Pre-School

Discovering Nature Through Story, Music, and Art

Kids will explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to connect with nature and learn about the creatures of the North Shore Massachusetts wilderness!

Preschoolers and young kids will explore the wonders of winter in the "enchanted woods" of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in this four-session series. We'll begin in the Nature Center with story, poetry, and imagination. Next, we'll bundle up for a winter walk to awaken our sense of wonder to the silence, scents, and scenery of the sleeping winter woods. Along the way, discover how the trees, plants, birds, beavers, squirrels, chipmunks, and other wildlife spend the winter. We'll look for animal stories in the snow (tracking) and much more. After our walks, we'll create artwork that reflects the wonders of winter that we discovered, while listening to winter nature songs. These keepsakes will bring home winter's secrets and beauty as we await the signs of spring.

Kids in the Kitchen: Preschool Farm Explorers

Join Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts for a kids in the kitchen session for preschoolers and try out some delicious kid-friendly recipes with ingredients right from the farm!

Join Appleton Farms for a kids in the kitchen session for preschoolers and try out some delicious kid-friendly recipes with ingredients right from the farm! Each week we’ll practice our cooking skills and make something tasty together. While our creations bake, cool or simmer we’ll pass the time with a fun farm craft. Recipes will include: Bread & Butter, No-Bake Granola Bars, Farm Frittata, and Home Made Apple Sauce. Please pre-register. Fee covers one adult and child. Younger siblings are welcome with an additional fee of $24/$30 for member/nonmembers.

When: 
Wednesdays, November 7, 14 & 28, 2018 9:30-10:30AM
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 9:30-10:30AM
Location: 

Joppa Flats Summer Solstice Celebration

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Mass Audubon at the Joppa Flats Education Center

Celebrate the longest day of the year (and the first day of summer) with us! Learn why we have seasons and express your appreciation for the summer with sun-themed activities, crafts, and songs. We'll make cosmic suncatchers and flower-power crowns, conduct a human sundial experiment, and make sun-themed snacks.

When: 
Friday, June 21, 2019 3:30-5pm

Pick Your Own Strawberries on the North Shore

Picking Strawberries is a fun and delicious way to spend part of your day

Have you ever eaten a hot strawberry? There's nothing better than picking a sun-heated strawberry right off of the vine and popping it in your mouth!  We're lucky enough to have a couple of strawberry plants around to satisfy the immediate urge, but if we're looking to make preserves to have on hand through the winter, we head out to one of many places on the North Shore to pick away to our hearts content. June is the month to harvest strawberries in Massachusetts so don't wait too long or you'll miss out!

Appleton Farms’ Preschool Farm Explorers

Farm Explorers is a great way for preschoolers to explore Appleton Farms in ipswich Massachusetts!

Spring is here, the plants are blooming, and the farmers are busy! We invite your little farmers to experience life at the farm as they explore the farmstead harvesting, hiking, and playing. Through farm “chores,” such as collecting eggs, brushing rabbits, and other age appropriate hands on activities, stories, and adventures, little farmers will become fully immersed in what life is like for a farmer. Each session will last 1 hour and will have a different theme such as “what plants need to grow.”

Location: 

Afternoon Adventures Drop-In Spring Series

Appleton Farms' popular Afternoon Adventures program now has a drop-in option on Wednesdays in Ipswich Massachusetts.

New this spring, the Trustee's popular Afternoon Adventures program now has a drop-in option on Wednesdays! Bring a friend, pick and choose the days you’d like to attend, or try it out for the first time. This 2.5-hour drop-off program on Wednesday afternoons provides your child with immersive, farm-based play and chores that foster social-emotional learning, wellbeing, and a love of nature. Skilled educators with a flair for fun and a knack for outdoor skills supervise your young farmers as they explore the barnyard, garden, and trails. This entirely-outdoors program uses our historic Carriage Barn (where the goats live!) for shelter in severe weather.

When: 
Wednesdays, May 4 - June 8, 2022 2-4:30PM
Location: 

Outdoor Ecology for Families: Backyard Ecology

Kids and families are invited to come explore the Ecology of the back yard with naturalists from the Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.

