Trails & Sails 2024

A Spiritual Quest Weekend at Hilldale Cemetery

Hilldale Cemetary in Haverhill Massachusetts is one of the North Shore's most active paranormal spots!

Do you believe in Ghosts? If you do then join the Essex County Ghost Project and Witches Wonder fort a spooktacular evening of haunts and fun . The gates open at 6:30 pm and hunt starts at 7pm . We are exploring one of New England’s most Haunted historical sites . There have been reports of full and partial body apparitions, voices , shadow figures and more . So pack up your cameras , pendulums, digital recorders and other paranormal equipment for a night of paranormal history and intrigue .

When: 
Saturdays, September 13, 20 & 27, 2025 7-9:30pm
Fridays, September 19 & 26, 2025 7-9:30pm

Nature’s Myth and Folklore Storytelling Series

Learn about colonial medicine at Pioneer Village in Salem Massachusetts

Come to Pioneer Village for a craft and storytelling event that shares tales of natural folklore and wild wisdom from around the world. These stories inspire an appreciation for different cultures as well as encourage engagement with the natural environment.

When: 
Saturday, September 27, 2025 3:30-4:30pm
Location: 

Marbleheaders in the American Revolution

Glovers Regiment in Marblehead Massachusetts is just one stop on this Trails & Sails tour.

Pick up a program book and experience Revolutionary War-era Marblehead at various sites in the Historic District. Meet the wife of war hero, James Mugford; explore Fort Sewall with Glover’s Regiment; meet diarist Ashley Bowen portrayed by Donald Friary and experience an Anglican service at St. Michael’s church; participate in a recreated town meeting and decide whether or not to support the Patriot cause at the Old Town House; visit the Powder House; see the Spirit of ’76 painting; tour the Jeremiah Lee Mansion; and learn about the town’s Tory population at the “King” Hooper Mansion; among other opportunities. Learn more here!

When: 
Saturday, September 20, 2025 11am-4pm
Sunday, September 21, 2025 11am-4pm

Lynn Museum Trails & Sails Free Admission

The Lynn Museum Will offer free admission during Trails and Sails in Massachusetts!

Come to the Lynn Museum and Historical Society for free admission on during Trails & Sails! As part of Trails & Sails, we are offering complimentary visits to The Museum between 10 am and 5 pm on Thursday, September 19, Friday, September 20, Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27. Stroll through one of our exhibitions celebrating Lynn’s history, tackle our gallery scavenger hunt, draw a favorite artifact, or enjoy a book from The REAL Program.

When: 
Thursdays, September 19 & 26, 2024 10am-5pm
Fridays, September 21 & 27, 2024 10am-5pm

It’s a Hard Dock Life at Maritime Gloucester

Finding and Identifying Marine Invasive Species at Maritime Gloucester in Massachusetts as partof Trails& Sails

Maritime Gloucester invites participants to pull up dock lines on the pier and see what marine creatures we can find! Using magnifying glasses, microscopes, and identification cards, we’ll discover as many marine invasive critters as we can. After investigating the dock, we encourage families to explore the Maritime Gloucester Campus, including the Seapocket Aquarium, the Marine Science & Education Center, and Gorton’s Seafood Gallery of Maritime Heritage in Gloucester, all free of charge.

When: 
Saturday, September 15, 2024 10am-3pm

Stories of the Past at Maudslay

Kids will learn about the history of Maudslay State Park on thes guided tour in Newburyport Massachusetts

Join the Maudslay State Park interpreter on a guided tour for a unique experience to view the mansion and daughter’s picturesque house sites, both have open vistas overlooking the Merrimack River! Additionally, archival photos of the estate will be shared during the walk. For ages 8 years & up.

When: 
Saturday, September 21, 2024 1-2pm

Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay | Thread

Artists will install their sculptures at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts for public viewing!

Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the 25th Annual Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay Exhibit September 8-29 featuring 50 site specific sculptures by local artists addressing this year’s theme, ‘Thread' within the magnificence of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport. Look for the large green trail head signs featuring sculpture locations and instructions for downloading our simple phone app which will include the sculpture locations, photos, and artist statements.

