Topsfield Fair – America’s Oldest County Fair Began in 1818

By Caitlin Dowling, Newburyport.com Correspondent
Caitlin is a freelance editor/writer and former news producer for CNN. As a local mom of three, her family can be found enjoying all Newburyport has to offer, from strolling downtown to biking the rail trail to swimming at the beach.

Topsfield Fair, Topsfield, MA County Fair

The annual Topsfield Fair is a cherished tradition for many local North Shore families and for fair goers who travel far distances to be part of this amazing fall event packed with activities and fun Things to Do. The 2023 Topsfield Fair runs from September 29th through October 9th with hundreds of vendors, rides, animals, shows, and special entertainment. Known as America’s oldest county fair, nearly half a million people flock to the festivities each year to enjoy a combination of traditional agricultural exhibits with classic fair fun.

Opened daily over ten days, the Topsfield Fair features a Midway section filled with rides, food, and games. Thrill-seekers can whirl and twirl Topsfield Fair, County Fair, Topsfield, MA on fast-paced rides while families with younger children can hit the kiddie section filled with pint-sized entertainment like small merry-go-rounds and driving cars. The Midway is also home to classic carnival games. Rides and games are not included in admission. You can purchase ride packs in advance for a discount or just pay as you go at the fair.

Fair-goers should also be sure to bring their appetites because the food vendors—situated in the Midway—will not disappoint. Topsfield Fair has everything from sandwiches to desserts, and many unique treats with a county fair twist. Try out some chocolate covered bacon, sample fried kool-aide, or indulge in some farm-fresh apple crisp.

Topsfield Fair, County Fair Topsfield, MA The Topsfield Fair was founded by the Essex County Agriculture Society back in 1818 so it comes as no surprise that farming and animals are a major part of this county fair. Visit with tiny piglets, sheep with their lambs, and other farm animals at the Farmyard tent and stop into the multiple barns throughout the fairgrounds that house cattle, goats, rabbits, chickens, and more. There is even a beekeeping exhibit with observation hives to watch the bees in action. Along with live animals, visitors can also shop fresh produce from local farmers and goods made by local artisans.

Perhaps one of the most famous exhibits at the Topsfield Fair is the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off—which is exactly what it sounds like. Farmers from all over compete to earn the title of the heaviest pumpkin and fair visitors get to check out these massive fruits on display. All pumpkins must weigh a minimum of 300 Lbs to enter and the heaviest to date weighed in at a whopping 1,689 Lbs!

Before planning out your day make sure to take a look at the Topsfield Fair daily calendar which is packed with live entertainment ranging from live musical performances to a demolition derby. There are also live events that go back to this county fair’s agricultural roots like an old fashion tractor pull and sheepdog trials. And if you plan on spending the whole day at the fair, stick around for the fairground parade scheduled for Tuesday, October 3rd from 5 – 6 pm.

Topsfield Fair Tickets:

Tickets to the Topsfield Fair, along with ride tickets and food vouchers, can be purchased online in advance at a discounted rate. Children under 8 are always free. All pictures used in this article are from the Topsfield Fair facebook page.

Summer Programs – North Shore Activities Adventures & Trips

Clark School Summer Camp, North Shore MA

Summer programs at the Clark School, offer North Shore kids an opportunity to build their own adventures with a mix of traditional summer activities and exciting field trips. Open to kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade, Summer at the Clark School was founded on traditional summer activities but is continuously providing opportunities for exploration of exciting new offerings. Enjoy your favorite hobbies and try something new; play classic games, learn to build a fire, and get creative with cool arts & crafts projects. Explore new horizons with dramatic arts, virtual reality, and 3D printing and more. If your looking for top north shore summer programs, check out the 2023 Summer @ Clark schedule below for specific theme weeks.

Why is the Clark Schools a great option for Summer Activities?

Part of each day at the Clark School summer programs will be focused on that week’s theme and, for the rest of the day, kids are given a selection of activities and even some free time to ride bikes and to engage in another choice hobbies. All activities are optional, and there is more than one choice for each block of the day, offering something for everyone!

