Exploration

Kayak Family Paddle on Plum Island Sound

Kayaking basics are taught along with this family kayak exploration at Joppa

Late spring is a great time to experience on-the-water ecology, and kayaking is the perfect way to capture every moment. From wading birds to waterfowl, the salt marshes provide the backdrop to sights and sounds that are uniquely available from the water. Kayaking quietly on the calm waters of the Plum Island Sound, we'll visit secluded areas where we can witness wildlife without disturbing their activities. We may even see horseshoe crabs mating!

When: 
Sunday, June 9, 2013 10am - 2pm
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Class
Exploration
Discovery
Kayaking

Kids Flower Ramble at Maudslay State Park

Rhododendron's are plentiful at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport!

Flowers are for kids, too! Children ages 6 – 10 can accompany their parents and the park interpreter to learn about the fabulous flowers at Maudslay, one of the premier viewing locations in Massachusetts. Meet at the park headquarters on Curzon Mill Rd. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Children must be accompanied by an adult!

When: 
Fridays in May 2013 10:30-11:30 am
Location: 
Maudslay State Park
Newburyport
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Conservation
Discovery

Geology Walk at Moraine Farm

Moraine Farm invites you explore the fields and learn about Geology!

Join geologist James Matz and farm manager Gretta Anderson for a tour of Moraine Farm in Beverly. A geologist and member of Beverly's Planning Board, James Matz will present information about the geology and soils of the farm. Farm Manager Gretta Anderson will introduce participants to the 23-acre organically-managed community vegetable farm which is owned by The Trustees of Reservations.

When: 
Saturday, May 11, 2013 1–3PM,
Location: 
Moraine Farm
Beverly
Hike
Exploration
Farm
Geology
Trustees of Reservations

Imagine, Sing & Learn 5A: Tweet, Chirp, Cheep!

Preschoolers will learn about the birds of Spring at Joppa Flats Education Cente

This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. You'll receive coloring pages, song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list in an electronic goody bag! This months ISL will focus on the birds of Spring!

When: 
Thursday, May 2, 2013 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Class
Exploration
Crafts
Mass Audubon

Friday Morning

Preschoolers will learn about the birds of Spring at Joppa Flats Education Cente

This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. You'll receive coloring pages, song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list in an electronic goody bag! This months ISL will focus on the birds of Spring!

When: 
Friday, May 3, 2013 10:00-11:30 am
Location: 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Newburyport
Class
Exploration
Crafts
Mass Audubon

Sense of Wonder Walk: The Squishiness of Things

A fallen tree becomes a habitat for many creatures and forms of life at IRWS.

Even as its soft rotting wood becomes a forest recycling center, a dead log is still home to many plants and animals. We'll meet fabulous fungi, slime molds, squishy earthworms, slimy slugs, salamanders, and much more. Find out why slime is important and make some slime of your own!

When: 
Sunday, April 28, 2013 1 - 2:30 pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Outdoor Activity

New England Forests Exhibit

The New England Forest Exhibit at Harvard's Museum of Natural History

The Harvard Museum of Natural History presents a multi-media exhibition that explores the natural history and ecology of our regional forests, their responses to human activity, and their environmental significance. Visitors are invited to explore the ecology of woodland caribou, wolves, and other wildlife of New England; learn about lichen cities that cling to rocks; and the circle of life within and around a forest pond from tiny aquatic insects to giant moose.

When: 
Daily 9am-5pm
Location: 
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Cambridge
Exploration
Museum
Science
Discovery

Pages

Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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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 .
Where: Pingree School
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
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The Lady of Salem: Maritime Art

