Topsfield

Fall Full Moon Family Hike at IRWS

Walk through the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary lit only by the full moon

Spend an evening walking in the crisp autumn air looking and listening for nocturnal wildlife and experiencing the sanctuary in a whole new way. Let your eyes adjust to the moonlight, hear the distant hoots of owls, feel the crunch of leaves underfoot, and smell the chilly air reminding us that winter is just around the corner. Walks are leisurely in pace and lead by an experienced nature educator. What a perfect way to spend a quiet evening and give thanks for the natural wonders all around us!

When: 
Saturday, November 18, 2023 5:30-7pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Walk
Mass Audubon

Into the Woods: Guided Halloween Hike at IRWS

At sundown this Halloween season, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary will be transformed into a magical forest.

At sundown this Halloween season, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary will be transformed into a magical forest. Take a guided walk along our Halloween trail, lit by glowing luminaries and home to some interesting characters that come out just for Halloween. Learn about local animals of the night and signs of the season on this, fun family-friendly walk. Allow about one and a half hours for this walk.

When: 
Friday, October 20, 2023 5-8:30pm
Saturday, October 21, 2023 5-8:30pm
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Halloween
Holiday
Hike
Tour
Walk
Crafts
Haunted Tour
Mass Audubon

Topsfield Fair - Opening Day

Topsfield Fair opens the gates at 1pm Friday! Topsfield Fair is one of the longe

The Topsfield Fair is a perennial favorite for us.  We're not the biggest fans of the midway, although it is always worth a walkthrough and a ride or two.  We love fruits and vegetables, and are always on the lookout for the winning 'biggest pumpkin'.  Another favorite is checking out the pigs and other farm animals, as well as the interesting variety of guinea pigs and rabbits.

When: 
Friday, September 29, 2023 4-10pm
Daily, September 30-October 9, 2023 10am-10pm
Location: 
Topsfield Fairgrounds
Topsfield
Food
Concert
Fair
Race
Live Performance
Live Animals
Presentation
Contest
Competition
Festival
Farmers Market
Crafts
Games
Rides
Show

Wetland Wonders at IRWS

Explore the Bunker Meadow Pond at Ipswich river Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts

Wetlands are known for their rich variety of plant and animal life. Come explore Bunker Meadow Pond and the Ipswich River for a close-up look at a place where hundreds of hungry creatures are always on the hunt. Using nets and other collecting equipment, we'll dip into the water, sweep through the weeds, and scoop up some mud to discover the creatures that live there. Wear boots if you have them. For kids ages 3-11.

When: 
Saturday, October 14, 2023 10-11:30am
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Mass Audubon

Fun in the Field at IRWS

Learn about butterflies and other field creatures at the MassAudubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary!

Fields are alive with animal activity on warm, fall days. Spend an early October day chasing butterflies, grasshoppers, and crickets with nets while taking some time to closely observe these amazing insects. We may also encounter predators of the field, such as Blue Birds, Leopard Frogs and Garter Snakes! This will be a hands-on experience the entire family can enjoy.

When: 
Saturday, October 7, 2023 10-11:30am
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Outdoor Activity
Science
Discovery
Ecology
Mass Audubon

Life Under Logs at IRWS

What lives under logs? Kids will find out at Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

What is hiding under the rocks and logs of the sanctuary? Is it a centipede? Is it a salamander? Come find the hidden treasures beneath the forest floor. Walk with us through the forest to see how the changing season affects animals, trees, and plants. Examine tree holes and look for animals in the leaves, whatever we find, we will explore!

When: 
Saturday, October 21, 2023 10-11:30 am
Location: 
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield
Hike
Walk
Exploration
Story Telling
Discovery
Mass Audubon

Tour de Greenbelt

Essex County Greenbelt will host their annual road cycle event to raise funds for conservation efforts on the North Shore!

