Trustees of Reservations

Castle Hill Picnic Concert - Psychedelic Relics

Psychedlic Relics will perform at the Trustees of Reservations' Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts.

Part of the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, this is a great way to get together and have fun with the whole family in an exclusive setting. Castle Hill Picnic Concerts are back! Pack a picnic supper and enjoy an evening of live music on the magnificent Grand Allee. Stroll the grounds and explore the newly restored gardens while you enjoy a night out on the estate. Gates open at 5PM for picnicking. Advance ticket reservations are recommended but not required.

When: 
Thursday, July 20, 2023 7-9pm

Warm Up at the Cape Ann Discovery Center

Head outdoors at Ravenswood Park, then warm up by the fire with a hot cocoa at the Cape Ann Discovery Center in Gloucester

Kick off the new year with Winter Happenings at the Cape Ann Discovery Center at Ravenswood Park--Nordic skiing, snowshoe rentals, outdoor children's activities. Warm up afterwards with hot cocoa by the woodstove. [Fee for snowshoe rentals--Members $10, Nonmembers $20.]

When: 
Weekends through Winter 2016 10am-3pm
Location: 

New Year's Resolution Scavenger Hunt

Join this fun New Year's Resolution Scavenger Hunt at the Stevens-Coolidge place in North Andover

Stop by The Stevens-Coolidge Place from Monday, December 30 to Sunday, January 12 to get a jump start on those 2020 resolutions! Just inside the white gate at the front door of the the house, you’ll find a scavenger hunt list on the brick patio to get you started exploring all that 2020 has to offer. On the sheet, you’ll find a list of 15 common resolutions, turned into a call to action that will take you through the property. Borrow one and find what’s in store for you in the new year! This activity is suitable for all ages and is best completed in groups of 2 or more. Get outside and explore this winter!

When: 
Daily December 30, 2019 through January 12, 2020

Winter Fun at Castle Hill

Beat those winter blues and make the most of February vacation by getting outside at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

Beat those winter blues and make the most of February vacation by getting outside! Every afternoon February 16-22, join us for winter fun for all ages at the Crane Estate from noon-4pm (we recommend you arrive by 3pm). Check in at the front desk in the main gallery of the house then plan your adventure! Roast s'mores around an outdoor fire pit, go on a winter scavenger hike, do an outdoor activity (see below), or cozy up inside with daily story time and a seasonal craft.

When: 
Daily, February 16-22, 2020 Noon-4pm

Spring Quest at the Crane Estate

The ultimate summer adventure meets spring break at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

The ultimate summer adventure meets spring break! Join us during school break for a special half-day drop-off program for children ages 7-14, full of outdoor adventure, environmental science, team-building, and crafts! Campers should come with a water bottle, outdoor clothes, a packed lunch and a spirit of adventure!

When: 
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 9am-1pm

CraneExplorer: Secret Life of Trees

Families are invited to join us for a celebration of all things arboreal, on a guided hike through the Castle hill grounds in Ipswich Massachusetts

Take a deep breath and thank the trees! Families are invited to join us for a celebration of all things arboreal, on a guided hike through the Castle hill grounds, woodland trails, and pine grove, while learning all about both the natural and non-native/introduced trees living here. Participants will use all five senses to meet a tree; learn to ID trees via their leaves, bark, and seeds; discover unique adaptations for survival; and gain an expanded appreciation for all the benefits and ecosystem services that trees provide.

When: 
Monday, April 17, 2023 10am-Noon
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CraneExplorer: Shifting Sands

CraneExplorer events are designed to appeal to families with children ages 5-12 at the Crane Estate in Ipswich MA

The beach is much more than just sand! On this family education program, participants will learn about the diverse habitats of the sandy beach and dunes. Learners discover shells, seaweed, plants, animal tracks, and other signs of life on the beach and in the dunes, get an up-close look at sand to explore its composition and how it formed, and use scientific tools to measure the ever-changing shape of the beach. Learn how The Trustees are managing and protecting our ever-changing coast, and how you can play a role!

When: 
Saturday, May 7, 2023 1-3pm
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Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Workshop at Appleton Farm

Come to Appleton Farms in Ipswich for this strawberry rhubarb pie culinary workshop! Photo ©Bill O'Connor

Join us in making a pie together in celebration of Strawberry and Rhubarb season. Students will learn how to make flaky, all butter pie crust and the best way to highlight the prominent fruits of the month. This class will lead participants through arranging a lattice top and will include tips and tricks to make your pie a show stopper at your next pot luck! Class will end with enjoying a slice of pie together and students will be sent home with a full pie.

