Exploration

All Family Field Trips - Wintering Birds

Kids and families will learn about winter survival skills that birds use in the winter at Parker River Wildlife Refuge!

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore. Our engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local forests, beaches, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!

When: 
Friday, March 3, 2023 10am-Noon

CAM Kids: Be Mine Valentine

CAM Kids: Valentine Workshop Second Saturday in Gloucester Massachusetts

Warm your hearts in chilly February by making a handmade love letter from new and recycled papers. Participants are invited to bring their own recycled papers or choose from the many beautiful papers in the CAM Studio. A friend, a loved one, a special sweetheart or a place, like Cape Ann -- who you write to is up to you! Let them know how special they are. 

When: 
Saturday, February 11, 202310am-Noon
Location: 

Canceled | Cabin Fever Pizza Pop Up

Cabin Fever Pizza Pop-Up at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts!

Join the Trustees for pizza at the Farm! Tired of being cooped up in the house? So are we! Join us for a throwback to summer at this outdoor wood-fired pizza pop up event. Tickets include parking, access to the event, a complimentary hot cocoa-bar, fire pits on the farmhouse lawn and outdoor activities to entertain the kids. Food and beverage including pizza purchases will be charged separately.

When: 
Saturday, February 4, 2023 12-4pm
Location: 

Eagle Festival Field Trips

Families are invited to take a field trip with Joppa Flats naturalists to search for Bald Eagles in the Newburyport area

Bald Eagles are our goal as we search the skies and trees near the mouth of the Merrimack River on Eagle Festival Saturday. Choose among eight opportunities to join us to observe the surprises among all our winter-visiting birds, including many species of raptors, ducks, and more. Families with children ages 8 and above are welcome. Prices for these hour-and-a-half programs are deeply discounted, thanks to the generosity of our Eagle Festival sponsors, Boston Partners Financial Group and Newburyport Bank.

When: 
Friday, February 18, 2023
4 Morning Sessions 9:30-11am
4 Afternoon Sessions 12:30-2pm

Exploring the Salt Marsh

Kids and families will learn about the marsh habitat with ECGA and North Shore Nature Programs in this this fun, easy tromp across the marsh

Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs present Exploring the Salt Marsh! On this fun, easy tromp across the marsh, we'll look at the different plants, invertebrates, and birds that live there! This event is for families--children and adults of all ages welcome. Wear muck boots or shoes that can get wet and muddy and bring some water to drink. We recommend long pants, tucked into your socks or boots to keep ticks and other bugs from biting. Bathrooms are available on site (provided the CDC, state, and town regulations allow for public visitation at this date). FREE!

When: 
Saturday, April 8, 2023 10-11:30am
Location: 

Becoming a Wildlife Detective

What animals do you see in winter?  Kids will learn about how animals survive the winter months

Even in the middle of winter, nature is a very busy “place!” Though you may not see them, there are an amazing variety of critters going about their business, outdoors, all winter long. What you can see are the tracks and other sign that they leave behind. Participants in this program will be able to explore selected areas to look for clues that paint a picture of “who was here” and “what they were doing.” Participants should meet the ranger at the Hellcat Trail in parking lot 4. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. This program is appropriate for people of all ages and skill sets.

When: 
Sunday, January 29, 2023 10-11:30am

Outdoor Adventures for Families: Winter Wildlife

Mass Audubons Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary invites you to come learn about coyotes, beavers deer and other animals as they prepare for Winter!

Beavers, coyote, and deer, oh my! Mammals are storing food, putting on fat, thickening their fur, and winterizing their homes for winter. Let's see what evidence of these preparations we can find in the woods and wetlands as we use our science eyes for this hike around the remarkable rockery.

When: 
Thursday, December 22, 2022 1-3pm
Saturday, December 31, 2022 10am-Noon

Youth Outdoor Winter Survival Skills Program

Kids and Tweens will learn outdoors survival skills at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary!

This new three-day drop-off program is for youths who want to learn what it takes to survive in the wild. Each day will have a different theme around an outdoor skill. We will explore the sanctuary, look to our local wildlife for inspiration, and complete an outdoor skill challenge each day. Our last day will end with a carefully made campfire and toasted marshmallows!

When: 
Daily, December 28-30, 2022 10am-Noon

Parent & Child Build a Birdfeeder

Build a Birdfeeder with your child that attracts birds to your yard this winter.

Brighten up your yard this winter with a bird feeder handmade by you and your child. Each family will receive a kit containing all the necessary parts and step-by-step instructions to build a feeder that will attract chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals, and many other birds to your yard. A short presentation will highlight the birds that commonly come to feeders, and we will also observe birds in the sanctuary's bird garden. Please bring a hammer!

