Fruitlands/Old Manse Story Hour

Story Hour at Fruitlands Museum

Join us for a fun-filled Story Hour related to the many sides of Fruitlands Museum! From the Fairy Forest of Louisa May Alcott’s childhood to the bustling herb gardens of the Shakers and the visionary views of artists and writers, explore the wonders of the natural world through stories, crafts,… Read More

Full Moon Over Dunes

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

Full Moon Over Dunes

CraneOutdoors: Dunes by the Light of the Full Moon

Transformed and illuminated by the glow of the full moon, the beach and dunes of Castle Neck are a stunningly beautiful landscape. To experience this special place at this magical time, join us for a unique hiking experience. We’ll start with the beauty of a sunset while taking an evening… Read More

paint the gardens

Brush and Bloom at Minton Stable

Paint with expert guidance in the tranquility of the garden! For the month of May, join us in painting and exploring Minton Stable Community Garden, one of our largest properties in our network of 56 garden. It hosts a public lawn space, gated community garden plots, and a gated area… Read More

Ashley Nichols

The Art of Presence: Memorial Day Yoga

Enjoy a yoga class and mindful meditation set within the deCordova Sculpture Park. We will meet in the Sculpture Park to activate body and mind as a teacher from On The Mat Yoga leads vinyasa yoga surrounded by works of contemporary art. Best suited for ages 13+. deCordova’s… Read More

Kayak with Dragonfly

CraneOutdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River

One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a… Read More

The Barn on Long Island

CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure

Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the makings of an epic adventure. This combined outdoor trip in the Crane Wildlife Refuge—home… Read More

Wolly Hudsonia on Castle Neck (photo credit T. Barrieau)

CraneOutdoors: Castle Neck Hike in the Dunes

You may be familiar with Crane Beach, but have you ever visited the dune trails? The dunes of Castle Neck are a much less explored world unto themselves. They offer one of the most accessible dune landscapes in New England and trails that provide a firsthand look into the delicate… Read More

Owl

Beginner Birding in Whitney and Thayer Woods

Join the Trustees for a Beginner Bird Walk through Whitney and Thayer Woods! Our guide will introduce you to the fundamentals of birding while leading you through parts of this 834-acre forest. This hike is geared towards beginners but all are welcome! This will be an easy to moderate walk… Read More