Outdoor Activity

Afterschool at Joppa: Wrack Line Detectives

Explore the wrack line at the Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.

Explore the transitional zone of the wrack line afterschool in Newburyport! This class will include exploration of our portable beach with close examination of sea shells, crab molts, skate egg cases, driftwood and other natural objects that can be found on the beach at high tide. We will get to see live scud under the microscope, and learn about shorebirds that find food at the tide line. We will play the shorebird migration game. and then everyone will get to help us with a mini beach clean up to learn about why plastics and Styrofoam don’t belong on the beach. We’ll give everyone a challenge called “getting out of a bind” and then we’ll make a art project with recycled soda and water bottles that they will get to take home!

When: 
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 3:30-5pm

Sweetbay Swamp Quest Fest!

Kids and families will learn all about questing on an exploration in Ravenswood!

At this Quest Fest, learn all about Questing! Make your own stamp and passport and participate in the fastest growing family recreational adventure this side of the Atlantic. The Sweetbay Swamp Quest is a clue-based treasure hunt through the swamp trails, discovering stories about our nearly "loved to death" Sweetbay Magnolia and to a Quest Treasure Box. Pre-registration required.

When: 
Sunday, November 10, 2013 1-3PM
Location: 

Walk on the Wildside: Tide Pooling at Sandy Point

Have a tide pooling adventure at Sandy Point with Mass Audubon Naturalist!

This wildside walk is a tide-pooling adventure! Adults and children can spend quality family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife. Excursions might include a group game to burn off some steam, an on-the-water scavenger hunt, or a guided tour. We'll observe, investigate, and compare coastal environments and their inhabitants, both on- and offshore. Participants play out the roles of birders, trackers, and astronomers in all venues. Each adventure will leave your family excited to come back for more!

When: 
Sunday November 10, 2013 9:30am-12pm

Mount Ann Forest Frolic

Join the Trustees of Reservations on an exploration of Mount Ann in Gloucester!

Mt. Ann Park is usually closed to the public, but once a year, we have the chance to lead a walk through this unique reservation. We’ll explore the various habitats that make up this special place, and spot rare species along the way. Our ultimate reward: splendid coastal views from Mt. Ann’s summit. Take advantage of this once a year opportunity and join us!

Space is limited and pre-registration is required!

When: 
Sunday, October 20, 2013 1-3pm
Location: 

Afterschool at Joppa: Wetland Birders

Learn about wetland birds with the Joppa Flats Education Center!

Explore the wetland habitat in search of the birds afterschool in Newburyport! Our afternoon starts off with self-guided activities, challenges, or puzzles that lead us to our topic for the day. As a group, we'll observe, investigate, and compare wildlife, their adaptations, and the changes that they undergo each season. Participants may play the role of a zoologist, a naturalist, or even a marine biologist throughout this series. Each experience will leave your young scientist eager for the next session.

When: 
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 3:30-5pm

Movies on the Common: The Haunted Mansion

What happens when a family buys a haunted mansion? Find out in Salem!

Grab a blanket and the kids and head over to Salem Common at dusk for an outdoor showing of some favorite family-friendly movies that will get you in the mood for a spooktacular Halloween!  Each weekend Radio 92.9 will sponsor a different movie through October, so come to one or all!

When: 
Saturday, October 12, 2013 6:30pm
Location: 

Afterschool at Joppa: Mudflat Trekkers

What lives in the tidal mud? Kids will learn about it at Joppa Flats Education C

Our afternoon starts off with self-guided activities, challenges, or puzzles that lead us to our topic for the day. As a group, we'll observe, investigate, and compare wildlife, their adaptations, and the changes that they undergo each season. Participants may play the role of a zoologist, a naturalist, or even a marine biologist throughout this series. Each experience will leave your young scientist eager for the next session.

When: 
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 3:30 - 5pm

Garden Restoration Tour at Coolidge Stevens Estate

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Join the The Trustees of Reservations for a look at the recently restored perennial garden, diligently transformed by volunteers at Stevens Coolidge Place. Planted over 100 years ago, the perennial garden was first established in 1907 utilizing the plan of landscape designer, Louisa Bancroft Stevens. Learn how recent restoration work incorporated the use of historical documentation with thoughtful stewardship practices. The first floor of the house will be open at 10:30AM followed by a tour of the garden beginning at 11AM. This program is offered in conjunction with Essex County's Trails and Sails program.

When: 
Saturday, September 28, 2013 10:30am-Noon

Nature Journaling Workshop

Journaling combines art, notes and charts to record what you observe

Nature journaling is a tool for making discoveries about nature. It involves drawing, but you don't have to be an artist. It involves writing, labeling, and making notes about what you notice and wonder. Above all, it involves taking a closer look. After a brief orientation and introductory exercises, the class will explore the journaling process along the trails of the sanctuary.

When: 
Saturday, September 28, 2013 1-3pm

Afterschool at Joppa: Backyard Ponders

Kids will learn about ponds and the creatures that live in them at Joppa Flats!

Our afternoon starts off with self-guided activities, challenges, or puzzles that lead us to our topic for the day. As a group, we'll observe, investigate, and compare wildlife, their adaptations, and the changes that they undergo each season. Participants may play the role of a zoologist, a naturalist, or even a marine biologist throughout this series. Each experience will leave your young scientist eager for the next session.

When: 
Wednesday, September 25, 2013 3:30 - 5pm

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Summerquest Camp for kids aed 5-14 at the Crane Estate in Ipswich 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

Read to a Dog at APL

Kids are invited to read to a dog at Amesbury Massachusetts Public Library. Image generated with AI.
The Amesbury Public Library invites kids to come read to a dog at the Library! Read to a dog to help improve reading skills and get comfortable with reading aloud with only a very cuddly dog to hear you! This program will have Gus, a certified reading dog, and his caretaker at the library in our...
3:45 pm to 4:30 pm

Dungeons & Dragons at the G.A.R. Library

Dungeons and Dragons at the GAR Memorial Library in West Newbury Massachusetts
Come to this ongoing campaign using The Dragon of IceSpire Peak. Bring your own character, play one of ours,  or we can help you create one. All are welcome.
4:30 pm to 5:30 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
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