When: 
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 6-8pm
Location: 

Bunny Trail Hop & Farmhouse Brunch at Appleton Farms

Bunny Trail Hop and Brunch at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts!

Spring is a time of renewal and excitement at Appleton Farms! Join us to celebrate, explore, and engage with our animals and gardens as you “hop” along the farmyard to different interactive learning stations. From planting seeds into soil pots, transplanting seedlings into the ground, feeding our Angora bunnies, felting small eggs, and brushing the goats, your child will be immersed in the Springtime activities of the farm. Collect an egg stamp at each station and take your fully-stamped Trail Hop “passport” to the Farmhouse Cafe to collect your special treat!

When: 
Saturday, April 20, 2019 10am-Noon
Location: 

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Art Academy Summer Program at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly MA

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

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

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School in Hmailton Massachusetts hosts their annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture exhibit each Fall. Sculpture: Phoenix by Robin Tost.
Pingree School hosts the 16th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, Massachusetts .
8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Crescent Farm Corn Maze

Crescent Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
Imagine the biggest puzzle you’ve ever seen. Now imagine a day in the sunshine with your friends or family. Now add an adventure that takes teamwork and memory skills. All these things and more can be found at Crescent Farms Corn Maze. Crescent Farm Corn Maze trails cut into 9 acres of corn. Inside...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Step Inside the Historic Custom House

Take in the views of this prominent building where Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked and the U.S. Custom Service operated. This Custom House was built in 1819 and housed offices for the officers of the U.S. Customs Service, as well as an attached warehouse, the Public Stores, used for the storage of...
9:30 am to 4:30 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

Step Aboard the Friendship of Salem

Permission to come aboard the Friendship of Salem is granted at Derby Wharf in Salem Massachusetts!
Explore the FRIENDSHIP OF SALEM, a replica tall ship based on a 1796 Salem vessel at Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
1:30 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

A Spiritual Quest Weekend at Hilldale Cemetery

Hilldale Cemetary in Haverhill Massachusetts is one of the North Shore's most active paranormal spots!
Do you believe in Ghosts? If you do then join the Essex County Ghost Project and Witches Wonder fort a spooktacular evening of haunts and fun . The gates open at 6:30 pm and hunt starts at 7pm . We are exploring one of New England’s most Haunted historical sites . There have been reports of full...
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Paddle Around Historic Rockport Harbor

Paddle around Rockport Massachusetts Harbor for FREE as part of Trails and Sails
Come join North Shore Adventures and Outdoor Center for some fun on the water! No experience necessary. Depart from our private beach in one of our safe, stable kayaks or paddle boards and paddle around the historic Rockport Harbor for 30 mins. See lobster boats, Motif #1, the Rockport Break water...
10:30 pm

Trails & Sails

Explore the North Shore with over 150 Free Events in Essex National Heritage Area's Trails & Sails celebration in Massachusetts.
Essex National Heritage Area sites will offer over 150 free family fun events from September 14-29, 2024 for the annual celebration of TRAILS & SAILS. Discover special places in your backyard and be guided through unique landscapes on land and sea, explore historic properties, and take in...
7:00 am to 10:00 pm

Saturday, October 4

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

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

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

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour

Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Crescent Farm Corn Maze

Crescent Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
Imagine the biggest puzzle you’ve ever seen. Now imagine a day in the sunshine with your friends or family. Now add an adventure that takes teamwork and memory skills. All these things and more can be found at Crescent Farms Corn Maze. Crescent Farm Corn Maze trails cut into 9 acres of corn. Inside...
9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Marini Farm Corn Maze

The 2025 Marini Farm Corn Maze in Ipswich Massachusetts is themed for The Wizard of Oz
Come to Marini Farm for a fun journey through our corn maze! The Maze Park, corn maze, farm stand, bakery and other attractions provide a great destination for kids birthday parties, school trips, corporate team building, scout outings, and family activities. Marini Farm is located in beautiful...
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Topsfield Fair

Topsfield Fair is one of the longest running annual fairs in the United States
The Topsfield Fair is a perennial favorite for us.  We're not the biggest fans of the midway, although it is always worth a walkthrough and a ride or two.  We love fruits and vegetables, and are always on the lookout for the winning 'biggest pumpkin'.  Another favorite is checking out the pigs and...
10:00 am to 10:00 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

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

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
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