Exploration

Archaeology Day at Maudlsay State Park

Learn about the archaeology of and the first people of Massachusetts of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport.

Maudslay State Park invites you to be an archaeologist for the day!  Learn how to think like an archaeologist…excavate a test unit, screen for and identify artifacts, and document and record soil levels.  Other activities focus on the extensive and rich peopling of the area dating back thousands of years.  Find out why this place was and is so special to the First People of Massachusetts. Learn how to use a bow-drill, grind corn with a mortar and pestle, weave a fishing net, make a ground stone-tool fishing weight, make a ceramic pot in the traditional indigenous way, play the game of Hubhub, bring an artifact for the experts to ID, and even try your hand (arm) at throwing an atlatl!

When: 
Saturday, October 6, 2018 10am-2pm

Imagine, Sing, & Learn: The Mighty Merrimack

The mouth of the Merrimack River lies on the doorstep of the Joppa Flats Center

This 'Imagine, Sing and Learn' is an active, fun, program where you and your child will learn all about the Merrimack River and how it was formed, how it has changed over the years, and who lives in and needs the river. We will learn how the river can “change” rocks, we’ll play river bingo, and sing a few river songs. We’ll make a fun take-home fishing pole craft, and we’ll enjoy a “fishy” snack!

When: 
Tuesday, July 9, 2019 10-11:30am

Arts in Parks at Maudslay

Poison Ivy Eco Art at Maudslays Art in the Park!

Maudslay State Park has a strong connection to the arts. Join the interpreter for this art program incorporating natural materials gathered and assembled into a piece of art that will be reclaimed by nature. Photo cataloging will be used for the website. This program teaches cooperation, and creative thinking, as well as problem-solving, all in the great outdoors. This is a fun evening activity for the whole family!

When: 
Fridays, August 9, 16, 30 2019 6:30-7:30pm

Fall Family Monarch Conservation Program & Butterfly Tagging!

Come to Parker River Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about Monarch Butterflies!

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge invites families to join Katie Hone, The Monarch Gardener, for this fun and interesting one hour program about the monarch butterfly.  The program will include a presentation about monarchs with interactive role playing and live animals AND making milkweed “seed bombs” (to take home).  Meet, tag and release live monarch butterflies to the wild! This program is geared to younger children and their parents.  This program will take place in the refuge visitor center classroom.  NO preregistration for this program.

When: 
Saturday, September 21, 2019 10:30-11:30am

Monarch Magic

Come to Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about Monarch Butterflies!

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary invites families to join them at Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary to discover the amazing journey of the monarch butterfly to Mexico. Learn about the monarch life cycle and the challenges facing its habitat. Find out more about butterfly gardening and create a paper butterfly that will spend the winter with children who live near the monarch sanctuaries in the mountains of Michoacan, Mexico. We will then work together as citizen scientists to tag and release several monarchs to start their journey south.

When: 
Saturday, September 14, 2019 1:30-3pm

Sense of Wonder Walks: Ponds

Ponds and puddles offer endless hours of exploration and discovery.

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary invites families for a great exploration of the pond habitat! Though they are small, ponds contain a rich variety of plant and animal life. Explore Waterfowl Pond for a close-up look at a place where hungry creatures are always on the hunt. Using nets and other collecting equipment, dip into the water, sweep through the weeds, and scoop up mud to discover the creatures that live there.

When: 
Sunday, October 6, 2019 1:30-3pm

Second Saturday - Faces of the Community

Cape Ann residents of all ages are invited to join Museum Educator Kendall Reynolds for a collograph printmaking workshop!

The Museum is free all day for Cape Ann residents on the second Saturday of every month in 2020! The second Saturday of every month is free for families with school-aged children. From 10am to 12pm, families are invited to tour the galleries or take a free workshop in the Activity Center. Each month has a different theme or special guest related to the art, history and culture of Cape Ann. Reservations required for workshops and events.

When: 
Second Saturday Monthly 10am-12pm
Location: 

Teen Night at Cape Ann Museum

Join the Cape Ann Museum’s Teen Art Council at CAM Green to celebrate teen artists from the North Shore.

Join the Cape Ann Museum’s Teen Art Council at CAM Green to celebrate teen artists from the North Shore. Open to ages 13-19, the Teen Arts Night includes live music, field games, and art activities. This new event series was created by the Teens Arts Council to connect young artists from local communities and engage teens with the Cape Ann Museum.

When: 
Friday, August 20, 2021 5-8pm

Cape Ann Museum Green Opening Celebration

Cape Ann Museum is presenting an opening community celebration for the Cape Ann Museum Green

On Saturday, September 25, 2021, the Cape Ann Museum is presenting an opening community celebration for the Cape Ann Museum Green. Finished in 2020, the CAM Green was used for innovative projects during the COVID Pandemic. The Museum is excited to be able to invite the public to explore this new community and cultural resource. Spend the day picnicking on the Green, learning about the historic houses, viewing art in the Janet + William Ellery James Center, and making art of your own!

When: 
Saturday, September 25, 2021 10:00am-5pm

Tidepools and Wracklines Exploration

Explore the beaches of the Crane Estate in IPswich with thte Trustees of Reservations!

Join us as we investigate the tidepools and the wrackline on Steep Hill Beach to discover and record the many creatures that live along the shore. We’ll (carefully and gently!) use nets to capture specimens and magnifying glasses to take an up-close-and-personal look, before releasing our new friends back to where we found them. We’ll talk about our observations and discoveries – and surprise ourselves with how much we can learn by looking. An educational adventure for the whole family. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

When: 
Thursday, August 24, 2017 9-11AM

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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

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 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

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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