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.
Fields are alive with animal activity on warm, fall days. Spend an early October day chasing butterflies, grasshoppers, and crickets with nets while taking some time to closely observe these amazing insects. We may also encounter predators of the field, such as Blue Birds, Leopard Frogs and Garter Snakes! This will be a hands-on experience the entire family can enjoy.
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!
ECGA hosts a salt marsh science walk with a former research fellow from Marine Biological Laboratory to learn about salt marsh science. Join Jade Fiorilla, Northeastern graduate with degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, for a walk to learn about the Great Salt Marsh. Jade has worked on the marsh at nearby Parker River National Wildlife Refuge as a research fellow with Marine Biological Laboratory. She recently completed research pulling together data from a long term study of marsh accretion and deposition events in the Plum Island sound.
To encourage time in nature, familiarity with the natural world, and a time for parents and children to get together outdoors, our popular infant/toddler stroller walks will return at Appleton Farms. These hour long walks will be on Tuesdays from 9-10am. Come to one or all of the sessions and explore the farmyard, fields, and forest, and imagine hidden worlds beneath our feet and above our heads. Children and their care-givers will have the opportunity to take in fresh air, be with other families, and walk diverse trails on the farm. This is a great time to socialize with other parents and get your kids in nature, unwind and relax at the farm!
Before Bradley Palmer bought the land that became a State Park, it was the Lamson Family farm for over 200 years. Take a stroll to see the remaining farmhouse exterior and other features of the farm. Best for ages 8 years & up.
Do you know that the library has lots of games in our new board game collection? Well, we want you to try them out! We're going to have board games for the whole family and for just teens or adults...some quick, some long.
Curious about kayaking, but not sure where to start? Want to spot some interesting wildlife, but don’t consider yourself an outdoorsy person? Join the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) and Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary for a birding excursion on the river!
Travel through time with the Jeremiah Lee Mansion in Marblehead! Meghan Boehmer, an historical interpreter from the Boston Tea Party Museum, will portray Sarah Griste Mugford, the wife of Revolutionary naval hero James Mugford.
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.