When: 
Wednesday, December 28, 2022 1-3pm

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Art Academy Summer Program at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly MA

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

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

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

Corn MAiZE and Haunted Attractions at Connors Farm - Danvers

Corn MAiZE, Maze and Haunted Attractions at Connors Farm - Danvers, Massachusetts
Come to Connors Farm to find your way through this year's maze and enjoy many family fun activities! After completing the maze, stay and have some fun around the farm. Children enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and most of all, visiting the barnyard animals.
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Crescent Farm Corn Maze

Crescent Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
Imagine the biggest puzzle you’ve ever seen. Now imagine a day in the sunshine with your friends or family. Now add an adventure that takes teamwork and memory skills. All these things and more can be found at Crescent Farms Corn Maze. Crescent Farm Corn Maze trails cut into 9 acres of corn. Inside...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Sing & Dance with the Music Man

Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

Topsfield Fair

Topsfield Fair is one of the longest running annual fairs in the United States
The Topsfield Fair is a perennial favorite for us.  We're not the biggest fans of the midway, although it is always worth a walkthrough and a ride or two.  We love fruits and vegetables, and are always on the lookout for the winning 'biggest pumpkin'.  Another favorite is checking out the pigs and...
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Drop-in Open House at the Nature Center

Drop-in Open House at the Bradley Palmer State Park Nature Center in Hamilton Ipswich Massachusetts
Explore the Nature Center at your leisure. The Park Interpreter will be on hand to demonstrate and answer questions. Come see and touch animal furs, replica skulls, animal models, and other natural history materials. For little artists, coloring pages and washable markers will be on hand.
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Beverly Farmers' Market

Get fresh local produce at the Beverly Farmers Market in downtown Beverly Massac
The Beverly Farmers’ Market supports local agriculture while making healthy food available to all members of the Beverly community at affordable prices; the market promotes sustainable living practices and fosters community connections through our vendors, free activities and events. The market...
Where: Odell Park
3:00 pm to 7:00 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, October 13

Manchester Cardboard Boat Regatta

Manchester Cardboard Boat Regatta is a fun time for the whole family in beautiful downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea Manchester
This year's event will start at 10am with Boats on Display.  The captain's safety briefing will be at 10:30am and the regatta will start at ~11am.  Awards will be presented following with our amazing partners at the Legion followed by the New England Patriots kick off at 1pm and incredible tunes on...
10:00 am

Magtoberfest 2024

Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 13th for the 4rd annual Magtoberfest. Lexington Avenue will be filled with food, music, vendors, and fun. This Community Block Party is also a fundraiser for the Magnolia Library and the Magnolia Community Farmer's Market. A parking shuttle will be available...
11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
11:00 am

Salem Arts Artoberfest

Salem Arts ArtOberFest showcases local artists and explores Salem's history with witchcraft, religion and Haloween.
Salem Arts Association celebrates October in Salem each year with this seminal exhibition.  This year, we ask our members and the artist community at large to take a deep dive into the season and into Salem’s history, exploring the themes of witchcraft, the occult, autumn, and Halloween.  This op
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Georgia Made This: Scavenger Coin Hunt

Georgia Wrenn was born and is being raised in the Witch City of Salem, Massachusetts, where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year.
Are you quick enough to find one of Salem's rarest keepsakes of 2024? Join the search for hidden gold coins designed by 13-year-old resident Georgia Wrenn in the city's 6th annual coin hunt! Georgia’s Salem-centric brand Georgia Made This features her artwork and celebrates all things spooky and...
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Hallowed Harvest Salem

The Hollowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth returns to Salem Massachusetts for Halloween month!
Salem's only Jack-O'-Lantern festival, known as "Hollowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth", returns for its 4th season with even more Jack-O'-Lantern magic than ever before! Prepare to be blown away by hundreds of intricately carved Jack-o'-Lanterns, an epic spider web tunnel, hands-on pumpkin carving,...
12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Fall Foliage Cider & Donut Cruises

Take a guided tour of the Essex Massachusetts Marshes with Essex River Cruises this Autumn
Essex River Cruises hosts a narrated sightseeing tour that winds down the beautiful Essex River aboard Essex River Queen, a pontoon boat.
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Saugus Iron Works Tours

Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
2:00 pm

Halloween on the Hill

The Trustees host a celebration of Autumn and Halloween at Long Hill Sedgewick Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate Autumn and Halloween! Long Hill is excited to bring back our annual Halloween on the Hill event! Come explore our beautiful property as we transform the Long Hill gardens into a...
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Monday, October 14

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
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