Join the Park Interpreter on the laurel loop along the river to this beautiful area of the park, to discover natural, cultural and historical content of this resource rich location. J.G. Whittier’s famous poem “The Laurels” will be highlighted. For ages 8 & up.
Lynn Woods - The South Side Lynn Woods is one of the largest municipal forests in the United States at 2,200 acres. Walden Pond (not Thoreau’s) divides the park into northern and southern sections. In this walk we’ll explore the older, south side of the park following mostly wide Ox paths.
Kick off the new year with Winter Happenings at the Cape Ann Discovery Center at Ravenswood Park--Nordic skiing, snowshoe rentals, outdoor children's activities. Warm up afterwards with hot cocoa by the woodstove. [Fee for snowshoe rentals--Members $10, Nonmembers $20.]
What better way to spend a summer afternoon then at Appleton Farms! Carrot Club us is our drop in, pop-up program outside the Appleton Farm Store every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4pm. Drop in anytime between 2 and 3:45 for a fun farm craft, story or game. Activities will change every session so there is always something fun to try! Activities will average 15-20 minutes and will be guided by our farm educator. Make it a fun stop during your visit before exploring the Farm Store, picking up your CSA share, or taking a walk to visit our barnyard animals.
Experience Appleton Farms anytime of day with Fun in the Farmyard! Drop by our Carriage Barn anytime between 10am-3pm on Sundays to experience life on the farm and meet some of our friendly farm animals. Activities are partially self-guided and can include farm crafts, games, story time, playing with the goats, meeting a chicken and more. This event is free and recommended for ages 2-6, but all are welcome! Make a day of it and bring a picnic lunch or stop by our Dairy Store to grab some goodies and spend your day on the farm.
Stop by The Stevens-Coolidge Place from Monday, December 30 to Sunday, January 12 to get a jump start on those 2020 resolutions! Just inside the white gate at the front door of the the house, you’ll find a scavenger hunt list on the brick patio to get you started exploring all that 2020 has to offer. On the sheet, you’ll find a list of 15 common resolutions, turned into a call to action that will take you through the property. Borrow one and find what’s in store for you in the new year! This activity is suitable for all ages and is best completed in groups of 2 or more. Get outside and explore this winter!
Beat those winter blues and make the most of February vacation by getting outside! Every afternoon February 16-22, join us for winter fun for all ages at the Crane Estate from noon-4pm (we recommend you arrive by 3pm). Check in at the front desk in the main gallery of the house then plan your adventure! Roast s'mores around an outdoor fire pit, go on a winter scavenger hike, do an outdoor activity (see below), or cozy up inside with daily story time and a seasonal craft.
Get the kids outdoors with a Fire Pit Adventure during school vacation! Do our family treasure hunt and explore the grounds and then relax around a campfire.
The ultimate summer adventure meets spring break! Join us during school break for a special half-day drop-off program for children ages 7-14, full of outdoor adventure, environmental science, team-building, and crafts! Campers should come with a water bottle, outdoor clothes, a packed lunch and a spirit of adventure!
Take a deep breath and thank the trees! Families are invited to join us for a celebration of all things arboreal, on a guided hike through the Castle hill grounds, woodland trails, and pine grove, while learning all about both the natural and non-native/introduced trees living here. Participants will use all five senses to meet a tree; learn to ID trees via their leaves, bark, and seeds; discover unique adaptations for survival; and gain an expanded appreciation for all the benefits and ecosystem services that trees provide.
