Pre-School

Vacation Week Family Fun Days: Predator Party

Find out where coyotes get food and how they keep warm through the winter.

Predators such as the eastern coyote can't go to the market for groceries, so how do they get their food? We'll spend some time indoors learning about the different predators in Massachusetts, including how they hunt and how they stay warm to survive the cold winter months. Then we'll take a walk to look for fishers, river otters, foxes, hawks, and owls. Tracks, chews, scat, pellets, and bones will show us where predators have partied.

When: 
Saturday, January 2, 2016 1-2:30pm

Vacation Week Flyby: Furry, Fat, and Feathered Friends

Learn about the birds that stay in New England for Winter, and what they do to survive at Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary! Photo: ©Bill O'Connor

Our school vacation programs offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities while we keep minds active and hands busy during school break with free-flow learning for the whole family. Each session offers a different theme, with scheduled family presentations and something to engage hearts and minds for all ages and interests.

When: 
Monday, December 29, 2015 10am - 3pm

Imagine, Sing, & Learn 12A: Do Animals Decorate?

Hermit Crabs are natural decorators of their homes.  Preschoolers will find out more at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.

This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. You'll receive coloring pages, song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list via email.  This Session is all about animals who decorate!

When: 
Thursday, December 17, 2015 1-2:30 pm

Friday Morning

Hermit Crabs are natural decorators of their homes.  Preschoolers will find out more at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.

This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. You'll receive coloring pages, song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list via email.  This Session is all about animals who decorate!

When: 
Thursday, December 17, 2015 1-2:30 pm

Geminid Meteor Shower at Ipswich River

The Geminid Meteor Shower at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Step out under the December night sky to seek out shooting stars associated with the Geminid meteor shower, which is considered by many to be one of the strongest showers of the year, rivaling in strength the better known Perseid meteor shower of mid-August. The Geminids have a reputation for producing very bright shooting stars, or fireballs. Although it is not possible to know just how many meteors we will see, the fact that the shower reaches maximum intensity on this night should improve our chances of spotting some of them. The observing portion of the program will be preceded by an indoor presentation that will explain the origin of meteor showers in general, and the Geminids in particular, as well as the best way to observe them.

When: 
Saturday, December 12, 2015 8-10pm

A Charlie Brown Christmas in Rockport

The Heather Pierson Quartet, December 12 performs A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Old Sloop Coffee House in Rockport Ma

The Heather Pierson Quartet will perform the entirety of the Charlie Brown Christmas album as recorded by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, as well as other well known and popular Christmas tunes.  Pierson is an award-winning pianist, multi-genre singer/songwriter, arranger, bandleader, and performer.  Her quartet also includes Joe Aliperti on alto and tenor sax, Shawn Nadeau on bass, and Matty Bowman on drums.

When: 
Saturday, December 12, 2015 7:30pm

Owls & Art at Ipswich River

Learn about owls, then create art from what you learn at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary!

We are all intrigued by the elusive owls. We'll learn about these creatures and have the opportunity to observe owls mounts and touch feathers, followed by a walk outside to look and listen for owls. Upon our return, we will let Mother Nature be our inspiration and create owl art from a variety of mediums at different work stations.

When: 
Friday, November 13, 2015 5-7pm

Wildlife Walks: Fall Foliage & Salt Marshes of Rowley

Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary is part island, part forest and part marsh!

When was the last time you held a hermit crab? Have you ever set a fish trap to catch minnows? How would a great blue heron look through a telescope? Have you ever seen red-winged blackbirds mobbing a red-tailed hawk? Now is your chance for your family to learn together about the wonders in nature. Each program will focus on conservation updates, animal and plant interrelationships, changing environmental conditions, and an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our surroundings. Each experience will leave you excited for the next one!This week we will walk the trails of the Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary in Rowley.

When: 
Sunday, November 8, 2015 1-3:30 pm

Seussical - ACT Andover

ACT Andover performs Seussical in October 2015!

Come join the magic of Dr. Seuss  - performed by ACT Andover! Horton hears a noise coming from a speck of dust on a clover and commits himself to protecting it and the Whos who live on it; Jojo, a misfit Who who “doesn’t Think normal Thinks,” struggles to find his place in the tiny Who society; Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love - the kind and compassionate Horton. Through mishaps and adventures, these unique characters finally find what they seek - their places in their world.

