2025 Summer Nights with DCR

Teens, preteens, and their families can kayak, hike, make art, explore the outdoors, meet live animals, and more this July and August as part of DCR Summer Nights.

Drop in for part or all of these free programs, which are run in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). While registration is not required for most of these events, paddling at Magazine Beach Park Nature Center does require signing up in advance.

Magazine Beach Park Nature Center, Cambridge

668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge
Tuesdays, July 8-August 19
5:00-8:00 pm

Experience the Charles River from the seat of a kayak! Learn about the river’s ecosystem on a guided kayak tour on the water and on foot along its banks. 

Preregistration is Required

Ricketson Nature Center in Brooklawn Park, New Bedford

54 Irvington St, New Bedford
Tuesdays, July 8-August 5
4:00-5:00 pm

Through art projects, nature exploration, and guided walks, learn about the wildlife of New Bedford, from owls to bats to fireflies and more. These weekly programs are run in partnership with the Bedford Parks & Recreation Department.

Carson Beach, Dorchester

185 William J. Day Boulevard, Dorchester
Wednesday, July 9-August 13
6:00-8:00 pm

Explore and celebrate the coastal ecosystem of Dorchester Bay with art activities like tie-dying with natural materials, scavenger hunts along the beach, hands-on projects, and more.

Stoughton Recreation Center, Stoughton

15 Pleasant St, Stoughton
Wednesdays, July 9-August 13
5:00-7:00 pm

Get creative while exploring nature. Make nature journals, learn print making techniques, observe and draw live animals, and spend time with other teens and preteens outdoors. These weekly programs are run in partnership with the Stoughton Recreation Department.

Ashley Park Nature Center in Ashley Park, New Bedford

Bolton St, New Bedford
Thursdays, July 10-August 7
4:00-5:00 pm

Learn about the wildlife of New Bedford from owls to bats to fireflies and more through art projects, nature exploration, and guided walks. These weekly programs are run in partnership with the Bedford Parks & Recreation Department.

Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton

1904 Canton Ave, Milton 
Thursdays, July 10-August 14
4:00-7:00 pm

Experience an after-hours night at the museum. Blue Hills Trailside Museum comes to life with opportunities to meet resident wildlife (including foxes, turtles, hawks, owls, deer, and a river otter) and opportunities to channel your creativity with hands-on nature and art activities.

First Fridays at Five, Pittsfield

North St, Pittsfield
Friday, August 1
5:00-8:00 pm

Stop by Mass Audubon’s activity station to learn about the diverse wildlife of the Berkshires and the natural places they depend on through various hands-on activities and crafts.