Clark School Weekly Summer Program Themes

Week 1: Enchanted Forest – June 20 – 23

This week will take us on a journey of local nature and wildlife experiences. Kids will experience nature hikes at local sanctuaries and parks and will have the option to canoe/kayak on local waterways. On campus games will also reflect our Enchanted Forest Theme as counselors will engage the kids in active play! A number of sensory and crafting activities will be offered throughout the week to participants as their imaginations will inspire whimsical creations of nature crowns, fairy concoctions, miniature gnome tree houses and magic wands . . . just to name a few! Join us for an enchanted week of experiences!

Week 2: Fashion & Design – June 26 – 30

This week will be all about the kids using creativity to create fashion and design! From t-shirt and tye-dye creations and access to poseable mannequins for full ensemble design to pinewood derby mini cars and mini sailboat construction, kids will have the opportunity to showcase and put their finished creations to the test! Field trips to local design studios and art museums are expected, while active campus games will reflect our Fashion & Design themed week! Join us for a fashionably designed week of fun!

Week 3: Time Travel Through History OR Photography Week – July 10-14

This week kids will explore pastimes of history through games, crafts, food and field trips! Trivia and Jeopardy style challenges will be presented to test your knowledge from the early 2000s, 90s, 80s, 70s, 60s and beyond! Kids will have the option to get into character and perform a song or historical scene of the past through their own historical interpretations and improvisation. Trips to local landmarks will enlighten and remind us of what past lives had experienced! Join us as we travel back in time and discover fun!

Week 3: Photography

The Summer at Clark Photography Week is designed to help young photographers at any level improve their skills. Students are required to bring their own digital camera. This can be a phone camera or their own DSLR. iPads or laptops are encouraged for editing so the photographers can store their images and bring them home, though Macs are provided for those that would rather use them. Images will then be uploaded to Google Drive for sharing with family and friends. Half of the time we will be off campus visiting some of the more picturesque locations on the North Shore such as the Crane Estate, Maudslay Parkland locations along our shores. Photographers should come with appropriate footwear for hiking in the woods as well as scampering across shoreline rocks.

Week 4: Water World OR Art Week: July 17-21

This week kids will experience the joys of water fun! From on campus balloon toss games to slip and slides to off campus field trips to local beaches, ponds and paddle boarding adventures; expect a week of wet! Kids will face water challenges through team building games and activities. All crafting activity stations will be inspired by water as kids will figure out how to best manipulate the power of H2O. Join us for a soaking fun time!

Week 4: Art with Jeph Ellis

The Summer at Clark Art Week will engage and entertain your young artists. Each day we will be working on a different project to take home. Lessons will include basic drawing skills and color theory as well as how to create thinking out-of-the-box abstract imagery. We will work with two dimensional mediums, like painting and drawing as well as three dimensional ones. All materials will be provided, however should your artist wish to bring their own materials that they love to use, they are welcome to do so as well.

Week 5: Color War Olympics OR Robotics & Tech Week – July 24-28

Get ready for bright colors, teamwork and Olympic style challenges as kids strive to earn Bronze, Silver and Gold! Kids this week will be placed in teams and compete against each other in athletic and non-athletic challenges. The color war atmosphere stresses spirit, sportsmanship and camaraderie! Join us this week and let your competitive spirit shine!

Week 6: Community Service OR Robotics & Tech Week Week – August 31- September 4

Kids this week will gain an understanding of local community needs and services and will then be tasked with physically assisting local organizations such as donation centers and food pantries. Crafting activities will have a purpose of helping those in need with physical items and time will be allocated for kids to use their artistic creativity to create awareness for local services, organizations and initiatives! Join us this week and help make a difference in your local community!

Week 7: Talent Showcase OR Robotics & Tech Week – August 7-11

Description goes Kids this week will be planning and preparing for an end of the week talent show performance. Kids will also be introduced to other local performers and talents throughout the week to help inspire and guide their performances. Join us this week for a week of entertainment!

