Family Pop-up Poetry. All ages will be inspired by Ravenswood Park! We'll have tools and tips to guide you to write your own poem which you may leave for others to enjoy or take home.
March is the time for sugaring in New England. Appleton keeps this very special tradition alive by tapping the farms beautiful maple trees and producing wood-fired, small-batch syrup. The first part of the workshop will include a leisurely walk around the farmstead to show how sap is harvested and collected. The tour will wrap up at our sugar shack so you can see (and smell!) the transformation of sap to syrup. You'll gather in the farm kitchen for the second part of the workshop, where chef Carolyn Grieco will teach how to make some of the most delectable maple syrup recipes. Workshop ends with a generous sampling of all our delicious maple dishes!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to Ravenswood Park to meet Elsa at their Pre-K Winter Story Time by the Woodstove! Free if you become a member at the program. Wear your prince or princess outfits! Space is limited, register in advance at by contacting Ramona at rlatham@thetrustees.org or 978.281.8400.
This February Vacation week come join us for a week full of winter woodland family fun at Ravenswood Park and the Cape Ann Discovery Center. Activities are designed to encourage exploration, stimulate the imagination, and kick start creativity. With a new theme each day, you can register your child (accompanied by his or her favorite adult) per day or join us for the full week at a discounted rate!
Looking for an outdoor activity during school vacation? Come build snow forts with us! We'll have a contest to determine the best winter architects - which igloo is the most structurally sound? The most creative? The one that best represents Ipswich history? The one that best fits the Crane Estate landscape? At the end of the day we'll enjoy some hot chocolate to warm ourselves. Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather to maximize comfort and minimize misery! Water is always good to have along.
Celebrate Valentines Day the natural way... outdoors! Escape the hearts and join us for an afternoon of skiing or snowshoeing (or hiking if no snow) through Ravenswood's carriage paths of rolling hills and dales. Warm up afterwards around the woodstove with a tasting of Appleton Farms cheeses, local chocolate, and wine. Pre-registration required. Bring your own skis or snowshoes (or rent snowshoes from us).
An afternoon of arctic adventure awaits the whole family. We've set up winter challenges throughout the park. Use maps and compass to navigate the park, find hidden markers, complete challenges and post your team's time. Win prizes! Bring your skis or snowshoes (or rent our snowshoes)!
Discover the joy of winter and the freedom of snowshoeing! On this field outing, you'll learn snowshoeing techniques, ascending and descending hills, snow hazard awareness, and winter preparedness. Don't have snowshoes? We provide snowshoes, snowshoe poles and professional instruction on proper use of equipment, to make every trip a success.
Spend a cozy evening with your sweetheart on the farm cooking up a delicious meal. Professional chef-instructor Carolyn Grieco will lead the class through the making of an intimate multi-course dinner in the state-of-the-art farm kitchen. Culinary tips and techniques will be covered as we prepare our dinner followed by a relaxing meal in the farmhouse dining room. Printed recipe booklet and indulgent chocolate take-treats to savor later! BYOB wine, champagne and beer is allowed.
Join the Polar Explorers Club (after-school adventures for kids ages 7-12) for hardy adventurers ready to explore in the coldest weather. We'll learn how to read a compass and build a shelter, track animals and end our day around the wood stove hearing tales of high adventure. Dress for the outdoors!
