Toddlers

Wee Explorers at Stevens-Coolidge Estate

To encourage outdoor play and exploration of the great outdoors, this nature-based toddler playgroup will combine themed guided play with opportunities for free time for children and their caregivers to peek under rocks, inspect tree bark for hiding bugs and explore the gardens. Held at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens every Tuesday morning, join one or all of the sessions and explore the hidden worlds beneath our feet and above our heads.

When:

Tuesdays through March 28, 2023 9:30-10:30am

Location:

Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

Trustees of Reservations

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Wetland Wonders at IRWS

Explore the Bunker Meadow Pond at Ipswich river Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts

Wetlands are known for their rich variety of plant and animal life. Come explore Bunker Meadow Pond and the Ipswich River for a close-up look at a place where hundreds of hungry creatures are always on the hunt. Using nets and other collecting equipment, we'll dip into the water, sweep through the weeds, and scoop up some mud to discover the creatures that live there. Wear boots if you have them. For kids ages 3-11.

When:

Saturday, October 14, 2023 10-11:30am

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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All Family Field Trips: Wetland Walk

Explore Bradley Palmer Stat Park for wetland creatures with Massachusetts Audubon in Topsfield Massachusetts!

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the North Shore. Joppa Flats' engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, 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, October 13, 2023 10am-Noon

Location:

Bradley Palmer State Park

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PEM Pals

PEM has a story time in the museum just for kids under 5! Salem, Massachusetts

Peabody Essex Museum designed for preschoolers (5 and under) and their caregivers. PEM Pals aims to engage and excite all of the senses through books, movement, music, art and hands-on activities. .

When:

First Fridays Monthly 10:30-11:30 am

Location:

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All Family Field Trips: Study Between the Tides

Explore the tide pools of Sandy Point Reservation with Joppa Flats Educators in Ipswich Massachusetts

When:

Friday, October 6, 2023 10am - 12pm

Location:

Sandy Point State Reservation

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All Family Field Trips: Monarchs and More

Learn about butterflies with Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport!

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 beaches, forests, 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, September 15, 2023 10am-Noon

Location:

Joppa Flats Education Center

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Toe Jam Puppet Band at NPL

Toe Jam Puppet Band at the Newburyport Massachusetts Public Library!

Get ready to rock with one of the North Shore's most popular kids' bands! This is an offsite program that will take place on Inn Street, the pedestrian way that connects Pleasant Street and Market Square in downtown Newburyport.

When:

Wednesday, August 16, 2023 7-8pm

Location:

Newburyport Public Library

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All Family Field Trips: Exploring at the Shore

Explore the shore at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester with Massachusetts Audubon!

When:

Friday, September 22, 2023 10am-Noon

Location:

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Imagine, Sing, & Learn 3A: Is it Spring?

Learn about the creatures of Spring at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newbury Massachusetts

This Imagine, Sing and Learn with Lisa Hutchings is all about asking the question IS IT SPRING YET? This is an active indoor program for ages 3-6 and a favorite grown-up with some outdoor time (weather permitting). We will learn all about WOOD FROGS, SALAMANDERS, LADYBUGS, SONG BIRDS and more! Using props, group role play, song and movement, we will learn about the fascinating ways animals wake up and come back in springtime – each animal has its own special way of greeting the longer, warmer days of spring!

When:

Thursday, March 10, 2016 1-2:30 pm

Location:

Joppa Flats Education Center

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All Family Field Trips: A Maritime Forest Walk & Bird Migration

A heron stalks prey at the PArker River Wildlife Sanctuary in Newbury Massachusetts

When:

Friday, October 27, 2023 10am-Noon

Location:

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

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Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

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...

Where: Maudslay State Park

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Salem Arts Festival 2025

For three days, this annual family friendly art festival transforms downtown Salem into an opportunity for the arts community to showcase their talents. The popular free event will feature many artists and performers, and includes a variety of art, music, dance, and theatre performances. The family...

Where: Downtown Salem

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

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.

Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

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Music Together - Friday

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...

Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham

10:30 am to 11:15 am

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Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

11:00 am

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Saugus Iron Works Tours

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.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

2:00 pm

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Sunday, June 8

CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading...

Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

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Monday, June 9

Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

Where: Maudslay State Park

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

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Sing & Dance with the Music Man

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,...

Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham

10:00 am to 10:45 am

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Swampscott Farmer's Market

Rain or shine, the Swampscott Farmers’ Market features a wide variety of produce, meats, fish, breads, flowers and crafts from farmers, food producers, and artisans from around Massachusetts and nearby New England states. Anchoring the market, Swampscott will have Clark Farm providing a large...

Where: Swampscott Town Hall

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

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