Summer Nights with DCR
Special Event: July 5-August 22, 2023
Teens, preteens, and their families are invited to join us outdoors for a series of exciting summer evenings, where we will kayak, canoe, bike, make art, explore the outdoors, meet live animals, and more.
All programs are offered for free in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Registration is not required (except for programs at Magazine Beach and Watershops Pond); drop in for part or all of the programs.
Stoughton Recreation Center
15 Pleasant St, Stoughton
Wednesdays, July 5-August 16 • 5:00-7:00 pm
Get creative while sharpening your scientific skills and exploring nature. We will make nature journals, observe and draw live animals, and spend time with peers outdoors.
Mass Audubon Blue Hills Trailside Museum
1904 Canton Ave, Milton
Thursdays, July 6-August 17 • 4:00-7:00 pm
Experience an after-hours night at the museum. Trailside Museum will come to life with opportunities to meet resident wildlife (including foxes, turtles, hawks, owls, deer, and river otter) and channel your creativity with hands-on with nature and art activities.
Ryan Playground
350 River St, Mattapan
Tuesdays, July 11-August 8 • 6:00-8:00 pm
Get inspired by the animals and plants that call the Neponset River home as you create window planters and draw inspiration for screen printing designs that you will get to bring home.
Magazine Beach Park Nature Center
668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge
Tuesdays, July 11-August 22 • 5:00-8:00 pm
Gain a new perspective of the Charles River–from the seat of a kayak! We will explore the river’s ecosystem through a guided kayak tour on the water and by foot along the banks. Preregistration is required.
Carson Beach
William J. Day Boulevard, Dorchester
Wednesdays, July 12-August 9 • 6:00-8:00 pm
Discover how people, culture, and the ecosystem come together to create unique communities as you observe the marine life at Carson Beach and create nature inspired art as you enjoy the ocean breeze.
Wachusett Meadow
113 Goodnow Road, Princeton
Thursday, August 10 • 6:00-8:30 pm
Canoe on Wachusett Meadow's beautiful Wildlife Pond and explore the sanctuary trails with Mass Audubon staff.
Mass Audubon Broad Meadow Brook
414 Massasoit Road, Worcester
Thursday, August 17 • 6:00-8:30 pm
Connect with peers in nature as you explore the miles of trails at Broad Meadow Brook on a guided evening sunset hike.
Watershops Pond
Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan Park, South Branch Pkwy, Springfield
Saturday, August 19 • 2:30-4:30 pm and 5:00-7:00 pm
Experience the magic of Watershops Pond from the seat of a canoe. Learn about wetland habitats and get an up-close look at the wildlife that depends on healthy wetland ecosystems. Registration is required.
Registration Coming Soon