Hike

Notch Traveling Biergarten at Appleton Farms

Come to the Notch Brewery Biergarten at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich!

Back by popular demand! The Trustees and Notch Brewing are partnering up again to bring you another series of family-friendly outdoor Biergartens. Relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our gardens, farms, historic homes, and parks throughout the summer while enjoying one of Notch’s locally crafted session beers. Not just for grown-ups and beer drinkers – modeled after the popular European style Biergartens, it’s a family affair. Scavenger hunts and quests for children, property tours for adults, plus lawn games with plenty of room to spread out and explore for all.

When:

Friday, October 4, 2019 5-9PM

Saturday, October 5, 2019 2-7PM

Sunday, October 6, 2019 1-6PM

Location:

Appleton Farms

Ipswich

Trustees of Reservations

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Blueberries for Sale at Weir Hill

Join the Trustees on a hike up Weir Hill in North Andover in search of wild blueberries! Children and their caregivers are invited to take a stroll through Weir Hill and celebrate blueberry season with a story time of the classic children’s book, [amazon:978-0670175918:inline] by Robert McCloskey. With lowbush blueberries abound, participants will feel like they have joined Sal on her adventure on Blueberry Hill. “Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk!”

When:

Monday, July 16, 2018 9:30-10:30am

Location:

Trustees of Reservations

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Seasonal Kid Craft Day at Veasey Park

Seasonal Kid Craft Day at Veasey Memorial PArk in Groveland, MA

Create colorful corn, pinecone turkeys, and more at Veasey Park! A great way to decorate your Thanksgiving table. Great for ages 3 and up!
All supplies will be included. Tickets are $10 per family. Register and pay online or at the door.

When:

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 1pm

Location:

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STEAM for Kids | Monarchs and Wilkweed

Spring STEAM activities for kids at Veasey Memorial PArk in Groveland, MA focused on plants that attract butterflies

Poisonous Plants, Endangered Insects, and Beneficial Bombs! Huh?!
When are bombs beneficial? How can toxic plants actually help and support an endangered species? Join us to learn more about Monarchs and Milkweed, make native milkweed seed bombs, and, while they dry, craft Butterfly Suncatchers. Take the suncatchers home or help us adorn Veasey's enclosed porch! When the seed bombs are dry, you can take them home or toss them into the field at Veasey Park.

When:

Tuesday, May 17, 2022 2:30-4pm

Location:

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STEAM for Kids at Veasey Park

Spring STEAM activities for kids at Veasey Memorial PArk in Groveland, MA

Drop-in during one of our sessions! $10 / family will include everything you need! Ages 3 & up. Caregivers are responsible for children during activity, and may need to help children with some of the steps. Online ticket sales will end a day before the scheduled class. If you are unable to make it to the event, and would like a take home kit, please get in touch!

When:

Tuesday, June 7, 2022 1-2:30pm

Location:

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ECTA: Chebacco Woods Trail Walk

Join ECTA Trail Steward Sue McLaughlin (amazing woman and friend of NSK) for a hike through the Chebacco Woods area. Chebacco Road is off Essex St (Rte22) in Hamilton. We will meet at the main entrance on the west side of Chebacco Road. There is parking for about 8 cars at this entrance, and there is more parking at the canoe launch down the road.

When:

Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 9 AM

Hamilton

Hike

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A House for a Mouse

A family-friendly stroll down a forest path. We’ll read a story about animal houses and then we’ll go explore some real animal habitats along the trail. Do you know where birds live? Chipmunks? Beaver? Come join us and find out! We recommend bringing water, insect repellent, sun screen, binoculars and camera.

Appropriate for Pre-K to K level. Program will meet at the nature center at the entrance to the campground, 133 Jenkins Road in Andover

When:

Friday May 13, 2016 10:00-11:00am

Location:

Harold Parker State Forest

Andover

Hike

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Crane Estate Father’s Day Weekend Family Camp Out

campout with the Trusteees at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts for Fathers Day!