When: 
September 8-29, 2024 during Park Hours

Exploring Salisbury’s Ancient Saltmarsh

Learn about the prehistoric oceanfront of the North Shore in Salisbury Massachusetts

Did you know that there’s a massive prehistoric saltmarsh peeking out of the sands at Salisbury Beach? Join MRWC’s John Macone on a low tide walk as we explore this fascinating remnant of a time when sea levels were much lower than today. We’ll also talk about the prehistoric oceanfront, the “paleo Merrimack River,” and the remnants of the last glacial age — all visible thanks to special maps that we’ll bring with us. The one-mile round trip hike will last about an hour. Be prepared to wade into the surf about 18 inches.

When: 
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 5:30-6:30pm

Spirit of ’76 & WPA Murals Tours

The famous painting 'The Spirit of '76' by Archibald Willard at Abbot Hall in Marblehead Massachusetts

Did you know the famous painting The Spirit of '76 painting resides at Abbot Hall in Marblehead? Take a guided tour of Abbot Hall, Marblehead’s fourth town meeting hall, whose corner stone was laid in 1876, the nation’s Centennial year. Be inspired by the life-size “Spirit of ’76” painting, explore historical scenes in WPA murals painted in 1934, and more. A different program in Abbot Hall is offered the following weekend.

When: 
Sunday, September 15, 2024 2-3pm
Location: 

Pages

Shore School in Beverly Massachusetts offers a host of Summer programs for kids aged 5-12

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Travel back in time to a castle filled with lush, opulent textures inspired by the great medieval and Renaissance castles of Europe. Wander through rooms adorned with White Birch and Christmas trees, sparkling fairy lights, hydrangea-lace garlands, and elegant bows, each space transformed with its...
10:00 am to 8:00 pm

CraneOutdoors: Family Winter Wildlife Walk

Come explore the dunes on Castle Neck and Crane Beach in Ipswich Massachusetts to learn about winter wildlife.
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...
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Saturday, January 3

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Travel back in time to a castle filled with lush, opulent textures inspired by the great medieval and Renaissance castles of Europe. Wander through rooms adorned with White Birch and Christmas trees, sparkling fairy lights, hydrangea-lace garlands, and elegant bows, each space transformed with its...
10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Music and Movement at North Shore Children's Museum

North Shore, North Shore Childrens Museum in Peabody MA
Music and Movement with Marybeth Maes is an engaging music and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Marybeth brings her guitar and instruments for the children to use while they sing, dance, and play.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Sunday, January 4

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Travel back in time to a castle filled with lush, opulent textures inspired by the great medieval and Renaissance castles of Europe. Wander through rooms adorned with White Birch and Christmas trees, sparkling fairy lights, hydrangea-lace garlands, and elegant bows, each space transformed with its...
10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, 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...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Wednesday, January 7

Mini Movers at North Shore Children's Museum

Things to do for children in Peabody MA
Mini Movers is an engaging dance and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by experienced instructors, the program introduces young children to the world of dance in a safe and nurturing environment.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Saturday, January 10

Sourdough Bread Workshop at Appleton Farms

Learn the ins and outs of sourdough bread at Appleton Farms in in Ipswich Massachusetts!
In this culinary workshop, participants will learn to make bakery quality bread with local flour in their home oven. Culinary Program Manager Jess Porter will demonstrate mixing, folding, shaping, proofing, scoring and baking Appleton’s flagship Farmstead Sourdough. Class ends with fresh bread and...
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Sunday, January 11

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, 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...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Saturday, January 17

Low-Sensory Play at North Shore Children's Museum

Low-Sensory Play at NorthShore Children's Museum in Peabody Massachusetts
Join us for a low-sensory play session. For some children, visiting places like NSCM can be over-stimulating. This special play session will have reduced noise, crowds, and stimulation. While medical diagnosis is not required, we encourage that these limited tickets be used for families with a...
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Appleton Culinary Workshop: Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie Culinary Workshop at The Trustees of Reservations Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Warm up this season with a hands-on Farmhouse Chicken Pot Pie Culinary Workshop at Appleton Farms, where you’ll craft a comforting classic using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. .
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Sunday, January 18

Sunday STEAM Club at North Shore Children's Museum

Visit Peabody MA, NorthShore, 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...
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Subscribe to Trails & Sails 2024