Boat Ride

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 navigation for almost 250 years. The site features an 1820 light tower, two keepers houses, and historic trails. During your visit you will have the chance to explore the natural landscape, learn about the history of the light station, and relax on the island setting.

When: 
Sundays through September 14, 2025 1-3:30pm

Kids Sail Free on the Schooner Lannon

Kids ride free on the 10:30am an Noon Saturday Cruise on the Schooner Lannon through Summer

Schooner Thomas E. Lannon is a fixture on the Gloucester Harbor vista throughout the day in the warm months, but to really experience the Lannon, you need to come aboard and go for a cruise!  Sail and see lighthouses, castles, scenic beaches, and magnificent waterfront homes.

When: 
Saturdays through July and August 2025, 10:30am or Noon

Olde Fashioned Sunday

Find out what "In the old days..." really means in at Olde Fashioned Sunday!

Olde Fashioned Sunday in Downtown Newburyport will be a great day to remember the beginnings of our Yankee Homecoming celebrations. Come enjoy some “new” events to help make future memories for the current younger generations as the past has given some of us the “good ole’ days” to remember.

When: 
Sunday, July 27, 2025 10am-3:30pm
Location: 

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.

When: 
Saturday, April 19, 2025 to Sunday, September 1, 2025
Spring (April to June 20) 10 am to 4 pm
Summer (June 21 to Labor Day) 10 am to 5 pm
The Swan Boats are open every day, weather permitting. We cannot operate in rain, high winds or extreme heat.

Fall Foliage Cider & Donut Cruises

Take a guided tour of the Essex Massachusetts Marshes with Essex River Cruises this Autumn

Essex River Cruises hosts a narrated sightseeing tour that winds down the beautiful Essex River aboard Essex River Queen, a pontoon boat. We’ll cruise up close to Hog/Choate Island to get a view of the area's magnificent dark spruce forest. See the leaves change into brilliant hues of yellow and orange. Enjoy complimentary hot cider and donuts from Russell Orchard of Ipswich. Don’t miss this magnificent opportunity to view some of New England’s most spectacular fall foliage.

When: 
Saturdays & Sundays through October 2023 1-3 pm
Monday, October 14, 2024 1-3pm

Choate Island Day

The annual Choate Island Day celebration hosted by The Trustees at The Crane Estate is coming up on Saturday, September 28th! With a ticket to this family-friendly event, you can access Choate Island, the crown jewel of the Crane Wildlife Refuge located behind Crane Beach in Essex Bay. Hop on the bus at Crane Beach, and then take the Essex River Cruises riverboat over to the island. Enjoy guided or self-guided tours allow you to explore the island and tour three historic buildings, with a kid's scavenger hunt, light refreshments, and history & wildlife stations and talks along the way.

When: 
Saturday, September 28, 2024 10AM-3PM
Last Admission at 1pm

Haunted Harbor Cruise

Come learn about the haunted happenings of Salem Sound on this 1½ hour cruise.

Mahi Cruises & Charters invites you to a unique cruise in Salem Massachusetts! The fabled coastlines of Salem sound come alive with tales of haunted lighthouses, eerie islands, ruthless pirates, and living monsters who wreak havoc on passing ships to this very day! This spook-tacular 75-minute cruises screams Haunted Happenings Fun day or night…

When: 
Thursdays-Sundays through October Times Vary
Mondays, October 9 & 30, 2023 Times Vary
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 Times Vary

Lighthouse & Foliage Cruise

See North Shore Fall Foliage from the water on this lighthouse tour!

Mahi Cruises & Charters invites you to take in the changing colors of fall by boat on a cruise out of Salem Massachusetts Harbor. Passengers will visit out five historic lighthouses during this 14-mile harbor loop through Beverly, Manchester, Salem & Marblehead. This 1 hour 45 minute tour gets you up close to view the lighthouses from the water, and gives you a brand new perspective on the splendor of the North Shore's changing fall foliage.

When: 
Fridays-Sundays through October 10:30am-Noon
Thursdays through October 12:30-2pm
Mondays, October 9 & 30, 2023 12:30-2pm
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 12:30-2pm

CraneOutdoors: Riverboat to Choate Island & Hike

Tour the waters of Essex Bay estuary aboard the Trustee's pontoon boat Osprey followed by a hike on Choate Island!

There are few places on the North Shore that more reliably enjoy spectacular views than the back side of Crane Beach, overlooking Essex Bay. On this riverboat outing into the heart of the Essex River basin, we will be setting sail in the protected waters of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, one of the most scenic sections of the Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England.

When: 
Saturday-Monday, May 27 - June 26, 2023 12pm-3pm
Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023 12pm-3pm
Fridays, June 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2023 12pm-3pm

War of 1812 Bicentennial

Come to Salem Maritime to celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812!

War of 1812 Day at Salem Maritime National Historic Site! Salem Maritime will be celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 with living history programming throughout the day. Meet some of Salem's 19th century citizens, and hear their views on this controversial war. Family activities and Junior Ranger programs will be offered all day.