Weeks 5, 6 & 7: Robotics & Tech

Develop, design and play! Our Tech program allows kids a hands-on experience and introduction to Scratch (an educational tool for programming), Makey Makey (a coding and commands connector), Minecraft, Virtual Reality and more! Come tinker and develop your tech skills in our very own technology lab! If your kid enjoys all things tech, computer and gaming this the summer program for them!

Registration & Cost:

The cost for Clark School Summer Programs is $325 per person, per week, which includes all activities and fees. Extended Care and Tutoring are offered at an additional cost. Full payment is due via PayPal upon registration and it is recommended to complete the registration on a computer or full tablet (not a smart phone.) Register for summer fun at the Clark School Summer Programs!

Summer Programs Director, Anthony Wijeyesinghe will be happy to answer questions. He can be reached at (978) 777-4699 or by email at summer@clarkschool.com.

Theater in the Open

By Emily Cowan, Newburyport.Com Correspondent

Community Theater in the Open

Dynamic Youth Arts & Educational Programming

Youth Arts Collaboration

Theater in the Open

Theater in the Open is dedicated to bringing creative and innovative community theater to the cultural landscape of Greater Newburyport. They stage high-quality original productions each year for the enjoyment of the community and they are dedicated to theater that is free and open to everyone! Theater in the Open is headquartered at Maudslay State Park and they offer youth arts education programs in addition to the free outdoor performances for the community.

Theater in the Open has been bringing theater performances to the public since 1979 when Anna (Clopton) Smulowitz launched the Newburyport Children’s Theater & Arts Education Program. They have also been central to the local arts scene on the North Shore. Throughout their history, the organization has been deeply involved in youth arts education. They provide wonderful opportunities for young people to express themselves and develop skills in theater, dance and visual arts. Theater in the Open hosts workshops that foster constructive, positive, creative experiences for young people. Their highly respected Summer Arts Workshops, provide programming for children aged 5 to 17, offering kids a range of enriching creative opportunities.

In 2017, Theater in the Open was selected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to be the Curator of the Maudslay Gatekeepers’s House. This means that for the next 20 years, Theater in the Open will remain in Maudslay State Park and continue their incredible performances and dynamic youth arts education programming.

Theater in the Open brings the Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour to the community each year. This is the biggest fundraising event of the year in support of Theater in the Open. Circus Smirkus is an original full-length show held under a European-style one-ring big top tent at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm.

Discover Theater in the Open’s quality performances. Simply bring a picnic blanket to Maudslay State Park to watch the creativity of this talented community theater company on display!

VISIT

Theater in the Open
1 Spring Lane
Newburyport, MA 01950
info@theaterintheopen.org

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Nature School Land and Sea Learning at Merrohawke

By Joe, Joe

Nature School Land & Sea Learning, Newburyport

Nature School Learning Programs

Land & Sea Nature Exploration in Newburyport’s Outdoor Classroom

Photos
Videos

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Strong Kids, Healthy Planet.

Part of the Merrohawke Nature School, Outdoor Boating Programs focus on Building Outdoor Appreciation Through Curiosity and Maritime Programs.

Led by Erica Lee and Captain George, this week-long program connects kids with nature through maritime education and activities.

Departing each day from Newburyport or Plum Island Point, Merrohawke Nature School students travel by water to explore the coastal ecology of Ipswich Bay and the Gulf of Maine.

On past trips, students have spotted dolphins, gannets, bluefish and mackerels, with no two days ever the same.

The experience continues as students haul lobster traps, collect and examine sea life and fish off the Isles of Shoals.

From marine biology, coastal ecology and oceanography to maritime history and navigation, during the course of this two-week Boat and Nature Program, kids will gain plenty of knowledge and memories.

The lead educators and captains have decades of experience taking children out on the water, and guiding them in nature, with a mission to, “Provide meaningful education outdoors along the Merrimack River Watershed and nearby coastal waters to inspire a lifelong connection to land and sea.”

