CraneExplorer: Family Full Moon Hike in the Dunes
CraneExplorer events are designed to appeal to the little ones* while giving their parents a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Crane Estate. These hikes cover less ground to accommodate smaller strides and have more frequent stops to look, listen, and learn from our CraneOutdoors guides. Not just… Read More
Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms
Bring your little ones to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh story hour. We will read books about animals and nature, maybe sing a song or two, then head up to the carriage barn to visit our Nubian goats, Angora rabbits and see what other animals are out and about on… Read More
Cancelled – Thanksgiving Centerpiece Floral Workshop
Decorate your Thanksgiving tablescape with seasonal flowers in our Thanksgiving Floral Centerpiece Workshop. Join us for this hands-on floral workshop in preparation of Thanksgiving celebrations. Centerpieces will incorporate seasonal hues and blooms that will elevate your table décor or make a thoughtful hostess gift. Workshop includes: Step-by-step centerpiece construction techniques… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Guest of the Cranes
It’s 1929 and you’ve just arrived after a long journey to see the Great House at Castle Hill and to visit your friends, the Crane family, of Crane plumbing fame. You are greeted at the door by household staff and your adventure as a “Guest of the Cranes” begins. A… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Cupola with a View
This is our most Instagram-able tour experience and a particular treat for those interested in the architecture of the Great House and its surrounding property. You’ll gain insight into the architectural choices made by David Adler as he designed and built the Great House, the second home the Cranes built… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: The Cat's Meow
Our children’s tour, The Cat’s Meow, is designed for children age 3-8. Imagine living in 1929 and visiting the Crane family at their summer home in Ipswich. The house is so big and Mrs. Crane’s kitty, Ptolemy, has gone missing just before the party! Can you help a family… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Behind the Scenes in the Great House
Do you love checking out basements, kitchens, and other out of the way rooms? Our behind-the-scenes tour takes you past the beautiful facade and explores how the house ran when the Cranes were in residence. You’ll learn how a plumbing magnate incorporated the latest technology of the era into his… Read More
Family Farm Chores at Appleton Farms
Every day brings a full list of barnyard chores to keep our farmyard friends happy and healthy—so let’s get to work! Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program. Grab your muck boots and farm together as a family! Help care for our rabbits, goats, cows, chickens, and… Read More
CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us. 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… A stroll along the spine of Castle Hill, starting at the… Read More
Coffee with the Cows at Appleton Farms
Celebrate fall with this special hike to visit the Appleton herd. Meet the Mama cows who call Appleton home as they spend their morning grazing in our beautiful pastures. Coffee and pastries will be provided by our team so you can “graze” alongside the cattle and enjoy the physiological benefits… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Sunset Hike to Cedar Point
There’s no better excuse to explore Cedar Point—the western-most part of the Crane Estate—than a hike at sunset. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property has it all… A stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of the Great House A hike down the Woodland Trail leading to… Read More
Learning with Livestock at Appleton Farms
Join us on Saturdays for open and free programming and demonstrations! Meet the animals of Appleton, learn about why farmers keep animals, and the role they play alongside us on the farm. These rotating family-friendly farm education sessions are for all ages- kids and adults alike! Information is geared towards… Read More