Toys and Playthings

Toy Stores of the North Shore

The North Shore offers a variety of local toy stores for finding just the right gift for kids of all ages!

Kids love toys, and the North Shore has some great toy stores where you find more than just current assorment of toys that you'll find at the big box stores! From Marblehead to Newburyport, the locally owned and operated stores offer a great array of unique, fun and educational toys that make memorable gifts for kids of all ages. Local toy shops offer a fun excursion for families to explore the world of toys outside of the warehouse setting. Some of our fondest memories ad greatest discoveries with our kids happened in local stores!

Toys and Playthings

Shopping Locally

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Instructables - The World's Biggest Show and Tell

Find great activities, crafts, recipes and projects at Insructables.com

If you are out of ideas for projects and activities to keep family members entertained, you should discover the world awaiting you at Instructables. Instructables is a great resource for finding things to make and do alone or as a group. Passionate people from around the world show what they do or make, and then give instructions on duplicating their effort.

Toys and Playthings

Tech for Parents

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Going Rechargeable is Good for Everybody

Rechargeable batteries are safe, reliable and green

It seems like every time I turn around these days, there is a gadget, toy or instrument that needs some kind of battery. If your child is like 'B', I'm sure you're familiar with the routine of constantly changing batteries on items that are used daily, or are accidentally left on. Over time, constantly replacing disposable alkaline batteries adds up in terms of actual cost to you and harm to the environment.

Toys and Playthings

Tech for Parents

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North Shore Beach Gear Favorites

north shore kid beach gear

The large, sandy oceanfront beaches here on the North Shore are ideal for long days at the beach. The surf has been typically warm and calm lately, which makes it perfect for swimming.

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Toys and Playthings

Daycations & Weekend Trips

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Games and Toys to Build Children's Hand Strength.

I've just recently learned that kids need to build strength in their hands to be able to write and draw. At gym class with 'B', the instructor said that the jungle gym, trapeze ropes, and bar equipment were fabulous tools to increase kids hand strength.

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Toys and Playthings

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

Today's Events
Upcoming Events

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

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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Watching the Coastal Edge at Halibut Point

Meet at the Halibut Point State Park visitors center to learn about the role Halibut Point has played in America’s military history. One day after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, U.S.

Where: Halibut Point State Park

11:00 am to 12:30 pm

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CraneOutdoors: Family Winter Wildlife Walk

A CraneOutdoors Family Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are a much...

Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

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Sunday STEAM Club at 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...

Where: North Shore Children's Museum

2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

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Snow Moon Winter Celebration

Come to Spencer Peirce Little Farm to celebrate the season under the stillness of February's full Snow Moon! Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm opens its gates for a winter celebration that honors the beauty of the land

Where: Spencer Peirce Little Farm

3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

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CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading...

Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

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Monday, February 2

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Tuesday, February 3

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...

Where: Appleton Farms

10:30 am to 11:30 am

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Wednesday, February 4

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

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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Mini Movers at North Shore Children's Museum

Mini Movers is an engaging dance and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by experienced instructors, the program introduces young children to the world of dance in a safe and nurturing environment.

Where: North Shore Children's Museum

10:00 am to 11:00 am

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Thursday, February 5

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Friday, February 6

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

♦ Read More →

Salem's So Sweet 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...

Where: Downtown Salem

9:00 am to 10:00 pm

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Winter Family Field Trip: Raptor Road Trip

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...

Where: Joppa Flats Education Center

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

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.

Where: Breakheart Reservation

10:30 am to 11:30 am

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