Learn about the history of Salem Massachusetts through this unique public art installation self-guided tour!
Discover Salem’s Golden Age of Sail as you uncover clues! Celebrate America’s Maritime History! The Ladies of Salem will have you looking up at whimsical and beautifully designed figureheads gracing lampposts downtown. “What is a figurehead ?” you may ask? It’s a large carved wooden decorative...
Where: Destination Salem Visitors Center, Where: Downtown Salem
8:00 am to 10:00 pm
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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....
Where: Downtown Salem
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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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...
Where: Crescent Farm
9:00 am to 9:00 pm
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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.
Where: South Church in Andover
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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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...
Where: Haverhill Farmers' Market
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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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.
Where: Harvey Park - Rockport
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
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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...
Where: Marblehead Farmers' Market
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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Witch City 5k
Witch City 5k - a YMCA 5k costume run in downtown Salem Massachusetts!
Run through the haunted streets of Salem with ghouls, ghosts and goblins in this community favorite 5K event that takes place during the most fun time in Salem...October’s Haunted Happenings!
Where: Salem Willows Park, Where: Downtown Salem
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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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...
Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds
10:00 am to 10:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
10:00 am to 11:00 am
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Haunted Happenings Marketplace
The Haunted Happenings Marketplace runs Thursdays-Sundays during October in Salem Massachusetts
The Haunted Happenings Merchant Marketplace is coming this October! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza throughout Historic (and some say haunted) Downtown Salem!
Where: Downtown Salem, Where: Salem Common, Where: Derby Square
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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...
Where: Marini Farm
10:00 am to 10:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair
The Biz Baz Street Fair in Salem Massachusetts hosts dozens of Chamber members and unique vendors selling handmade art, crafts, gifts, apparel, and more.
Come visit the Biz Baz Street Fair to see over 80 vendors and enjoy the historic Salem Common. Vendor sales include handmade jewelry, art, apparel, crafts, Halloween decor and so much more!
Where: Salem Common
10:00 am to 8:00 pm
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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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Newburyport Chocolate Tour
The Newburyport Chocolate Tour is a chance for chocolate lover to experience the best treats of Newburyport Massachusetts!
A sweet stroll with a purpose— The Chocolate Tour is a community-driven tasting experience through the charming streets of downtown Amesbury and Newburyport. Local shops serve up chocolate delights while you explore, shop, and support amazing causes. Even sweeter? Every ticket helps fund local...
Where: Downtown Newburyport
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
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Georgia Made This: Scavenger Coin Hunt
Georgia Wrenn was born and is being raised in the Witch City of Salem, Massachusetts, where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year.
Georgia's seventh annual Salem Gold Coin Hunt returns this October, courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum! Each Saturday and Sunday throughout October, Georgia will release special clues at 12 noon through her Instagram page and the PEM's Instagram story. Those clues will help coin hunters narrow...
Where: Peabody Essex Museum
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Halloween on the Hill
The Trustees host a celebration of Autumn and Halloween at Long Hill Sedgewick Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate Autumn and Halloween! Long Hill is excited to bring back our annual Halloween on the Hill event! Come explore our beautiful property as we transform the Long Hill gardens into a...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Sunday, October 12

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...
Where: Marini Farm
10:00 am to 10:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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...
Where: Topsfield Fairgrounds
10:00 am to 10:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Haunted Happenings Marketplace
The Haunted Happenings Marketplace runs Thursdays-Sundays during October in Salem Massachusetts
The Haunted Happenings Merchant Marketplace is coming this October! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza throughout Historic (and some say haunted) Downtown Salem!
Where: Downtown Salem, Where: Salem Common, Where: Derby Square
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Newburyport's Fall Festival

The Newburyport Fall Festival is a tradition filled with family fun on the waterfront in Massachusetts
Come to downtown Newburyport's Annual Fall Festival hosted by the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce! Enjoy great food, live music, and family fun while celebrating autumn's arrival on the waterfront in downtown Newburyport Massachusetts.
Where: Market Square Newburyport, Where: Waterfront Park
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Magtoberfest 2025
Celebrate Magtoberfest in charming Manolia Village, part of Gloucester Massachusetts.
The Magnolia Library invites you to join us for the best block party this side of the bridge! Music, Food Trucks, Makers Market, Kid Zone, Biergarten and more. Grab your family, friends, and come celebrate with your neighbors on Lexington Ave.
Where: Magnolia Village
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Georgia Made This: Scavenger Coin Hunt
Georgia Wrenn was born and is being raised in the Witch City of Salem, Massachusetts, where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year.
Georgia's seventh annual Salem Gold Coin Hunt returns this October, courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum! Each Saturday and Sunday throughout October, Georgia will release special clues at 12 noon through her Instagram page and the PEM's Instagram story. Those clues will help coin hunters narrow...
Where: Peabody Essex Museum
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

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...
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Halloween on the Hill
The Trustees host a celebration of Autumn and Halloween at Long Hill Sedgewick Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate Autumn and Halloween! Long Hill is excited to bring back our annual Halloween on the Hill event! Come explore our beautiful property as we transform the Long Hill gardens into a...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
♦ Read More →
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