Work hand in hand with our dairy farmers to learn how our herd of Jersey cows turn grass and hay into delicious farm-fresh milk. Through hands-on activities kids will learn how milk is made into other dairy products such as cheese, butter, and ice cream. Ages 7–12.
Part of the Thursday Night Picnic Concerts at Castle Hill at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, this is a great way to get together and have fun with the whole family in an exclusive setting. You can pack a picnic dinner, bring the kids, and get ready to dance the night away under the stars on the Grand Allée. Explore the landscaped grounds and the family "Eye Spy."
Ipswich Museum Educator, Stacey Fraser-deHaan, hosts a family workshop complementing the summer exhibit, “Ipswich Women in the Arts". Participants will tour the Heard House and learn about its last resident, Alice “Elsie” Heard and her artwork. Then, workshop participants will attempt to copy works from the exhibit, just as Elsie and other female artists of the 19th and 20th century copied the works of famous painters.
Join The Trustees and Essex River Basin Adventures for a guided kayak paddle of the Crane Wildlife Refuge. During this specialty paddle, we will set off by boat in search of migrating horseshoe crabs in Essex Bay. Price includes kayak rental and equipment, tour guides, and launch fees. To register within 48 hours of a paddle, please contact the beach office by phone.
Each day this summer, You do not have access to view this node campers will venture forth to explore 2,000 acres of the most dazzling coastal landscape in New England. From Crane Beach to Castle Hill, kids will swim and kayak, sing songs and play games, make wonderful art, hike spectacular trails, and kick back with friends in the ultimate backyard. During Spring Open House at the Crane Estate, SummerQuest will have fun camp oriented activities for kids to allow parents to check out SummerQuest offerings.
The ECTA Pan Ipswich Challenge is a ~20 mile walk or run fundraiser from the west end of Ipswich (Hood Pond) to the coast (Steep Hill Beach) that will highlight some of the best trails and open lands on the North Shore! Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 through pledges with the proceeds going to the ECTA.
In this Museum of Science workshop hosted at the Ipswich Public Library, kids will learn about rocketry and payload science by doing. Attendees will engineer their own air rocket that will be launched across the room and design a payload return system that results in a safe return to Earth. Kids will use their imagination to plan, build, test and implement their designs.
Join us in a treasure hunt for animals in the Great House museum rooms. Participants will receive a small gift and be entered into a drawing for special prizes! There will be more fun with animal crafts and displays. Proceeds will equally benefit the Ipswich Humane Group and The Trustees of Reservations.
Got Milk? Now you can get your fresh milk from the farm's herd on Saturdays at Appleton Farms in Ipswich. Actually, it's a great excuse to brign the kids to explore Appleton Farms, then stop by the Dairy Market before you head home! The new hours round out a weekly schedule:
When snow covers our pastures, the Appleton dairy herd loafs around the farmstead. Visit the cows up close and watch the afternoon milking. After milking, enjoy some good ol' fashioned butter making!
