounter and end with butter making in the Carriage Barn. Recommended for ages 2-7.  Pre-registration is required as we can not accommodate a large group with drop-ins for this program. Registration is by the family- if you have 6 or more in your family, please register 2 families as we want to have enough butter ingredients for all. This program meets in our Carriage Barn. Parking is available at the Visitor Center. 

When: 
Saturdays, July 9 & 23, 2016 10:30-11:30am
Saturdays, August 6 & 20, 2016 10:30-11:30am
Location: 

Crane Estate Picnic Concert - The BaHa Brothers

The BaHa Brothers bring beachy Jimmy Buffet music to Castle Hill on the Crane Es

Part of the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, this is a great way to get together and have fun with the whole family in an exclusive setting. You can pack a picnic dinner, bring the kids, and get ready to dance the night away under the stars on the Grand Allée. Explore the landscaped grounds and the family "Eye Spy."

When: 
Thursday, July 7, 2016 7-9 pm

Crane Estate Picnic Concert - Piano Men

Piano Men brings the Music of Billy Joel and Elton John to Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

Part of the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, this is a great way to get together and have fun with the whole family in an exclusive setting. You can pack a picnic dinner, bring the kids, and get ready to dance the night away under the stars on the Grand Allée. Explore the landscaped grounds and the family "Eye Spy."

When: 
Thursday, July 14, 2016 7-9pm

Father's Day Special--Live Snake Show!

Albino Milk Snake being held by a child at Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.

Grab Dad and come to a Live Animal Presentation of Snakes of Ravenswood, Massachusetts, and the World! As the sun warms the ground, you may come across a snake that slithers away before you have a chance to see it.  This is your chance to get up close to see and appreciate these creatures living in our yards and woodlands.  Rick Roth, local snake expert, and founder and Executive Director of Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will share some of his favorite snakes and discuss their lives, habits, and care.  Free for Dads today. Call or email to register.

When: 
Sunday, June 19, 2016 2-3pm
Location: 

Let’s Go Fly a Kite: A Practically Perfect Mary Poppins Party

Come fly a kite at the Trustees of Reservations Castle Hill Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!  Photo by Bill O'Connor

It’s an afternoon of Poppins fun for the whole family at this Mary Poppins Party at Crane Estate. Activities include kite making and flying, chalk drawing, lawn games, and more. Kite aficionados from Kites Over New England are on hand to show their kites and flying techniques. Tea, lemonade, and cookies are served. 

When: 
Sunday, May 22, 2016 1-4pm

Jr. Conservationist: My Square Woods Afterschool Program

Young Conservations ages 9-11 will learn abou ecology on Cape Ann!

Spring is a time of renewal and growth. After-school activities include lending a hand with conservation work, eco-splorations, journeying as a waterdrop from land to sea, uncovering secret tales, journaling, mapping/orienteering, and hiking our forest, wetlands, and mountainsides. For kids ages 9-11.

Location: 

Make Your Own Stamp-Quest Fest!

Kids and families will learn all about questing on an exploration in Ravenswood!

At this Family Quest Fest you'll learn all about Questing--clue-based treasure hunts discovering stories about this very special place--while on an expetition to find a treasure box!  You'll make your own stamp, grab a passport, and participate in the fastest growing family recreational activity this side of the Atlantic. 

When: 
Friday April 22, 2016 1-3pm
Location: 

Follow Footsteps--Animals and a Hermit!

From 1884 – 1917, Mason A. Walton lived a hermit's life in Ravenswood Park

Adventures in Animal Tracking at Ravenswood Park--just like our Hermit did, over 100 years ago!  From 1884 to 1917, Mason Walton lived as a "hermit" in Ravenswood.  He closely observed, wrote, and drew about wildlife and animal behaviors.  He published a book in 1903.  We will walk the hermit's footsteps, share tales from his book, and along the way we will closely observe wildlife signs and determine animal behavior. A Hermit's Wild Friends, only available used from Amazon: [amazon 1290053391 inline] or check it out from the Sawyer Free Library.

When: 
Friday, April 25, 2014 1-3pm
Location: 

Vernal Pool Exploration at Crane Refuge

Explore the vernal habitats of the Crane Wildlife Refuge with the Trustees at Ni

Join The Trustees of Reservations on a misty evening in early Spring, vernal pools are hopping! The swales we find tucked amongst the dunes are coming alive, host to a variety of creatures waking from a long winter’s nap and ready for action! We’ll hike out under cover of darkness to spy on – and listen to – this celebration of awakening. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, and wear boots!  We’ll have nets and buckets for up-close observations, but our specimen collecting is strictly catch-and-release.

When: 
Sunday, April 17, 2016 7-9pm

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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

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

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

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 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

Friday, May 9

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

Marblehead Junior Class Carnival

The Marblehead Carnival is a fundraiser for the Marblehead High School junior class in Massachusetts!
Come join the annual Marblehead Carnival sponsored by Junior Class at Devereaux Beach. Each year this carnival serves as a major fundraiser.  You'll find rides, games, and great food!
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Saturday, May 10

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

The Second Saturday in May is the day to help stamp out hunger! Be the Change...
Participate in the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, an impactful initiative recognized as the largest one-day food drive in the country. This program offers residents a simple and convenient method to contribute food to those facing food insecurity. All you have to do is place your donation of non-...
7:00 am to 5:00 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

ECTA Spring for the Trails

Annual Spring for the Trails Essex County Trail Association ECTAat Willowdale State Forest in Ipswich Massachusetts
Join ECTA for the 11th Annual Spring for the Trails on Saturday, May 10th! The race begins at 8:00 AM sharp on the beautiful trails, both single and double track, of Willowdale State Forest. This course is 100% on trails!
8:00 am

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

Annual Long Hill Plant Sale

The Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Plant Sale - a North Shore tradition in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invites you to Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens for their annual Long Hill Plant Sale. Enjoy this local tradition in it's 32nd year! Look through a wide selection of plants, from old favorites to rare and unusual species all grown here at Long Hill.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Beverly Library Spring Book Sale

Beverly Library in Massachusetts hosts hosts their annual book sale and fundraiser. Image is AI generated.
Our annual Friends' Spring Book Sale takes place daily at the main library from Saturday, Saturday May 10 through May 17. The sale will be open daily during regular library hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9AM-9PM; Fri.
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

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
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