Family Fun at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Ready for some outdoor adventure? We’ve got all kinds of fun programs and activities for you and your friends and family!
Nature Play Area
Nature play areas add more ways for people to connect with nature by encouraging self-directed, informal play. Unlike static, traditional playgrounds, nature play areas give children the chance to solve problems and construct their surroundings through natural elements and unstructured exploration.
At Ipswich River’s Nature Play Area located to the right of the Visitor Center entrance kids can:
- Build a log cabin
- Explore a woodland trail
- Scale a miniature observation tower
- Challenge themselves on our stump jump and fallen log balance beam
Vacation Week Programs
Spring is an exciting time for outdoor discovery at the sanctuary. We have put together four full days of hands-on, engaging, and educational hikes and activities to explore the natural world this time of year. During this week we will learn about and look for signs of beavers, birds, frogs and other nature friends who are returning to Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary this spring! See April vacation week programs
Nature Preschool
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is proud to offer a nature preschool for 3–5-year-olds located at Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary in Wenham. Learn more about the nature preschool
Upcoming Programs
Touch Tank Time
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Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport
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Friday, March 28
2:00-4:00pm
Families - children 0 - 17
Big Night: The Frog and Salamander Migration Celebration
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Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
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Saturday, April 12
Sessions from 5:30-7:30pm
Adults & Families - 4 - 17
Family Open House: Caring for the Coast
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Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport
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Saturday, April 19
10:00am-3:00pm
Families - children 3 - 14 years
April Vacation Adventure Days: Ages 7 & 8
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Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
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4 classes starting
Tuesday, April 22
8:30am-3:00pm
Age 5 - 11
April Vacation Adventure Days: Ages 9 to 11
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Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
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4 classes starting
Tuesday, April 22
8:30am-3:00pm
Age 5 - 11
Family Day at the Bird Banding Station
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Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport
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Saturday, April 26
9:00-10:30am
Families - children 6 - 12 years