Studies show that children who spend time in nature and develop a rapport with the great outdoors are healthier, happier kids. At SummerQuest, we strive to connect children with the natural world, and to exercise their imaginations as well as their muscles.
Appleton Farms is one of the most significant cultural and natural landscapes in American agrarian history. Our working landscape offers a diversity of learning opportunities for all ages, from soil science and habitat management to cheese making and community supported agriculture. The rich stories, rare resources, and sustainable operations, make Appleton Farms one of the finest stages in the country to showcase and teach excellence in small-scale agriculture.
Winter on Crane Beach offers us a unique opportunity to go where we've never gone before - on the sand! Join us on a fun and educational oversand adventure as we explore the winter landscape of Castle Neck and Crane Beach. You will learn all about the natural history of the barrier beach as we keep a look out for winter wildlife including snowy owls!
Winter on Crane Beach offers us a unique opportunity to go where we've never gone before - on the sand! Join us on a fun and educational oversand adventure as we explore the winter landscape of Castle Neck and Crane Beach. You will learn all about the natural history of the barrier beach as we keep a look out for winter wildlife including snowy owls!
Was it the butler in the pantry with the pipe wrench? Come find out at the Crane Estate! You've been invited to Miss Florence Crane's birthday party in 1928. Everyone is having a good time until someone dies. Can you figure out who did it, in what room, and with which weapon?
Skip the pasta machine and get ready to use your hands to create orecchiette (little ears), cavatelli (dimpled pasta) and more with Chef Emily! This simple pasta dough has just three ingredients, and is easily shaped by both big and little hands. Parents and kids will work together to mix and knead their dough, shape the noodles, then share a delicious meal using local produce and meats from Appleton Farms. Chef Emily will use the finished pasta to demo an easy seasonal recipe and everyone will have time at the end to eat.
After School STEM in Nature is a weekly after school drop-off program on early release Thursdays for elementary-aged children (grades 1-5). Drop-off for the program is between 2:15-2:30 and pick-up between 4:15-4:30 at Castle Hill (290 Argilla Road).
The Crane Estate isn’t just the home of the ultimate summer adventure (SummerQuest), it’s also home to exciting spring and winter adventures! Join us during school break for a special half-day drop-off program for children ages 7-14, full of outdoor adventure, hands-on STEM activities, games, and crafts! Come for one day or all week!
In the winter most people hunker down to stay warm, but at Appleton Farms, we make the most of the cold, quiet season. There is no better place to spend winter farm days than in the kitchen! These programs are for kids ages 6-10 who love to cook, explore, and be adventurous in the kitchen, and out on the trails. Each day kids will explore a different aspect of farm-to-table cooking, trying new foods, and learning about where our food comes from!
Come to the Dolan Performing Arts Center for a showing of Gnomeo and Juliet for Valentine's Day! This fundraiser showing is hosted by the Ipswich Middle School. Everybody is welcome and proceeds help the middle school. Refreshments will be available. Doors open at 6:15pm.