In addition to Boating Programs, the Merrohawke Nature School also offers Forest Kindergarten and Teen Wilderness Programs.

If you’re interested in supporting this nonprofit education organization, please read more about donating here.

*Pictures from the Merrohawke Nature School Photo Galleries Aboard the Erica Lee & Captain George.

Live

Merrohawke Nature School

PO Box 235, 54R Merrimac Street

Newburyport, MA 01950

978.463.2233

explore@merrohawke.org

Register Here

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Premier 18 Hole Mini Golf Course for the North Shore

By Steve Flynn Sr., Newburyport.Com Correspondent
Steve Flynn Sr. has worked in the greenhouse business since he was in his teens and has owned Nunan’s for over thirty years. Nunan’s is a family oriented and run business with three generation actively involved in the business. Steve enjoys the ever changing seasons of the greenhouse industry, and has built the business to be for both retail and wholesale customers .
Nunan Florist & Greenhouses

Have you been to Nunan’s lately? Last year, we proudly opened Kallie’s Kones, a full-service ice cream parlor, and Garden Golf, a premier 18-hole, beautifully landscaped mini golf course. Our General Manager and Co-Owner Stephen Flynn, Jr. came up with the idea of building a miniature golf course to our property after seeing a rise in agritourism—a term that simply means an activity or attraction that brings visitors to a farm. Wanting to venture away from corn mazes, Stephen began planning for a miniature golf course. Construction began shortly after, and on July 29, 2016, Nunan’s Garden Golf celebrated its grand opening with a weekend of miniature golf, hot dogs, and ice cream!

Nunan’s Garden Golf is in the quaint town of Georgetown, MA, surrounded by our growing greenhouses,and a full-scale garden center, flower shop, and landscape company set on our 22+ acre lot. It’s not your run-of-the-mill mini golf course, as Garden Golf boasts no windmills or dinosaurs. Instead, our 18-hole course is set amongst a beautiful botanical garden that has some of the most alluring and unique annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that grow in the northeast. The course takes you over bridges, through water hazards, by an 18’ waterfall and many other obstacles that make it a fun and challenging experience for the entire family! Throughout the garden, each plant has an identification label and our scorecards are designed with a “Plant Wish List” on the back of it so that you can write down what you like. After your game of golf, you can walk through our beautiful blooming front displays to our ice cream parlor and enjoy a Richardson’s ice cream as you shop for the plants on your wish list.

Now, Nunan’s Garden Golf has opened its doors to new opportunities within the community by offering a number of different programs, including youth programs and field trips, private events such as birthday parties, fundraisers, and corporate events. Garden Golf and Kallie’s Kones have already hosted a number of birthday parties and they’re a huge hit!

Hosting a corporate event for your business? Try something new and host a mini golf tournament for your employees. Many companies have standard golf tournaments, but the problem with that is not everyone plays golf and it takes an entire day. Mini golf is comparatively shorter, sweeter, and easier to play! With a Nunan’s Garden Golf corporate event, you can bring everyone together for a fun-filled day. Mini golf is a great outing activity for your employees—it helps improve communication amongst coworkers, helps employees get to know each other better, celebrate company achievements, show appreciation, energize your team, and boost morale. At Nunan’s, you can rent the entire area to play mini golf, bring in food or have it delivered, play music, or host family games, company awards, and presentations.

Hellcat Boardwalk Trail also called Hellcat Interpretative Trail – Plum Island

Hellcat Boardwalk Trail, Hellcat Interpretative Trail, Parker River, Plum Island, MA

The Hellcat Boardwalk Trail Trail, often referred to as the Hellcat Interpretative Trail for its planked pathway, is located in Plum Island’s Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The trail, which is handicap accessible and appropriate for kids and adults alike, offers a guided experience and breathtaking views.