When: 
Friday, October 23, 2015 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 2pm and 7:30pm
Location: 

Seussical - ACT Andover Matinee

ACT Andover performs Seussical in October 2015!

Come join the magic of Dr. Seuss  - performed by ACT Andover! Horton hears a noise coming from a speck of dust on a clover and commits himself to protecting it and the Whos who live on it; Jojo, a misfit Who who “doesn’t Think normal Thinks,” struggles to find his place in the tiny Who society; Gertrude McFuzz tries to catch the attention of her love - the kind and compassionate Horton. Through mishaps and adventures, these unique characters finally find what they seek - their places in their world.

When: 
Friday, October 23, 2015 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 2pm and 7:30pm
Location: 

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Glen Urquhart School Pre-K through 8th grade in Beverly MA

Trails & Sails

Explore the North Shore with over 150 Free Events in Essex National Heritage Area's Trails & Sails celebration in Massachusetts.
Essex National Heritage Area sites will offer over 150 free family fun events from September 14-29, 2024 for the annual celebration of TRAILS & SAILS. Discover special places in your backyard and be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in...
7:00 am to 10:00 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

Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay | Thread

Artists will install their sculptures at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts for public viewing!
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the 25th Annual Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay Exhibit September 8-29 featuring 50 site specific sculptures by local artists addressing this year’s theme, ‘Thread' within the magnificence of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport. Look for the large green trail head...
7:00 am to 6:00 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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, September 22

Forest River Park Salem CoastSweep

Come help with the Coastsweep cleanup of the Forest River Park in Salem, Massachusetts!
As part of COASTSWEEP Beach Cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to come to Forest River Park to help in the statewide effort to keep our coastline clean along
9:00 am

Visit the Saugus Iron Works Museum

Visit the Saugus Iron Works Museum and learn about the history of iron making in Massachusetts
Learn about the history of iron making at the Saugus Iron Works Museum. Exhibits include artifacts excavated during the archaeological dig performed on-site in the 1940s-1950s.
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Swampscott Farmer's Market

The Swampscott Farmers Market happens every Sunday through October.
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...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

North Andover Farmers' Market

North Andover Farmers Market every Sunday Through October 2, 2022
The North Andover Farmers Market is the perfect destination for anyone living in the Merrimack Valley or the North Shore to shop and enjoy locally-sourced products. The market will take place in the center of town at the intersection of First Street and Main Street. The market has become known for...
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Fair in the Square

Fair in the Square is a Salisbury Days event in the middle of Salisbury Massachusetts
Fair in the Square is a time- honored tradition celebrating each other and showcasing our charming  town. Come shop local vendors and makers offering a wide variety of goods from local honey and bee related products to jewelry to facepainting to artists and more!
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Marbleheaders in the American Revolution

Glovers Regiment in Marblehead Massachusetts is just one stop on this Trails & Sails tour.
Pick up a program book and experience Revolutionary War-era Marblehead at various sites in the Historic District. Meet the wife of war hero, James Mugford; explore Fort Sewall with Glover’s Regiment; meet diarist Ashley Bowen portrayed by Donald Friary and experience an Anglican service at St....
11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Hospital Point Lighthouse Open House

Take a tour of this historic Beverly landmark thats usually closed to the public as part of Trials and Sails!
One of Beverly's most familiar landmarks, this lighthouse commands a spectacular view of Salem Sound, and 3 other lighthouses. An enduring monument to Beverly's nautical heritage, it is one of 5 Massachusetts lighthouses that still retains its original Fresnel lens.
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Salem Food Truck Festival

Salem Massachusetts Food Truck Festival Haunted Happenings on the Salem Common
Food Truck Festivals of America returns to Salem with the ultimate food truck experience for a two-day festival that will feature some of the area’s most popular food trucks. The vendors will be dishing out fan favorites as well as dozens of regional and national craft breweries.
11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Long Hill Garden Tours

Tour the Gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to join our expert guides for a tour around Long Hill’s stunning Sedgwick Gardens and learn more about the special plants it’s most known for. In addition to learning about what plants are in bloom as well as the rare and unique species in our collection, you...
11:00 am to 12:00 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
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