Special Event: July 7-August 25, 2026
Every summer, Mass Audubon and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) team up to offer a suite of free, family-friendly events during those long, warm, beautiful New England summer evenings.
Most events do not require registration, but some (paddling on the Charles, for example) do require pre-registration. Read on for more details.
Magazine Beach Park Nature Center, Cambridge
668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge
Tuesdays, July 7-August 18
4:45-8:00 pm
There's no better view of Cambridge than from the cockpit of a kayak as the sun goes down. Take in the Charles River's wildlife, history, and urban landscape from the water as you paddle, with guides showing you how humans have shaped and restored this remarkable waterway over time.
Kayaks, paddles, and safety gear are all provided, and the program opens with a beginner paddler orientation so everyone can feel confident on the water. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome to join. Registration is required.
Carson Beach
85 William J Day Blvd, Dorchester
Saturdays, July 22-August 19
5:00-7:00 pm
Perfect for teens and tweens, these vibrant activities include artistic projects, nature explorations, and scavenger hunts. Participants will discover how people, culture, and ecosystems intertwine, creating stunning tie-dye art with natural materials or investigating local critters in Dorchester Bay. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a curious scientist, there’s something for everyone. This free program requires no registration—just stop by and say hello for a fun journey of discovery and creativity!
Pawtucket Farm
1413 Varnum Ave, Lowell
Thursdays, July 9-August 6
4:00-6:00 pm
Check out Pawtucket Farm and learn about nature, food, and farming through interactive themed station-based activities. There will be a culminating Block Party at the farm on Saturday, August 22 from noon to 4:00 pm to celebrate nature, community gardening, and locally-grown food.
Blue Hills Trailside Museum
1904 Canton Ave, Milton
Thursdays, July 9-August 20
4:00-7:00 pm
Mass Audubon will open the Trailside Museum in DCR’s Blue Hills Reservation to the public for special "Night at the Museum” adventures. Hands-on nature and art-making activities will be available after-hours for families, with the special draw of night-time encounters with Trailside’s captive wildlife, including foxes, eagles, hawks, owls, and the ever-popular river otter exhibit.
Ricketson Nature Center, Brooklawn Park
54 Irvington St, New Bedford
Tuesdays, July 7-August 11
5:00-7:00 pm
In partnership with the New Bedford Parks & Recreation Department, Mass Audubon will offer weekly family programs at Brooklawn Park utilizing the Ricketson Nature Center. Through art activities, nature exploration, and guided walks, families will learn more about wildlife in their city and explore one of the city's parks after hours. Topics will include owls, bats, fireflies and more—with each theme, participants will have a choice of hands-on activities to support all learners and ages. Registration is required.
First Fridays at Five
North St, Pittsfield
Friday, August 7
5:00-8:00 pm
In Pittsfield, youth and families will visit Mass Audubon's activity station at the downtown event series First Fridays at Five. Hosted by the City of Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and the Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association, First Fridays at Five provides entertainment at the heart of the city throughout the spring and summer. At the August event, participants will learn about the wildlife of the Berkshires and the natural places they depend on – all while choosing from a selection of hands-on activities or crafts.
Stoughton Recreation Department
15 Pleasant St, Stoughton
Wednesday, July 8-August 12
5:00-7:00 pm
In Stoughton, we will again continue our successful partnership with the Stoughton Recreation Department to provide additional nature-focused activities. Teens and preteens will be able to sharpen scientific skills, explore nature, see live animals, and be creative in a pop-up maker space. Youth will create their own nature journals, use monotype printmaking techniques to create journal covers and art, observe and draw live animals, have fun with friends, and explore nature in a safe and supportive space.
Bell Hill Park
184 Belmont Street, Worcester
Tuesdays, July 14-August 4
4:00-7:00 pm
Explore Bell Pond in Worcester by canoe while looking for birds and wildlife in the area. Basic canoe instruction and all equipment will be provided. Climbing into and out of a canoe requires the ability to bend down and lift your knees up toward your waist. The footing at the boat ramp might be uneven or slippery. Paddling requires use of the abdominal muscles and shoulders. Open to both pre-registration and drop-in participants.
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