Science

Family Nature Series - Life Under Logs

Kids and families will learn about the life under logs with ECGA and North Shore Nature Programs in this this fun hike through the forest

Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs present Life Under Logs! Get ready to meet pill bugs, spiders, worms, and more! These cool creatures have a great story to tell about the life cycle of the forest. You can get as close (or stay as far away!) as you want in this fun, interactive walk through the woods for all ages. This event is FREE.

When: 
Saturday, October 9, 2021 3-4:30pm

Beach Seining Demonstration

Beach seining is a scientific tool used by marine biologists and scientists. Salem Coastwatch

See and learn about the fishes living in Salem Harbor as part of Trails & Sails! At this seining demonstration, Salem Sound Coastwatch staff will drag a large seining net through the water onto the beach. We’ll examine the catch and coastal scientists will talk about marine habitats and the ecology of Salem Sound.

When: 
Saturday, September 25, 2021 1-2:30pm
Location: 

CoastSweep: Bass River

Come help Salem Sound Coastwatch with the Coastsweep cleanup of the Bass River in Beverly, Massachusetts!

As part of COASTSWEEP Beach Cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to help in the statewide effort to keep our coastline clean along the shore in Beverly Massachusetts. Trash collected will be measured and analyzed, and the data will be sent to Washington DC to aid the government in creating legislation to minimize trash in our oceans! This specific cleanup is coordinated by Salem Sound Coastwatch. For a complete updated listed for a Coastsweep volunteer opportunities in your region, visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/coastsweep-cleanup-list

When: 
Saturday, October 16, 2021 2:30pm

CraneExplorer: Salt Marsh Scientists

Come learn about the science of the marsh habitat at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

Discover a wonderful world of wetlands of the Crane Estate! Families are invited to get your feet wet and hands dirty in the salt marsh while using scientific tools to investigate marsh soil, water, & weather, and identify marsh flora and fauna. Learn what lives in the salt marsh, how the tides and weather shape life here, what the Trustees are doing (and what you can do!) to protect this essential estuary habitat.

When: 
Saturday, September 18, 2021 10am-Noon
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Teen Conservation Club: Fall/Winter Session

Teens will learn about Natural History, Ecology and Conservation at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Interesting hikes, natural history topics to explore, and real data-collection opportunities will all be based on your input and interests in this exciting club for teens. Get involved behind the scenes with Mass Audubon's science and conservation work. We meet one or two Saturdays a month during our spring and fall sessions.  We also take one full-day field trip each session to connect with local organizations and learn more about environmental issues in our communities and how you can make a real difference. Meet other local teens who are passionate about nature, science, and taking care of our world. 

Observing Artificial Satellites

Come learn how to spot satellites at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: NASA

The program will begin with an indoor presentation that will provide you with the information needed to be able to find and observe artificial satellites like the International Space Station and other human-made orbiting objects. Topics to be covered will include the nature of artificial satellite orbits, the best time of year for observing them, and how to identify them in the night sky. Weather permitting, we'll step outside afterwards to seek out artificial satellites and gaze into the night sky through the telescopes of local amateur astronomers. Along with the early springtime constellations, a young crescent moon and the planet Venus will be visible.

When: 
Friday, March 28, 2020 7-9pm

Celebrate the Sea Open House

Stop by at Joppa Flats Education Center to learn how we can all take responsibility for sustaining the natural beauty and resources of our oceans and coastline.

A fun-filled day for the whole family about everything from our ocean giants (whales, sharks, sea turtles) to deep sea creatures (octopuses, jellies)! For age 2-6, there are take-home crafts, an under the sea play zone, stuffies, coloring books and simple table-top science. For ages 7 and older, there are displays and interactives about overfishing, microplastics, sea level rise and climate change. Indoors and out. Rain or shine.

When: 
Sunday, March 22, 2020 10am-3pm

Imagine, Sing, & Learn: Whales on the Move

Kids can learn about whales at this Imagine Sing and Learn session at Joppa Flats in Newburyport!

Whales! Let's pretend to go on a whale watch and learn how to breach and belly roll like humpbacks and find out how whales feed and handle some real whale teeth and baleens and bones. We'll also listen to whale sounds underwater and learn how people are protecting whales in the ocean. Keep learning with take-home coloring pages and fun follow-up activities.

When: 
Friday, march 20, 2020 10-11:30 am

Imagine, Sing & Learn: Seals on the Shore

Seals live all over the coast of the North Shore. Kids will learn more at Joppa flats Education Center in Newburyport!

These 90-minute sessions are for both you and your active preschooler! Each week, our structured activities will include original songs, movement, dramatic play, hand-on science, and a thematic snack. We'll give you coloring pages to take home and lots of fun materials via an electronic goody bag after each class. This session is all about seals which are found along the coast of the north shore.

