Hike

Groundhog Day Extravaganza

Take a closer look at Groundhog Day with the naturalists at Ipswich River Sanctu

Is spring on the way, or are we faced with another six weeks of winter? According to legend, Punxsutawney Phil foretells the impending weather each year. If he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, spring is near! Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary celebrates this ritual with a fun afternoon of activities for kids and families!

When: 
Sunday Febrauary 2, 2014 1-4 pm

The Art of Nature: The Forested Landscape

Brenda Sloane leads this workshop at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Join watercolorist Brenda Sloane in a monthly program that combines nature and art. We will start with a walk on the sanctuary to observe the topic of the month. We will then return to the Nature Center to create a follow-up work of art. Sign up for one or more of these classes.

When: 
Saturday, January 11, 2014 1:30pm-4pm

Seasonal Storytelling and Cookie Decorating

Kids just need to bring their imaignation to this cookie decorating workshop!

Join the fun in the cozy Barn where Victor Atkins, Ipswich River's resident storyteller, will share stories about the season, followed by a cookie-decorating workshop. All you need to bring is your imagination! Participants will have the opportunity to decorate their own nature-inspired cookie masterpieces with the help of Sherry Pearl, a professional cookie designer. An optional walk will conclude our morning.

When: 
Saturday, December 7, 2013 10am-Noon

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

Trails & Sails & Great Marsh Creek Walk

Explore the Marshes at the Crane Estate in Ipswich at low tide!

Join The Trustees of Reservations for a journey unlike any other in honor of Trails & Sails! Explore the bed of a salt marsh creek at low tide on this guided walk out of Castle Hill on the Crane Estate. One of the few sand-bottom creeks in Essex County, this broad and meandering waterway cuts a perfect footpath through the Great Marsh on its way to Ipswich Bay.

When: 
Sunday, September 29, 2013 1:30-3:30

Meet "Flight" Sculptor Dale Rogers

Flight by Dale Rogers installed at the Cox Reservation in Essex, Massachsuetts

Join Essex County Greenbelt Association for a Trails & Sails experience at the Cox Reservation in Essex, Massachusetts. Join award-winning sculptor Dale Rogers on an exploration of FLIGHT, a large-scale sculpture exhibited on the breath-taking grounds that overlook the beautiful marshes of Essex! Enjoy the presentation, then stroll the grounds or pack a picnic and stay to enjoy the scenery!

When: 
Sunday, September 29, 2013 1-3pm
Location: 

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Appleton Farms offers great farm-based Vacation Week Programs for kids ages 5-11

Superbowl of Birding 2026

The Superbowl of Birding 2026 is a unique competition conducted in Rockingham County, NH, and Essex County, Massachusetts
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...
5:00 am to 5:00 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

Nice n' Easy Hike at Breakheart Reservation

Nice and Easy winter hike at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
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.
9:30 am to 11:30 am

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
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…
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Animal Tracks | Family Nature Series

Essex County Greenbelt teams up with North Shore Nature Programs for a wildlife hike in Ipswich Massachusetts!
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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

CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes

Walk through the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts with the Trustees under the full moon.
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...
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Tuesday, March 3

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
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