The 1.4 miles long Hellcat Trail is divided into two different paths on either side of the road that runs through the refuge— a 0.6 mile Dunes Trail and an 0.8 mile Marsh Trail. Each section features lookout points and interpretive stations along the way to learn fun facts about the refuge and habitats. Visitors can choose to do just one of the paths or the entire loop. To reduce disturbance to wildlife all hikers must stay on the boardwalk at all times. Maps are available online and at the ranger station when you enter the refuge.

The Hellcat Interpretative Trail was originally built in the 1970s by high school students in the Youth Conservation Corps but recently got a Hellcat Interpretative Trail Parker River Boardwalk Trail, Plum Island, MA big upgrade in the fall of 2020. The wooded boardwalk was replaced with synthetic plastic planks and widened to make it more accessible. Along with upgrades to the Hellcat Trail, The Marsh and Dune loops, which were previously two separate paths, are now connected with a new portion of the trail.

Ready to head out on a hike to the Hellcat Boardwalk Trail? Here’s what you need to know before you go. All visitors must pay $5 per car to enter the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, unless they have an annual parking pass. Once on the refuge, the Hellcat Boardwalk Trail is about 3.5 miles from the entrance and closest in vicinity to parking lot 4 (the same lot you would also find the lookout tower from). And while your pup may love a good hike, you need to leave all four-legged family members at home—pets are not allowed anywhere on the refuge.

The Hellcat Trail is open year-round but make sure to keep tabs on when the greenheads arrive in mid-July. These pesky horseflies are prevalent on Plum Island and make for a less than ideal hike. Another environmental factor to keep an eye out for is poison ivy, which is present on parts of the trail. When possible wear pants and a long shirt to protect yourself. If you’re hoping to cool off with a swim after your hike, be aware there is no beach access available from the Hellcat Trail. You will have to exit the trail and walk or drive to a parking lot that offers beach access.

Top Eight Playgrounds in the Newburyport Area

By Emily Cowan, Newburyport.Com Correspondent

We’re lucky to live in an area with more than its fair share of wonderfully designed and maintained playgrounds, including one rated top ten in the state! From relatively small but centrally located urban parks to expansive play structures banked by rolling hills and ballfields, there’s a playground for every age range and activity level. Here’s our insider’s guide to the top eight playgrounds in the Newburyport area, as rated by Macaroni Kid readers. Click the links below for an information-packed review of each park, including key details on shade structures, water play opportunities, and restroom access.

ACTION COVE

15 Bachelor St. West Newbury MA 01985

Action Cove’s whimsical, nautical-themed wooden play structure offers enough steps, slides, lookouts, and hideyholes to keep kids entertained for hours.

playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Action Cove

AMESBURY TOWN PARK PLAYGROUND

Lion’s Mouth Rd., between Friend and Highland Sts. Amesbury MA 01913

This expansive, newly renovated playground forms the heart of Amesbury’s park-recreation scene, boasting state-of-the art play equipment and a splashpad in summer.

playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Amesbury Town Park

BARTLET MALL PLAYGROUND
151 High St. Newburyport MA 01950
This relatively small playground overlooking the “Frog Pond” (Bartlet Mall Pond) benefits from easy access both to downtown Newburyport and to the footpath that rings the pond.

playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Bartlet Mall

CASHMAN PARK
202 Merrimac St. Newburyport MA 01950
Stop by Cashman Park on any given afternoon in good weather and you’ll find a social scene populated by parents, their babies and kids, and a wide variety of strollers, scooters, trikes, and bikes.

playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Cashman Park

INN STREET PLAYGROUND
25 Inn St. Newburyport MA 01950
What tiny Inn Street Playground lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in location, location, location
playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Inn Street Playground

MOSELEY WOODS
Spofford St. Newburyport MA 01950
Tucked into the woods just off the Merrimac Street traffic circle in Newburyport lies a 16-acre park featuring a playground, shaded picnic area, and hiking trails.
playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Moseley Woods

PERKINS PLAYGROUND
10 Beacon Ave. Newburyport MA 01950
Boasting a playground with a generous sandbox, Perkins Park is the go-to recreational area for families in Newburyport’s South End.
playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Perkins Park

PIRATE SHIP PARK
Little Neck Rd. Ipswich MA 01913
At this picturesque oceanview playground on Ipswich’s Little Neck, a modern play structure shaped like a – you guessed it – pirate ship offers lots of climbing opportunities.
playgrounds in the Newburyport area, Pirate Ship Park

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

Historic Farm in Newbury

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is a historic 231-acre property in Newbury with events and activities for you and your family to enjoy. The property features exhibits and interactive activities that demonstrate what it was like to live on a farm throughout the centuries. Much of the land at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is still under active agriculture!