When: 
Saturday, September 29, 2012 10am-4pm

Pages

Shore School in Beverly Massachusetts offers a host of Summer programs for kids aged 5-12

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

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

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

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

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

Andover Farmers' Market

Find Fresh Local Produce at the Andover Massachusetts Farmers Market North of Boston
The Andover Farmers Market is a vibrant hub connecting local farmers, artisans and the community through the joy of local food. Whether you come for carrots or conversation, it is a place to nourish the body, mind and spirit.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Marblehead Farmers' Market

Find fresh local produce and other foods at the Marblehead Farmer's Market!
The Marblehead Farmer's Market boasts 15+ local farms, and booths with an educational spin nutrition, vendors and farms selling homemade prepared goods and craft vendors that are switched up in a rotation basis week to week. Additionally there are entertainers and exhibits by environmentally...
9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Rockport Farmers' Market

The Rockport Farmers' Market runs every Saturday at Rockport Music in Downtown Rockport!
The Rockport Farmers Market offers a variety of locally-grown produce, hand-crafted products, baked goods, and live music. It provides a community space to support local farmers and artisans.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Haverhill Farmers' Market

Haverhill Farmers Market, North Shore Farmers Market, Cape Ann Farmers Marke
The vibrant, colorful Haverhill Farmers Market is where local farmers and food producers meet to sell directly to the community. Established in 1978, the Haverhill Farmers Market mission is to provide access to farm-fresh products and promote local agriculture, as well as serve as a social...
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

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

Yankee Homecoming Family Day

Newburyport Yankee Homecoming's Family Fun Day has a lot to offer in events and activities - Massachusettts.
Come to Nock Middle School as we start off our Super Saturday with good family fun!  Many local businesses, organizations and non-profits take part in our Family Day fun offering free crafts, games, activities and handouts.  Sit down for some lunch and listen to the band playing on the main stage...
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Music and Movement at North Shore Children's Museum

North Shore, North Shore Childrens Museum in Peabody MA
Music and Movement with Marybeth Maes is an engaging music and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Marybeth brings her guitar and instruments for the children to use while they sing, dance, and play.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Festival-by-the-Sea

Manchester Festival by the Sea celebrates art on Cape Ann and the local bounty of Artistry.
The Festival by the Sea is an annual event hosted by the Manchester Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, this all-day extravaganza taps into the long-line of local talent with musical and artistic performers alike. Festival by the Sea is a celebration of the things that are synonymous with...
10:00 am to 4:00 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

Kids Sail Free on the Schooner Lannon

Kids ride free on the 10:30am an Noon Saturday Cruise on the Schooner Lannon through Summer
Schooner Thomas E. Lannon is a fixture on the Gloucester Harbor vista throughout the day in the warm months, but to really experience the Lannon, you need to come aboard and go for a cruise!  Sail and see lighthouses, castles, scenic beaches, and magnificent waterfront homes.
10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Boat Tour to Misery Island

Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound Massachusetts
Journey on Essex Heritage’s landing craft Naumkeag to Great Misery Island in Salem Sound. Along the way, hear stories about the rich history of the harbor and how the Misery Islands acquired their unique name. When you arrive, you’ll have 2 hours to explore the trails, open meadows, rocky shoreline...
11:00 am to 2:00 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. 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

Circus Smirkus | 2025 Big Top Tour

Theater in the Open proudly hosts Circus Smirkus' 2025 Big Top Tour in Newbury Massachusetts!
Theater in the Open proudly hosts Circus Smirkus' 2025 Big Top Tour! Every summer, a freshly auditioned company of Smirkus Troupers, ages 10 to 18, take to the road in traditional mud show fashion for a two-month performance tour of New England. Backed by professional coaches, cooks, musicians and...
1:00 pm to 9:00 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

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

Waterfront Concert: The Salem Boyz

Join The Salem Boyz on the Newburyport Waterfront at Cashman Park during Yankee Homecoming week!
The Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert Series invites you to enjoy a varierty of music with Way to the River at Cashman Park. The Salem Boyz is a nostalgia-rich, 12-piece classic rock and dance band with horn section, made up of reunited high school friends from Salem, New Hampshire. Our passion...
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Fireworks and Beach Concerts at Salisbury Beach

Fourth of July Fireworks at Salisbury Beach include a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach.
Join us at Salisbury Beach for an unforgettable family night out! Every Saturday through the summer, enjoy spectacular fireworks (weather permitting) that light up the sky. Before the fireworks, there's a live concert starting at 7:30 PM on the Salisbury Oceanfront Stage, perfect for families with...
7:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Yankee Homecoming Fireworks

Yankee Homecoming will once again hold its traditional grand finale fireworks.
Display performed Pyrotechnico.  Co-sponsored by various local merchants, banks and the citizens of Newburyport. Bring your blanket or chair, sit and relax, listen to the concert and get ready for the oohs and aahhhs. A spectacular fireworks display is being planned for your enjoyment. Come early...
9:15 pm

Sunday, August 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Subscribe to Boat Ride