When: 
Friday, March 6, 2020 10-11:30am

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Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Summer’s Flight, Pollen’s Delight,” by Flora C. Caputo storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
“Summer’s Flight, Pollen’s Delight,” by Flora C. Caputo is the subject of this STORYWALK Series. Enjoy this preschool storywalk at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time outside in nature!
7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 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

Salem Heritage Days Festival

Salem Heritage Days is a week long celebration of Salem's history and tradition.
Celebrate the past and the present with neighbors, friends and visitors at the Annual Salem Heritage Days Festival. Events are scheduled around Salem throughout the week, kicking off with the annual Salem Maritime Festival and concluding with the Essex Street Fair, produced by the Salem Chamber of...
7:00 am to 9:00 pm

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

Annual Beverly Homecoming Pickleball Shootout

this great game embodies a little bit of Tennis, racquetball and ping pong in an easy to learn fun to play sport.
Space is limited. Year two of this fantastic event will allow the participants to take part in a fun, healthy and exciting day of sunshine and competition. This competition will be a “Shootout” format. A Shootout is an individually-ranked, round-robin. In such a format, those participating in the...
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Beverly Homecoming Kids Carnival

Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts becomes a midway of carnival kids games during Beverly Homecoming!
Get ready for a day of festive fun at the Lynch Park Carnival! Join BevRec for an exciting event packed with thrilling games, delicious treats, and a lively atmosphere. Bring your children to experience the joy and wonder of a classic carnival.
Where: Lynch Park
9:00 am to 2:00 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 3:59 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

Creature of the Week at Maritime Gloucester

Come to Maritime Gloucester for a Creature of the Week Session on Cape Ann Massachusetts! Photo ©Bill O'Connor
Every week, we will highlight a different ocean animal that lives in our aquarium and can be found in and around Gloucester. Learn some interesting fun facts about the creature as you get up and close and personal through a meet and greet and a take-home craft. For kids aged 4-8.
10:30 am to 3:00 pm

Kidleidoscope

Kidleidoscope at Maudslay State Park is a chance for preschoolers to explore the park, enjoy a story and make a craft!
Maudslay State Park has created this program for their youngest crowd! For the young set that loves nature, the park interpreter will lead a three-part preschool aged program that includes a story, craft & walk that involves outdoor exploration. A different nature topic each week so come every...
11:00 am

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 Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
Essex Hertiage invites you to learn the true causes and events behind the Salem Witch Trials in our documentary film, then discover the myths during our walking tour. The Salem Witch Trials happened over 300 years ago, and it has been dramatized in books, documentaries, movies, and even TV shows....
11:45 am to 3:00 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

Old Planters Gran Prix of Beverly, presented by TEMP Rise

Gran Prix Cyclocross Beverly is a fun family-friendly sporting event that includes a kids bike race and parade in downtown Beverly Massachusetts
Come to this fun family-friendly sporting event that includes a kids bike race and in downtown Beverly Massachusetts!  This professional road race runs a short circuit through the streets of Beverly, with categories for amateur, master and elite riders! It’s an evening of fun for the whole family...
2:00 pm to 6:00 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

Hamilton-Wenham Farmers' Market

Hamilton-Wenham Community House hosts a Popup farmers market on the front lawn!
The Hamilton-Wenham Farmers’ Market is a food and flower market presented by The Community House. Vendor offerings must be grown, raised, or produced within 100 miles of Hamilton. The Market features a range of vendors offering locally grown produce, honey, flowers, baked goods, artisanal crafts,...
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Bike Safety Rodeo at Lynch Park

Kids and families are invited to Lynch Park for a the bike safety rodeo hosted by Beverly Police!
Free! Fun safety course, bike inspections, and free helmets in the parking lot at Lynch Park. The George Robertson memorial bike rodeo is hosted by the Beverly Police Department, with generous contributions by the Beverly Kiwanis. All who attend will be instructed in bicycle safety, and all can...
Where: Lynch Park
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Beverly Homecoming Ice Cream Social

Ice Cream Social at Lynch Park raises funds for the Beverly Massachusetts Homecoming Fireworks!
Join our State Representative Jerry Parisella for an ice cream social at the park!  Proceeds benefit the Homecoming Fireworks. 
Where: Lynch Park
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

DJ Beach Party at Salisbury Beach

Salisbury Beach Summer Beach Party every Friday through the Summer.
Get ready for family fun every Friday night all summer long at Salisbury Beach! Starting at 7:15 PM on the Salisbury Beach stage, enjoy a full evening of summer tunes and excitement. DJ Ralphie B will be spinning your favorite hits, while hosting kid-friendly activities that will keep everyone...
7:15 pm to 10:00 pm

Wednesday, August 14

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 Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
Essex Hertiage invites you to learn the true causes and events behind the Salem Witch Trials in our documentary film, then discover the myths during our walking tour. The Salem Witch Trials happened over 300 years ago, and it has been dramatized in books, documentaries, movies, and even TV shows....
11:45 am 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

Stargazing at Mendel Observatory

Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
7:00 pm

FREE Family Flicks at the Beach!

Enjoy a movie with freinds and families under the stars at DCR's Salisbury Beach Reservation!
Pack up a blanket, lawn chair and picnic for FREE movies under the stars at DCR’s Salisbury Beach on Saturdays. All movies begin at dusk. All events subject to weather conditions. Please call park number above for update.
8:15 pm

Thursday, August 15

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Summer’s Flight, Pollen’s Delight,” by Flora C. Caputo storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
“Summer’s Flight, Pollen’s Delight,” by Flora C. Caputo is the subject of this STORYWALK Series. Enjoy this preschool storywalk at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time outside in nature!
7:00 am to 8:00 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

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

 Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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

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 3:59 pm
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