History

Community Day at Hammond Castle

Bring your kids to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts during April Vacation

We are celebrating the start of our 49th consecutive season and our visionary founder, John Hays Hammond Jr., whose pioneering scientific achievements continue to shape modern technology! Born 137 years ago on April 13th, 1888, Hammond’s enduring influence transcends time, and we’re commemorating his extraordinary legacy. As our special gift to you, join us for free entrance into the Eric Pape, Gertrude Cawein At Hammond Castle Museum fine art exhibit. Let’s celebrate Hammond’s remarkable life together!

When: 
Saturday, April 13, 2024 10am-4pm

CraneExplorer: Navigate the Estate

Come to the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts with the Trustees for a scavenger hunt that doubles as an orienteering workshop.

Join this Castle Hill education program and scavenger hunt to learn compass, map reading, and orienteering skills, and use these skills to solve challenges around the Castle Hill trails and grounds. Learn about the habitats, history, and culture of the estate while collecting clues to solve our explorer’s challenge! This program involves walking 1-2 miles over grass, gravel trails, and sand with moderate elevation gain.

When: 
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 10am-Noon

CraneExplorer: Cold Weather Feathers

Come explore the world of our resident winter birds here at Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

Join The Trustees of Reservations to explore the world of our resident winter birds here at Crane—beyond the Snowy Owl! Bring your binoculars (or borrow ours!) and join us in searching the water for Loons, Long-Tail ducks, Eiders, Scoters, Mergansers, and more! In the trees and sky, we might spot birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles, alongside hardy songbirds and woodpeckers. A variety of shorebirds round out the viewing possibilities!

When: 
Thursday, March 24, 2024 10am-Noon

February Vacation Week at CAM

Come explore the Cape Ann Museum with your family during February Vacation in Gloucester, Massachusetts!

Put on your winter coat and visit the Cape Ann Museum during February School Vacation Week! The Museum will be free for school-age children, 18 and under, and their guardians from Tuesday, February 20 – Thursday, February 22. On Friday, February 23 the Museum will have free admission for all visitors thanks to generous support from the Highland Street Foundation’s Winter Camp Initiative.

When: 
Tuesday, February 20 - Friday, February 23, 2024 10am-5pm
Location: 

Salem's So Sweet at The Gables

Come to the House of Seven Gables to celebrate Salem's So Sweet and Valentine's Day! Massachusetts

House of Seven Gables celebrates Salem's So Sweet and Valentine's Day with a day of festive events including Ice Sculpture Viewing, a scavenger hunt, Family Valentine Crafts and more! This wonderful, fun family event is co-sponsored by The House of the Seven Gables and the City of Salem’s Park, Recreation and Community Services Department. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Our Valentine event will include:

When: 
Saturday, February 10, 2024 1-3pm

CraneExplorer: Keeping a Nature Journal

Families are invited to a nature journaling workshop Castle Hill grounds in Ipswich Massachusetts

Calling all budding naturalists! Take inspiration from the beautiful landscape at Crane Estates and join us for a special session of creativity and observation. Families will create nature journals using a book-binding technique demonstrated by our coastal educators. Afterwards, participants will hike to inspiring parts of the estate where they can draw and document observations in their newly created journals. Our coastal educators will lead everyone through observational exercises and offer guidance as you make your first journal entry.

When: 
Saturday, November 11, 2023 1-3pm

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Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts

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

Music Together - Wednesday

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® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
9:30 am to 11:15 am

Annual Pizza Taste Off

The annual pizza taste-off in Gloucester raises funds for the American Cancer Society
The Interact Club at Gloucester High School will be holding their annual pizza taste off at Cruiseport Gloucester!  Come try different pizza from around Cape Ann, while helping to raise funds for the
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Friday, April 25

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.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

April Vacation at MIT Museum

Kids will have a blast at the MIT Museum in Cambridge Massachusetts during April Vacation Week!
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 and pop-up surprises planned for the week of April 17-23. See our week-at-glance calendar to view the extended hours and additions for our drop-in...
Where: MIT Museum
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Aleppo Shriners Circus

Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

April Vacation Week at MFA - Boston

April Vacation Week at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston Massachusetts
All are invited to April Vacation Week for free activities exploring connections between the people, places, and art made in Massachusetts. All ages and abilities are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. See Visiting with Kids and Family for more information.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

April Vacation at CAM

Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts has some great April Vacation programs for school aged kids!
This April Vacation, young visitors are invited to discover the art and history of Cape Ann at the CAM Green!  Explore the newest exhibition, Breath of Life – C.B. Fisk, Designers & Builders of Pipe Organs to learn about these incredible instruments. View intricate models of the architectural...
10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Music Together - Friday

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® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

Saturday, April 26

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

Teen Naturalist Club at IRWS: Spring/Summer Series

Join Mass Audubon for their Teen Naturalist Club at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts!
Explore a variety of local ecosystems, learn more about a wide range of natural history topics, and do real wildlife data collection and conservation projects in this exciting club for teens!
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Annual ECTA Equine Expo & Tack Sale

Essex County Trail Association is hosting the annual Equine EXPO at Topsfield Fairgrounds
Don't miss the 30th annual Equine EXPO & Tack Sale, Saturday, April 26th 2025 from 9-3 in the Arena Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds on Route 1, Topsfield, MA. Individuals, groups & businesses will make up our booths offering new and used items as well as services for the horse and...
9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Family Day at the Bird Banding Station

Kids will learn about local and migrating birds at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport Massachusetts
There's nothing like a visit to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for wonderful family nature experiences, and seeing the bird banding station in operation is at the top of the list. See Mass Audubon scientists evaluate and release migrant songbirds while you learn about migration and habitat...
9:00 am to 11:30 am
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