Nature and Outdoor Events for Kids and Families Near Boston
Introducing children to the wonders of nature at an early age can do wonders for the imagination, and help to raise a caring environmentally aware human. Find all sorts of nature-themed events near Boston for kids and treat them to a wonderful world of learning.
January Reindeer Quest, 2 Locations, Free
Sat, January 1, 2022 - Mon, January 31, 2022
Grab your snow shoes, hiking boots or cross country skis and get the family outside to celebrate the winter all January long and seek out our elusive herd of wooden reindeer sculptures found throughout the farm's trails.
Sat, January 1, 2022 - Mon, January 31, 2022
Grab your snow shoes, hiking boots or cross country skis and get the family outside to celebrate the winter all January long and seek out our elusive herd of wooden reindeer sculptures found throughout the farm's trails.
Backyard and Beyond: Sensory Sundays, Acton
Sun, January 2, 2022 - Sun, January 30, 2022
Sensory Sundays are held outside, no matter the weather! Every Sunday morning we’ll do a nature-based activity based on the weather and season. All ages welcome but activities are designed for 2-6 year olds.
Sun, January 2, 2022 - Sun, January 30, 2022
Sensory Sundays are held outside, no matter the weather! Every Sunday morning we’ll do a nature-based activity based on the weather and season. All ages welcome but activities are designed for 2-6 year olds.
Winter Fun Days - Frozen Fruitlands, Harvard, $$
Mon, January 17, 2022 - Mon, February 21, 2022
Join us at Fruitlands Museum for some outdoor winter fun! Bring your winter boots, sleds, snowshoes, or cross-country skis to get outside and explore our hills and woodland trails.
Mon, January 17, 2022 - Mon, February 21, 2022
Join us at Fruitlands Museum for some outdoor winter fun! Bring your winter boots, sleds, snowshoes, or cross-country skis to get outside and explore our hills and woodland trails.
Young Naturalists at Gore Place, Waltham, $$
Today - Sat, February 19, 2022
Led by expert educators and using the grounds as a backdrop, you will practice science and naturalism skills, make close observations, record your findings in a nature journal, and share questions about the natural world.
Today - Sat, February 19, 2022
Led by expert educators and using the grounds as a backdrop, you will practice science and naturalism skills, make close observations, record your findings in a nature journal, and share questions about the natural world.
Stewardship Saturday at Worlds End, Hingham, Free
Today - Sat, February 12, 2022
Come join other park stewards and our partners at The Trustees to help with resource management atop the beautiful drumlins of Worlds End!
Today - Sat, February 12, 2022
Come join other park stewards and our partners at The Trustees to help with resource management atop the beautiful drumlins of Worlds End!
New Year Tree Tour, Waltham, $
Sat, January 29, 2022 - Sat, January 29, 2022
We’ll leaf no branch unturned in this tour of trees at Gore Place. This special New Year Tree Tour will feature homemade hot chocolate from Farmer Scott!
Sat, January 29, 2022 - Sat, January 29, 2022
We’ll leaf no branch unturned in this tour of trees at Gore Place. This special New Year Tree Tour will feature homemade hot chocolate from Farmer Scott!
Lunar New Year Wild Walk, Southborough, $$
Sat, January 29, 2022
January ‘s full moon is the “Wolf Moon”! learn about the Lunar New Year and explore the moon schedule for 2022 and what’s in store celestially for us all in this “New Year”. Keep your eyes open for animal tracks and other signs of wildlife on the farm and in the woods!
Sat, January 29, 2022
January ‘s full moon is the “Wolf Moon”! learn about the Lunar New Year and explore the moon schedule for 2022 and what’s in store celestially for us all in this “New Year”. Keep your eyes open for animal tracks and other signs of wildlife on the farm and in the woods!
The Third Annual Winter Wilderness Festival at Camp Denison, Georgetown, Free
Sat, January 29, 2022
Our Annual Winter Wilderness Festival highlights the best of the winter season. Learn about animal tracks and winter adaptations; try your hand at building a shelter out of branches; learn about ice-fishing, and enjoy S’mores by the fire.
Sat, January 29, 2022
Our Annual Winter Wilderness Festival highlights the best of the winter season. Learn about animal tracks and winter adaptations; try your hand at building a shelter out of branches; learn about ice-fishing, and enjoy S’mores by the fire.