Visit the expansive open land and tour the farmhouse to see what life was like in Newbury in the 1690s! The farm was originally used to raise cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and chickens. In addition, fruit, vegetables, flowers, barley and fresh meadow hay have been grown on the land. The main house was built with local stone, most likely from nearby Plum Island. There are several outbuildings including a large barn and visitor center that was originally a carriage barn.

There are many fun outdoor events at the Farm including Vintage Baseball from May to October. It’s a lot of fun to watch baseball being played with rules from 1881!

You can also visit sheep, goats, chickens and a horse on the property. The Farm partners with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to foster these friendly animals. The Farm Friends is a program geared toward children 3 to 6 years old. The children who sign up for this program get to spend time with farm animals, listen to a story, and create a neat craft item to bring home. Programs run at various times throughout the year so be sure to check the Farm’s website for details.

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm owned and operated by Historic New England, a cultural preservation organization. The season for Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm is from June 1st to October 15th, the grounds are open year round during daylight hours. It’s a great place to enjoy a stroll, ride bikes, cross-country ski, and ride horses. There is plenty of parking at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm.

Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm

5 Little’s Lane
Newbury, MA 01951
978-462-2634

Directions: Take I-95 to Route 113, Newburyport. Route 113 turns into Route 1A (High Road). Follow Route 1A for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto Little’s Lane.

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Autism- and Sensory-Friendly Events in the Newburyport Area

By Emily Cowan, Newburyport.Com Correspondent

autisim and sensory-friendly, Newburyport MA

Looking for autism- and sensory-friendly options for family entertainment? From autism spectrum to sensory processing disorders, there are plenty of reasons why your child might need a little extra consideration when it comes to high-impact events or activities. Many large entertainment venues now make specific accommodations for these kids (think lower lights, decreased noise levels, and smaller crowds), so no one has to miss out on the fun.

Here are a few area events and activities specially designed to create a calmer environment for sensory-sensitive kids. (For a complete and continuously updated list, check out the Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Event Calendar.)

Movie Theaters

Cinemagic (Salisbury MA and Portsmouth NH) – Sensory- and family-friendly showings run once per month

AMC Theaters (Methuen and Burlington MA) – Sensory-friendly films run four times per month

Chunky’s (Haverhill MA and Pelham NH) – Lights up, sound down sensory-friendly showings run monthly

Museums

Boston Children’s Museum (Boston MA) – Morningstar Access for a less crowded experience once per month

The Discovery Museum (Acton MA) – Autism-Friendly Evenings, Sensory-Friendly Afternoons, Visually Impaired Family Evenings, Mornings and Evenings for Families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing & KODA Infant and Toddlers programs that offer increased accommodations and access to exhibits in an understanding environment

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (Dover NH) – Exploring Our Way Program is open the first Sunday of the month for families to enjoy the museum in a less crowded, understanding environment

Museum of Fine Arts (Boston MA) – Beyond the Spectrum program one Saturday per month for children ages 8-12 to explore galleries and create art

Restaurants

Autism Eats (Various Locations) – Hosts dinner parties in restaurants and function facilities with accommodations for sensory sensitivities

Chuck E. Cheese (Burlington, Danvers, and Methuen MA, and Newington NH) – Sensory Sensitive Sundays held the first Sunday of the month

Playspaces

SkyZone (Danvers MA) – Sensory Hours held on the second Sunday of the month

Storytimes

Amesbury Public Library (Amesbury MA) – Sensory Storytimes offered once per month

For more events for kids and families in the Greater Newburyport area, visit www.newburyport.macaronikid.com. Subscribe to our FREE weekly e-newsletter to have our complete calendar delivered right to your inbox: http://newburyport.macaronikid.com/subscribe/

10 Under $10: Indoor Play Places in the Newburyport Area

By Emily Cowan, Newburyport.Com Correspondent

No spring fever here – we’ve compiled a list of low-cost local indoor play places to take your young ones to get the wiggles out.

