Pre-School

Sand Sculpture Competition

Marblehead FoA Sand Sculpture Competition on Devereaux Beach in Marblehead

Come to the beach for a fun family activity where you can build a castle or sculpture together! It's free and open to all ages. Just bring your own buckets, shovels, and building tools. There will be extras if you need them. Local children will judge the entries, with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, plus a Spirit Award. Families and beachgoers can vote for their favorite sculpture by donating. The entry with the most donations wins the "Sandy Dollar Award" to help fund future Marblehead Festival of Arts.

When: 
Friday July 5, 2024 1-3:30pm
Location: 
Devereux Beach
Marblehead
Sand Sculture
Outdoor Activity
Marblehead Festival of the Arts
July 4th

Children's Festival in Marblehead

The Children's Festival is just one event of many in the Marblehead Festival of the Arts

​This free, hands-on, community art experience is primarily geared toward children under 10 years of age and children must be accompanied by an adult. The line-up of projects this year include play-dough making, decorative wands, creating musical instruments, and Doodle Top drawing which captures a “playful art” theme for a celebration packed with fun.

When: 
Saturday, July 6th​, 2024 10am-1pm
Location: 
Jeremiah Lee Mansion
Marblehead
Story Telling
Music
Festival
Live Music
Art
Activity
Crafts
Marblehead Festival of the Arts

Art on the Avenue

Marblehead Festival of the Arts Art on the Avenue July 4th weekend in Marblehead MA

Young in Age or Young at Heart - All ages welcomed to Art on The Avenue located on Atlantic Avenue part of the Marblehead Festival of Arts. ​ Paint your own pottery with Hestia Creations, make jewelry with EOS studio, learn about plants from Marblehead Garden Center or connecting with mini horses. ​ Face painting and other arts booths will be available up and down Atlantic Avenue. Enjoy the arts, shopping, and dining in another one of our favorite parts of town!

When: 
Saturday, July 6, 2024 2-5pm
Location: 
Downtown Marblehead
Marblehead
Painting
Jewelry
Pottery
Crafts
Jewelry Making
Outdoor Activity
Marblehead Festival of the Arts
July 4th

All Family Field Trip: Spring in the Tide Pools

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

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: 
Thursday, May 30, 2024 10am-Noon
Location: 
Sandy Point State Reservation
Newbury
Newburyport
Exploration
Discovery
Mass Audubon
Live Animals
Tide Pool

All Family Field Trip | Early Spring in the Salt Marsh

Kids and families are invited to come explore the marsh habitat naturalists from the 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! For kids 4-11.

When: 
Thursday, May 16, 2024 10am-Noon
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Hike
Exploration
Discovery
Science
Activities

Wonder Workshop for PreK at North Shore Children's Museum

Pre-K Wonder Workshop at North Shore Children's Museum in Peabody Massachusetts

Join us this Wednesday at 1:30 PM for the Pre-K Wonder Workshop at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by retired transitional kindergarten teacher Norma, each week explores a different question through hands-on activities. This interactive workshop sparks curiosity and encourages active participation in a supportive environment. Tickets

When: 
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 1:30 PM
Location: 
North Shore Children's Museum
Peabody
Museum
Workshop

Read to a Dog at Danvers Library

Kids are invited to read to a therapy dog at the Danvers Public Library in Massachusetts

Canceled 4/12/24

Ages 4 - 11. Kids, read to Bentley, our therapy dog friend from B.O.N.E.S.! Bring some books with you or select them from the Children's Room to read to our friendly dog buddy. You'll have 15 minutes to read to our canine companion, who will happily enjoy your stories. This helps to build reading fluency and confidence! Great for reluctant readers! One child per time slot, please.

When: 
Thursday, April 25, 2024 6-7pm
Location: 
Peabody Institute Library - Danvers
Danvers
Library
Reading
Pets
Read to a Dog

Through Me to You Puppet Show

Through Me to You Puppetry at the Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester Massachusetts

Sawyer Free Library hosts Through Me to You Puppetry foran Extra Special Storytime event at Brown's Mall in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Puppet friends take turns reading stories & singing songs with us! Afterwards, children & families can meet the puppets during a hands on puppet play session!  This special event will be held inside Brown's Mall at Movement Arts Gloucester MA on the top floor of the Brown Building, where regular story time is held.

When: 
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 11am-Noon
Location: 
Brown's Mall
Gloucester
Puppet Show
Library
Children's Literature

Pages

Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

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...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
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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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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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...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic
The Annual Hampton Beach, NH Master Sandsculpting Competition 2025
The fun starts when 200 tons of imported sand is dropped on Hampton Beach and the “Grady Bunch” starts pounding up the sponsor site. The entire area is illuminated for night viewing through June 23rd. Watch Greg Grady and “The Grady Bunch” build a mammoth Sand Demo Site. 
Where: Hampton Beach
7:00 am to 11:00 pm
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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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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Inclyousion Sports at North Shore Children's Museum
Inclyousion Paly Session at the North Shore Children's Museum in Peabody Massachusetts
Join coaches from Inclyousion Sports to learn and play. Inclyousion Sports provides inclusive sports enrichment programs to children in Massachusetts, using innovative behavioral methods to teach sports, fitness, and social skills.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 11:00 am
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Annual Art in the Barn Exhibit and Sale
Art in the Barn is a fundraiser for the Essex County Greenbelt Association Essex Mass
Art in the Barn is recognized as one of the North Shore’s premier art events, showcasing the work of some of the most talented artists in the region. An annual fundraising event for over 30 years, the show takes place at Greenbelt’s headquarters, Cox Reservation in Essex, an iconic plein air...
Where: Cox Reservation
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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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...
Where: Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham
10:30 am to 11:15 am
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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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Sunday, June 15

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...
Where: Tannery Marketplace
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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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...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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Interpretation Station at Maudslay

Learn about the bloom cycles at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Join the park interpreter at this station to discover the many park perks at Maudslay! Each week a different feature and area will be highlighted. Check the board at each entrance to find the location of the Interpretation Station. For all ages.
Where: Maudslay State Park
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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...
Where: Downtown North Andover
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
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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...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Garden Tours at Stevens Coolidge Estate
Come enjoy the fantastic flower display in the gardens at the Trustees of Reservations Stevens-Coolidge Place in North Andover!
Enter a world of early 20th-century country elegance and contemporary garden design all in bloom at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens. These expansive manicured gardens boast both plentiful European-inspired flower beds as designed in the 1920s, as well as newly installed gardens featuring...
Where: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens
12:00 pm
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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...
Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →
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