Beaches

North Shore Playgrounds

Sometimes when you're on the go, and things are getting hectic, it's great to be able to pull over and let the kids decompress at a playground.  We have compiled a list of alot (but not all) of the playgrounds on the North Shore.  We like to visit the different ones on our routes around Essex county, and compare them.  If we see one we haven't been to, we'll stop and give it a try. Have a look, explore and discover the North Shore through a playground tour!

North Shore Trails

Enjoy a hike on one of the many trails on the North Shore of Boston Massachusetts!

The North Shore has many miles of trails over all kinds of terrain.  Hike in the forest, through moraine boulder feilds, over dunes, and through varied habitats that offer many different kinds of flora and fauna. It's not just about hiking either - many trails are accessible to cross country skiers, showshoe enthusiast and mountain bikers too. Check out our complete list of places hike, run and walk on the North Shore, and discover the unique beauty of this wonderful part of Massachusetts!

North Shore Museums

Dragons on display at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem Massachusetts

There a many great musuems on the North Shore due to the area's history, cultural diversity, maritime heritage and roots in colonial America. There are plenty to visit, and if you include museums in the greater Boston area, there are almost too many to visit. Check out our list of museums.  You'll find that the North Shore and surrounding areas cover a wide variety of interest through their museums - everything from art to colonial settlements to textiles to science and robotics!

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

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

Friday, February 6

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

Salem's So Sweet Festival

Salem Massachusetts' retailers have some sweet surprises in store during the Salem's So Sweet Weekend Festival
Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber of Commerce invite you to come enjoy the annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival – a decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine’s Day shopping! Now in its 24th year, Salem’s So Sweet has become...
9:00 am to 10:00 pm

Winter Family Field Trip: Raptor Road Trip

Families are invited to Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport Massachusetts to learn about eagles and their behaviors. Photo: Bill O'Connor
With radios in hand, we will carpool to Bald Eagle viewing spots along the Merrimack River and walk short distances to spot eagles with our binoculars and birding scopes. We will be watch for fishing, and courtship displays. Stay warm and active with small group activities that feature raptor sound...
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately 1 mile, though not accessible for strollers. Appropriate for families with children 3-5 years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Family Owl Prowl

Join a Family Owl Prowl  at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Scott Santino
Experience the excitement of an owl prowl as we take a hike under the light of the moon to look and listen for Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech-Owls. Before we head out on our nocturnal adventure, we will learn fun owl facts in our cozy barn using real owl feathers, skulls, and...
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm

Saturday, February 7

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

Salem's So Sweet Festival

Salem Massachusetts' retailers have some sweet surprises in store during the Salem's So Sweet Weekend Festival
Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber of Commerce invite you to come enjoy the annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival – a decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine’s Day shopping! Now in its 24th year, Salem’s So Sweet has become...
9:00 am to 10:00 pm

NSNP Saturday Srolls at Choate Farm

Come to Choate Farm in Danvers Massachusetts to learn some basic Winter Survival Skills with your family!
Do you and your family have what it takes to survive out in the wilderness?
10:00 am to 11:30 am

CraneExplorer: Valentine's Coastal Craft

Make Valentines crafts from materials that we find along the shore at the Trustees of Reservations Crane Estate in Ipswich, Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invites ages 12 and up to a valentine craft making workshop! This Valentine’s Day, give a gift from the sea! From seaweed pressings to shell collages, beach treasures make beautiful greetings and keepsakes. Join this workshop to learn fun craft ideas and make marine art...
10:00 am to 12:30 pm

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us this season. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place…
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
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