SEPTEMBER 15: RIDE IS CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, PLEASE RIDE VIRTUALLY SEPTEMBER 18-24! VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. Essex County Greenbelt Association will host the annual road cycle event to raise funds for conservation efforts on the North Shore! Cycling enthusiasts of all abilities can ride through some of Essex County’s most beautiful landscapes in this annual road cycle event to benefit local land conservation. Whether a seasoned road cyclist or a beginner, you can enjoy at your own pace one of three routes offered by Tour de Greenbelt: a 50 mile ride, a shorter route (25 miles), and Gravel Grinder Routes (40 mile and 28 mile), with off-road excursions into protected forests and reservations.

When: 
Daily, September 18-24, 2023
Location: 
Cox Reservation
Essex
Hamilton
Ipswich
Newbury
Rowley
Topsfield
Boxford
Georgetown
Bicycle
Bike
Charity
Fundraiser
Race
Bike Race

Drop in Station | Explore the Pond at Bradley Palmer

Here is your chance to go inside the Willowdale Mansion (willowdaleestate.com) for a unique guided tour. Now an event and wedding venue, this over 100 years-old Arts and Crafts style home has been beautifully restored. The second floor is not accessible. Best for ages 8 years & up.

What kinds of fascinating creatures live in or visit the ponds? Come and visit with the Park Interpreter to see if any creatures are stirring, and if any plants are flowering. Best for ages pre-K and up. This is a great family activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

When: 
Fridays through October 6, 2023 9-11am
Location: 
Bradley Palmer State Park
Ipswich
Topsfield
Party
Outdoor Activity
Wildlife
Live Animals
Exploration
Discovery

Pages

Art Academy Summer Program at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly MA

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!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
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StoryWalk Series at Maudslay
It's Summer by Linda Glaser storywalk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts
Its Summer by Linda Glaser is the subject of this STORYWALK Series.  Watch the world transform when Spring comes!Enjoy this preschool storywalk at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time outside in nature!
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
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Maudslay in Bloom Self-Guided Walk
Maudslay in Bloom self guided walk at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport Massachusetts.
Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts, offers a delightful self-guided walk that is perfect for families with children. The park's 480-acre expanse, once the Moseley Estate, is rich with historical charm and natural beauty. Families can embark on a self-guided tour through lush...
Where: Maudslay State Park
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
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Amesbury Days Celebration
Amesbury Days is a celebration of the onset of Summer and community.
Amesbury Days is a a 8-day celebration of all things Amesbury that kicks off the summer with fun and exciting community events in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Fireworks, a block party and a 5k walk/run will be just some of the highlights of this years' Amesbury Days celebration. There will be events...
Where: Amesbury Town Park, Where: Downtown Amesbury, Where: Amesbury Heritage Park
9:00 am to 9:00 pm
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Music Together - Tuesday in Marblehead
Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® of Salem classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45...
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead
10:00 am to 10:45 am
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Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden
Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
Where: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
10:00 am to 3:59 pm
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Gloucester Gratis Days at Hammond Castle
Bring your kids to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts during April Vacation
In keeping with John Hays Hammond, Jr's original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum will offer Gloucester residents free, self-guided tours each Tuesday throughout the regular...
Where: Hammond Castle
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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Kids Night @ Heritage Park
Kids are invited to Heritage Park in Amesbury Massachusetts for a night of fun activities!
Amesbury Days hosts a night of fun for kids of all ages! Games, animals, giveaways, juggling, magic & more! There will be additional food and drinks to purchase as well as face painting and balloon twisting for a fee and more!
Where: Amesbury Heritage Park
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
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Manchester by the Sea Summer Concert Series
Summer Concerts happen at Masconomo Park in Manchester by the Sea every Tuesday through the Summer!
Come to Manchester Tuesday nights all summer for the annual Music in Masconomo Summer Concert Series. Each week from 6:00 - 8:00 pm a variety of Oldies, Swing, Rhythm & Blues & Classic Rock music will fill the air! Bring your family and friends, blankets and chairs, and dinner to enjoy a...
Where: Masconomo Park
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays
Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays includes great dining live music, dancing & extended shopping hours for shopping Downtown Ipswich Massachusetts Tuesday evenings!
Ipswich Downtown Tuesdays includes great dining, live music, dancing at the Take-Out Terrace Stage on the Riverwalk  & extended shopping hours for shopping Downtown Ipswich Tuesday evenings!  Each week will feature live entertainment on the Riverwalk, making for a fun evening out for the whole...
Where: Ipswich Riverwalk , Where: Downtown Ipswich
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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The North Shore Concert Band at Salem Willows
Kids enjoy the North Shore Concert Band performance at Salem Willows Park in Massachusetts
The North Shore Concert Band will perform its annual Summer Series of free outdoor concerts at the Robert Hayes Bandshell at Salem Willows Park beginning Tuesday, June 25th. 
Where: Salem Willows Park
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
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Thursday, July 4