It is summer! Join us in the riverside yard at Joppa Flats to learn about wildlife in the salt marsh, pond, rocky shore, and backyard habitats! You'll identify wild creatures, design small habitats, participate in small group challenges, and more. Sign up for one or all and see nature through the lens of a naturalist!

When: 
Thursday, August 4, 2022 1-3pm

Outdoor Ecology for Families: Pond Ecology

Kids and families are invited to come explore the pond habitat with naturalists from the Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.

It is summer! Join us in the riverside yard at Joppa Flats to learn about wildlife in the salt marsh, pond, rocky shore, and backyard habitats! You'll identify wild creatures, design small habitats, participate in small group challenges, and more. Sign up for one or all and see nature through the lens of a naturalist!

When: 
Thursday, July 14, 2022 1-3pm

Outdoor Ecology for Families: Rocky Shore Ecology

Kids and families are invited to come explore the rocky shore with naturalists from the Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.

It is summer! Join us in the riverside yard at Joppa Flats to learn about wildlife in the salt marsh, pond, rocky shore, and backyard habitats! You'll identify wild creatures, design small habitats, participate in small group challenges, and more. Sign up for one or all and see nature through the lens of a naturalist!

When: 
Thursday, August 11, 2022 1-3pm

Firefly Watch Pro Community Science Training

Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary offers training for families and kids to take part in the Firefly Watch Project.

Everybody loves Fireflies! Mass Audubon has been coordinating the Firefly Watch community science project since taking over from the Museum of Science in 2018. Counting firefly flashes is fun, but we are ready to think bigger. Firefly Watch Pro, the next step to our existing project, asks you to get you up close to the fireflies, photograph them to identify specific genera, and provide flash pattern data that might help us identify the species in your habitat. This additional data will help us learn what fireflies live where, and over time will give us a sense of population change for specific species and genera.

When: 
Monday, May 16, 2022 7-9pm

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Summerquest Camp for kids aed 5-14 at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 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

Cape Ann Yukan Run Triple Threat Run

The Yukan Run Triple Threat Race Series is a half marathon or 5k.  There's something for everyone in the race series - serious runners, enthusiasts and even walkers are invited to race!  Proceeds from the races go to local charities.  Sign up for one or both, it will be a great morning filled wit
7:00 am to 12:00 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

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

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

“Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser Storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! “Magnificent Monarchs” by Linda Glaser is featured in this StoryWalk Series. Younger kids will love this gentle, richly illustrated children’s nonfiction book aimed at preschool–third grade...
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

Annual Newburyport High Street Mile

The Annual High street Mile includes categories for kids races and is part of Newburyport Yankee Homecoming!
Now in its 32nd year, this one mile road race, occurring during Newburyport's Historic Yankee Homecoming Festival. It features multiple races including a children's heat with medals for all the little finishers! Cash prizes for overall and age group winners! There will be snacks and beverages at...
9:00 am to 11:30 am

Rowley Farmers Market

Rowley Farmers Market - a seasonal open-air market every Sunday July-September on Rowley Common
The Rowley Farmers Market is an open air market held on Sundays on the Rowley Town Common.  There's always a great selection of fresh local produce, food stuffs and locally hand-made goods. Come pick up some great locally grown food, freshly baked bread by Faith Anne's Unique bread, specialty teas...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Crane Outdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River

Take a guided kayak paddle adventure on the Castle Neck River with the Trustees of Reservations!
One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a vast barrier...
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Newburyport Farmers' Market

Newburyport Farmers find organic locally grown produce, meat, dairy Newburyport
The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine!  Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Marketplace

Shop to your heart’s content in our open air bazaar-like market place right in the heart of historic Newburyport’s center. Covering two square blocks, this extravaganza of food and great finds is sure to tantalize all your senses.
10:00 am to 8:00 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

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

Salem Heritage Days: Tour-A-Truck

Touch a Truck at the Salem Willows - part of Salem Heritage Days in Massachusetts
Youngsters get a chance to climb and explore the insides of all kinds of big trucks and emergency vehicles.  There will be give-a-ways and activities on site for little tikes.
10:00 am to 3:00 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

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. Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate...
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Yankee Homecoming Parade

The Yankee Homecoming Parade is a traditional New England parade featuring bands and all kinds of floats in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
The Annual Yankee Homecoming parade is a Traditional New England Parade that is sure to please! There will be a variety of entertaining floats and marchers.  Yankee Homecoming and the people of Newburyport all come together to watch a parade on the first Sunday in August. The streets lined with...
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Essex Heritage Boat Tours to Bakers Island Lighthouse - Salem