Tot Time at Gore Place, Waltham, $
Tue, February 1, 2022 - Tue, February 1, 2022
Come and play at the Nature Playscape! Explore age-appropriate art, science, engineering, and nature play projects with our educators. Activities are open-ended and allow children to do as little or as much as they like.
Tue, February 1, 2022 - Tue, February 1, 2022
Come and play at the Nature Playscape! Explore age-appropriate art, science, engineering, and nature play projects with our educators. Activities are open-ended and allow children to do as little or as much as they like.
Hike & Seek: Self-Guided Trail Tour, North Andover, Free
Thu, February 3, 2022 - Sun, March 13, 2022
The Trustees wants to bring you closer to the fantastical elements of the forest with this self-guided outdoor trail bundle for use on the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens property.
Thu, February 3, 2022 - Sun, March 13, 2022
The Trustees wants to bring you closer to the fantastical elements of the forest with this self-guided outdoor trail bundle for use on the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens property.
Tree Tour at Gore Place, Waltham, $
Sat, February 5, 2022 - Sat, February 5, 2022
We’ll leaf no branch unturned in this tour of trees at Gore Place. Join us to get to the root of both the science and history of individual trees and species on our grounds.
Sat, February 5, 2022 - Sat, February 5, 2022
We’ll leaf no branch unturned in this tour of trees at Gore Place. Join us to get to the root of both the science and history of individual trees and species on our grounds.
The Merrimack River Eagle Festival 2022, Newburyport, Free
Tue, February 8, 2022 - Sat, February 12, 2022
When winter returns to the lower Merrimack Valley, so do Bald Eagles and Snowy Owls and other exciting winter wildlife. Every year we host a grand event marking their return.
Tue, February 8, 2022 - Sat, February 12, 2022
When winter returns to the lower Merrimack Valley, so do Bald Eagles and Snowy Owls and other exciting winter wildlife. Every year we host a grand event marking their return.
Eagle Festival: Family Owl Prowl, Topsfield, $$
Sat, February 12, 2022
Experience the excitement of an owl prowl as we take a night hike to look and listen for Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech-Owls. Learn amazing owl facts observing owl mounts, feathers, skulls, and talons. We'll end our evening with an owl-hooting lesson.
Sat, February 12, 2022
Experience the excitement of an owl prowl as we take a night hike to look and listen for Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech-Owls. Learn amazing owl facts observing owl mounts, feathers, skulls, and talons. We'll end our evening with an owl-hooting lesson.
Bald Eagle Walk Along the Neponset River, Mattapan, $$
Sat, February 12, 2022
Join a BNC Teacher Naturalist as we explore the Neponset River Reservation in search of our national bird, the Bald Eagle. We will learn about the eagle's life history and how they survive winters in New England.
Sat, February 12, 2022
Join a BNC Teacher Naturalist as we explore the Neponset River Reservation in search of our national bird, the Bald Eagle. We will learn about the eagle's life history and how they survive winters in New England.
Outdoor Adventures for Families: Eagle Fest - Bald Eagles on the River, Newburyport, $$
Sat, February 12, 2022 - Sat, April 16, 2022
It's time to bundle up to learn about winter and early spring wildlife with your family in the woods, around wetlands, and along the shore. Naturalist Lisa Hutchings will help you learn to identify creatures and share joy and knowledge about the natural world.
Sat, February 12, 2022 - Sat, April 16, 2022
It's time to bundle up to learn about winter and early spring wildlife with your family in the woods, around wetlands, and along the shore. Naturalist Lisa Hutchings will help you learn to identify creatures and share joy and knowledge about the natural world.
Tot Time at Gore Place, Waltham, $
Tue, February 15, 2022 - Tue, February 15, 2022
Come and play at the Nature Playscape! Explore age-appropriate art, science, engineering, and nature play projects with our educators. Activities are open-ended and allow children to do as little or as much as they like.
Tue, February 15, 2022 - Tue, February 15, 2022
Come and play at the Nature Playscape! Explore age-appropriate art, science, engineering, and nature play projects with our educators. Activities are open-ended and allow children to do as little or as much as they like.