July 4th Boat Parade in Essex
The Chebacco Boat Parade is a great Fourth of July tradition in Essex MA
The Chebacco Lake and Watershed Association will sponsor its annual Fourth of July Boat Parade on at 10am Sunday, July 4th.  All boats will meet at Gregory Island Cove on the South Side of Gregory Island (small cove) and proceed around the lake counterclockwise. Prizes will be awarded for Most...
Where: Centennial Grove
10:00 am
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Marblehead Street Festival
There's plenty to see and do for kids at the Marblehead Street Festival! Part of the Marblehead Festival of the Arts
Come to the Marblehead Street Festival at Bank Square (intersection of Washington and Hooper Street).  This festival is a fun tradition that's part of 4th of July celebrations!  There will be something for everyone including magic, street performers, live music, face painting, sidewalk chalk art,...
Where: Downtown Marblehead, Where: Crocker Park
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Marblehead Lobster Lunch
Enjoy a lobster lunch on the lawn in Marblehead over July 4th Weekend!
St. Michael's holds its famous Lobster Luncheon during the Marblehead Festival of Arts over the Fourth of July weekend. All proceeds from the luncheon, after expenses, support local and global ministries. Tours of St. Michael's historic building and a free organ concert are typically offered during...
Where: Saint Michael's Episcopal Church
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
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Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
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Salem Celebrates the Fourth of July
Salem Massachsuetts Celebrates the Fourth of July Independence Day Fireworks
Join the City of Salem at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site for a 4th of July Celebration! The evening includes live music by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra and Fireworks starting after dark from Derby Wharf.
Where: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Where: Downtown Salem
12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
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Waterfront Concerts @ Crocker Park in Marblehead
Marblehead Festival of Arts hosts live music performances throughout Fourth of July weekend at Crocker Park
The Marblehead Festival of the Arts hosts its  58th Performing Arts Program featuring 16 acts over 4 nights and 3 days.
Where: Downtown Marblehead
12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
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Saugus Iron Works Tours
Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
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Salem Farmers' Market
The Salem Farmer's Market bring the goodness of local farm to downtown Salem!
The Salem Farmers' Market brings fresh local produce and other foods from North Shore farms and other local resources to downtown Salem every Thursday at  Bentley Academy Charter School!
Where: Derby Square
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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Ipswich Homegrown Market
Ipswich Homegrown Market on the Middle Green in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Every Thursday through the Summer, you will find fresh local produce and other foods from local vendors at the Middle Green in Ipswich Massachusetts! Come enjoy this weekly community event featuring local growers, makers, artists, and dreamers.
Where: Middle Green Ipswich MA
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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Salisbury Farmers' Market
Salisbury Farmers Market is a great source of local produce.
The Salisbury Farmers' Market offers a vibrant community experience with a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, unprocessed honey, farm-fresh eggs, and maple syrup. Enjoy music, local market creations, and engage with local farmers. The market also features monthly craft markets, cooking...
Where: Salisbury Town Common
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
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