Harmony Natural Learning Center in Newbury hosts both morning and afternoon open-playtimes for ages 7 and under throughout the winter months. Stocked with simple activities that feature natural materials, Harmony offers a “unique play environment intentionally structured to minimize the adult role in leading and guiding play.”

Newburyport’s Joppa Flats Education Center, part of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, offers a wide range of programming for ages 3 and up, including a year-round “Imagine, Sing & Learn” series for ages 3-6 and a giant saltwater touch tank in summer. If the weather cooperates, you can cross the street to walk the path that hugs the airfield and then heads through a thicket toward historic Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm. About three miles away at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary in Rowley, you can explore more Mass Audubon trails and try to spot some of the area’s birds and small animals.

Ipswich Museum, one of the great indoor play places for the area, has just opened a new model-train exhibit. It also offers hosts monthly homeschooler workshops for ages 6-12 that range from age-appropriate explorations of the museum’s collections to walking tours of Ipswich. Contact educator@ipswichmuseum.org for information on upcoming workshops.

All That Cheer and Tumble in Amesbury offers an open gym time most Tuesday mornings (check for schedule). The Imagination Stationz program features sensory activities, dramatic play, and an obstacles course.

The visitor’s center at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport offers a kid’s story hour for ages 3-5 on Monday mornings plus free movie screenings as part of its twice-monthly “Kids’ Conservation Cinema” series. Download a monthly calendar of events from PRNWR’s website.

Ipswich Birth to Three Family Center hosts a popular open playtime for young children, among many other programs for kids and families. Classes are free for residents of Ipswich and Essex and with a suggested donation of $6 for non-residents.

Seacoast United Admirals offers a weekday-morning PlayTime program for under-5s at its indoor recreation facility in Amesbury. Season-long memberships available.

The Do Drops playgroup for ages 4 and under is the Newbury Town Library’s best-kept secret. This freewheeling, twice-weekly playtime runs yearlong in the library’s Community Room.

Preschool Open Gym for ages 2-5 at the Newburyport Youth Services Rec Center offers a weekly opportunity to get the wiggles out in a spacious gymnasium with balls, mats, and plenty of room to run around.

Buddhaful Souls Yoga Studio in Rowley welcomes toddlers and their caregivers for a drop-in Friday mom-and-me yoga session ($10/toddler), and both the Rowley Public Library and the Salisbury Public Library host free kids’ yoga classes.

We hope you find this list of suggestions helpful when in search of fun indoor play places in the Newburyport area.

Visit the websites above for more details or – better yet – check the Macaroni Kid events calendar, where you can find ALL of these programs listed in one place!

Tendercrop Farm Field Tours

By Joe, Joe

Agricultural adventures await your family.

Meet Farm Animals & Explore Field Tours

Best known for the freshest produce, meats and poultry, Tendercrop Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts offers a healthy, family-friendly experience that reaches behind groceries.

In addition to delectable farm to table foods, plants and crafts, the Farm now offers Tendercrop Field Tours!

Great for school groups, scout troops and birthday parties, Tendercrop will open their fields and pastures to the public, sharing the farming experience.

On the tour you’ll discover how food goes from the farm to table, and visit with Tendercrop Farm Friends including baby chicks, cows and turkeys.

Guests will also pick their own fresh strawberries, peaches, apples and whatever else is in season. Plus, taste treats from inside the store.

Each child will also be eligible to earn a “First Time Farmer” certificate.

Tendercrop Field Tours are available May through October with a 20 person minimum. Tickets are $8 per person.