Boat

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 makings of an epic adventure. This combined outdoor trip in the Crane Wildlife Refuge—home to myriad birds and mammals including egrets, herons, deer, and coyote—offers an opportunity to fully experience all this beautiful area has to offer.

When:

Sunday & Monday May 25 & 26, 2025

Saturdays, May 31 - August 30, 2025 1-4:30pm

Sundays, June 15 - August 31, 2025 1-4:30pm

No session: June 14, 21 & 28, July 13 & 27, August 16

Location:

Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

Kayak

Boat

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Model Boat Building and Regatta

Kids can build a model boat and race it in a regatta on Redd's Pond in Marblehead

BRING THE KIDS - BRING YOUR FOLKS - BUILD & SAIL YOUR VERY OWN BOAT! This popular event begins with a workshop where participants construct model boats from provided kits at the Lee Mansion Gardens and ends with a competitive regatta at Redd's Pond. These small treasures are more than just toys—they really sail. This fun and educational activity is perfect for the whole family.

When:

Thursday, July 3, 2025 10am-4pm

Location:

Marblehead Festival of the Arts

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July 4th Boat Parade in Essex

The Chebacco Boat Parade is a great Fourth of July tradition in Essex MA

The Chebacco Lake and Watershed Association will sponsor its annual Fourth of July Boat Parade on at 10am Sunday, July 4th. All boats will meet at Gregory Island Cove on the South Side of Gregory Island (small cove) and proceed around the lake counterclockwise. Prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic, Most Creative and best costume or costumes.

When:

Friday, July 4, 2025 10am

Location:

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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.

Location:

Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

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Santa at Sea Cruise

Sail with Santa aboard the Beauport Princess on the water of Gloucester Harbor in Massachusetts

Enjoy a holiday harbor cruise aboard Beauport Cruiselines with Santa! Take in the beautiful views of Gloucester Harbor, all while singing holiday carols with elves, enjoying hot cocoa and cookies, and listening to a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Plus, a visit from Santa himself! Tickets include hot cocoa, cookies, and a picture with Santa. A Cash bar will be available. Two 90 Minute cruises are offered.

When:

Sunday, December 15, 2024 11am or 2pm

Location:

Cruiseport Gloucester

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Manchester Cardboard Boat Regatta

This year's event will start at 10am with Boats on Display. The captain's safety briefing will be at 10:30am and the regatta will start at ~11am. Awards will be presented following with our amazing partners at the Legion followed by the New England Patriots kick off at 1pm and incredible tunes on the deck at 2pm by Peter Hoare.

When:

Sunday, October 13, 2024 starting at 10am

Location:

Downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea

Boat

Race

Cardboard Boat

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Trails & Sails

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 cultural experiences of all kinds. Find what makes Essex County like nowhere else during Trails & Sails! It’s all FREE and it’s all located within the 34 cities and towns of Essex County.

When:

Daily, September 14-29, 2024

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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 8, 2024 1-3:30pm

Location:

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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 2023, 10:30am or Noon

Location:

Schooner Thomas E. Lannon

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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, and hidden coves on the island. The Misery Islands are managed by The Trustees. Time allotted is about 3 hours round-trip (30-minute trip to and from the islands, and 2 hours on Great Misery Island). More information about the islands as well as a trail map can be found HERE

When:

Saturdays, July 13 - September 7, 2024 11am or 12:30pm

Location:

Trustees of Reservations

Essex Heritage

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StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

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...

Where: Maudslay State Park

7:00 am to 8:00 pm

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Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

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...

Where: Maudslay State Park

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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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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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

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Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

11:00 am

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Saugus Iron Works Tours

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.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

2:00 pm

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Friday Night Party at Salisbury Beach

Get ready for family fun every Friday night all summer long at Salisbury Beach! Starting at 7:15 PM on the Salisbury Beach stage, enjoy a full evening of summer tunes and excitement. DJ Ralphie B will be spinning your favorite hits, while hosting kid-friendly activities that will keep everyone...

Where: Salisbury Beach Stage

7:15 pm to 10:00 pm

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Saturday, July 12

StoryWalk Series at Maudslay

Where: Maudslay State Park

7:00 am to 8:00 pm

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Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk

Where: Maudslay State Park

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

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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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Haverhill Farmers' Market

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...

Where: Haverhill Farmers' Market

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Marblehead Farmers' 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...

Where: Marblehead Farmers' Market

9:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Andover Farmers' Market

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.

Where: South Church in Andover

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Rockport Farmers' Market

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.

Where: Harvey Park - Rockport

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Crane Outdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River

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...

Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

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