Boat and Light Station Tour Bakers Island Tour out of Salem Massachusetts
Climb aboard Naumkeag, Essex Heritage’s landing craft for a trip to Bakers Island Light Station. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise from Salem past rugged coastline, harbor islands, and five lighthouses to Bakers Island. The light station is a 10-acre property that has been in use aiding in maritime...
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Take a guided kayak paddle and hike to Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the...
1:00 pm to 4:30 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

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Sundays in Patton Park

North Shore Free Concerts for North Shore Families at Patton Park in Hamilton Massachusetts
Come enjoy community and music each Sunday in Patton Park! Dust off your lawn chairs and bring your picnic down to the park on Sunday evenings. We have a fantastic line up of bands this summer ---presented by Institution for Savings Bank and sponsored by The Community House, Town of Hamilton, HW...
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Summer Concert Series at Lynch Park

Free Summer Concerts hosted by Bev Rec at Lynch Park in Beverly Massachusetts
Enjoy free concerts this Summer at Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts!  Families are encourages to grab a chair and a blank and head to the park for a free concert at Lynch Park's ampitheater.
Where: Lynch Park
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Summer Concert Series at Stage Fort Park

Compaq Big Band is just one of the perfromers in the Summer Concert Series at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester Massachusetts!
Come enjoy a Summer evening sea-side concert at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester Massachusetts! The Cape Ann Community Band under the direction of David Benjamin, plays their annual summer concerts Sundays at the at the Antonio Gentile Bandstand, Stage Fort Park, Hough Avenue, Gloucester MA.
6:30 pm

Sunday, August 10

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. Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate...
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

Fusion Fest at the Gables

Fusion Fest at the House of Seven Gables in Salem Massachusetts celebrate the diverse cultral heritage its community!
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Salem, Massachusetts at the House of Seven Gables ! All are invited to a vibrant celebration of food, music, traditions, and more. Since its founding, The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association has been dedicated to helping newly immigrated...
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Rockport Acoustic Music Festival

Enjoy a day of music at the Acoustic Music Festival at Millbrook Meadow in Rockport Massachusetts!
The Rockport Acoustic Music Festival is a day-long celebration of music at Millbrook Meadow in Rockport Massachusetts! Come relax and enjoy a beautiful setting, have a picnic, play with your kids and enjoy the music of local musicians and bands! This annual event is a fun time for all so don't miss...
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Car Meet at the Phillips House

Salem Heritage Festival Annual Phillips House Antique and Vintage Car Meet Salem Massachusetts
Join Historic New England and the North Shore Old Car Club for the Annual Car Meet, where vintage and antique vehicles are displayed on historic Chestnut Street in Salem Massachusetts. stroll down historic Chestnut Street to see vintage and antique vehicles, including Phillips House’s own Model A...
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Take a guided kayak paddle and hike to Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a paddle and a hike – what better way to spend an afternoon? Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the...
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Essex Heritage Boat Tours to Bakers Island Lighthouse - Salem

Boat and Light Station Tour Bakers Island Tour out of Salem Massachusetts
Climb aboard Naumkeag, Essex Heritage’s landing craft for a trip to Bakers Island Light Station. Enjoy a 30-minute cruise from Salem past rugged coastline, harbor islands, and five lighthouses to Bakers Island. The light station is a 10-acre property that has been in use aiding in maritime...
1:00 pm to 3:30 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

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum
Join in on Sundays at 2:30 for STEAM Club for ages 5-11. Each week participants will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our NSCM staff! Every STEAM club session will see your kids participating in hands-on activities while exploring a new topic. Space is limited, please...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

S.C.E.N.E.'s Sunset HANG 2025

Enjoy an evening of fun, art & Music at the Salem Willows to wrap up Salem Heritage Days!
Wrap up Heritage Days with music in the park! S.C.E.N.E Annual Sunset Hang at Salem Willows is an event combining the skills of local vj's, dj's & live electronic musicians. The extravaganza’s purpose is: “to showcase talent right here in Salem, the North Shore & Boston Massachusetts. To...
3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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