School Vacation Guide

CraneExplorer: Shifting Sands

The Trustees' Crane Estate hosts a beach-centric science learning experience for kids in Ipswich Massachusetts

The beach is much more than just sand! In this family education program, participants will learn about the diverse habitats of the sandy beach and dunes. Learners discover shells, seaweed, plants, animal tracks, and other signs of life on the beach and in the dunes, get an up-close look at sand to explore its composition and how it formed, and use scientific tools to measure the ever-changing shape of the beach. Learn how The Trustees are managing and protecting our ever-changing coast, and how you can play a role!

When:

Friday, April 19, 2024 10am-Noon

Location:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Ipswich

Art

Trustees of Reservations

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Peabody Municipal Light and Power at NSCM

Things to do for children in Peabody MA, NorthShore, North Shore Children's Museum

Join Peabody Municipal Light and Power (PMLP) staff for a fun program. Kids will learn the importance of being safe around electricity, and how to identify situations that can cause serious harm.

When:

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Location:

North Shore Children's Museum

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Egg Hunt at NSCM

Celebrate the arrival of Spring with an egg hunt at North Shore Children's Museum, Peabody, Massachusetts. Come to the museum for a fun egg hunt with 15 exhibits, 600 eggs and lots of smiles! 12 of the eggs include museum admission. Adults are free.

When:

Saturday, March 23, 2024 3pm or 5pm

Location:

North Shore Children's Museum

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National Childrens Dental Health Month at NSCM

Kids will learn about dental health and dentistry at NorthShore Children's Museum, Peabody MA

Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month with students from Essex Tech Dental Program at North Shore Children's Museum. Children will enjoy stories, songs, and activities about teeth and dentists and will have an opportunity to practice their brushing skills! Families of all ages are welcome.

When:

Friday, February 9, 2024 from 9 am to Noon

Friday, February 16, 2024 from 9 am to Noon

Location:

North Shore Children's Museum

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Cinderella, Prince Charming & the Fairy Godmother at the Carousel!

Enchanted Princess Party Join Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother for a magical, memorable fairytale experience!

Come make magical moments at an enchanted princess party with Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother. Children will be immersed in captivating storytelling and enjoy a delightful sing along leg by Cinderella herself.

Children will enjoy:

When:

Saturday, February 24, 2024 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location:

Salisbury Beach Carousel

Salisbury

School Vacation

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Stage 284 Vacation Theater Workshop - Beauty and the Beast

Stage 284's February Vacation Theater Workshop for Kids results in the production of Beauty and the Beast!

The Stage 284 offers a fun filled vacation week of training: acting, voice, and movement for kids ages 7-15. Our top-notch team incorporates acting, singing and dance training, blocking and theater terminology into each workshop developing the skills necessary to succeed on stage in our Youth Company or Main Stage Programs.

Location:

Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham

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Roller Skating in the Noon Year!

Roller Skating in the New Year - North Shore Activities for Children

Ring in the new year a little early with AAAI and friends at Roller World in Saugus! We will countdown to 12 (noon) and party like it's already 2020. This is a family friendly event! Invite your friends to join us! Price will be $5 per person at the door.

When:

New Year's Eve 2019 10am-Noon

Location:

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Morning Bird Walk

Enjoy a biring excursion on the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

Join birding expert and former Crane Beach Ranger, Dave Williams, on a walk through the woodlands and fields of the Crane Estate to talk about birds. If you have never been birding before, Dave will teach you how to use binoculars to watch birds and pick out characteristics that will help you identify what species you see. If you’re a seasoned pro, bring your bird list and keep an eye out for spring migrants! If you’re not into birds (yet), come for a pleasant morning stroll. There’s something for everyone on this walk!

When:

Saturday, May 25, 2019 9-11am

Location:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

Birding

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Ice Skating Rinks of the North Shore and Beyond

Indoor ice skating rinks & facilities on Boston's North Shore of Massachusetts

What is the winter season without ice skating? Grab your skates and helmets and get ready, the ice skating season in underway. For kids and adults it is an accessible and fun way for everyone to work off some energy and have a great time in the process.

All Ages

Excercise

Skating Rink (Indoor)

Winter

Ice Skating

Skating Rink (Outdoor)

Ice Skating (Indoor)

Ice Skating (Outdoor)

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This Hike Is For the Birds

Kids ages 4-10 will love this birding hike to Cedar Point on the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

This hike starts at the Barn on the Crane Estate, and wanders down to the Cedar Point Trail where many of our spring-time birds are busy getting settled. On the way, kids will use their skills of observation to see what kinds of birds are starting to show up – where are they hanging out, and what are they doing? What do they sound like? Then we’ll head to the Pine Grove where we’ll collect pine cones to make unique bird feeders for you to hang up at home. Our adventure will end with hot chocolate and s’mores around a camp fire in the Pine Grove.

When:

Monday, April 16, 2018 1-3pm

Location:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

Birding

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Superbowl of Birding 2026

The Superbowl of Birding is a unique competition conducted in Rockingham County, NH, and Essex County, MA. During a 12-hour period, teams of birders of all ages and abilities seek to amass the greatest number of avian species, to earn the most points based on the rarity of the birds recorded. Teams...

Where: Joppa Flats Education Center

5:00 am to 5:00 pm

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Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

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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Nice n' Easy Hike at Breakheart Reservation

Join the Park Interpreter for this weekly guided hike! Each trip will highlight natural and historic features unique to Breakheart. Hikes are moderately paced and range from 2-3 miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain. Best for ages 8 years and up. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Where: Breakheart Reservation

9:30 am to 11:30 am

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CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us this season. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place…

Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Animal Tracks | Family Nature Series

This event with North Shore Nature Programs is geared toward families of all ages who would like to learn about the signs and tracks that animals leave behind! We will explore outdoors and look at tracks, chewed sticks, scat, nests, beaver constructions and more! Waterproof and warm...

10:00 am to 11:30 am

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CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

There is almost nothing more peaceful than a evening walk at the Crane Estate, and we would like to invite your family to join us for a unique hiking experience. With the full moon rising over the Atlantic, we’ll start with a sunset stroll along Crane Beach admiring this spectacle before heading...

Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

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Sunday, February 1

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

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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Watching the Coastal Edge at Halibut Point

Meet at the Halibut Point State Park visitors center to learn about the role Halibut Point has played in America’s military history. One day after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, U.S.

Where: Halibut Point State Park

11:00 am to 12:30 pm

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CraneOutdoors: Family Winter Wildlife Walk

A CraneOutdoors Family Winter Wildlife Walk will take you on a stroll through the Crane Beach dunes while learning about the plants and animals that call this special place home. You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are a much...

Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

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Sunday STEAM Club at 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

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Snow Moon Winter Celebration

Come to Spencer Peirce Little Farm to celebrate the season under the stillness of February's full Snow Moon! Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm opens its gates for a winter celebration that honors the beauty of the lan

Where: Spencer Peirce Little Farm

3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

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CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

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Monday, February 2

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

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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Tuesday, February 3

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

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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Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...

Where: Appleton Farms

10:30 am to 11:30 am

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