Master Urban Gardener Practicum
This event has sold out. Please submit applications by April 20th To apply please submit the completed form here – 2026 Master Urban Gardener Practicum Application – Fill out form For the first time ever The Boston Community Gardens Team will be hosting a hands on Master Urban… Read More
Once in a Blue Moon Hike at World's End
Join us for a special Once in a Blue Moon Full Moon Hike at World’s End! A Blue Moon occurs when there are two full moons during the same calendar month. This phenomenon occurs approximately every two to three years. During this unique outdoors experience, we invite you on a… Read More
Adult Cow Connection at Appleton Farms
Come meet, cuddle, brush, and sit with our hand-raised cows at Appleton Farms! The mild heart rate and warm body temperature of the cows induces a slowing of our own heart rate, as well as the release of Oxytocin, our social bonding hormone. Visit our scenic and historic farm and… Read More
Learning with Livestock at Appleton Farms
Learning with Livestock at Appleton Farms Join us for open and free programming and demonstrations every Saturday in May! 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… Read More
Fruitlands Fairy Forest
Calling All Woodland Fairies and Gnomes! The Fruitlands Fairy Forest is back! While living at Fruitlands, 10-year-old Louisa May Alcott wrote in her diary that she “had a lovely time in the woods with Anna and Lizzie. We were fairies, and made gowns and paper wings. I ‘flied’ the highest… Read More
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
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
CraneOutdoors: Sunset Kayak in the Crane Wildlife Refuge
There are few places on the North Shore that more reliably enjoy spectacular sunsets than the back side of Crane Beach, overlooking Essex Bay. On this outing into the… Read More
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
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
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
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