Ipswich RiverFest

Ipswich River Watershed Association Paddle-a-thon is a fun day on the Ipswich River for the whole family!

Celebrate the start of summer and Father’s Day weekend at RiverFest—a free, family-friendly festival full of outdoor fun, nature, music, and more—on Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ipswich River Park in North Reading.

RiverFest is our signature event, a celebration of our local river and all it makes possible. Whether you’re hoping to catch your first fish, meet a live snake, or just relax and enjoy local eats and tunes, RiverFest has something for everyone.

Highlights include:

  • Learn to Fish with MassWildlife – Freshwater fishing technicians from the MassWildlife will be on site with rods, bait, and expert advice. No license or experience necessary—just bring your curiosity!
  • Pollinator Garden Talk with Grown Native Massachusetts – Discover how you can support pollinators and wildlife at home. Explore the benefits of native plants.
  • Slithering Fun with Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team – Get up close and personal with live snakes and learn about the region’s fascinating reptile species.
  • Live Music by Alpha Omega – Enjoy great local tunes while you explore the festival.
  • Delicious Eats & Treats – Grab a bite from TJ Taste Truck and cool off with a refreshing slushie from INspire Café.
  • Family Farms Edible Landscaping – Learn how to grow food and beauty at the same time with help from local experts.

Rain date: Saturday, June 21st

When: 
Saturday, June 14, 2025 10am-1pm
Phone: 
978.412.8200

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, June 12

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

Saturday, June 13

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

Turtle Time at IRWS

Kids and families will explore IRWS wetland in search of painted and snapping turtles.
Explore our wetlands in search of these fascinating reptiles. Walk about a half mile to visit areas where turtles like to nest and bask in the sun, look at and touch real turtle shells, and, with a little luck, get an up-close look at a painted turtle. Conclude with a trip to the Rockery to see if...
10:00 am to 2:30 pm

Discover Saturdays at Cape Ann Museum

Discover Saturdays for Families at Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Enjoy a FREE guided activity (ages 4+) in the gallery. Learn about Cape Ann’s Granite Industry, try a fun art making activity, and join in gallery tour designed for kids and their caregivers, led by a CAM Educator. Afterwards grab a scavenger hunt to explore the property and enjoy the lawn.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

The Legacies of Long Hill: House & Garden Tour

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. Step inside the beauty and layered history of Long Hill with a guided tour of its breathtaking gardens and historic house. Once the...
10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Sunday, June 14

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

The Legacies of Long Hill: House & Garden Tour

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. Step inside the beauty and layered history of Long Hill with a guided tour of its breathtaking gardens and historic house. Once the...
10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, 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...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Monday, June 15

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

Tuesday, June 16

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