The Trustees of Reservations hosts an adventure-filled weekend camping at the Crane Estate! Our special site in the Pine Grove is an ideal location for both experienced campers and first-timers. This overnight includes a choice of optional programs and activities on Saturday afternoon, which may include a Great Marsh Creek Walk, a Dune Hike through the Crane Wildlife Refuge, a Guided Kayak Paddle in Essex Bay, or a Scavenger Hunt for the little ones. Of course you are also free to simply lounge on the beach, or explore the property on your own. Bring a bag lunch for Saturday. REI will teach us how to make a delicious, nutritious camp out supper – and we’ll follow that with s’mores around the campfire on Saturday night. A light breakfast will be provided on Sunday morning. After you pack up on Sunday morning, you are welcome to spend Sunday afternoon at the beach (parking in the lot by the Barn only).

When:

Saturday, June 18 - Sunday, June 19, 2016 11AM

Location:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

Hike

Kayaking

Scavenger Hunt

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Sense of Wonder Walks for Families: Witches' Brooms and Gingerbread Houses

Galls can be seen on all sorts of plants and are actually temporary bug homes!

Can you imagine eating the home that you grew up in? Some insects lay eggs inside plants and cause strange-looking growths called galls. The walls of these miniature "bug castles" give the developing insect larvae food and shelter. This is evidence of another fascinating relationship between insects and plants. We will examine a variety of galls and learn about the lives of their inhabitants. On our walk, we'll hunt for as many kinds of galls as we can find.

When:

Sunday, October 18, 2015 1:30-3pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Winter Homeschool for Ages 12 to 15

Tweens and Teens will explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to learn wilderness skills on the North Shore Massachusetts!

Ipswich River's weekly homeschool classes promote an active engagement with nature through inquiry-based, hands-on environmental education. Join us as we explore the many different habitats provided by our nearly 2,000-acre sanctuary, and lay the foundation for a lifelong connection with nature. This season, we will focus on the survival skills that all animals (including humans) need to survive the harsh New England winter.

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

North Shore as Classroom

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Boston Bruins Annual Pajama 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

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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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February Vacation Programs for Kids at Danvers YMCA

Looking for fun plans during February vacation week? The Danvers YMCA is hosting Vacation Break Adventures from February 16–20, offering a full week of engaging, hands-on activities for kids. There are themed days full of arts & crafts, science fun, gym games, swimming, and more. Highlights...

Where: Danvers Community YMCA

9:00 am to 4:00 pm

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February Vacation Week at Appleton Farms

In the winter, many people hunker down to stay indoors, but at Appleton Farms, we make the most of the cold, quiet season. There is no better place to spend winter farm days than in exploring in the snow and learning to love the outdoors in all seasons! This program is for kids who are looking to...

Where: Appleton Farms

9:00 am to 3:00 pm

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February Vacation at MIT Museum

Come on your own, with friends, or bring the whole family to the museum for a special week of programming. The museum has a number of activities planned for the week of February 14-22, including extended Maker Hub and Learning Lab hours, tours, gallery cart demos and family workshops. With the...

Where: MIT Museum

10:00 am to 5:00 pm

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Quarry Quest Treasure Hunt

Enjoy an outdoor treasure hunt at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations during February Vacation! Halibut Point State Park invites kids and families to follow clues then unscramble to find a treasure box!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

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StoryWalk at Halibut Point

Enjoy this pre-school StoryWalk® at your leisure with the younger set and combine reading and time in nature! StoryWalk®! Nest Robin Built, by Denise Fleming. Self-guided reading pages posted along a lovely Park trail near the visitor center. Connect with nature and each other while enjoying the...

Where: Maudslay State Park

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

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Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately 1 mile, though not accessible for strollers. Appropriate for families with children 3-5 years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Where: Breakheart Reservation

10:30 am to 11:30 am

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Family Nature Hike at Parker River

Get outside for February School Vacation Week! Join a refuge ranger for a guided nature program at the Hellcat Trail. Learn about refuge wildlife, winter adaptations, and more. This program is entirely outside. Dress warmly!

Where: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

11:00 am to 12:00 pm

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Sunday, March 22

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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Symphony by the Sea | Winter Dreams

Symphony by the Sea performs a special Winter Concert inspired by Slavic fairytales and the beauty of the Russian landscape, our program explores the rich synthesis of Western musical tradition and Russian folk melodies. Tchaikovsky’s energetic and tuneful Serenade, Arensky’s touching tribute to...

Where: The Cabot

3:00 pm

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