Exploration

CraneOutdoors: Riverboat to Choate Island & Hike

Tour the waters of Essex Bay estuary aboard the Trustee's pontoon boat Osprey followed by a hike on Choate Island!

There are few places on the North Shore that more reliably enjoy spectacular views than the back side of Crane Beach, overlooking Essex Bay. On this riverboat outing into the heart of the Essex River basin, we will be setting sail in the protected waters of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, one of the most scenic sections of the Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England.

When: 
Saturday-Monday, May 27 - June 26, 2023 12pm-3pm
Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023 12pm-3pm
Fridays, June 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2023 12pm-3pm

Peep Comes to Ravenswood!

Kids will have hands-on experiences with live animals at the Ravenswood Park

Preschool children and their families are invited to join the The Trustees of Reservations and Pathways for Children for a FREE morning of fun and exploration!  Come learn about PEEP and the BIG WIDE WORLD™ Science Activities and discover the amazing Ravenswood Park & Educaton Center.  Space is limited so please register by Thursday, May 31 with Amy!

When: 
Saturday, June 2, 2012 10am-Noon
Location: 

National Park Junior Ranger Day

Become a Junior Ranger at Salem Maritime or Saugus Iron Works!

Junior Ranger Day is part of National Park Week and is geared toward engaging kids to learn history, teach them stewardship and have fun while exploring their nearby National Parks.  On the North Shore, families can visit Salem Maritime National Historic Site or Salem Sound Coastwatch for free fun activities throughout the day!

When: 
Saturday, April 21, 2012 10am-2pm

Become a Citizen Scientist

Learn about water and science at Saugus Iron Works as part of Trails and Sails!

U. S. National Park Rangers host an event at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for Trails and Sails! Join the staff as we compare and contrast the differences of two water sources within the park, the Saugus River and the Saugus estuary. Take part in hands on water testing of two bodies of water less than 200 yards apart. Explore the “checkup” of the water by participating in a few simple tests to determine how healthy the waters are. Part of Trails & Sails.

When: 
Sunday, Septmeber 17, 2017 11am-2pm

The 17th Century Garden in New England

Learn about colonial gardens at Saugus Iron Works as part of Trails and Sails!

U. S. National Park Service hosts  a 45 minute slide lecture will be provided in the auditorium on gardens of the Colonial period, from early settlement until the time of the Revolution. The purposes of these gardens, popular garden styles and layouts, and a selection of popular and useful plants, will be among the topics discussed.

When: 
Sunday, September 24, 2017 1-3pm

Iron Pour at Saugus Iron Works

Come to an iron casting demonstration at Saugus Iron Works as part of Trails and Sails

U. S. National Park Rangers will be running hands-on activities about how cast iron was made at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in the 17th century for Trails & Sails. Join us at the Saugus Iron Works for our annual iron pour and get a glimpse of what work was like here in the 1600's. Enjoy various family friendly activities and mold making demonstrations while waiting for things to heat up! Set-up begins at 10:30am and the pour will take place at about Noon. Part of Trails & Sails

When: 
Saturday, September 22, 2018 10:30am-12pm
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Farmer for a Day | April Vacation Week

Appleton Farm's Kids in Farmer for a Day program during april Vacation in Ipswich Massachusetts

In the spring, the farmers at Appleton are busy planting vegetables and caring for the new life on the farm. There is no better place to spend spring farm days than in exploring in the fields & forests and learning to love the outdoors in all seasons! This program is for kids who are looking to make friends, explore the farm, and learn about life in New England in spring. Every day will include an outdoor adventure of hiking, a theme-based craft, a farm learning activity, and other farm explorations.

When: 
Monday-Friday, April 17-21, 2023 9am-3pm
Location: 

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Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts offers farm-based Summer Programs for kids ages 5-15

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 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 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 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

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

Saturday, May 10

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

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

2025 Salem Living Green Expo

Salem Living Green Expo at Derby Square in Salem Massachusetts
The Salem Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem Department of Sustainability and Resiliency are collaborating to co-host a Living Green Expo downtown! Come explore the Living Green Expo at Old Town Hall on Sat, May 10th (10AM - 1PM)!! Lots of great North Shore businesses and community organizations...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Newburyport Kitchen Tour

Newburyport Kitchen Tour is a a self-guided tour that benefits the Newburyport PTO
The Annual Newburyport Kitchen Tour is a a self-guided tour where historic design meets modern amenities with sweet & savory bites & spirits.You are invited to tour magnificent kitchens at the 23rd Annual Newburyport PTO Kitchen Tour & Taste of the Port on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 10-3...
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

CraneExplorer: Mother's Day Coastal Crafts

Make a Mother's Day gift from nature the Trustees of Reservations Castle Hill in Ipswich Massachusetts!
This Mother’s day, give a gift from the sea! From seaweed pressings to shell collages, beach treasures make beautiful greetings and keepsakes. Join this workshop to make a gift for Mom, OR bring Mom along for a fun coastal art-making outing! This program will start with a beach walk to collect...
10:00 am to 12:30 pm

2nd & 4th Saturday at Lynn Museum

Lynn Museum in Massachusetts offers free admission on the second Saturday of each month.
Come to the Lynn Museum and Historical Society for FREE family fun. Join us on the second and fourth Saturday of each month for FREE admission to the Museum from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.! You can view our latest exhibitions, purchase Lynn-themed goods in our shop, check out books in our free library, and...
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

LEGO Club at Salem Public Library

Come to the Salem Massachusetts Public Library for an afternoon of LEGO and fun!
Salem Public Library hosts a morning session of LEGO fun! We provide the LEGO, you provide the imagination.  Stop by the library on Saturday mornings (every other Saturday) to play and build.
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Revere Beach Kite Festival

The Annual Revere Beach Kite Festival is a great excuse to hit the beach in Massachusetts!
On Saturday, May 10th, Revere Beach  hosts their Annual Kite Festival on Revere Beach. This is our way of kicking off beach season with fun for the whole family! Children will have the opportunity to build, decorate, and fly their kites. The event also features professional kite flyers, live music...
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Swirling Romantics Concert | Cape Ann Symphony

Swirling Romantics Concert with the Cape Ann Symphony in Manchester Massachusetts
The season ends with Sibelius romantic and passionate Symphony No. 2. The symphony is full of gorgeous, hyper emotional melodies as well as exciting moments of high drama. The Rachamaninoff Piano Concerto is one of the most popular works in the repertoire, and virtuoso pianist Myron Romanul will be...
2:00 pm
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