If you are not traveling to a tropical island or taking a long road trip this April school vacation, we have your staycation research completed for you. The North Shore offers a vast array of events this April – explore a spring nature trail, learn about shark anatomy, bring your favorite teddy bear for a tune up, ride a pony at the circus, become an Eco-Hero, experience springtime on a farm, and more. Time to grab your calendar and get planning!
Crane Estate, Ipswich | April 19-25
The Crane Estate is always a glorious place to wander, but you can also enroll in an in-depth program to learn more about the history, architecture, wildlife, and ecology of the property. Offerings during vacation week include Shark Anatomy & Biology with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, a tour up to the Cupola for panoramic views of Castle Hill, a hike along the Cedar Point Trail at sunset ending with a firepit, and The Cat’s Meow mystery tour. Check out the full slate at thetrustees.org/events.
Wenham Museum, Wenham | April 22-25
The Wenham Museum will be offering a flexible April Vacation Week drop off program. You can sign up for as many days as you want. The program runs from 8:30 am to 12:00pm for elementary school students. April 22nd attendees will enjoy VIP seating for Alice in Wonderland. Kids should bring a nut-free snack. Register at wenhammuseum.org/events.
Stone Zoo, Stoneham | April 19-27
On the first Saturday of April vacation week, head to Stone Zoo for a special event — the Teddy Bear Check-Up. Little ones can bring their favorite teddy or plush friend in for a check-up by the zoo’s team, included with zoo general admission. Afterward, partake in bear-themed crafts and learn more about the zoo’s black bears, Bubba and Smoky, and be sure to visit them while you’re strolling around. Stone Zoo is planning a full week of exciting programming for its vacation visitors, including Special guest Big Joe the Storyteller, an Party for the Planet to celebrate Earth Day, and a World Flamingo Day celebration. More information available at zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo.
Shriners Circus, Shriners Auditorium, Wilmington | April 18-21
The classic Shriners Circus is bringing its troupe of aerialists, clowns, and death-defying stuntpeople back to Wilmington during April break week. Animal lovers needn’t worry – the town of Wilmington has banned the use of exotic animals in performances in 2020. Show times are 11:00AM & 3:00PM except for Saturday, April 26 they are 10:00AM, 2:00PM & 6:00PM. Doors open one hour before showtime and there is free parking. Arrive early to enjoy pre-circus activities, including face-painting, pony rides, inflatables, and other activities. Buy tickets at auditorium.alepposhriners.com.
Art Haven, Gloucester | April 21-25
Gloucester’s Art Haven offers a week of art workshops for kindergartners to 5th graders. Explore Whimsical Polka Dot Paintings, Enchanting Fairy Tale Drawings and more. Learn more at arthaven.org/events.
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport | All Week
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation offers free April vacation programs all week from 8:00am-3:00pm starting at the visitor center area. Events include a Quarrying History Self-Guided Tour, a Symphony of Bird Song!, and a Celebrate Earth Day with Live Animals!!! Live Vernal Pond Animals. Before you leave, make sure to climb the World War II-era lookout tower. Visit mass.gov/info-details/april-school-vacation-week-programs for more information.
Appleton Farms, Hamilton & Ipswich | April 21-April 25
During April vacation week, Appleton Farms holds a camp from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. til 3 p.m. Kids will learn all about how farmers plant crops and prepare for another season on the farm, while making new friends and learning about New England’s springtime environment. Each day will include a hike, a craft, a farm learning activity, and more. thetrustees.org
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem | April 21-25
During April vacation week, visit the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem on Monday, Thursday, or Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to celebrate Earth Week. On Monday, April 21, head to the Whalemobile to journey into the belly of a life-sized inflatable humpback whale, then make Earth kokedamas during a drop-in art activity. On April 24 and 25, check out the “Becoming an Eco Hero” workshop with artist Pamela Peeters for hands-on climate action and environmental preservation activities. Pem.org
Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, North Andover | April 13-27
The Hide & Seek: Sprouts of Spring self-guided program at the Stevens-Coolidge House in North Andover runs from April 13th to 27th allows you to follow your own schedule. Participants will be emailed an activity bundle to help them look for clues along the special trail and work as a team to discover the tiny world beneath their feet and under their nose. Pre-registration required to receive downloadable bundle of spring themed created activities, including maps, scavenger hunt, crafts, additional reading list and recipes. Learn more: thetrustees.org/event/427445
Lynn Museum & Arts Center, Lynn | April 21-25
A week-long celebration with nature and science-inspired crafts, special workshops, and more. Special workshops include Slime, 3 Ways: Thermochromic, Glow-in-the-Dark, & Fluffy with Outside the Box Learning Company, Nature-Inspired Accordion Book Making with Kelly Slater, Scales, Feathers, and Fur Live Animal Presentation, and Kinetic Sand from Scratch with Outside the Box Learning Company. Enjoy free admission to the Museum, view the exhibitions, and take home some books from The REAL Program. Register Here
North Shore Children’s Museum, Peabody | All Week
The North Shore Children’s Museum will be open special hours on Tuesday, April 22 with two play sessions: 9AM – 12PM and 1PM – 4PM. Other programs include a musical morning with local band Dandelion, explore nature with Miss. Frizzle, sports exploration, and a Sunday STEAM Club for ages 5+ on the 27th. Children’s programs are free with admission to the coinciding play session unless otherwise designated. Learn more at: nschildrensmuseum.org/visit/our-programs
Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester | April 23-26
Young visitors are invited to discover the art and history of Cape Ann at the CAM Green campus. Explore the newest exhibition, Breath of Life – C.B. Fisk, Designers & Builders of Pipe Organs to learn about these incredible instruments. View intricate models of the architectural spaces and pipe organs they design, see tools used in the construction process, take an audio scavenger hunt, and enjoy one of the daily drop-in art making activities. capeannmuseum.org/visit/cam-green-campus