Ecology

SummerQuest at the Crane Estate

SummerQuest at the Trustees of Reservations' Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

The Crane Estate’s 2,100-acre property is a spectacular expanse of salt marsh and barrier beach habitat situated in Ipswich and Essex, MA between the Atlantic Ocean, Ipswich River, and Essex Bay. Castle Hill, homebase for SummerQuest, encompasses many acres of salt marsh and dune habitat, hiking trails, a stunning hilltop mansion and other grand buildings that were part of the summer estate of a wealthy Chicago industrialist, formal gardens, and an expansive lawn rolling a half a mile to the sea. Our program for ages 5–14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in land conservation, historic landscape and cultural resource preservation, coastal ecology, and restoration.

Appleton Farm Camp

Summer programs and Camps at The Trustees Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts

With rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, vegetable gardens, an active barnyard, and miles of trails, Appleton Farms in Ipswich offers a uniquely immersive summer experience. Campers are introduced to Appleton’s working farm and adventurous landscape through exciting, authentic educational activities. Our program for ages 4–14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in nature conservation, historic landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary exploration.

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Mass Audubon Summer Programs at Joppa Flats

Summer Programs at Joppa Flats are designed to engage kids aged 6-14  in nature and to explore the world around them.

Explore nature and get outdoors at Joppa Flats Education Center Summer Camp. Joppa Flats Summer Camp is the perfect program for children with an interest in and curiosity about nature. Campers ages 6 to 14 have fun and make friends as they discover local habitats and wildlife. Register for a nature-based day camp sessions for childages 6-14 today! 

North Shore Nature Programs

Children should be outside during the summer. At North Shore Nature Programs' "Wild About Nature" they will.

Children should be outside during the summer. The long, warm days are perfect for outdoor exploration along with fun and games with friends. Wild About Nature provides a safe, nurturing environment for your child to explore, grow, and make the most out of their summer break. Our groups are kept small so that children have meaningful interactions with fellow campers and counselors. All of our staff go through a rigorous week of training and have prior experience working with children.

Wee Farmers at Appleton Farm

Summer programs and Camps at The Trustees Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts

 

Wee Farmers is designed for our 3-4 year old  friends who want to explore the farm, meet our animals, and get a taste of what Farm Camp is like at Appleton! Kids will get to dig into life on the farm and lend a helping hand brushing our goats, feeding our bunnies, singing songs, and taste testing in the education garden! Learn about how we grow our vegetables and see how good your senses are with Harvest Blanket. Tour the Cheese Kitchen and learn how sunshine helps to makes our delicious milk. We’ll start our morning with a quick craft and song before venturing out for some farm discovery and nature exploration. This program is perfect for younger siblings who have older siblings signed up for the Appleton Farm Camp and want to join in the fun too!

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Summer Camp at Joppa Flats

Mass Audubon full and half day programs for kids ages 6-12 at Joppa Flats Center

Joppa Flats Summer Camp is the perfect place for youth with an interest in and curiosity about the world around them. Their weekly summer themes offer a wide range of topics – everything from oceans to birds to nature art – as well as opportunities for children to experience hands-on science, discuss reasons “why” and “how” things happen, handle live animals, explore the outdoors, and create art projects to take home. Joppa Flats programs stress environmental awareness, having fun, and learning, both indoors and out. Flats Summer Camp is the perfect place for youth ages 6 to 12 with an interest in and curiosity about the world around them.

Ocean Classroom Foundation Seafaring Camp

Ocean Classroom Foundation Seafaring Camp is for kids aged 13-18

Ocean Classroom Foundation Seafaring Camps offer kids aged 13-18 a chance to learn about the New England Coast aboard the Schooner Harvery Gamage in one or two week sessions. During their adventure, the focus will be on the marine environment, the diversity of life in the sea, and the history of the New England Coast. Through investigations led by the ship's education officer, students observe whales in their natural habitat, collect plankton, visit historic sites and museums, and share sea songs and stories. Kids will have fun as they learn about the world of the coast, and develop new skills in a team-building environment inherent to life aboard a schooner.

Brookwood School Summer Program for kids Pre-K through 9 in Manchester Massachusetts

Boston Bruins Annual Pajama Drive

Drop off new pajama donations at libraries across the North Shore of Massachusetts as part of the Boston Bruins PJ Drive.
The Boston Bruins will be hosting their 19th annual PJ Drive with the goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of pajamas from February 1st - March 15th, 2026. The drive will benefit Cradles to Crayons and Wonderfund MA, two non-profits that ensure positive living conditions for children. Local businesses...
7:00 am to 9:00 pm

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

Chess Club at Salem Public Library

Salem Public Library hosts a weekly chess club for all ages on Tuesday evenings.
Salem Public Library the library is hosting weekly chess nights where players of all ages can play and learn from each other.  Whether you're new to the game or a veteran player, all skill levels welcome, and basic instru
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Wednesday, February 11

Boston Bruins Annual Pajama Drive

Drop off new pajama donations at libraries across the North Shore of Massachusetts as part of the Boston Bruins PJ Drive.
The Boston Bruins will be hosting their 19th annual PJ Drive with the goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of pajamas from February 1st - March 15th, 2026. The drive will benefit Cradles to Crayons and Wonderfund MA, two non-profits that ensure positive living conditions for children. Local businesses...
7:00 am to 9:00 pm

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

Stargazing at Mendel Observatory

Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
7:00 pm

Thursday, February 12

Boston Bruins Annual Pajama Drive

Drop off new pajama donations at libraries across the North Shore of Massachusetts as part of the Boston Bruins PJ Drive.
The Boston Bruins will be hosting their 19th annual PJ Drive with the goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of pajamas from February 1st - March 15th, 2026. The drive will benefit Cradles to Crayons and Wonderfund MA, two non-profits that ensure positive living conditions for children. Local businesses...
7:00 am to 9:00 pm

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

LEGO Club at Danvers Library

LEGO club at Danvers Library Massachusetts
Peabody Institute Library - Danvers invites kids to an afternoon of building and fun! Activities will include free build, themes and instructional design. All structures will remain on display in the Children’s Room till the following weeks's session
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Friday, February 13

Boston Bruins Annual Pajama Drive

Drop off new pajama donations at libraries across the North Shore of Massachusetts as part of the Boston Bruins PJ Drive.
The Boston Bruins will be hosting their 19th annual PJ Drive with the goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of pajamas from February 1st - March 15th, 2026. The drive will benefit Cradles to Crayons and Wonderfund MA, two non-profits that ensure positive living conditions for children. Local businesses...
7:00 am to 9:00 pm

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

Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
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.
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Saturday, February 14

Valentine's Day

12:00 am to 11:59 pm
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