Family Ice Fishing Clinic, Medway, Free
Wed, February 16, 2022
Join the fun at this family-friendly, learn to ice fish clinic at Choate Park Pond (7 Oak St, Medway) from 4 p.m. until dusk. All equipment will be provided.
Wed, February 16, 2022
Join the fun at this family-friendly, learn to ice fish clinic at Choate Park Pond (7 Oak St, Medway) from 4 p.m. until dusk. All equipment will be provided.
Enchanted Forest at Fruitlands, Harvard, $$
Sat, February 19, 2022 - Sun, February 27, 2022
Calling all woodland fairies, elves, and gnomes! The Frost King has come to spend the winter at the Fruitlands Fairy Forest and he has brought all sorts of new enchantment with him.
Sat, February 19, 2022 - Sun, February 27, 2022
Calling all woodland fairies, elves, and gnomes! The Frost King has come to spend the winter at the Fruitlands Fairy Forest and he has brought all sorts of new enchantment with him.
Family Ice Fishing Clinic, Shrewsbury, Free
Wed, February 23, 2022
Join the fun at this family-friendly, learn to ice fish clinic at Lake Quinsigamond (Corazzini Boat Launch area, in Shrewsbury. All equipment will be provided.
Wed, February 23, 2022
Join the fun at this family-friendly, learn to ice fish clinic at Lake Quinsigamond (Corazzini Boat Launch area, in Shrewsbury. All equipment will be provided.
Peddocks Island Winter Wander, Boston, $
Sat, February 26, 2022 - Sat, February 26, 2022
Experience an unforgettable winter day as you wander the trails of Peddocks Island in search of winter tracks and traces. Enjoy a guided walk, play in the snow (if the weather cooperates), or join us by the fire for s'mores by our firepit.
Sat, February 26, 2022 - Sat, February 26, 2022
Experience an unforgettable winter day as you wander the trails of Peddocks Island in search of winter tracks and traces. Enjoy a guided walk, play in the snow (if the weather cooperates), or join us by the fire for s'mores by our firepit.
Maple Tree Tap-a-Thon at Chestnut Hill Farm, Southborough, $$
Sat, February 26, 2022
Ranger Tim will show us how to identify maple trees on the farm and share the history of tapping as we learn about how maple sap runs.
Sat, February 26, 2022
Ranger Tim will show us how to identify maple trees on the farm and share the history of tapping as we learn about how maple sap runs.
New England Gem & Mineral Show 2022, Topsfield, Free
Sat, April 30, 2022 - Sun, May 1, 2022
Children's activities include Spin-A-Gem, gold panning, mineral sifting and geode cracking. For adults Minerals, Fossils, Gem Stones, Jewelry, Beads, Lapidary & Jewelry supplies.
Sat, April 30, 2022 - Sun, May 1, 2022
Children's activities include Spin-A-Gem, gold panning, mineral sifting and geode cracking. For adults Minerals, Fossils, Gem Stones, Jewelry, Beads, Lapidary & Jewelry supplies.
Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum 2022, Jamaica Plain, Free
Sun, May 8, 2022 - Sun, May 8, 2022
This beloved Boston tradition celebrates the lilacs as well as many other special collections at their peak at this lovely time of year. Come celebrate spring at the Arnold Arboretum.
Sun, May 8, 2022 - Sun, May 8, 2022
This beloved Boston tradition celebrates the lilacs as well as many other special collections at their peak at this lovely time of year. Come celebrate spring at the Arnold Arboretum.
Massachusetts Free Fishing Weekend, Other Boston Area, Free
Sat, June 4, 2022 - Sun, June 5, 2022
Take a friend or family member fishing -- you won't need a fishing license in freshwater for these two days! All other fishing regulations apply.
Sat, June 4, 2022 - Sun, June 5, 2022
Take a friend or family member fishing -- you won't need a fishing license in freshwater for these two days! All other fishing regulations apply.
Summer Classes on the Farm, Newton, $$
Tue, July 5, 2022 - Fri, September 2, 2022
Calling all future farmers, scientists, chefs, naturalists, and gardeners! We are excited to invite children back to the Farm for a joyful summer learning experience in 2022.
Tue, July 5, 2022 - Fri, September 2, 2022
Calling all future farmers, scientists, chefs, naturalists, and gardeners! We are excited to invite children back to the Farm for a joyful summer learning experience in 2022.